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Marathon, Iowa

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Population in 2022: 223 (0% urban, 100% rural).
Population change since 2000: -26.2%
Males: 91  (41.2%)
Females: 132  (58.8%)
Median resident age:

47.1 years
Iowa median age:

38.9 years

Zip codes: 50565.

Estimated median household income in 2022: $38,210 (it was $20,982 in 2000)
Marathon:

$38,210
IA:

$69,588

Estimated per capita income in 2022: $23,105 (it was $12,751 in 2000)

Marathon city income, earnings, and wages data

Estimated median house or condo value in 2022: $42,863 (it was $16,200 in 2000)
Marathon:

$42,863
IA:

$194,600

Mean prices in 2022: all housing units: $195,295; detached houses: $200,070; townhouses or other attached units: $163,879; in 2-unit structures: $183,855; in 3-to-4-unit structures: $138,370; in 5-or-more-unit structures: $80,639; mobile homes: $34,248

Median gross rent in 2022: $747.

March 2022 cost of living index in Marathon: 81.3 (low, U.S. average is 100)
Percentage of residents living in poverty in 2022: 24.5%
(22.4% for White Non-Hispanic residents, 64.7% for two or more races residents)

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  • Races in Marathon, IA (2022)
    • 17284.3%White alone
    • 209.8%Two or more races
    • 136.4%Hispanic

Races in Marathon detailed stats: ancestries, foreign born residents, place of birth



According to our research of Iowa and other state lists, there were 11 registered sex offenders living in Marathon, Iowa as of April 25, 2024.
The ratio of all residents to sex offenders in Marathon is 25 to 1.


Recent articles from our blog. Our writers, many of them Ph.D. graduates or candidates, create easy-to-read articles on a wide variety of topics.
Marathon, IA forum
Recent posts about Marathon, Iowa on our local forum with over 2,400,000 registered users. Marathon is mentioned 11 times on our forum:
Anyone here make the move from Boston to Quad City area?  (11 replies)
Relocating to Waterloo...  (4 replies)

Latest news from Marathon, IA collected exclusively by city-data.com from local newspapers, TV, and radio stations

Ancestries: American (41.7%), German (21.4%), English (4.9%), British (3.9%), Irish (3.9%), Polish (3.9%).

Current Local Time: CST time zone

Incorporated on 10/31/1892

Elevation: 1390 feet

Land area: 0.73 square miles.

Population density: 305 people per square mile   (very low).

Marathon, Iowa map

9 residents are foreign born (4.4% Latin America).

This city:

4.4%
Iowa:

5.6%

Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units with mortgages in 2022: $701 (1.2%)
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units with no mortgage in 2022: $461 (1.3%)

Nearest city with pop. 50,000+: Sioux City, IA (76.1 miles , pop. 85,013).

Nearest city with pop. 200,000+: Omaha, NE (122.7 miles , pop. 390,007).

Nearest city with pop. 1,000,000+: Chicago, IL (379.7 miles , pop. 2,896,016).

Nearest cities:

Albert City, IA (2.4 miles ),
Webb, IA (2.5 miles),
Laurens, IA (2.6 miles ),
Sioux Rapids, IA (2.9 miles ),
Rembrandt, IA (3.1 miles ),
Gillett Grove, IA (3.3 miles),
Linn Grove, IA (3.7 miles ),
Greenville, IA (3.7 miles)

Latitude: 42.86 N, Longitude: 94.98 W

Area code: 712

Distribution of median household income in Marathon, IA in 2022
Distribution of house value in Marathon, IA in 2022
Marathon satellite photo by USGS
Unemployment in December 2023:
Here:

2.0%
Iowa:

2.7%
Most common industries in Marathon, IA (%)
Both Males Females
Most common industries in 2000
  • Machinery (10.7%)
  • Construction (9.9%)
  • Accommodation & food services (9.1%)
  • Truck transportation (8.3%)
  • Agriculture, forestry, fishing & hunting (6.6%)
  • Educational services (5.8%)
  • Metal & metal products (4.1%)
Most common industries for males in 2000
  • Construction (18.8%)
  • Truck transportation (15.6%)
  • Metal & metal products (7.8%)
  • Machinery (7.8%)
  • Food (6.2%)
  • Agriculture, forestry, fishing & hunting (3.1%)
  • Motor vehicle & parts dealers (3.1%)
Most common industries for females in 2000
  • Accommodation & food services (17.5%)
  • Machinery (14.0%)
  • Agriculture, forestry, fishing & hunting (10.5%)
  • U. S. Postal service (8.8%)
  • Educational services (8.8%)
  • Health care (8.8%)
  • Gasoline stations (5.3%)
Most common occupations in Marathon, IA (%)
Both Males Females
Most common occupations in 2000
  • Metal workers and plastic workers (12.4%)
  • Driver/sales workers and truck drivers (9.9%)
  • Building and grounds cleaning and maintenance occupations (9.1%)
  • Other sales and related occupations, including supervisors (7.4%)
  • Cooks and food preparation workers (6.6%)
  • Other office and administrative support workers, including supervisors (5.8%)
  • Agricultural workers, including supervisors (4.1%)
Most common occupations for males in 2000
  • Metal workers and plastic workers (17.2%)
  • Driver/sales workers and truck drivers (15.6%)
  • Other sales and related occupations, including supervisors (7.8%)
  • Construction laborers (7.8%)
  • Other office and administrative support workers, including supervisors (4.7%)
  • Laborers and material movers, hand (4.7%)
  • Information and record clerks, except customer service representatives (3.1%)
Most common occupations for females in 2000
  • Building and grounds cleaning and maintenance occupations (15.8%)
  • Cooks and food preparation workers (14.0%)
  • Other sales and related occupations, including supervisors (7.0%)
  • Other office and administrative support workers, including supervisors (7.0%)
  • Metal workers and plastic workers (7.0%)
  • Waiters and waitresses (5.3%)
  • Material recording, scheduling, dispatching, and distributing workers (5.3%)

Average climate in Marathon, Iowa

Based on data reported by over 4,000 weather stations

Marathon, Iowa average temperatures Marathon, Iowa average precipitation Marathon, Iowa humidity Marathon, Iowa wind speed Marathon, Iowa snowfall Marathon, Iowa sunshine Marathon, Iowa clear and cloudy days
Air pollution and air quality trends
(lower is better)
AQI Ozone PM10 PM2.5
Air Quality Index

Air Quality Index (AQI) level in 2023 was 99.6. This is worse than average.

City:

99.6
U.S.:

72.6
Ozone Level

Ozone [ppb] level in 2023 was 37.9. This is about average. Closest monitor was 23.4 miles away from the city center.

City:

37.9
U.S.:

33.3
Particulate Matter Level

Particulate Matter (PM10) [µg/m3] level in 2005 was 19.2. This is about average. Closest monitor was 23.4 miles away from the city center.

City:

19.2
U.S.:

19.2
Particulate Matter Level

Particulate Matter (PM2.5) [µg/m3] level in 2023 was 9.84. This is worse than average. Closest monitor was 23.4 miles away from the city center.

City:

9.84
U.S.:

8.11

Tornado activity:

Marathon-area historical tornado activity is near Iowa state average. It is 78% greater than the overall U.S. average.

On 5/27/1995, a category F4 (max. wind speeds 207-260 mph) tornado 20.8 miles away from the Marathon city center caused between $500,000 and $5,000,000 in damages.

On 6/23/1952, a category F4 tornado 22.4 miles away from the city center injured 4 people and caused between $500,000 and $5,000,000 in damages.

Earthquake activity:

Marathon-area historical earthquake activity is significantly above Iowa state average. It is 179% greater than the overall U.S. average.

On 7/9/1975 at 14:54:15, a magnitude 4.6 (4.6 MB, Class: Light, Intensity: IV - V) earthquake occurred 201.2 miles away from the city center
On 3/4/1983 at 06:32:18, a magnitude 4.6 (4.4 MB, 4.6 LG, 4.4 ML) earthquake occurred 240.9 miles away from the city center
On 9/3/2016 at 12:02:44, a magnitude 5.8 (5.8 MW, Depth: 3.5 mi, Class: Moderate, Intensity: VI - VII) earthquake occurred 457.0 miles away from the city center
On 11/3/2002 at 20:41:56, a magnitude 4.3 (4.3 MB, Depth: 3.1 mi) earthquake occurred 198.7 miles away from the city center
On 6/5/1993 at 01:24:53, a magnitude 4.1 (4.1 LG, Depth: 6.2 mi) earthquake occurred 205.2 miles away from Marathon center
On 10/25/1990 at 06:25:25, a magnitude 3.9 (3.6 MB, 3.9 LG, Depth: 3.1 mi, Class: Light, Intensity: II - III) earthquake occurred 187.1 miles away from Marathon center
Magnitude types: regional Lg-wave magnitude (LG), body-wave magnitude (MB), local magnitude (ML), moment magnitude (MW)

Natural disasters:

The number of natural disasters in Buena Vista County (18) is near the US average (15).
Major Disasters (Presidential) Declared: 14
Emergencies Declared: 2

Causes of natural disasters: Floods: 11, Storms: 8, Tornadoes: 7, Winds: 3, Winter Storms: 2, Heavy Rain: 1, Hurricane: 1, Ice Storm: 1, Snow: 1, Snowstorm: 1, Other: 1 (Note: some incidents may be assigned to more than one category).
Marathon topographic map

Hospitals and medical centers near Marathon:

  • PLEASANT VIEW HOME (Nursing Home, about 7 miles away; ALBERT CITY, IA)
  • LAURENS CARE CENTER (Nursing Home, about 7 miles away; LAURENS, IA)
  • SIOUX CARE CENTER (Nursing Home, about 9 miles away; SIOUX RAPIDS, IA)

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Marathon:

  • Buena Vista University (about 19 miles; Storm Lake, IA; Full-time enrollment: 2,522)
  • Iowa Lakes Community College (about 39 miles; Estherville, IA; FT enrollment: 2,311)
  • Iowa Central Community College (about 48 miles; Fort Dodge, IA; FT enrollment: 4,682)
  • Western Iowa Tech Community College (about 75 miles; Sioux City, IA; FT enrollment: 3,544)
  • Iowa State University (about 90 miles; Ames, IA; FT enrollment: 28,662)
  • North Iowa Area Community College (about 96 miles; Mason City, IA; FT enrollment: 2,235)
  • University of South Dakota (about 99 miles; Vermillion, SD; FT enrollment: 7,328)

Library in Marathon:

  • MARATHON PUBLIC LIBRARY (Operating income: $15,757; Location: 306 W ATTICA; 7,304 books; 458 video materials; 13 state licensed databases; 1 other licensed databases; 30 print serial subscriptions)

Points of interest:

Click to draw/clear city borders

Notable locations in Marathon: Marathon (A), Marathon First Responders (B), Marathon Public Library (C), Marathon City Hall (D). Display/hide their locations on the map

Churches in Marathon include: United Methodist Church (A), Grace Lutheran Church (B). Display/hide their locations on the map

Cemetery: Poland Cemetery (1). Display/hide its location on the map

Buena Vista County has a predicted average indoor radon screening level greater than 4 pCi/L (pico curies per liter) - Highest Potential
Average household size:
This city:

2.0 people
Iowa:

2.4 people

Percentage of family households:
This city:

51.2%
Whole state:

64.7%

Percentage of households with unmarried partners:
This city:

6.6%
Whole state:

6.7%


No gay or lesbian households reported

Banks with branches in Marathon (2011 data):

  • Community State Bank: Marathon Branch at 118 Agora Street, branch established on 1917/10/08. Info updated 2006/11/03: Bank assets: $138.0 mil, Deposits: $116.5 mil, headquarters in Spencer, IA, positive income, Agricultural Specialization, 4 total offices, Holding Company: Community State Bancorporation

For population 15 years and over in Marathon:

Marital status in Marathon, IA
  • Never married: 28.1%
  • Now married: 52.3%
  • Separated: 0.0%
  • Widowed: 8.0%
  • Divorced: 11.6%

For population 25 years and over in Marathon:

  • High school or higher: 89.7%
  • Bachelor's degree or higher: 12.8%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 1.9%
  • Unemployed: 5.5%
  • Mean travel time to work (commute): 31.9 minutes
Educational Attainment in 2022
School Enrollment by Level of School in 2022
Education Gini index (Inequality in education)
Here:

8.5
Iowa average:

10.5

Presidential Elections Results

Graphs represent county-level data. Detailed 2008 Election Results

Religion statistics for Marathon, IA (based on Buena Vista County data)

Religions Adherents in 2010
Religions Adherents - Change between 2000 and 2010
ReligionAdherentsCongregations
Mainline Protestant5,25323
Evangelical Protestant3,87821
Catholic3,1942
Other3382
None7,597-
Source: Clifford Grammich, Kirk Hadaway, Richard Houseal, Dale E.Jones, Alexei Krindatch, Richie Stanley and Richard H.Taylor. 2012. 2010 U.S.Religion Census: Religious Congregations & Membership Study. Association of Statisticians of American Religious Bodies. Jones, Dale E., et al. 2002. Congregations and Membership in the United States 2000. Nashville, TN: Glenmary Research Center. Graphs represent county-level data

Food Environment Statistics:

Number of grocery stores: 5
Here:

2.55 / 10,000 pop.
Iowa:

2.14 / 10,000 pop.
Number of supercenters and club stores: 1
This county:

0.51 / 10,000 pop.
State:

0.23 / 10,000 pop.
Number of convenience stores (with gas): 12
Buena Vista County:

6.13 / 10,000 pop.
State:

5.55 / 10,000 pop.
Number of full-service restaurants: 19
This county:

9.70 / 10,000 pop.
Iowa:

8.01 / 10,000 pop.
Adult diabetes rate:
Buena Vista County:

8.3%
Iowa:

7.8%
Adult obesity rate:
This county:

28.2%
Iowa:

27.3%
Low-income preschool obesity rate:
Buena Vista County:

18.4%
Iowa:

14.5%

Health and Nutrition:

Healthy diet rate:
Marathon:

48.0%
Iowa:

49.5%

Average overall health of teeth and gums:
This city:

42.2%
Iowa:

46.1%

Average BMI:
Marathon:

28.9
State:

28.6

People feeling badly about themselves:
This city:

22.7%
Iowa:

21.4%

People not drinking alcohol at all:
Marathon:

12.8%
Iowa:

10.4%

Average hours sleeping at night:
Marathon:

6.9
Iowa:

6.8

Overweight people:
Marathon:

35.0%
Iowa:

33.8%

General health condition:
Marathon:

51.2%
State:

55.9%

Average condition of hearing:
This city:

72.7%
Iowa:

77.7%

More about Health and Nutrition of Marathon, IA Residents
Local government employment and payroll (March 2022)
Function Full-time employees Monthly full-time payroll Average yearly full-time wage Part-time employees Monthly part-time payroll
Streets and Highways 1$1,173$14,0761$56
Sewerage 1$1,173$14,0763$805
Water Supply 1$1,173$14,0763$1,497
Electric Power 1$1,173$14,0762$692
Other Government Administration 0$0 2$838
Totals for Government 4$4,693$14,07911$3,889

Marathon government finances - Expenditure in 2017 (per resident):

  • Construction - General - Other: $1,000 ($4.48)
  • Current Operations - Electric Utilities: $270,000 ($1210.76)
    Sewerage: $103,000 ($461.88)
    Water Utilities: $90,000 ($403.59)
    Regular Highways: $34,000 ($152.47)
    General - Other: $28,000 ($125.56)
    Solid Waste Management: $24,000 ($107.62)
    Libraries: $22,000 ($98.65)
    Financial Administration: $16,000 ($71.75)
    Parks and Recreation: $16,000 ($71.75)
    Local Fire Protection: $14,000 ($62.78)
    Police Protection: $10,000 ($44.84)
    Health - Other: $8,000 ($35.87)
    General Public Buildings: $7,000 ($31.39)
    Judicial and Legal Services: $3,000 ($13.45)
    Central Staff Services: $3,000 ($13.45)
  • Electric Utilities - Interest on Debt: $6,000 ($26.91)
  • General - Interest on Debt: $13,000 ($58.30)
  • Intergovernmental to Local - Other - Libraries: $20,000 ($89.69)
    Other - Police Protection: $10,000 ($44.84)
  • Other Capital Outlay - Parks and Recreation: $4,000 ($17.94)
  • Total Salaries and Wages: $120,000 ($538.12)

Marathon government finances - Revenue in 2017 (per resident):

  • Charges - Sewerage: $100,000 ($448.43)
    Other: $42,000 ($188.34)
    Solid Waste Management: $29,000 ($130.04)
  • Local Intergovernmental - Other: $10,000 ($44.84)
  • Miscellaneous - General Revenue - Other: $5,000 ($22.42)
    Interest Earnings: $2,000 ($8.97)
  • Revenue - Electric Utilities: $328,000 ($1470.85)
    Water Utilities: $100,000 ($448.43)
  • State Intergovernmental - Highways: $21,000 ($94.17)
    Other: $2,000 ($8.97)
    General Local Government Support: $2,000 ($8.97)
  • Tax - Property: $141,000 ($632.29)
    General Sales and Gross Receipts: $36,000 ($161.43)
    Other License: $2,000 ($8.97)

Marathon government finances - Debt in 2017 (per resident):

  • Long Term Debt - Beginning Outstanding - Unspecified Public Purpose: $259,000 ($1161.43)
    Outstanding Unspecified Public Purpose: $231,000 ($1035.87)
    Retired Unspecified Public Purpose: $28,000 ($125.56)

Marathon government finances - Cash and Securities in 2017 (per resident):

  • Other Funds - Cash and Securities: $945,000 ($4237.67)

Strongest AM radio stations in Marathon:

  • KWMT (540 AM; 5 kW; FORT DODGE, IA; Owner: CLEAR CHANNEL BROADCASTING LICENSES, INC.)
  • WHO (1040 AM; 50 kW; DES MOINES, IA; Owner: CITICASTERS LICENSES, L.P.)
  • KOIL (1020 AM; 50 kW; PLATTSMOUTH, NE; Owner: WAITT RADIO, INC.)
  • KFAB (1110 AM; 50 kW; OMAHA, NE; Owner: CAPSTAR TX LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)
  • KKAR (1290 AM; 50 kW; OMAHA, NE; Owner: WAITT RADIO, INC.)
  • KLGA (1600 AM; 5 kW; ALGONA, IA; Owner: WMMP, LLC)
  • KFAN (1130 AM; 50 kW; MINNEAPOLIS, MN; Owner: AMFM RADIO LICENSES, L.L.C.)
  • KKOJ (1190 AM; 5 kW; JACKSON, MN; Owner: KLEVEN BROADCASTING CO. OF MINN.)
  • WCCO (830 AM; 50 kW; MINNEAPOLIS, MN; Owner: INFINITY MEDIA CORPORATION)
  • WCTS (1030 AM; 50 kW; MAPLEWOOD, MN; Owner: CNTL. BAPT. THEO/AL SEMI MINNEAPOLIS)
  • KXEL (1540 AM; 50 kW; WATERLOO, IA; Owner: KXEL BROADCASTING COMPANY, INC.)
  • KICD (1240 AM; 1 kW; SPENCER, IA; Owner: SAGA COMMUNICATIONS OF IOWA, LLC)
  • KYDZ (1180 AM; 25 kW; BELLEVUE, NE; Owner: WAITT RADIO, INC.)

Strongest FM radio stations in Marathon:

  • KTFG (102.9 FM; SIOUX RAPIDS, IA; Owner: DONALD A. SWANSON)
  • KTPR (91.1 FM; FORT DODGE, IA; Owner: IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY)
  • KAYL-FM (101.7 FM; STORM LAKE, IA; Owner: WMMP, LLC)
  • KDWD (100.1 FM; EMMETSBURG, IA; Owner: JIM DANDY BROADCASTING, INC.)
  • KBVU-FM (97.5 FM; ALTA, IA; Owner: BUENA VISTA UNIVERSITY)
  • KLLT (104.9 FM; SPENCER, IA; Owner: SAGA COMMUNICATIONS OF IOWA, LLC)
  • KICD-FM (107.7 FM; SPENCER, IA; Owner: SAGA COMMUNICATIONS OF IOWA, LLC)

TV broadcast stations around Marathon:

  • KTIN (Channel 21; FORT DODGE, IA; Owner: IOWA PUBLIC BROADCASTING BOARD)
  • K47FZ (Channel 47; STORM LAKE, IA; Owner: WAITT BROADCASTING, INC.)
  • K55FL (Channel 55; SPENCER, IA; Owner: WAITT BROADCASTING, INC.)
  • National Bridge Inventory (NBI) Statistics
  • 4Number of bridges
  • 10ft / 3.5mTotal length
  • 1,530Total average daily traffic
  • 315Total average daily truck traffic
  • 1,530Total future (year 2038) average daily traffic

FCC Registered Broadcast Land Mobile Towers:

1
  • 1 Mi N (Lat: 42.865250 Lon: -94.985278), Call Sign: WRA673,
    Assigned Frequencies: 154.625 MHz, Grant Date: 08/13/2014, Expiration Date: 08/01/2024, Registrant: Electronic Specialties, Inc., 2103 Highway 169 North, Algona, IA 50511, Phone: (515) 295-7752, Fax: (515) 295-7238, Email:


FCC Registered Microwave Towers:

1
  • Marathon, 212 North Agora (Lat: 42.862917 Lon: -94.981750), Type: Silo, Structure height: 61 m, Overall height: 65.5 m, Call Sign: WRMU815,
    Assigned Frequencies: 10835.0 MHz, 10835.0 MHz, 10835.0 MHz, 10835.0 MHz, Grant Date: 06/08/2021, Expiration Date: 06/08/2031, Certifier: Chase W Cox, Registrant: Micronet Communications, Inc., 812 Lexington Dr, Plano, TX 75075, Phone: (972) 422-7200, Email:


FAA Registered Aircraft:

1
  • Aircraft: CESSNA 175A (Category: Land, Seats: 4, Weight: Up to 12,499 Pounds, Speed: 105 mph), Engine: CONT MOTOR GO-300 SERIES (175 HP) (Reciprocating)
    N-Number: 6924E, N6924E, N-6924E, Serial Number: 56424, Year manufactured: 1959, Airworthiness Date: 12/21/1959, Certificate Issue Date: 08/04/2000
    Registrant (Individual): Charles Thomas, 4516 230th Ave # 343, Marathon, IA 50565

Most common first names in Marathon, IA among deceased individuals
NameCountLived (average)
John1273.3 years
James782.6 years
Harold674.5 years
Mary685.3 years
Esther583.2 years
George478.7 years
Dorothy484.5 years
Clarence373.6 years
Richard380.3 years
Floyd378.7 years
Most common last names in Marathon, IA among deceased individuals
Last nameCountLived (average)
Anderson1781.1 years
Hartman676.3 years
Bentley684.5 years
Mclaughlin678.2 years
Davis579.8 years
Johnson580.0 years
Carlson478.3 years
Donaldson486.0 years
Erickson486.8 years
Hartley483.3 years
Houses and condos Apartments
Most commonly used house heating fuel in houses and condos in Marathon, IA
  • 93.6%Utility gas
  • 3.8%Bottled, tank, or LP gas
  • 2.6%Electricity
Most commonly used house heating fuel in apartments in Marathon, IA
  • 85.7%Utility gas
  • 14.3%Electricity


Marathon compared to Iowa state average:

  • Median household income below state average.
  • Median house value significantly below state average.
  • Unemployed percentage below state average.
  • Black race population percentage significantly below state average.
  • Median age above state average.
  • Foreign-born population percentage below state average.
  • Length of stay since moving in above state average.
  • House age above state average.
  • Number of college students below state average.
  • Percentage of population with a bachelor's degree or higher below state average.
There is 1 pilot and no other airmen in this city.
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