Cost of Living in Marion County, Missouri
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 #2,345 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 25%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Marion County, Missouri
Marion County near national affordability norms
At 15.3%, Marion County's rent-to-income ratio sits just above national benchmarks, indicating fairly typical housing affordability for American renters. With a median rent of $813 and household income of $63,908, the county offers moderate housing accessibility.
Slightly above Missouri average
Marion County's 15.3% rent-to-income ratio edges above Missouri's state average of 15.6%, placing it in the more affordable half of the state. Its $813 median rent slightly exceeds the state average of $768, reflecting regional cost dynamics.
Marion rents moderate for the region
Marion County's $813 rent runs higher than budget-friendly neighbors like Linn ($612) and Maries ($594) but remains well below Lincoln County's premium ($972). Median home values of $158,100 position Marion as a middle-ground option for both renters and homebuyers.
15.3% of income spent on rent
Renters in Marion County spend $813 monthly on housing while homeowners pay $692, with median home values of $158,100. At 15.3% of income, rent costs remain manageable, though slightly less generous than the state's most affordable counties.
Marion County: steady, stable housing costs
Marion County provides balanced housing costs without extreme affordability or premium pricing—ideal if you value predictability. Compare your expected Marion County salary to these moderate costs to gauge your real purchasing power in the market.
Cost of Living Advisory: Marion County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Marion County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $813/month in gross rent, with 24.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
At $813/month rent versus $692/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $121/month cheaper — a 15% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $32,520/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $29,657/year. With a median household income of $63,908, 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
Marion County sits 7% more expensive than Bates County ($760/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Marion County
Rent Burden
15.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,491
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.0%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Marion County
Median home value is $158,100. Estimated monthly cost: $1,262 vs. your max of $1,491.
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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