At $1,317/mo, rent takes about 31% of the local median household income, slightly above the 30% benchmark.
Rent by unit size
These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $1,317 market median above, and that is expected: FMR is the 40th percentile of standard-quality units and counts gross rent, so it includes essential utilities such as electricity, water, gas, sewer, and trash. The market median is asking rent, which usually excludes utilities. HUD sets FMR once a year; market rent here updates monthly.
Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents. Read the methodology →
12-month history
Last updated: October 17, 2026
What the numbers show
30% of the median household income ($51,314) is $1,283 a month. That covers HUD's Fair Market Rent for up to a 4-bedroom ($1,260).
From Zillow's monthly rent index (ZORI) for Marion. Income is the Census median household income (5-year estimates). Fair Market Rents are HUD’s, which include utilities.
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Who lives here
Marion, NC is roughly split between renters and owners, has a median income below the national average, 15.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates
How Marion, NC has changed in 5 years
Local incomes tracked alongside that move, going from a median of $41,580 in 2021 to $51,314 more recently. The population has contracted by 1.6% since 2021, moving from about 7,703 residents to roughly 7,579.
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Can you afford rent in Marion on your salary?
At $1,317/mo, how Marion rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).
Marion rent by bedroom count
Median rent for each apartment size in Marion. Click any size for full breakdown.
Tips for renters in Marion
Last updated: October 17, 2026
The median rent in Marion is $1,317/mo as of October 2026. A studio apartment averages $790/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $940/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $840/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,190/mo.
At 31% of local median household income ($51,314/yr), Marion ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rent prices have stayed steady over the past year.
Frequently asked questions
How much income do you need to rent in Marion?
Is rent going up or down in Marion?
How does Marion rent compare to other cities in North Carolina?
At $1,317/mo, rent takes ~31% of Marion's median household income ($51,314/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.
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Estimated from ZIP-level data
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