Why Live in Marion
Marion, Illinois, a small city in Southern Illinois, is known as the "Oasis of Opportunity." Located at the junction of Interstate 57 and Illinois Route 13, Marion serves as a key regional hub with a stable population of around 17,000 residents. The city has seen significant revitalization, particularly in its historic downtown square, which now hosts various businesses, including a brewery and music venue set to open in 2026. The Marion Cultural and Civic Center, built on the site of the old Orpheum Theatre, is a focal point for local and touring performances. Marion's economy benefits from major employers like Aisin Manufacturing, a Pepsi bottling plant, and the Marion United States Penitentiary. The city is also home to the only Veterans Affairs Hospital within a 45-mile radius. For recreation, Marion is within a 30-minute drive of Rend Lake, Crab Orchard Lake, and Lake of Egypt, attracting boating and fishing enthusiasts. Shawnee National Forest and several state parks offer additional outdoor activities. The Marion Park District manages nearly a dozen parks, including Pyramid Park with its Pharaoh’s Way Disc Golf Course and Ray Fosse Park, named after the local baseball legend. Marion Community Unit School District No. 2 is highly rated, with Marion High School featuring modern facilities. The city also hosts various events, such as the Third Thursday celebrations and Very Merry Marion in December. Despite its warmer climate, Marion is prone to volatile spring weather, including tornadoes, with a notable EF4 tornado in 1982 memorialized in the city's square.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average home price in Marion, IL?
Homes for sale in Marion, IL have an average home price of $248,974.
How many homes have sold over the last 12 months in Marion, IL?
353 homes have sold in Marion, IL over the last 12 months.
What are the most popular zip codes in Marion, IL?
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Marion?
The median home price in Marion is $217,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $43,400 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.72%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $1,120 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $48K a year to afford the median home price in Marion.
How are the schools in Marion, IL?
Home Trends in Marion, IL
On average, homes in Marion, IL sell after 47 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Marion, IL over the last 12 months is $195,000, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$195,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$210,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$120
Number of Homes for Sale
69
Last 12 months Home Sales
353
Median List Price
$217,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
3%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
8%