Marion County, Oregon

Income Data

+7% vs. Oregon average
$74,624
Median Household Income
$35,452
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$74,624
+7% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$35,452
-10% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
19.5%
income as % of home value
Rank in Oregon
#11 / 36
by median household income

How Marion County Compares

Marion County$74,624
Oregon Average$69,965
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$74,624
Median Household Income
$35,452
Per Capita Income
$383,300
Median Home Value
19.5%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Marion County, Oregon

Marion nearly matches national income standard

Marion County's median household income of $74,624 virtually mirrors the national median of $74,755—a near-perfect alignment within $131. This parity reflects Marion's role as Oregon's most populous county with a diverse economy including agriculture, manufacturing, and Salem government employment. Nationally, Marion ranks solidly in the upper-middle tier of county earnings.

Oregon's highest-earning county

At $74,624, Marion County exceeds Oregon's state median of $69,965 by $4,659, ranking first among the state's 36 counties in median household income. This leadership reflects Salem's government payroll, agricultural prosperity, and industrial manufacturing base providing stable, well-paying employment. Marion's position as the income leader shows concentrated economic strength in the Willamette Valley.

State's clear income champion

Marion's $74,624 surpasses all featured peers: Linn County ($73,396), Lane County ($69,311), Lincoln ($61,314), and rural counties below $61,000. The $1,228 advantage over runner-up Linn, while modest, represents consistent outperformance across all county comparisons. Marion's diverse economy and population size drive earnings leadership.

Strong income supports homeownership access

Marion's rent-to-income ratio of 21.4% indicates housing costs claim a manageable share of median income, though median home value of $383,300 remains substantial. Households earning $74,624 can realistically afford homeownership while maintaining savings, though first-time buyers should plan carefully. The income-to-housing ratio enables wealth building through home equity accumulation.

Prime opportunity for long-term wealth growth

Marion County households earning $74,624 sit in the position to maximize retirement contributions, invest in index funds, and build substantial home equity. Targeting 20% of gross income toward savings (retirement, investments, emergency fund) enables $15,000 annual wealth building. Marion's economic stability provides the foundation for aggressive, diversified wealth-building strategies over decades.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Marion County, Oregon?
The median household income in Marion County, Oregon is $74,624, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Marion County?
The per capita income in Marion County is $35,452, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $74,624.
How does Marion County compare to the Oregon average?
Marion County's median household income of $74,624 is higher than the Oregon state average of $69,965. The per capita income is $35,452, compared to the state average of $37,652.
What is the per capita income in Marion County, Oregon?
The per capita income in Marion County, Oregon is $35,452, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Why is Marion County income higher than the Oregon average?
Marion County's median household income of $74,624 is higher than the Oregon average of $69,965. This difference of $4,659 can be attributed to factors such as local industry mix, proximity to major employment centers, educational attainment levels, and cost of living. Counties with higher incomes often have a greater concentration of professional and technical occupations.
How does Marion County rank for income in Oregon?
Marion County ranks #11 out of 36 counties in Oregon by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $74,624 and per capita income of $35,452, it falls in the top third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Marion County

$
1.00x

Your income is above the Marion County median

County median: $74,624 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

+7%

vs. National Median

0%

vs. Marion County MedianAbout equal
vs. Oregon Average7% above
vs. National MedianAbout equal

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent4.7x

Your monthly income ($6,219) vs. median rent ($1,333/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

Sponsored

Grow Your Wealth

See how your income stacks up in Marion County, Oregon? Start investing smarter with a robo-advisor that builds a diversified portfolio for you.

Start Investing

Counties with Similar Income Levels

Sponsored

Compare Financial Products in Oregon

Compare savings accounts, CDs, and money market rates from top banks to make the most of your earnings.

Compare Rates

Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.