2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Marion, NC vs Elkin, NC

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Highlights
Are people in Elkin older or younger than people in Marion?
- The Median Age in Elkin is 1.6 years older than in Marion.

Are housing costs cheaper in Elkin or Marion?
- Elkin housing costs are 12.1% less expensive than Marion housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Elkin or Marion?
- The average commute for residents of Elkin is 1.5 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Marion.

Things to do in Marion?
Marion, NC is a wonderful place to live, with a rich culture and plenty of activities to do. The city has a variety of shops, restaurants, parks and recreational activities, ranging from hiking and biking to swimming and fishing. It has many unique attractions such as the McDowell County Historical Museum, Grandfather Mountain State Park, and the Catawba River. The town also offers a wide array of educational opportunities ranging from elementary school through college. The community is friendly and welcoming as well as safe and secure with low crime rates compared to other cities in North Carolina. There are also wonderful places for families to gather like the local farmers market or just take in some of the beautiful scenes that Marion offers.

Things to do in Elkin?
Elkin, NC is a vibrant and diverse community located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The town offers a unique blend of small-town charm and big-city energy. With its rolling hills, spring-fed creeks, and famous wineries, Elkin is an excellent place to live. Residents enjoy access to abundant parks and outdoor activities, as well as a variety of local restaurants and shopping destinations. The town also has a vibrant arts scene, with art galleries, performances venues, and music festivals providing plenty of opportunities for creative expression. Elkin is known for its welcoming atmosphere and friendly people – it truly feels like home!

 Marion, NCElkin, NCUnited States
 Population  Unlock4,051329,725,481
 Median Income$41,580  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock42.138.4
 Avg. Home Price$219,800  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.2%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time22.49  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Marion    1 Reviews

Before the economy went bad, I was trying to live in Marion. I called on a place to rent. The owner did not want children living in her unit. I didnt know that  More

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Reviews for Elkin    4 Reviews

My family and I also live in State Road, which is just a few miles outside of Elkin. Let's start with the many many amazing things about the area: 1) The Elkin  More

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I moved here 21 years ago from East Tennessee to be with my estranged wife and unborn child. If not for them, I would never have came here. I am still trapped here.  More

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Elkin City Schools are some of the best in the nation! Elkin High School doesn't just meet a standard, but sets a bar that only two other schools in North Carolina  More

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