Cost of Living in Marion County, Ohio
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 #2,793 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 11%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Marion County, Ohio
Marion County faces affordability headwinds
Marion County renters spend 17.8% of their income on housing—among the least affordable in the nation—while earning $17,449 below the U.S. median. This county struggles with a difficult combination of lower wages and rising housing costs.
Ohio's toughest housing market for renters
Marion County's 17.8% rent-to-income ratio ranks as one of Ohio's worst, significantly exceeding the state average of 15.6%. At $850 monthly rent, Marion residents face one of the state's toughest housing affordability challenges.
Struggling compared to regional peers
Marion County's $850 rent is higher than most nearby counties, including Mahoning ($775) and Monroe ($626), yet incomes here are among the lowest in the region. This unfavorable pairing makes Marion one of the region's least affordable places to live.
Marion incomes stretched thin
The median Marion County household earning $57,306 annually spends $850 on rent or $908 on mortgage costs monthly. Renters allocate 17.8% of income to housing while homeowners spend 19%—both well above the 15% affordability benchmark.
Marion County offers value but demands caution
If relocating to Marion County, negotiate aggressively on wages—affordability here depends heavily on earning power rather than cheap rents. Compare your expected salary carefully against regional alternatives before committing to a move.
Cost of Living Advisory: Marion County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Marion County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $850/month in gross rent, with 29.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
At $850/month rent versus $908/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $58/month cheaper — a 6% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $34,000/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $38,914/year. With a median household income of $57,306, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Marion County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Gallia County where rent averages $798/month, Marion County is approximately 7% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Marion County
Rent Burden
17.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,337
per month
Owner Cost Burden
19.0%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Marion County
Median home value is $146,200. Estimated monthly cost: $1,167 vs. your max of $1,337.
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
What is the cost of living in Marion County, Ohio?
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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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