Cost of Living in Marion, AR

Population 13,641 · Arkansas · Data vintage 2023

73
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Buyers in Marion can reasonably expect a home to cost less than three years of household income — $206,000 against $80,637 in typical earnings — a ratio that has collapsed to 5:1 or worse in much of the country. An unemployment rate of 2.9% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.

Located 15 miles west of Memphis, Marion falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 31% higher than Memphis' $157,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 68
Rent 81

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Marion

The median home value in Marion is $206,300 — 32% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,058/month, 19% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $80,637/year is 8% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.9%, below the national average of 4.8%. Arkansas's top state income tax rate is 4.4% and the combined sales tax is 9.5%. The climate averages highs of 72.5°F and lows of 52.8°F. Overall, Marion has a cost of living index of 73 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 27% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$206,300
32% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$237,518
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,058/mo
19% below avg
Zillow Rent
$1,217/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
16.2x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
0.6%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$638
1 BR
$684
2 BR
$848
3 BR
$1,151
4 BR
$1,256
Owner-occupied 70.4%
Renter-occupied 29.6%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,058
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,672/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
23.5 min
13% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
6.5%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
81.3%
Carpooled
11.9%
Public transit
0.0%
Walked
0.0%
Work from home
6.5%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 4.4%
Total Sales Tax 9.5%
State rate 6.5%
Avg local rate 3.0%
Property Tax 0.6%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$80,637
8% above avg
Per Capita Income
$38,116
Unemployment Rate
2.9%
40% below avg
Poverty Rate
8.1%
Labor Force Participation
69.7%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 14.3%
Graduate degree 10.2%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 34.6
Male median age 32.4
Female median age 36.9

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
72.5°F
Avg Low
52.8°F
Annual Precip
50.4"
30° 48° 65° 83° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 505463738289919186756253
Low °F 333643526269727164524236
Precip" 3.824.315.105.035.034.104.122.373.054.094.504.88

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 41 — Good
75.3%
Good air days/yr
133
Max AQI recorded
72
PM2.5 days
288
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Marion, AR?

Marion has a cost index of 73 (100 = national average). It is 27% below the national average.

What is average rent in Marion, AR?

The median gross rent in Marion is $1,058 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Marion?

The median home value in Marion is $206,300 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Marion?

The median household income in Marion is $80,637 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Marion, AR?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Marion is 9.5%. The Arkansas state income tax top rate is 4.4%.

Is Marion, AR affordable?

Yes, Marion is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 73 — about 27% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Marion?

Marion has average high temperatures of 72.5°F and average lows of 52.8°F. Annual precipitation is 50.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Marion at a Glance

Population
13,641
Median Income
$80,637
Home Value
$206,300
Median Rent
$1,058/mo
Unemployment
2.9%
Avg High Temp
72.5°F
Sales Tax
9.5%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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