Cost of Living in Marion County, Kansas
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 #1,710 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 46%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Marion County, Kansas
Marion County rents remain below national pressure
At 13.8%, Marion County's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the national norm, meaning residents spend less of their paychecks on housing than most Americans. The county's median rent of $727 per month costs considerably less than the state average of $787, giving renters breathing room despite a median household income of $63,438—about $11,000 below the national average.
Marion County ranks among Kansas's most affordable
With a 13.8% rent-to-income ratio, Marion County outperforms the Kansas state average of 14.7%, placing it in the upper tier of affordable counties statewide. This advantage holds even as the county trails state income averages, reflecting genuinely modest housing costs relative to what residents earn.
Marion edges out rural neighbors on affordability
Marion County's $727 median rent undercuts McPherson County's $889 and Meade County's $799, making it one of the cheapest rental markets in the region. However, Marshall County nearby offers even tighter housing costs at $670 per month, suggesting renters have affordable options across this part of central Kansas.
Housing takes 13.8% of Marion incomes
A typical Marion County renter earning $63,438 annually spends about $727 monthly on gross rent, while homeowners face $780 in monthly ownership costs on median-valued homes of $114,400. Together, these figures show housing costs remain manageable for both renters and owners, leaving more income for other necessities.
Consider Marion for rural Kansas value
If you're comparing cost of living across Kansas, Marion County delivers solid affordability without requiring big-city sacrifices—rents and home prices rank well below state averages. Check out neighboring Marshall County if you want to push affordability even further, or explore McPherson if you prefer slightly higher incomes with moderate housing cost trade-offs.
Cost of Living Advisory: Marion County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Marion County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $727/month in gross rent, with 23.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Marion County is $727/month, while owner costs run $780/month. Renting saves approximately $53/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $29,080/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $33,429/year. With a median household income of $63,438, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 23.0% of renter households in Marion County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Kansas, Marion County is less affordable than Hamilton County by roughly 7% ($727/mo vs $778/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Marion County
Rent Burden
13.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,480
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.8%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Marion County
Median home value is $114,400. Estimated monthly cost: $913 vs. your max of $1,480.
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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