Cost of Living in Marion County, Indiana
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Marion County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Marion County ranks #3,115 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 1%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Marion County, Indiana
Marion's rent burden tops national norms
Marion County renters spend 20.9% of their income on housing, outpacing the national affordability sweet spot of roughly 18%. The county's median household income of $63,450 falls about $11,300 short of the national median, tightening budgets across the board.
Among Indiana's priciest counties
At a 20.9% rent-to-income ratio, Marion County ranks among the least affordable in Indiana, where the state average sits at 15.6%. The median rent of $1,107 runs $224 above the state average, making Marion one of the costlier places to rent in the state.
Notably steeper than surrounding areas
Marion County's median rent of $1,107 significantly exceeds nearby Morgan County ($988) and Marshall County ($936), though it remains cheaper than Monroe County's $1,151. The income-adjusted burden in Marion is also higher, reflecting both elevated costs and lower median household income relative to neighbors like Morgan County.
Where Marion's income goes
The typical Marion County renter pays $1,107 monthly while earning $5,287 gross—leaving just 20.9% for housing. Homeowners with a $207,000 median home value face $1,144 in monthly costs, consuming similar portions of that $63,450 household income.
Weighing Marion against Indiana options
If housing affordability is a priority, compare Marion's 20.9% rent burden to more affordable neighbors like Martin County (11.8%) or Montgomery County (14.9%). Marion's higher costs may be justified by urban amenities and job density, but renters and buyers should run the numbers against neighboring counties before deciding.
Cost of Living Advisory: Marion County
Affordability Verdict
Marion County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,107/month — about 20.9% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Marion County is $1,107/month, while owner costs run $1,144/month. Renting saves approximately $37/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $44,280/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $49,029/year. With a median household income of $63,450, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in Marion County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Indiana, Marion County is more affordable than St. Joseph County by roughly 7% ($1,107/mo vs $1,030/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Marion County
Rent Burden
20.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,481
per month
Owner Cost Burden
21.6%
of gross income
The median home in Marion County may be a stretch
Median home value is $207,000. Estimated monthly cost: $1,653 vs. your max of $1,481.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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