Cost of Living in Marion County, Kentucky
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 #405 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 13%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Marion County, Kentucky
Marion balances income and housing well
Marion County's 15.8% rent-to-income ratio edges below Kentucky's 17% state average, providing genuine affordability despite a median income of $55,404 that trails the national $74,755. Low housing costs relative to earnings make this county an underrated option.
Above-average housing affordability
Marion ranks in the top tier of Kentucky counties for affordability, with a 15.8% rent-to-income ratio beating the state average of 17%. Its $731 median rent falls just below Kentucky's median, reflecting a sweet spot for cost-conscious Kentuckians.
The region's most affordable rents
Marion's $731 monthly rent is the lowest among neighboring Madison ($851), Marshall ($773), Mason ($724), and McCreary ($588) counties. This affordability advantage, paired with a $55,404 median income, positions Marion as the region's best value.
Rent and ownership costs align
Marion renters spend $731 monthly (15.8% of income) while owners pay nearly identical $741, suggesting a well-balanced housing market. The median home value of $158,700 is accessible to moderate-income families in a county where housing doesn't dominate the budget.
Marion delivers true affordability
If you're seeking the lowest housing costs without sacrificing regional stability, Marion outshines neighbors on rent while maintaining decent median income prospects. Compare Marion's $731 rent to Marshall's $773 or Madison's $851 to quantify your savings.
Cost of Living Advisory: Marion County
Affordability Verdict
Marion County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $731/month representing approximately 15.8% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 28.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Marion County is $731/month, while owner costs run $741/month. Renting saves approximately $10/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $29,240/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $31,757/year. With a median household income of $55,404, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Marion County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Kentucky, Marion County is less affordable than Barren County by roughly 7% ($731/mo vs $784/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Marion County
Rent Burden
15.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,293
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.0%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Marion County
Median home value is $158,700. Estimated monthly cost: $1,267 vs. your max of $1,293.
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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