Marlin serves as the county seat of Falls County, which lies just southeast of Waco. Established in 1850, the county was historically known for cotton and railroads. Today, it is still strongly rural, with farming and ranching dominating. Other communities include Lott, Rosebud, and Chilton. Housing stock is older, consisting of modest frame houses, mid-century brick homes, and rural properties. Waco is just 30 minutes northwest, making Falls a quieter alternative to city living. Home prices are very affordable—most existing homes run $120,000–$200,000—while land typically sells for $5,000–$9,000 per acre. Buyers here often want small acreage tracts or budget-friendly starter homes within commuting distance of Waco or Temple.