Cost of Living in Marion County, Mississippi
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 #1,664 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 47%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Marion County, Mississippi
Marion County barely meets national standard
Marion County renters spend 19.9% of income on rent, slightly above Mississippi's 19.6% state average and well above the 16% national benchmark. With median household income at $42,320, the county sits near the lower end of regional wages, making every rent dollar count more.
Lower tier of Mississippi affordability
Marion County's 19.9% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the state average, ranking it among Mississippi's less affordable counties in this peer group. The combination of modest wages ($42,320) and relatively tight housing affordability marks Marion as a challenged market.
Low rents offset low wages modestly
Marion's $700 rent is among the cheapest here, but the $42,320 median income is also among the lowest, making affordability improvement marginal. Only Leflore earns less, and Marshall pays more in rent—leaving Marion caught in a difficult middle.
Tight margins for renters and owners
Renters paying $700 monthly dedicate 19.9% of their $42,320 income to housing, while homeowners commit $624 monthly (17.7% of income) on properties valued at $117,000. Both groups experience modest affordability, with limited cushion for unexpected costs.
Marion County requires careful budgeting
Marion works best for renters or modest-income buyers who keep expenses lean and prioritize affordability over space. If you're relocating, compare Marion's 19.9% burden to your current costs—you may find relief here only if you're currently spending 25% or more on housing.
Cost of Living Advisory: Marion County
Affordability Verdict
Marion County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $700/month — about 19.8% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Marion County pay $700/month on average, compared to $624/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 11%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $28,000/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $26,743/year. With a median household income of $42,320, 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
Marion County sits 7% less expensive than Lincoln County ($754/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Marion County
Rent Burden
19.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$987
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.7%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Marion County
Median home value is $117,000. Estimated monthly cost: $934 vs. your max of $987.
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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