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
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.
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
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.