1st Advantage MortgageThe median Marion County household earns $59,627, and 17% of residents live below the poverty line. Whatever your own numbers, compare written offers on APR, fees and total cost, and verify the lender is licensed in Kentucky before sharing details.
On this page
- Marion County at a glance
- Income in Marion County compared with Kentucky
- The Marion County job picture
- Housing costs in Marion County
- Regional comparison for Marion County
- The communities that make up Marion County
- Debt-to-income at Marion County's medians
- What the numbers mean for Marion County borrowers
- People and households in Marion County
- Who licenses lenders for Marion County residents
- Four steps for Marion County borrowers
- More guides for Marion County
- Frequently asked questions
Marion County at a glance
With an estimated 19,749 residents (ACS 2020 to 2024), Marion County ranks 60th of 120 in Kentucky for population. Land area is 344 square miles (2024 Gazetteer), so density runs near 57 per square mile. It sits outside every metropolitan statistical area in the July 2023 OMB delineation. Lebanon is the biggest of its 5 Census places, at roughly 6,430 people (33% of the county total).
Income in Marion County compared with Kentucky
Marion County households have a median income of $59,627 (ACS 2020 to 2024), which ranks 54th of 120 in Kentucky.
| Band | Marion County | Compared with Kentucky |
|---|---|---|
| Under $35,000 | 29.5% | +1.5 pts |
| $35,000 to $99,999 | 48.4% | +6.5 pts |
| $100,000 to $199,999 | 17.9% | -5.0 pts |
| $200,000 or more | 4.2% | -3.0 pts |
The spread is wide: 22% of Marion County households make $100,000 or more, and 29% make less than $35,000. Census counts 17.0% of Marion County residents in poverty, against 16.1% across Kentucky. Income inequality, measured by the Gini index, comes to 0.432 here. A household earning below the $59,627 median should test any payment carefully; one earning above it should still pick the shortest term it can manage.
The Marion County job picture
Manufacturing employs 32% of working residents, the largest share; education and health care is next with 20%. Compared with Kentucky, the county leans toward manufacturing (32% against 14%). Averaged over the five survey years, 4.2% of the labor force was out of work and looking. Long commutes are the exception here: 12% of workers spend 45 minutes or longer getting to work.
| Sector | Marion County | Compared with Kentucky |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | 32.5% | +18.2 pts |
| Education and health care | 19.8% | -4.5 pts |
| Retail trade | 8.9% | -2.6 pts |
| Construction | 6.9% | +0.6 pts |
| Professional and administrative services | 6.8% | -2.2 pts |
| Arts, lodging and food service | 6.8% | -1.1 pts |
Shorter commutes usually mean lower vehicle costs, which can leave more room for a payment, or for paying a loan off early.
Housing costs in Marion County
Renters in Marion County pay a median of $726 a month, 25% below the Kentucky figure of $967. 40% of renting households spend 30% or more of income on rent, and 11% spend half or more. Home values center on $168,100, or 2.8 years of median income. The ownership rate is 78%. The median year built is 1984.
| Housing | Marion County | Kentucky statewide | Typical U.S. county |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median gross rent | $726/mo | $967/mo | $877/mo |
| Median home value | $168,100 | $205,600 | $185,300 |
| Owners | 78% | 68% | 75% |
| Rent-burdened renters | 40% | 45% | 45% |
| Burdened owners | 27% | 23% | n/a |
In an owner-heavy county like Marion County, many borrowers can also choose a home equity loan or line of credit. Those can price lower but put the house on the line, so compare the two in writing; our personal loan vs. HELOC guide walks through it.
Regional comparison for Marion County
Nearest neighbors first, measured between county centers (13 to 24 miles). Income ranges from $46,798 in Green County to $69,562 in Nelson County; 5 of these neighbors top Marion County's median.
| County | Miles | Median household income | Median rent | Homeownership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marion County | - | $59,627 | $726/mo | 78% |
| Taylor County, KY | 13 mi | $60,456 | $718/mo | 69% |
| Washington County, KY | 15 mi | $61,616 | $744/mo | 78% |
| Nelson County, KY | 20 mi | $69,562 | $1,008/mo | 78% |
| Boyle County, KY | 22 mi | $61,159 | $778/mo | 68% |
| Larue County, KY | 23 mi | $67,067 | $860/mo | 79% |
| Green County, KY | 24 mi | $46,798 | $610/mo | 78% |
The communities that make up Marion County
The table lists the 5 largest of 5 Census places in Marion County, by population. Together all 5 hold about 7,829 people, so roughly 60% of residents live outside any named place. This guide covers each of the 5 places and the rural areas around them.
| Town or CDP | Type | People | Median household income | Median gross rent | Miles from center |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lebanon | city | 6,430 | $45,479 | $701 | 1 mi |
| Loretto | city | 683 | $61,250 | $797 | 9 mi |
| Bradfordsville | city | 444 | $29,722 | $681 | 8 mi |
| St. Mary | city | 147 | $47,500 | n/a | 5 mi |
| Raywick | city | 125 | $37,273 | $690 | 9 mi |
Debt-to-income at Marion County's medians
Marion County at the medians, through a lender's eyes (what DTI means):
- Monthly gross at the median, Marion County: $4,969
- Less median rent of $726, which is 15% of it
- $1,411: what a 43% ratio leaves once rent is paid
Subtract what you already pay on other debts. A new payment should fit in what remains, with some to spare.
What the numbers mean for Marion County borrowers
The county's numbers point to a few situations that come up often for Marion County borrowers.
- 14% mobile homes. Many are not titled as real estate, so home-equity options may not apply; an unsecured loan is the usual route.
- Advance-fee offers. No legitimate lender asks a Marion County borrower to pay first (scam signs).
- Credit reports. Pull free reports at AnnualCreditReport.com and dispute errors before applying.
People and households in Marion County
15% of Marion County adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or more. 3.1% of residents have no health coverage.
| People and households | Marion County | Kentucky | Median county |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age | 40.4 | 39.1 | 41.5 |
| Bachelor's or higher | 15.1% | 27.6% | 22.2% |
| No high school diploma | 12.8% | 11.1% | n/a |
| No health insurance | 3.1% | 6.0% | 7.8% |
| No vehicle | 6.0% | 6.8% | 5.4% |
| Work from home | 3.1% | 10.2% | 8.7% |
| Poverty rate | 17.0% | 16.1% | 13.2% |
| Unemployment (ACS) | 4.2% | 4.9% | 4.4% |
| Trip time | Share |
|---|---|
| Under 15 min | 39.9% |
| 15 to 29 min | 32.8% |
| 30 to 44 min | 14.9% |
| 45 to 59 min | 4.5% |
| 60+ min | 7.9% |
Who licenses lenders for Marion County residents
Marion County borrowers fall under statewide rules, enforced by the Kentucky Department of Financial Institutions. Federal complaints: consumerfinance.gov. The Kentucky guide covers state rules in more detail.
Four steps for Marion County borrowers
Steps that save money for Marion County residents:
- Price the Marion County expense first and borrow that amount, no more.
- Shop at least three lenders, including one Marion County-area credit union.
- Confirm the lender is licensed in Kentucky.
- Lock paid-off cards after consolidating so balances stay at zero.
More guides for Marion County
The Kentucky guide covers the whole state.
Frequently asked questions
Is Marion County a high-income county?
Its $59,627 median ranks 54th of 120 Kentucky counties and compares with $65,681 for the median U.S. county.
How does Marion County rent compare with Kentucky?
$726 locally versus $967 for the state, 25% below.
What are the biggest places in Marion County?
By population: Lebanon, Loretto, Bradfordsville, St. Mary, Raywick. The county has 5 Census places in all.
Does my county matter to the questionnaire?
Only your state does. Whether you live in Marion County or elsewhere in Kentucky, the same rules apply.
Is there a Marion County office that licenses lenders?
No, licensing is statewide. In Kentucky it is the Kentucky Department of Financial Institutions.