Marion County

Formed in 1842, Marion County was named after military officer Frances Marion, whose approach to warfare in the American Revolutionary War helped lead to the eventual creation of the Green Berets. Nestled between Harrison and Monongalia counties in the north-central region of the state, Marion is home to Fairmont State University, the High Tech Foundation, and a host of small businesses, making it a great choice for students, professionals, and families alike.

Although not definitively rural, Marion County largely offers a quiet, slow-paced lifestyle, with the exception of its county seat, Fairmont. A small city of roughly 18,500, Fairmont boasts a thriving parks system; affordable housing; and a small but growing downtown featuring locally owned shops and eateries, including a unique coffee house-pottery studio hybrid.

Marion County offers both public and private education for primary and secondary students. Among its best-known natives are Rock and Roll Hall of Fame musician Jonnie Johnson, Olympic gold medalist Mary Lou Retton, and University of Alabama football coach Nick Saban.

All demographic information from 2010 Census Quick Facts