Demographics
As of 2023, Marion County, TX has approximately 9,700 residents. The median age is about 49 years, with 21% under 18 and 23% aged 65 and older. The gender split is roughly 48% male and 52% female. Racially, the population is 67% White, 25% Black or African American, 3% Hispanic or Latino, 1% Native American, and 4% identifying as two or more races or other.
Elections
Marion County, TX has approximately 6,000 registered voters as of 2024. Elections include primaries, general, runoff, and special elections, with major parties being Republican and Democrat. In the 2020 presidential election, Marion County reported 75% votes for Republican candidates and 24% for Democrat. Voting occurs at 8 polling locations, such as the Jefferson Transportation & Visitor Center. Key issues include local education funding and infrastructure. Voter registration and election administration are handled by the Marion County Elections Office, ensuring compliance with Texas law and promoting voter participation through outreach and accessible polling sites.
Education, Employment and Housing
Marion County, TX has a limited educational infrastructure, with approximately 6 public schools, including Jefferson High School as the main secondary institution. The high school graduation rate is about 89%, while only 13% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, below state average. The schools report an average GreatSchools rating of 5/10. School safety initiatives include campus officers and anti-bullying programs. Adult education offerings are modest, mainly GED and career-readiness classes. Marion County's educational programs focus on core academics, CTE, and some arts enrichment, reflecting a rural setting with room for higher educational attainment.
As of 2022, Marion County, TX has an employment rate of 51.2%. Key employment industries include Health Care & Social Assistance (16.7%), Retail Trade (13%), and Manufacturing (11%). Most workers are employed in Office & Administrative Support (11.8%) and Management Occupations (10.6%). The average commute time is 25.5 minutes, with 84.6% of employees driving alone to work. A majority of residents work within the county, though some commute to nearby counties such as Harrison and Cass for employment.
Marion County, TX has a homeownership rate of about 74%, with median home values around $124,000. Rental rates average $860 per month. The local housing market has seen a steady 5% annual appreciation. Housing types are predominantly single-family homes, with some historic properties in neighborhoods like Jefferson. Property taxes in Marion County average 1.42% of assessed value, making them relatively moderate for Texas. The area offers a blend of rural and small-town living, with a strong sense of community and affordable property options.
County Crime & Safety
Marion County, TX, reports a crime rate lower than the national average, with a total crime rate of about 1,190 per 100,000 residents in recent years. Violent crime is relatively low, with approximately 160 incidents per 100,000, while property crime accounts for 1,030 per 100,000. Law enforcement actively monitors and reports crime statistics, ensuring timely public updates. Compared to Texas statewide rates—violent crime (446 per 100,000) and property crime (2,245 per 100,000)—Marion County remains safer, though residents are encouraged to stay vigilant and report suspicious activities to maintain these lower figures.
Popular names
- John Smith
- David Smith
- Michael Johnson
- Michael Wood
- Alicia Hochmuth
- Andrew Thomas
- Barbara Coleman
- Billy Whitaker
- Clifford Bode
- Damien Hollyfield
- Erik Jenkins
- Gered Lee
- James Johnson
- Jennifer Holt
- Miles Kendrick
- Prentis Smith
- Robert Smith
- Taylor Smith
- Valondra Weatherall
- William Ramsey
- William Tomlinson
- Adam Young
- Adrian Moss
- Alan Bolick
- Alfred Irving
- Angela Thomas
- Anita Johnson
- Anthony Duncan
- Antonia Hunter
- Ashley Reed
- Barbara Chambliss
- Bennie Lewis
- Brandon Smith
- Brooke Valverde
- Bruce Greenleaf
- Byron Waldrop
- Cara Blackburn
- Carla Davis
- Carla Ervin
- Charles Moore
- Charlotte Avery
- Charlotte Robinson
- Christian Glover
- Clarence Lee
- Clay Davidson
- Crista Parrish
- Crystal Rigg
- Dalton Murphy
- Daniel Owens
- Daphane Harris
- Dave Jeffley
- David Jones
- Debbie Dunbar
- Delbert Porter
- Donna Carr
- Dorothy Allen
- Eddie Jones
- Elizabeth Clampitt
- Erik Burns
- Eugene Jenkins
Other Counties in Texas
- Anderson
- Andrews
- Angelina
- Aransas
- Archer
- Armstrong
- Atascosa
- Austin
- Bailey
- Bandera
- Bastrop
- Baylor
- Bee
- Bell
- Bexar
- Blanco
- Borden
- Bosque
- Bowie
- Brazoria
- Brazos
- Brewster
- Briscoe
- Brooks
- Brown
- Burleson
- Burnet
- Caldwell
- Calhoun
- Callahan
- Cameron
- Camp
- Carson
- Cass
- Castro
- Chambers
- Cherokee
- Childress
- Clay
- Cochran
- Coke
- Coleman
- Collin
- Collingsworth
- Colorado
- Comal
- Comanche
- Concho
- Cooke
- Coryell
- Cottle