Cost of Living in Marion County, Iowa
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 #657 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 21%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Marion County, Iowa
Marion's Rents Above National Norm
Marion County renters spend 13.5% of their income on rent, slightly above the national average and tracking with Iowa's state average of 14.1%. Median income of $78,059 sits above the national median of $74,755, helping offset the higher median rent of $880.
Slightly Above Iowa Average
Marion County's 13.5% rent-to-income ratio runs just above Iowa's state average, while median rent of $880 exceeds the state average of $812 by $68. Still, solid median income of $78,059 provides a cushion compared to lower-earning counties.
Fourth-Highest Rents Regionally
Marion's median rent of $880 ranks fourth among the eight counties, notably higher than Louisa ($797) and Lucas ($738) but lower than Linn ($915) and Madison ($938). Home values of $211,100 reflect a county with moderate investment appeal.
Well-Distributed Housing Burden
Marion households earning $78,059 spend $880 on median rent (13.5% of income) or $1,074 on mortgages (16.4% of income). These ratios are reasonable, suggesting housing costs won't severely constrain other essential spending.
Marion Offers Balanced Growth
Marion County suits relocating professionals with decent income and willingness to pay moderate-to-above-average rents for community stability. The county's home values and rental costs suggest a maturing, economically sound area worth exploring.
Cost of Living Advisory: Marion County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Marion County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $880/month in gross rent, with 24.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Marion County pay $880/month on average, compared to $1,074/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 18%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $35,200/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $46,029/year. With a median household income of $78,059, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 24.0% of renter households in Marion County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Iowa, Marion County is more affordable than Boone County by roughly 7% ($880/mo vs $826/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Marion County
Rent Burden
13.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,821
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.5%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Marion County
Median home value is $211,100. Estimated monthly cost: $1,685 vs. your max of $1,821.
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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