RentData

Average Rent in Marion County, OH Rents rising 1.7% YoY

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 65,145

Data review: HUD FY2025Sources: HUD, Zillow, Census, BLSMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Marion County, OH has rental prices ranging from $736/month to $1,289/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $741/month — 47% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $57,306/year, spending $741/month on a 1-bedroom represents 16% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Marion County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $972/month, Marion County ranks #15 most expensive of the 68 cities tracked in Ohio — pricier than 59% of all US cities in our data.

The Marion County Rental Market

The Marion County, OH area has a population of about 65,145 and 32% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Marion County, OH have risen by $16/month (1.7%) over the past year, from $956 to $972. Rents have remained relatively stable year over year, indicating a balanced rental market in the area.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Marion County, OH without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $29,640. The local median household income of $57,306 exceeds that threshold by $27,666, making Marion County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Marion County, OH has an unemployment rate of 3.6%, 0.3 percentage points below the national average of 3.9%. Strong employment conditions typically sustain rental demand, as workers relocate to the area and local residents maintain stable housing.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2025
Studio
$736
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$741
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$972
1.7% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,171
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,289
Affordable
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Is Marion County, OH Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Affordability Index(30% income rule)

To rent a 2BR
$38,880/year
Local median income: $57,306
To buy a median home
/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $972/month and 20% down on a home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in OHlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Brown County$726$731$947$1,273
Columbus$1,104$1,194$1,445$1,741
Dayton$780$845$1,077$1,390
Akron$799$880$1,131$1,398
Ottawa County$677$753$988$1,190
Toledo$745$805$1,056$1,371

Rent or Buy in Marion County?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Marion County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$972/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 5 years — worth it if you stay 5+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $972/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Marion County

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Marion County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Marion County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in OH

See how Marion County ranks statewide

⚖️Compare Marion County

Side-by-side rent & cost of living with any city

📋OH Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections