Cost of Living in Marion County, South Carolina
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 #1,981 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 37%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Marion County, South Carolina
Marion's rent squeeze vs. nation
Marion County residents spend 23.1% of income on rent, slightly above the national norm but reflecting a deeper affordability gap—median household income here is $34,501, less than half the national median of $74,755. Renters are paying proportionally more because they're earning significantly less, making housing costs feel steeper even when nominal rents are low.
Where Marion ranks statewide
At 23.1% rent-to-income, Marion County trails South Carolina's average of 20.1%, placing it among the less affordable counties in the state. The $663 median monthly rent is well below the state average of $945, but income levels are the real constraint here.
Marion vs. Pee Dee rivals
Marion's $663 rent is competitive with neighboring Marlboro County ($686) and McCormick County ($666), but Marion households earn notably less—$34,501 versus Marlboro's $36,293 and McCormick's $55,344. Neighbors to the east in Marlboro face similar affordability pressure, while McCormick's higher incomes create more breathing room.
Rent, mortgages, and thin margins
Marion renters pay $663/month while homeowners carry $446/month in housing costs on a median home value of $86,800. With median household income of just $34,501 annually, renters dedicate nearly 1 in 4 income dollars to housing, leaving limited resources for other essentials.
Consider Marion carefully
If you're relocating to the Pee Dee region, Marion offers the lowest rents but the tightest income-to-housing ratio in South Carolina. Job seekers should prioritize markets where income growth opportunities match or exceed the state average of $74,755.
Cost of Living Advisory: Marion County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Marion County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $663/month in gross rent, with 23.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
At $663/month rent versus $446/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $217/month cheaper — a 33% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $26,520/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $19,114/year. With a median household income of $34,501, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 23.0% of renter households in Marion County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Clarendon County where rent averages $728/month, Marion County is approximately 9% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Marion County
Rent Burden
23.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$805
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.5%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Marion County
Median home value is $86,800. Estimated monthly cost: $693 vs. your max of $805.
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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