Bolthole Index

Marion County, Iowa

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Marion County, Iowa

66Index Score / 100
#19 of 99 in Iowa

Unincorporated Marion County, Iowa requires a building permit for every new building, building expansion and portable structure1. Marion County Zoning issues the permit and reviews setbacks and zoning, but the county does not perform building inspections2. A project needing wastewater service must receive its septic permit from Marion County Environmental Health before the building permit can be approved3.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for new buildings, expansions and portable structures in unincorporated Marion County1
Zoning
County zoning applies in unincorporated areas; setbacks vary by zoning district45
Building inspections
The county does not perform them; new homes require state electrical inspection2
Septic permit
Required before building-permit approval when a new home or building needs wastewater facilities3
RV living
Long-term private-land occupancy is unconfirmed; ask Marion County Zoning6
Tiny home
No specific occupancy rule was confirmed; zoning, setbacks and permits still need review15
Owner-builder
State contractor-registration exemption for work on your own property; it does not waive county permits71
Private well
A permit is required for new and replacement private wells covered by the state rule8

Who to call

Building permits

Marion County Zoning Department

Building permits, zoning review and setback questions for unincorporated Marion County

(641) 828-2231 (Option 9)

[email protected]

Marion County Courthouse, 214 E Main St · Ste 2, Knoxville, IA 50138

Online permits →

Septic permits

Marion County Environmental Health Department

Septic permits and review inspections for new wastewater systems and reconnections to existing systems

641-828-2238 extension 3847

[email protected]

Online permits →

Roads & driveways

Marion County Engineer

Approval of new driveways and existing driveways whose use will change

641-828-2225

Online permits →

Floodplain permits

Marion County Road Department

Floodplain administration and county secondary-road matters

[email protected]

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 27, 2026.

Do you need a building permit in Marion County, Iowa?

Yes, for unincorporated land. Marion County requires a building permit for all new buildings and expansions, including portable structures, and required property-line setbacks must be met1. Agricultural buildings do not carry a building-permit charge, but the county still uses agricultural permits for statistical and assessment purposes1. The permit begins the county building process; it does not mean Marion County will conduct general building inspections2. Marion County Zoning reviews the applicable zoning and setback rules when the application is submitted, and a preconstruction site visit may be required to verify setback compliance2. New homes must be wired by a certified electrician and receive the electrical inspections required by the State of Iowa2.

Who issues Marion County building permits, and how do you reach them?

Marion County Zoning is the permit office for unincorporated Marion County, and its office is in the Marion County Courthouse at 214 E Main St · Ste 2, Knoxville, IA 501386. Call (641) 828-2231 (Option 9) or email the department before designing around a setback or unusual land use6. Building-permit applications are available through the county's online parcel system96. If the project needs wastewater service, contact Marion County Environmental Health at 641-828-2238 extension 3847 because septic approval comes before building-permit approval310. If the parcel needs a new driveway or an existing entrance will change use, call the County Engineer at 641-828-22251112. The Road Department also lists floodplain administration among its duties, so ask that office about floodplain review before disturbing a mapped flood area13.

Does Marion County, Iowa have zoning?

Yes. Marion County has had county zoning since 1971, and unincorporated areas fall under Marion County Zoning4. Building-permit review includes the county's zoning and setback requirements, while setback distances vary by zoning district, use, overlay and any building line on an approved plat25. Floodplain and airport-height overlays can add controls to the underlying district5. Marion County also regulates land divisions, and a subdivision plat must be approved and recorded before land is divided or sold by reference to that plat14. A qualifying agricultural division of more than 40 acres along established aliquot lines may be exempt when it creates no new road, street, easement or other dedication14. The reviewed county material did not confirm a general minimum dwelling size or lot-coverage limit, so ask Marion County Zoning for the parcel's district standards rather than assuming a small dwelling or dense site plan will qualify6.

How do septic permits work in Marion County, Iowa?

Marion County Environmental Health administers septic permits and inspections in Marion County15. A newly constructed home or other building that needs wastewater facilities must obtain the septic permit before the county can approve the building permit3. Connecting a project to an existing septic system also requires a review inspection and permit3. Call Environmental Health at 641-828-2238 extension 3847 or use the county parcel portal to begin the septic application10. Site conditions deserve early attention: only about 1.2% of Marion County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field, so a site evaluation may point toward a more involved system16. Iowa also requires an inspection before a qualifying transfer of a building served by a private sewage system, subject to statutory exceptions17. That transfer inspection is valid for two years for transfers during that period17.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on land in Marion County?

Marion County's reviewed material did not confirm a general rule allowing or prohibiting long-term RV occupancy or temporary camping on private land. Ask Marion County Zoning about the parcel, proposed duration, utility setup and zoning district before relying on an RV during construction6. The reviewed material also did not confirm a tiny-home-specific occupancy rule or a general minimum dwelling size. A tiny home that is a new building or portable structure still falls within the county's broad building-permit requirement, and the applicable zoning-district setbacks still apply15. Iowa law prevents a county from rejecting a proposed residential structure solely because it is a manufactured home, but the home must meet the same permanent-foundation, setback and minimum-square-footage standards that apply to a site-built single-family dwelling on the same lot18. That manufactured-home rule does not answer whether an RV can serve as a residence18.

Building a home in Marion County, Iowa: the steps in order

  1. Confirm that the parcel is outside city limits and ask Marion County Zoning for its district, allowed use and setbacks46.
  2. Use the county's online permit process to submit the building-permit application; the process can also generate an address for an unaddressed property9.
  3. If the property lacks a driveway or an existing entrance will change use, obtain County Engineer approval1112.
  4. If the home needs an onsite wastewater system, obtain the Environmental Health septic permit before building-permit approval310.
  5. Arrange for a certified electrician and the required State of Iowa electrical inspection for the new home2.
  6. Keep setback stakes ready because county zoning staff may require a preconstruction site visit, even though Marion County does not perform general building inspections2.
  7. Ask Marion County Zoning whether a certificate of occupancy or any project-specific approval applies, because a countywide occupancy-certificate rule could not be confirmed6.

What should you check before buying land in Marion County?

Start with the parcel's zoning district, permitted use, setbacks and any floodplain or airport-height overlay; those details can change what fits on the site56. Verify legal access because the County Engineer must approve a new driveway or a change in use, such as converting a farm entrance to residential access11. If access connects to an Iowa primary highway, the separate state permitting process is administered by Iowa DOT district offices and approval is required before work begins19. Evaluate septic feasibility early because only about 1.2% of county soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field16. A new or replacement private well covered by the state rule also requires a permit8. Marion County's effective property-tax rate is about 1.3%, and the median annual property-tax bill is about $2,7272021. The nearest city of 100,000 or more is about 32 miles from the county center22.

Watch-outs

  • Marion County issues building permits but does not perform general building inspections; state electrical inspection still applies to new homes2.
  • Septic approval must come before building-permit approval when a new home or building needs wastewater facilities3.
  • Long-term RV occupancy, tiny-home occupancy and a countywide certificate-of-occupancy requirement could not be confirmed; ask Marion County Zoning before committing to those plans6.
  • An agricultural building may have no building-permit charge, but Marion County still uses an agricultural permit for statistical and assessment purposes1.

Sources

  1. Building Permits - Marion County, Iowa, quoted and re-checked
  2. Frequently Asked Questions - Zoning - Marion County, Iowa, quoted and re-checked
  3. Building Permits - Marion County, Iowa, quoted and re-checked
  4. Marion County - Zoning (2026 county census)
  5. Building Permits - Marion County, Iowa, quoted and re-checked
  6. Marion County Zoning Department (marioncountyiowa.gov)
  7. Iowa Code 2026, Chapter 91C — Construction Contractors (Iowa statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  8. Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 49 — Nonpublic Water Wells, quoted and re-checked
  9. Building Season - Marion County, Iowa, quoted and re-checked
  10. Marion County Environmental Health Department (marioncountyiowa.gov)
  11. Building Season - Marion County, Iowa, quoted and re-checked
  12. Marion County Engineer (marioncountyiowa.gov)
  13. Marion County Road Department (marioncountyiowa.gov)
  14. Marion County Subdivision Ordinance Chapter 56, quoted and re-checked
  15. Frequently Asked Questions - Zoning - Marion County, Iowa, quoted and re-checked
  16. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  17. Iowa Code §455B.172, Jurisdiction of department and local boards (Iowa statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  18. Iowa Code §335.30, Manufactured and modular homes (Iowa statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  19. Access Management (Iowa statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  20. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  21. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  22. Distance to the nearest metro area: Bolthole Index county data

Written September 27, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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County locator

Marion County in Iowa

66
County map
Marion County highlighted among the Iowa counties · colored by Index score

How Marion County scores

Seclusion54100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency58100% ev.
Admin Boringness48100% ev.
Durability62100% ev.
Property Autonomy51100% ev.
Carry Cost64100% ev.

Evidence strength: 100%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$277kTypical home
1.3%Property tax
$7,647Land / acre
36.6"Annual rain
13.4% of yrsSevere drought
7.9 / yr (+6.8)Mid-century 100°F days
16 daysMid-century dry spell
1.9" (+13.5%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.83×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,531Home insurance / yr
1.6% / yrInsurance growth
0.69%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
15,739People within 30 min
1,212,205People within 2 hr
36,533Radius comparison (15 mi)
60.9People / sq mi
5.8%Federal land
83.9%Land at 15% slope or less
1.2%Septic soil without severe limits
3,882 acWorkable land screen
18.1%Wooded land
41.5 tonsBiomass / forest ac
50.3°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Marion County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Marion County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    New construction and expansion of buildings, including portable structures, in unincorporated Marion County.

    • Agricultural buildings have no building-permit charge, but the county states that agricultural permits are still used for statistical and assessment purposes.
    • Required setbacks from property lines must be met.
    “A Building Permit starts the building process in the unincorporated portions of Marion County. All new buildings, or expansion of existing buildings, require a Building Permit.”
  • InspectionsLimited

    Building inspections administered by Marion County and related state electrical inspections.

    • Marion County does not perform building inspections.
    • All new homes must be wired by a certified electrician and electrical inspections are required by the State of Iowa.
    • A county preconstruction site visit may be required to verify setback compliance.
    “Marion County does not do building inspections. At the time a building permit is submitted the zoning staff will cover the setback and zoning regulations required by Marion County.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Setbacks and yards for buildings and uses governed by county zoning.

    • Setbacks vary by zoning district, use, overlay, and approved plat building lines.
    • Floodplain and airport-height overlays may impose additional controls.
    “Setbacks differ depending on the zoning district.”
  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    Wastewater/septic permitting and inspection in Marion County.

    • The county Environmental Health Department administers the septic permit and inspection process.
    “A septic permit and inspection will be done by the Marion County Environmental Health Department.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Newly constructed homes or buildings requiring wastewater facilities.

    • The septic permit must be obtained before approval of the building permit.
    • Reconnection to an existing septic system requires a review inspection and permit.
    “the property owner is required to obtain a septic permit from the Marion County Environmental Health department prior to the approval of the building permit.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Septic systems associated with construction and existing-system reconnections.

    • The county Environmental Health Department performs the inspection.
    • Systems requiring maintenance contracts must be inspected at least twice a year by a certified technician.
    • Iowa time-of-transfer law requires inspection before sale or deed transfer of a building served by a septic system.
    “A septic permit and inspection will be done by the Marion County Environmental Health Department.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Land divisions and subdivisions subject to Marion County Chapter 56.

    • Agricultural divisions of more than 40 acres along established aliquot lines may be exempt if no new road, street, easement, or other dedication is involved.
    • Divisions within incorporated-city boundaries require city approval or waiver as specified by the ordinance.
    “No land shall be divided, subdivided, transferred, or sold by reference to, exhibition of, or any other use of a plat or map showing a subdivision of land before the survey, plat, or map has been approved and recorded in compliance with this chapter.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    New driveways and existing driveways whose use changes.

    • The County Engineer must approve new driveways and driveways with a change in use.
    • An existing farm entrance changed to residential use requires approval.
    “The County Engineer must approve all new driveways and driveways with a change in use.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    County building-permit process for unincorporated Marion County.

    • Apply through the county online permit process.
    • A building permit may generate an E911 address.
    • A driveway permit is required for a property without a driveway or a change in use of an existing driveway.
    • Wastewater facilities require county Environmental Health contact and septic permitting.
    • County zoning staff may require a preconstruction site visit for setback compliance.
    “A building permit is required in Marion County and can be applied for online”
  • County-wide zoningPresent

    Marion County has been a zoned county since 1971; unincorporated areas fall under Marion County Zoning, which applies setback and zoning regulations at building-permit review.

    Marion County - Zoning ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Iowa rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    A person performing work or having work performed on the person's own property, for purposes of Iowa Code chapter 91C contractor registration.

    • The exemption is from being treated as a contractor for purposes of chapter 91C; it is not stated to waive building permits, building-code compliance, inspections, or certificates of occupancy.
    • The separate annual-earnings threshold is less than $2,000, but the own-property exemption is stated independently.
    • A contractor doing business in Iowa must register under chapter 91C unless an applicable statutory exclusion applies.
    “However, a person who earns less than two thousand dollars annually or who performs work or has work performed on the person’s own property is not a contractor for purposes of this chapter.”
  • Building code adoptedPartial

    The Iowa State Building Code, including the 2024 International Building Code adopted by reference with Iowa amendments, applies statewide to state-owned buildings and structures, qualifying state-funded construction, certain cities over 15,000 that lack a substantially equivalent local building code, and governmental subdivisions that accept the code by ordinance. Factory-built-structure provisions apply throughout Iowa.

    • In a governmental subdivision, the code generally applies only after the governing body enacts an ordinance accepting applicability and files a certified copy with the commissioner.
    • The local ordinance fixes the effective date, which must be no more than six months after adoption.
    • A governmental subdivision may withdraw after one year by ordinance, following the required public hearing and written notice; the withdrawal date must be at least 180 days after ordinance adoption, and previously issued permits are unaffected.
    • The state building code applies to state-owned buildings and structures and to newly constructed buildings and structures paid for in whole or in part with state-appropriated money but not wholly state-owned.
    • Cities with populations over 15,000 that lack a local building code substantially in accord with nationally recognized standards must enforce the state building code.
    • Factory-built-structure provisions apply throughout the state; an approved factory-built structure is deemed compliant with building regulations applicable to its manufacture and installation and is exempt from other state or local building regulations, subject to the statutory exceptions concerning professional engineering and architecture and manufactured homes.
    • The current administrative rule adopts the 2024 International Building Code by reference with amendments; detached one- and two-family dwellings, certain townhouses not more than three stories, and their accessory structures instead comply with the amended International Residential Code.

    adopted model building code: 2024 International Building Code (Adopted by reference with Iowa amendments.) · current administrative-rule effective date: 2025-09-10 (Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 481.301 source identifies ARC 9474C as effective September 10, 2025.) · local ordinance effective-date limit: <= 6 months after adoption · local withdrawal waiting period: >= 1 year after code became applicable (A governmental subdivision may withdraw only after this period has elapsed.) · withdrawal effective-date minimum: >= 180 days after ordinance adoption (Previously issued permits remain unaffected.)

    “The state building code shall be applicable: [...] In each governmental subdivision where the governing body has enacted an ordinance accepting the application of the code.”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Certificates of occupancy or use for buildings subject to Iowa's State Building Code and certificates approving specified buildings, facilities, or installations for licensure.

    • A local building department issues certificates of occupancy or use when required by ordinance.
    • When issued for a building constructed under the state building code, the certificate must certify conformity with the code and is in the form prescribed by the governing body of the governmental subdivision.
    • For facilities governed by Iowa Administrative Code chapter 481.280, if a certificate of occupancy is required for use, it will not be issued until the inspection fee is paid.
    • Chapter 481.280.5 applies to a certificate approving a building, facility, or installation for occupancy upon request from an owner or owner's agency when applicable rules are satisfied and all fees are paid.
    • The state sources do not require a certificate of occupancy for every building statewide.

    additional reinspection fee: 125 USD (Applies for each additional reinspection after the initial reinspection when original deficiencies remain uncorrected.)

    “Issue certificates of occupancy or use, permits, licenses, and other documents in connection with the construction of buildings or structures as may be required by ordinance. (1) A certificate of occupancy or use for a building or structure constructed in accordance with the provisions of the state building code shall certify that the building or structure conforms to the requirements of the code. The certificate shall be in the form the governing body of the governmental subdivision prescribes.”
  • Manufactured homesAllowed (with conditions)

    Placement and residential occupancy of manufactured homes under county zoning statewide in Iowa

    • A county may not disallow the proposed residential structure solely because it is a manufactured home.
    • The home must be located and installed under the same standards applicable to a site-built single-family dwelling on the same lot, including permanent foundation, setback, and minimum square footage standards.
    • The home must be assessed and taxed as a site-built dwelling.
    • A county may not require an incompatible perimeter foundation system and may not require more than one permanent foundation system.
    • Outside a manufactured home community or mobile home park, requirements may ensure visual compatibility of the permanent foundation system with surrounding residential structures.
    • Recorded restrictive covenants are not abrogated.
    • Counties may regulate transportation, water, sewerage, and other land development; the statute also bars width standards greater than twenty-four feet and certain design standards when federal standards are met.

    maximum mandated width standard: <= 24 feet (if the housing otherwise complies with 42 U.S.C. §5403)

    “A county shall not adopt or enforce zoning regulations or other ordinances which disallow the plans and specifications of a proposed residential structure solely because the proposed structure is a manufactured home. However, a zoning ordinance or regulation shall require that a manufactured home be located and installed according to the same standards, including but not limited to a permanent foundation system, set-back, and minimum square footage, which would apply to a site-built, single family dwelling on the same lot, and shall require that the home is assessed and taxed as a site-built dwelling.”
  • Accessory dwellingsAllowed (with conditions)

    City regulation of accessory dwelling units statewide in Iowa, within a zoning district where a single-family residence is an allowed principal use

    • At least one accessory dwelling unit must be allowed on the same lot as a single-family residence.
    • The accessory dwelling unit must comply with applicable building regulations under chapter 103A.
    • The unit may not exceed 1,000 square feet or 50 percent of the size of the single-family residence, whichever is larger; unfinished basements are excluded from the size calculation.
    • Historic-building-code restrictions, deed restrictions, and common-interest-community rules may limit or prohibit construction or use.
    • A manufactured or mobile home used as the accessory dwelling unit must be converted to real property by placement on a permanent foundation and assessed for real-estate taxes under section 435.26.
    • A historic-preservation area may regulate the unit to the extent the city or commission determines it incongruous and records its reasons.
    • Effective July 1, 2026.

    maximum accessory dwelling unit size: 1,000 square feet or 50% of the single-family residence, whichever is larger (unfinished basements excluded from the size calculation)

    “A city shall allow a minimum of one accessory dwelling unit on the same lot as a single family residence within a zoning district where a single family residence is an allowed principal use, in accordance with the following conditions:”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Allowed (with conditions) — County regulation of accessory dwelling units statewide in Iowa, within a zoning district where a single-family residence is an allowed principal use
      “A county shall allow a minimum of one accessory dwelling unit on the same lot as a single family residence within a zoning district where a single family residence is an allowed principal use, in accordance with the following conditions:”
  • Well permitRequired

    New private wells, replacement wells, and wells whose physical dimensions are modified in Marion County.

    • Rules apply to nonpublic water-supply wells 20 feet or greater in depth.
    • Public water-supply wells, certain monitoring wells, temporary test holes, and wells in place seven consecutive days or less are exempt as specified in the rule.
    • A dewatering-well construction permit is required if the well will be in place more than seven consecutive days.
    • The rule became effective June 18, 2025.

    minimum regulated well depth: >= 20 feet (Nonpublic water-supply wells) · permit application fee: 125 USD (Unless a county is authorized to issue permits under Iowa Administrative Code rule 567—49.7)

    “A private well construction permit is required for all replacement wells and for modification of the physical dimensions of a well.”
  • Permit feesPublished

    Fees imposed and collected by Iowa state agencies, including any state-agency permit fees listed on the Iowa Government Fees Website.

    • The website does not include fees for universities or community colleges, open record requests, or costs for purchase of a product or good.
    • This claim does not establish local county or municipal permit-fee schedules.
    “Fees Imposed & Collected by State Agencies”
  • county zoning authorityGeneral

    Iowa counties may adopt zoning ordinances for land and structures within the county but outside the corporate limits of any city.

    • Chapter 335 applies to any Iowa county at the option of its board of supervisors.
    • The zoning power is subject to Iowa Code section 335.2: ordinances generally do not apply to agricultural land, farm houses, farm barns, farm outbuildings, or other structures primarily adapted for agricultural purposes while so used, except that ordinances may apply to structures, buildings, dams, obstructions, deposits, or excavations in or on river or stream floodplains.
    • A county may not require an application, approval, or fee for an ordinance to be deemed inapplicable to qualifying agricultural land or structures.
    • A county may not regulate, restrict, or prohibit the location of permanent buildings or temporary structures used for consumer-fireworks sales pursuant to section 10A.519 in locations zoned commercial or industrial.
    • The board of supervisors may divide the county into zoning districts, and regulations may differ among districts.
    • Regulations and restrictions require public-hearing and notice procedures under sections 335.6 and 331.305; district boundaries must identify the affected township and section and, if possible, streets or roads.
    • Energy-conservation and solar-access objectives do not require zoning in a county that did not have zoning before July 1, 1981.
    “applicable to any county [...] at the option of the board of supervisors [...] outside of the corporate limits of any city.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling floor-area requirements in unincorporated Marion County.
  • Lot coverage — Lot-coverage requirements in county zoning districts.
  • Living in an RV — Long-term or residential occupancy of recreational vehicles on private land.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land outside an approved campground.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy in unincorporated Marion County.
2 more unanswered
  • Mandatory utility hookup
  • Short-term rentals

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Living off-grid in Marion County, Iowa

Is Marion County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Marion County scores 66/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and mixed durability signals.

Do you need a building permit in Marion County, Iowa?

Marion County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Marion County Department of Environmental Health. Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

How much does land cost in Marion County, Iowa?

Land in Marion County runs about $7,647 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Marion County?

Marion County gets about 36.6" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 13.4% of years.

How remote is Marion County?

A representative private-land location has about 15,739 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,212,205 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Marion County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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How Marion compares in Iowa

Compare side-by-side →See all 99 Iowa counties ranked →