Cost of Living in Marion County, West Virginia
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 #1,161 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 37%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Marion County, West Virginia
Marion inches above national affordability line
Marion County's 16.0% rent-to-income ratio sits just above the U.S. average, suggesting reasonable affordability for renters earning $67,537 annually. At $901 monthly rent, Marion's costs are higher than many neighbors, but stronger incomes make the burden manageable.
Slightly better than West Virginia average
Marion's 16.0% rent-to-income ratio undercuts the state average of 16.9%, placing it in the more-affordable half statewide. The median income of $67,537 also runs above the state trend, easing the burden.
Expensive rent, but higher pay cushions it
Marion's $901 rent is the highest in this group after Jefferson ($1,103), but Marion residents earn more than most rural neighbors, narrowing the proportional burden. Only Jefferson and Harrison residents earn comparably.
Marion's balanced income-to-housing ratio
Marion households earning $67,537 spend $901 on rent (16.0%), a reasonable share despite top-tier rents, while homeowners pay $706 monthly on $164,300 homes. Marion's higher-than-average income is the key to managing its pricier housing.
For moderate earners seeking urban services
Marion County suits households earning $65K-$75K seeking better urban amenities and job variety than rural counties offer. Its rents are steep, but incomes keep pace better here than in struggling rural neighbors like Logan or Lincoln.
Cost of Living Advisory: Marion County
Affordability Verdict
Marion County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $901/month representing approximately 16.0% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 27.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Marion County pay $901/month on average, compared to $706/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 22%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $36,040/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $30,257/year. With a median household income of $67,537, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Marion County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Marion County sits 6% more expensive than Harrison County ($848/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Marion County
Rent Burden
16.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,576
per month
Owner Cost Burden
12.5%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Marion County
Median home value is $164,300. Estimated monthly cost: $1,312 vs. your max of $1,576.
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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