RentData

Average Rent in Marion County, MO↑ Rents rising 11.3% YoY🔺 10th priciest in MO

HUD FY2027 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 28,493

Data review: HUD FY2027Sources: HUD, Zillow, Census, BLSMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Marion County, MO has rental prices ranging from $781/month to $1,393/month in 2027, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $810/month — 42% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $63,908/year, spending $810/month on a 1-bedroom represents 15% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Marion County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,060/month, Marion County ranks #10 most expensive of the 94 cities tracked in Missouri — pricier than 58% of all US cities in our data.

The Marion County Rental Market

The Marion County, MO area has a population of about 28,493 and 30% 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, MO have risen by $108/month (11.3%) over the past year, from $952 to $1,060. This rate of increase is significant and reflects strong rental demand and limited housing supply in the local market.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Marion County, MO without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $32,400. The local median household income of $63,908 exceeds that threshold by $31,508, making Marion County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Marion County, MO has an unemployment rate of 4.1%, 0.2 percentage points above the national average of 3.9%. A higher unemployment rate can moderate rental demand over time, which may help keep rent growth in check compared to tighter job markets.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2027
Studio
$781
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$810
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,060
↑11.3% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,376
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,393
Affordable
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Is Marion County, MO 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
$42,400/year
Local median income: $63,908
To buy a median home
—/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,060/month and 20% down on a — home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in MOlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Springfield$908$913$1,113$1,539—
Cooper County$695$735$962$1,278—
Howard County$689$757$990$1,180—
Columbia$749$959$1,076$1,459—
Joplin$904$910$1,153$1,501—
Jefferson City$731$735$962$1,332—

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
$1,060/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 3 years — worth it if you stay 3+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $1,060/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 MO

See how Marion County ranks statewide

⚖️Compare Marion County

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

📋MO Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections