Marion County, South Carolina

Income Data

U.S. Census Bureau ACS

-39% vs. South Carolina average

$34,501

Median Household Income

$22,676

Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income

$34,501

-39% vs. state avg

Per Capita Income

$22,676

-43% vs. national

Income-to-Housing Ratio

39.7%

income as % of home value

Rank in South Carolina

#45 / 46

by median household income

Economic Indicators

Unemployment Rate

N/A

Labor Force Participation

N/A

How Marion County Compares

Marion County$34,501

South Carolina Average$57,006

National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$34,501

Median Household Income

$22,676

Per Capita Income

$86,800

Median Home Value

39.7%

Income-to-Housing Ratio

Income Advisory: Marion County

Income Verdict

Marion County has a median household income of $34,501 and per capita income of $22,676 — a gap of $11,825, suggesting a higher share of single-earner or non-family households.

Housing Affordability

With median gross rent at $663/month and a median household income of $34,501, rent consumes approximately 23.1% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.

Economic Context

A median household income of $34,501 indicates below-average earnings, which may limit discretionary spending and make households sensitive to cost-of-living increases. Per capita income of $22,676 suggests below-average individual earnings, which may reflect local employment mix or industrial composition.

Neighbor Context

Marion County earns approximately 39.5% below the South Carolina state median household income of $57,006.

Data Story

About Household Income in Marion County, South Carolina

Marion lags far behind national income

Marion County's median household income of $34,501 sits 54% below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it among the lowest-earning counties nationwide. This income gap means Marion families earn roughly $40,000 less annually than the typical American household, significantly limiting purchasing power and wealth-building potential.

Second-lowest income county in South Carolina

Marion ranks near the bottom of South Carolina's 46 counties, with a median income $22,505 below the state average of $57,006. Only one other South Carolina county earns less, making Marion among the state's most economically challenged regions.

Marion trails similar rural counties

Neighboring Marlboro County ($36,293) and Orangeburg County ($43,214) both earn more than Marion's $34,501, though all three remain well below state and national averages. These rural counties face similar economic headwinds, but Marion's income deficit is the steepest among its peers.

Housing costs strain thin household budgets

Marion's rent-to-income ratio of 23.1% exceeds the recommended 20% threshold, meaning renters spend nearly a quarter of earnings on housing alone. With median household income at $34,501, even homeownership becomes a challenge—a median home value of $86,800 requires substantial down payments few Marion families can afford.

Start small, build wealth over time

Marion residents earning $34,501 annually can start building financial security through modest, consistent savings—even $50 monthly compounds significantly over decades. Free or low-cost financial literacy programs and employer 401(k) plans offer pathways to wealth accumulation; seek out local credit unions and community development organizations for accessible guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Marion County, South Carolina?

The median household income in Marion County, South Carolina is $34,501, 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 $22,676, 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 $34,501.

How does Marion County compare to the South Carolina average?

Marion County's median household income of $34,501 is lower than the South Carolina state average of $57,006. The per capita income is $22,676, compared to the state average of $32,382.

What is the per capita income in Marion County, South Carolina?

The per capita income in Marion County, South Carolina is $22,676, 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.

Is Marion County a low-income area in South Carolina?

Marion County's median household income of $34,501 is below the South Carolina average of $57,006. The per capita income of $22,676 is also lower than the state average of $32,382. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.

How does Marion County rank for income in South Carolina?

Marion County ranks #45 out of 46 counties in South Carolina by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $34,501 and per capita income of $22,676, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Marion County

Your Household Income

1.00x

Your income is above the Marion County median

County median: $34,501 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

-39%

vs. National Median

-54%

vs. Marion County MedianAbout equal

vs. South Carolina Average▼ 39% below

vs. National Median▼ 54% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent4.3x

Your monthly income ($2,875) vs. median rent ($663/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

Grow Your Wealth

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

Wealthfront Betterment

Start Investing