Cost of Living in Marion, SC

Population 6,338 · South Carolina · Data vintage 2023

42
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

At $27,767, median household incomes in Marion land roughly 63% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. Around 28% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.

Geographically, Marion is about 65 miles southwest of Fayetteville, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 31% lower than Fayetteville's $172,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 39
Rent 47

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

About the Cost of Living in Marion

The median home value in Marion is $119,400 — 61% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $624/month, 53% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $27,767/year is 63% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.9%, below the national average of 4.8%. South Carolina's top state income tax rate is 6.4% and the combined sales tax is 7.5%. The climate averages highs of 75.5°F and lows of 53.9°F. Overall, Marion has a cost of living index of 42 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 58% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$119,400
61% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$144,565
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$624/mo
53% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
15.9x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
0.6%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$807
1 BR
$841
2 BR
$1,028
3 BR
$1,294
4 BR
$1,567
Owner-occupied 42.8%
Renter-occupied 57.2%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$624
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,238/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
28.9 min
7% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
5.0%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
86.6%
Carpooled
7.0%
Work from home
5.0%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 6.4%
Total Sales Tax 7.5%
State rate 6.0%
Avg local rate 1.5%
Property Tax 0.6%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$27,767
63% below avg
Per Capita Income
$20,016
Unemployment Rate
3.9%
18% below avg
Poverty Rate
27.5%
Labor Force Participation
45.8%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 8.1%
Graduate degree 11.2%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 44
Male median age 38.2
Female median age 47.3

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
75.5°F
Avg Low
53.9°F
Annual Precip
45.3"
30° 48° 65° 83° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 576168778489929085776759
Low °F 363944526169727166544438
Precip" 3.083.003.193.003.714.615.804.864.533.422.633.47

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

89%
4-Year Graduation Rate
14.6:1
Student-teacher ratio
10
Public schools
4,364
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Marion, SC?

Marion has a cost index of 42 (100 = national average). It is 58% below the national average.

What is average rent in Marion, SC?

The median gross rent in Marion is $624 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Marion?

The median home value in Marion is $119,400 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Marion?

The median household income in Marion is $27,767 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Marion, SC?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Marion is 7.5%. The South Carolina state income tax top rate is 6.4%.

Is Marion, SC affordable?

Yes, Marion is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 42 — about 58% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Marion?

Marion has average high temperatures of 75.5°F and average lows of 53.9°F. Annual precipitation is 45.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Marion at a Glance

Population
6,338
Median Income
$27,767
Home Value
$119,400
Median Rent
$624/mo
Unemployment
3.9%
Avg High Temp
75.5°F
Sales Tax
7.5%
View all cities in South Carolina →
🗺️ County data for South Carolina

Explore county-level cost of living data

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