$212,604Average Value$119Average Price per Sq Ft45Homes 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
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Video By
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On average, homes in Marion, IL sell after 173 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Marion, IL over the last 12 months is $205,000, up 15% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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
Perfect corner lot to build your dream home with access to build your own boat dock, just down the road from Mack's Marina, you will love this neighborhood.
PERSONAL RESIDENCE, WEDDING VENUE, BED AND BREAKFAST . . . the possibilities are endless! This distinctive property is in a class by itself, with exceptional construction, quality and features. Sitting on 3.76 manicured acres, this custom built one owner home has 9000 SF of living space. The stately foyer boasts a curved staircase that makes a striking statement of what is to come throughout the
LAKE OF EGYPT, Waterfront Lot with utilities. A 2nd lot across the street has an approximately 32' x 24' Metal Garage with separate electric service. This is a perfect building site for your lake home, a flat lot with amazing water views and 100' of shoreline as well as a concrete retaining wall at the shoreline located in Marion School District.
MARION, 3 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom 2007 Clayton Manufactured Home only, no land, will need to move the home, approximate estimate to have home moved is $3500. This is a very nice well maintained and updated home. New luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout, with the exception of one bedroom that still has carpet. The back deck and front steps can go too, if you want to move them.
Consider your options with this nearly one acre lot in the middle of Commercial Activity in Marion! Level Lot. All utilities available. Lot goes from one paved street to another, making for easy in and out.
Move-in ready! Everything is shiny & new! This 3-bed, 2 1/2 bath home has been renewed and beautifully updated with modern colors and finishes. New lighting fixtures throughout and recessed lighting added in the open floor plan kitchen/dining/living room. New stainless appliances (never been used). The fireplace is decorative only but very well done as a great focal point. Check out the 3x9
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
Hey folks, take a look at this solid, beautiful home tucked away on a large wooded lot in the desirable Spring Garden Estates subdivision—right in the heart of Southern Illinois comfort.This place checks all the boxes: 3 good-sized bedrooms, 2 full baths, a proper formal dining room for those family gatherings, and a spacious kitchen loaded with beautiful cabinetry that’s ready for your cooking.
Brick duplex in good condition on corner lot with attached garages. Nice, well established neighborhood. Close to high school and Pepsi Sports complex. Unit 1 has had some updates in recent years, and also has a storage shed.
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??
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: 2051291Welcome to this charming 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom multi-family home located at 202 Wild Rose in the desirable neighborhood of Mairon, IL. Built in 2012, this spacious residence boasts 3,078 square feet of comfortable living space, perfect for individuals or small families. Enjoy a bright and airy atmosphere with laminate and carpet flooring throughout, complemented by
Property Id: 2051279Welcome to this delightful 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom multi-family unit located at 1403 N Glendale in Marion, IL. Spanning 750 square feet, this charming residence was built in 1920 and features a blend of classic character and modern conveniences. Enjoy cooking in the well-equipped kitchen, complete with a stainless steel dishwasher, microwave, range oven, and
Enjoy a scheduled tour today. Make time to visit and find your new home. Please for protecting privacy schedule please make a confirmed appointment to be escorted on this property. Add a Health club, swimming pool, indoor basketball, pickle ball courts etc. less than 50yds from apartment unit at available at monthly cost.
2BR/2BA Renovated Duplex $900/MonthFully renovated two-story duplex near downtown Marion. New kitchen & Washer/Dryer included Updated floors, paint, lighting, windows Central heat & AC, new water heaterLease Info: Deposit + first & last month's rent 1-year lease minimum Small pets OK, No smoking Section 8 acceptedText or email only. Rental form
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