Cost of Living in Marlboro County, South Carolina
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Marlboro County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Marlboro County ranks #2,567 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 18%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Marlboro County, South Carolina
Marlboro's rent burden vs. nation
Marlboro County residents spend 22.7% of household income on rent, nearly matching Marion County's squeeze and surpassing South Carolina's 20.1% average. With median income at $36,293—just under half the national median—Marlboro renters face above-average affordability stress despite modest rent prices.
Marlboro's affordability standing
At 22.7% rent-to-income, Marlboro ranks among South Carolina's least affordable counties, second only to Marion at 23.1%. The county's $686 median rent falls well short of the state average of $945, but income constraints are the limiting factor.
Marlboro in the Pee Dee cluster
Marlboro's $686 rent sits between Marion's $663 and McCormick's $666, but household income of $36,293 is the second-lowest in this cluster after Marion. Renters here face similar income-affordability pressures as Marion while paying slightly more for housing.
Costs across renting and owning
Marlboro renters pay $686/month while homeowners spend $424/month on a median home valued at $74,500—among the state's lowest. Despite owning being cheaper, the barrier is saving for a down payment on $36,293 annual income.
Marlboro: affordable but tight
Marlboro offers some of South Carolina's cheapest housing, but wage growth is the real opportunity gap here—median income trails most peer counties by $20,000+. Job seekers should look for employers offering above-county-average compensation.
Cost of Living Advisory: Marlboro County
Affordability Verdict
Marlboro County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $686/month representing approximately 22.7% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 26.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Marlboro County is $686/month, while owner costs run $424/month. Owning saves approximately $262/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $27,440/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $18,171/year. With a median household income of $36,293, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Marlboro County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Marlboro County sits 8% more expensive than Abbeville County ($634/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Marlboro County
Rent Burden
22.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$847
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.0%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Marlboro County
Median home value is $74,500. Estimated monthly cost: $595 vs. your max of $847.
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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