Cost of Living in Marion, VA

Population 5,694 · Virginia · Data vintage 2023

53
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Household incomes in Marion run well below national norms — a median of $37,357 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $161,000).

Geographically, Marion lies roughly 85 miles northwest of the nearest major metro, Winston-Salem. Median home values run roughly 23% lower than Winston-Salem's $208,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 53
Rent 53

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

About the Cost of Living in Marion

The median home value in Marion is $160,600 — 47% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $696/month, 47% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $37,357/year is 50% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.4%, below the national average of 4.8%. Virginia's top state income tax rate is 5.8% and the combined sales tax is 5.6%. The climate averages highs of 60.9°F and lows of 43.3°F, with about 34.6" of annual snowfall. Overall, Marion has a cost of living index of 53 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 47% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$160,600
47% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$154,983
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$696/mo
47% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
19.2x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
0.8%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$970
1 BR
$989
2 BR
$1,200
3 BR
$1,645
4 BR
$1,885
Owner-occupied 54.8%
Renter-occupied 45.2%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$696
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,310/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
18.0 min
33% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
9.7%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
78.6%
Carpooled
10.6%
Public transit
0.1%
Walked
0.7%
Work from home
9.7%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 5.8%
Total Sales Tax 5.6%
State rate 4.3%
Avg local rate 1.3%
Property Tax 0.8%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$37,357
50% below avg
Per Capita Income
$30,405
Unemployment Rate
4.4%
9% below avg
Poverty Rate
19.0%
Labor Force Participation
52.4%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 14.4%
Graduate degree 8.1%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 44.2
Male median age 44.8
Female median age 43.4

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
60.9°F
Avg Low
43.3°F
Annual Precip
41.2"
Annual Snowfall
34.6"
20° 35° 50° 65° 80° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 404351637076797873635243
Low °F 242733435158626155453528
Precip" 3.032.903.843.644.614.144.363.143.242.782.553.01
Snow" 9.98.86.50.90.00.00.00.00.00.51.46.6

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

91%
4-Year Graduation Rate
13.8:1
Student-teacher ratio
14
Public schools
4,268
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Marion, VA?

Marion has a cost index of 53 (100 = national average). It is 47% below the national average.

What is average rent in Marion, VA?

The median gross rent in Marion is $696 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Marion?

The median home value in Marion is $160,600 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Marion?

The median household income in Marion is $37,357 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Marion, VA?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Marion is 5.6%. The Virginia state income tax top rate is 5.8%.

Is Marion, VA affordable?

Yes, Marion is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 53 — about 47% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Marion?

Marion has average high temperatures of 60.9°F and average lows of 43.3°F. Annual precipitation is 41.2". Average annual snowfall is 34.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Marion at a Glance

Population
5,694
Median Income
$37,357
Home Value
$160,600
Median Rent
$696/mo
Unemployment
4.4%
Avg High Temp
60.9°F
Sales Tax
5.6%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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