Marion, IA vs New Bern, NC
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Marion
80.8
#63 nationally
New Bern
73.3
#758 nationally
Marion leads in crime level (3.4 vs 9.9). Marion leads in median household income ($81,519 vs $55,673). Marion leads in walk score (32 vs 27).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Marion, IA | New Bern, NC |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 80.8 (#63) | 73.3 (#758) |
| Population | 42,213 | 32,226 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $281,229 | $286,045 |
| Median Household Income | $81,519 | $55,673 |
| Average Commute | 19.2 min | 18 min |
| Walk Score | 32 | 27 |
| Crime Level | 3.4 | 9.9 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 94 | 95 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+9.9 | R+20.5 |
B-
80.8 Score
Marion, IA
Small Iowa city with local appeal
Median Home
$281,229
Population
42,213
Crime
Low
Walk Score
32
Midwest
View Marion, IA →
C
73.3 Score
New Bern, NC
Small North Carolina city with local appeal
Median Home
$286,045
Population
32,226
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
27
Southeast
View New Bern, NC →