Cost of Living in Marlin, TX
Population 5,500 · Texas · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
At $38,000, median household incomes in Marlin land roughly 49% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 13.3% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Geographically, Marlin is about 25 miles southeast of Waco, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 75% lower than Waco's $200,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Marlin
The median home value in Marlin is $49,800 — 84% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $739/month, 44% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $38,000/year is 49% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 13.3%, above the national average of 4.8%. Texas charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 78.6°F and lows of 55.6°F. Overall, Marlin has a cost of living index of 32 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 68% less expensive.
Marlin has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 59 | 63 | 70 | 78 | 85 | 93 | 97 | 97 | 91 | 81 | 69 | 60 |
| Low °F | 36 | 40 | 47 | 55 | 63 | 71 | 74 | 74 | 67 | 56 | 46 | 38 |
| Precip" | 2.59 | 2.68 | 3.31 | 3.30 | 4.44 | 3.35 | 1.82 | 2.05 | 2.87 | 4.41 | 2.71 | 2.87 |
| Snow" | 0.0 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Marlin, TX?
Marlin has a cost index of 32 (100 = national average). It is 68% below the national average.
What is average rent in Marlin, TX?
The median gross rent in Marlin is $739 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Marlin?
The median home value in Marlin is $49,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Marlin?
The median household income in Marlin is $38,000 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Marlin, TX?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Marlin is 8.2%. Texas has no state income tax.
Is Marlin, TX affordable?
Yes, Marlin is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 32 — about 68% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Marlin?
Marlin has average high temperatures of 78.6°F and average lows of 55.6°F. Annual precipitation is 36.4". Average annual snowfall is 0.7". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Marlin at a Glance
- Population
- 5,500
- Median Income
- $38,000
- Home Value
- $49,800
- Median Rent
- $739/mo
- Unemployment
- 13.3%
- Avg High Temp
- 78.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.2%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Texas Rankings
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