$213,781Average Value$120Average Price per Sq Ft59Homes For Sale
Positive changes are afoot in Little Egypt's economic hub
Marion’s prime location at the junction of Interstate 57 and Illinois Route 13 prompted its former mayor to give the Southern Illinois city of around 17,000 residents a grandiose nickname: “The Hub of the Universe.” Since the mayor's 55-year reign ended in 2018, the city has taken a more understated route, adopting “Oasis of Opportunity” as its new slogan.
Mottos aren’t the only thing changing around Marion these days. A downtown square riddled with vacant storefronts just over a decade ago is back near capacity, and the city’s population remains stable despite Illinois experiencing the country’s second-highest rate of population loss since 2010.
Along with Carbondale, which is about 15 miles west on Route 13, Marion is one of the primary population centers of the region that has been known as “Little Egypt” since the 19th century due to its fertile land between the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers.
Murals bring new life to the now booming downtown of Marion, IL.
Bits & Pieces Art and Antiques is home to many unique finds in downtown Marion.
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Interstate 57 a key to sustained economic growth
While I-57 isn’t known to have brought visitors from across the universe, it does make Marion a key regional hub. The city is a popular stopping point for drivers traveling between Chicago and Memphis or St. Louis and Nashville.
The interstate also gives Marion employment stability. Aisin Manufacturing’s three plants produce auto parts such as sunroofs, bumper reinforcements and door locks. Southern Illinois's largest Pepsi bottling plant and distribution center is another major local employer. Marion United States Penitentiary, a federal prison built in 1962 to replace Alcatraz, is located about 5 miles south of town. Marion also has the only Veterans Affairs Hospital within a 45-mile radius.
Though it is a small regional airport, Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois offers daily nonstop service to Chicago O’Hare.
Rides Mass Transit operates three bus routes, including an intercity service to and from Carbondale.
Marion's own Aisin Manufacturing builds and distributes automotive parts for Toyota.
The Pepsi distribution center employs hundreds of locals in Marion.
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Nearby lakes and parks draw tourists
Marion is within a 30-minute drive of three major recreational lakes: Rend Lake, Crab Orchard Lake and Lake of Egypt. In the summer, pickup trucks and SUVs towing boats or jet skis through Marion are a common sight.
“They’re all fantastic lakes for recreation,” says Josh Benson, Director of the Marion Civic and Cultural Center. “We get plenty of tourism traffic for any of those three lakes, either boating or fishing.”
Shawnee National Forest, Giant City State Park and Ferne Clyffe State Park are all short drives from Marion. “Southern Illinois is really rooted in its outdoor experiences,” Benson says. "There are many outdoor activities and trails throughout Southern Illinois, and Marion is a great hub to access all of those.”
The Marion Park District manages nearly a dozen parks and recreational facilities in town. The largest city park, Pyramid Park, leans into the Little Egypt identity with the 18-hole Pharaoh’s Way Disc Golf Course. The city’s baseball and softball complex, Ray Fosse Park, is named after the former Major League All-Star catcher and Oakland Athletics broadcaster, who remains one of his hometown’s most revered sons.
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Reserve has been a draw to Marion since 1947.
Marion has no shortage of trails in parks like Shawnee National Park.
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Historic downtown square is back in business
Marion’s historic downtown square is on the rebound. Benson estimates that close to three-quarters of storefronts near the square were vacant 15 years ago. Now, new businesses are moving in, including a brewery and music venue, which will open in the former City Hall building in early 2026.
The Marion Cultural and Civic Center is part of that reinvention. Built on the site of the vaudeville-era Orpheum Theatre, which burned down in 1997, the Civic Center incorporates the former theatre’s terra cotta facade in its atrium and is designed to resemble an ornate 1920s theatre. In addition to local theatre productions, touring acts like Patti LaBelle and Peter Frampton have performed at the venue.
Since 2020, the city and local businesses have commissioned 28 murals to be painted on buildings in and around the square, further enhancing the sense of renewal.
“Other communities started to see how much interest was garnered from investing in public art,” Benson says. “I don’t know that there’s a single town in Southern Illinois that doesn’t have a mural up at this point.”
The Marion Cultural & Civic Center is the city's premiere concert and event location.
Marion mural "Statue of Freedom" by Shawn Vincelette was painted on the Citadel building.
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Thrillbillies games provide a thrill
Marion has also transformed the square into its center for civic events in the 2020s.
A downtown Third Thursday event features a new theme each month, from a tailgate to celebrate the start of Marion High School’s football season to square dancing in the square. In December, Very Merry Marion features a light parade, holiday market, carriage rides and a downtown ice rink.
Summer fun is had at Mtn Dew Park, home of the Thrilllville Thrillbillies collegiate summer league baseball team. The Thrillbillies were awarded for the Prospect League’s best in-stadium experience in 2023 and 2024.
Lower property taxes a draw for some residents
Marion's median home value is around $190,000, less than half of the national median value. Move-in-ready cottages and bungalows can start as low as $55,000, while custom-built new traditional homes in newer subdivisions can range between $350,000 and $750,000. Williamson County's median property tax rate is about half a percent lower than that of neighboring Jackson County, prompting some people who work in Carbondale to live in Marion.
Cottages and bungalows are a common style of home in the older neighborhoods of Marion.
Modern ranch homes can be found along the outskirts of Marion.
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Marion High School campus part of city resurgence
Marion Community Unit School District No. 2 receives a B-plus rating from Niche. B-rated Marion High School moved into a new 330,000-square-foot building in 2017. The updated campus features a STEM lab, a performing and visual arts center and a technical and vocational education center. John A. Logan College is a community college in neighboring Carterville. Southern Illinois University is in Carbondale, and its sporting events are a major draw for the entire region.
Marion High School is home to 1,125 students.
Southern Illinois University Carbondale is the closest college to the city of Marion.
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Warmer climate also carries a tornado risk
Marion has hotter summers, less harsh winters than most of Illinois and potentially volatile spring weather. A devasting EF4 tornado in 1982 killed 10 people and left around 1,000 residents without homes. The tragedy is memorialized in Marion’s square.
This Marion memorial honors those killed by a tornado and those who helped rebuild the city.
Marion gets the full spectrum of season with hot summers and cold winters.
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Written By
Alex Hickey
Photography Contributed By
Ethan Babor
Video By
Jason Jacot
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On average, homes in Marion, IL sell after 188 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Marion, IL over the last 12 months is $200,000, up 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
6.12 Acres in Shiloh Estates - South of Marion Beautiful mostly wooded lot with access to a shared lake. Electric and public water available at the road. peaceful setting and a great spot to build your dream home with room to grow!
Looking for your weekend spot on the LAKE OF EGYPT? This property is located in Pyramid Acres Campground. It has a 36' Camper with a 12' x 30' addition built on. 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath with built on deck, a Double Carport as well as a stone patio with a firepit. Also includes a 1 slip covered boat dock with electric at the dock along with a jet ski dock attached. Comes furnished, includes Lawnmower
UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY, MARION, CLOSE TO THE LAKE OF EGYPT. 3-acre wooded property includes a Pole Barn Home and 3 cabins, live in one, rent the others out, would make great short-term rentals. Want to live on the grid, this is your perfect opportunity. You have public water and aerobic septic system, large enough to hook all cabins up to it, currently only pole barn and Cabin 1 are hooked up. The
Great opportunity for an investor or a homeowner ready to roll up their sleeves and put the final touches on this 2-bedroom, 1-bath home with plenty of potential. The property features a large, expansive backyard perfect for outdoor living, gardening, pets, or future improvements. Conveniently located about 30 minutes from Southern Illinois University, the Marion VA Medical Center, shopping at
PRIME LAND: New water and Sewer will soon be extended to this 90 Acre tract on South Market Street with access from Cochran Road also. Is this the Development Opportunity that you have been looking for??
Much potential with this 3-bedroom bungalow, nestled in an older established neighborhood. Featuring a spacious, quality built 2-car detached garage, with ample workspace, this property is perfect for hobbyists, mechanics, or anyone in need of extra room for projects. The home needs work, but has some newer features. Outside, an additional lot expands your possibilities, complete with a mobile
36.6 Partially Fenced Acres, located on the north side of Longstreet Road, directly adjacent to the Marion Star Bond District. This property is inside of the Marion city limits and a large portion is already zoned commercial. Approximately 1000 ft. of road frontage; conveniently located between Interstate 57 & Route 37, with easy access to both. Much of the property has been recently cleared and
Cozy 2-Bedroom, 1-Bath home with an eat-in kitchen, "oversized" 12X40 attached garage with extra storage and remote, and 885 Sq Ft of efficient living space. Enjoy updates throughout, including updated kitchen walls, year old dishwasher, all new windows except bathroom window, new exterior vinyl siding, recently installed vinyl plank flooring in the utility room, and in the remodeled bathroom
Discover over 3000 SF of refined comfort in this wonderful 4 bedroom, 3 bath, all brick home, located just minutes from Marion High School in a quiet and convenient neighborhood. Step into an impressive family room featuring 14 foot vaulted ceilings, perfect for entertaining or relaxing by the fireplace. enjoy the generous layout with large, airy rooms and top-tier updates throughout, from
A well-maintained 4-bedroom, 3-bath home offering 2560 square feet in the desirable Rolling Hills Estates subdivision-located next to Marion High School and with quick access to Illinois 13, Route 37, and I-57. Inside, you'll find two spacious living areas with a blend of hardwood and tile flooring. The recently renovated kitchen brings a fresh, modern feel to the heart of the home. The family
Shawnee Village Apartments – Independent Senior and Multi-Family Living NOW LEASING 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments ranging from $697-$967. Affordable Senior Housing (62 and older)--NOW LEASING 1 bedroom apartments- 582 Sq. Ft.Income limits applyRent based on income Affordable Multi-Family Housing -- NOW LEASING1-595 Sq Ft, 2-798 Sq Ft and 3-965 Sq Ft. bedroom apartments Income
Property Id: 2140989Beautiful two story 3 bed, 2.5 bath townhome with 2 car garage. Newly remodeled with new HVAC, water heater, appliances, flooring, paint, fixtures. Landlord pays lawncare and trash. Tenent pays utilities. No pets. 650+ credit score. Take home pay 3x rent.
ELECTRIC INCLUDED YES FREE GAS, FREE WATER HOT AND COLD, FREE TRASH PICK UP ALL INCLUDED WITH RENT! UTILITY electric not included Please for protecting privacy schedule visit, please make a confirmed appointment to be escorted on this property. A great 1-bedroom, 1-Full 4 piece ceramic tile bathroom shower/bathtub apartment at 712 N Market St offers a spacious living area ranging from 1001 to
This second level apartment is a 2 bedroom and 1 bath apartment located a few blocks from the square. It has a washer and dryer hookup, and trash is included. It is currently available. There are no pets allowed. Please call to set up a viewing.
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