2026 Compare Cities Education:
Madison, WI vs Marion, IA

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Highlights
- Marion spends 8.9% less per student than Madison.
- The Student Teacher Ratio is 11.4% higher in Marion than in Madison. (lower means fewer students in each classroom).
- Marion had 1.2% more residents who had graduated High School compared to Madison
 Madison, WIMarion, IAUnited States
 Expend. per Student  Unlock$16,072$15,905
 Educ. Expend. per Student$13,473  Unlock$13,142
 Instr. Expend. per Student  Unlock$7,206$7,999
 Pupil/Teacher Ratio13.2  Unlock16.23
 Students per Librarian  Unlock4424573
 Students per Counselor415  Unlock530
 Grade School Educ.  Unlock0.9%4.8%
 Some High School Educ.2.4%  Unlock6.3%
 High School Educ.  Unlock96.8%88.9%
 Some College Educ.15.4%  Unlock20.0%
 2 yr College Grad.  Unlock14.5%8.7%
 4 yr College Grad.58.5%  Unlock33.7%
 Masters Grad.  Unlock8.5%9.3%
 Professional Degree4.2%  Unlock2.2%
 Doctorate Degree  Unlock0.9%1.5%
Reviews for Madison    78 Reviews

Unfortunately, a number of these reviews are politically based. Madison remains the only shining star in Wisconsin’s economy. The economy is broadly based, with  More

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Have been living in Madison for almost 3 years. It’s very safe, ppl generally friendly and for a town of its size it has fair number of good restaurants and interesting  More

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Lacks balance and zero accountability.   More

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Reviews for Marion    3 Reviews

I've lived in Marion for ~22 years now, and it has its pros (+) and cons (-): + Marion is one of the safest places to live in the country. + The cost of living vs  More

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Over 16 years ago

Marion is clean, affordable and has one of the lowest crime rates in the state. The people here are friendly and helpful. Marion shares a border with Cedar Rapids  More

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Marion is one of the fastest growing communities in Iowa. We have a highly educated workforce, affordable housing, low crime and excellent education. Plus, there is much  More

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