countyscore
47.4
County Score
Cost of Living 93.6Safety 83.3Disaster Risk 67.9

County Report Card

About Macon County, Georgia

Nearing the National Median Score

Macon County holds a composite score of 47.4, placing it just slightly below the national median of 50.0. This indicates a relatively balanced quality of life for a rural setting.

Surpassing the Georgia State Average

Macon County's score of 47.4 is higher than the Georgia average of 46.7. This makes it a competitive option within the state, particularly for those focused on affordability.

Peak Affordability and High Safety

The county excels in cost with a score of 93.6 and safety at 83.3. Median home values are exceptionally accessible at $87,000, while median gross rent is just $624.

Economic and Health Limitations

The income score is a very low 1.6, reflecting a median household income of only $37,177. Health outcomes and school quality also present significant challenges for the local community.

Ideal for Low-Cost Rural Living

Macon County is a perfect match for individuals with fixed incomes or remote jobs who prioritize safety and rock-bottom housing costs. It trades economic opportunity for extreme affordability.

2040608010027.293.683.37.9131.667.921.546.9Tax27.2Cost93.6Safety83.3Health7.9Schools13Income1.6Risk67.9Water21.5Weather46.947.4/100
This county
National avg
3 above average5 below average

Macon County DNA

Foverall

How Macon County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Macon County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (93.6/100) but notably weak in Income (1.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
27.2-24.8
Cost
93.6+45.599999999999994
Safety
83.3+28.299999999999997
Health
7.9-42.1
Schools
13-41
Income
1.6-49.4
Risk
67.9+20.900000000000006
Water
21.5-36.5
Weather
46.9-9.100000000000001
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$87,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$624/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$87,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$24,960/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $37,177/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

16.7

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

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Nearby counties

Schley County
Georgia
57.1
Dooly County
Georgia
54.9
Taylor County
Georgia
56.3
Peach County
Georgia
32
Sumter County
Georgia
32.8
Houston County
Georgia
38.2
Crawford County
Georgia
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Marion County
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53.1

Deep Dives

Macon County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Macon County

via TaxByCounty

Macon County has highest effective rate

Macon County's effective tax rate of 1.162% is the highest among these eight counties and well above Georgia's state average of 0.898%. However, the median tax bill of just $1,011 remains far below the national median of $2,690 because homes here are significantly less expensive, at a median of $87,000.

One of Georgia's steepest tax rates

Macon County ranks in the top tier of Georgia's 159 counties by effective tax rate at 1.162%, though its median tax of $1,011 stays low due to lower property values. The rate-to-value dynamic reveals an aggressive tax collection approach.

Most aggressive taxer in the group

Macon County's 1.162% effective rate towers over all nearby counties—nearly 70% higher than Marion County (0.704%) and 40% above Liberty County (1.053%). On a $87,000 home, Macon County residents pay $1,011, while the same property in Marion County would generate only $614 in taxes.

Pay $1,011 on a median home

With the lowest median home value of $87,000 among these eight counties and the highest effective rate of 1.162%, Macon County residents pay a median of $1,011 in annual property taxes. Adding mortgage-related fees raises this to $1,425; ownership free and clear drops it to $848.

High-tax counties warrant careful review

In counties with steep effective rates, the likelihood of overassessment is significant—roughly 20% nationally. Macon County homeowners should scrutinize their assessment notice and file an appeal if their home's assessed value exceeds comparable recent sales in the area.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Macon County

via CostByCounty

Macon County faces severe income constraints

Macon County's median household income of $37,177 ranks among Georgia's lowest—50% below the national average—creating fundamental affordability challenges. Despite rock-bottom rents of $624 monthly, the 20.1% rent-to-income ratio underscores how deeply incomes constrain housing options county-wide.

Georgia's most economically challenged county

Macon County ranks among Georgia's poorest communities by median income, with $37,177 annual earnings falling drastically below state norms. Housing appears cheap in isolation—$624 rent—but represents a disproportionate share of these already-strained household budgets.

Cheapest housing, lowest incomes

Macon County's $624 rent is the lowest in the region, undercutting Marion County ($717) and Lincoln County ($732) significantly. However, this affordability reflects structural poverty rather than opportunity, with median incomes trailing all neighboring counties by substantial margins.

Rock-bottom costs, minimal margins

Macon County renters spend just $624 monthly on rent—lowest in the survey—yet this consumes 20.1% of a meager $37,177 annual income. Home values of $87,000 with $527 monthly owner costs theoretically favor homeownership, but qualifying for mortgages requires income most residents lack.

Consider relocation for opportunity

Macon County's ultra-low housing costs mask deeper economic challenges and limited job prospects. If you're seeking genuine affordability paired with income opportunity, neighboring counties with higher wages and moderate housing costs—like Lincoln or Marion—may offer better long-term stability and upward mobility.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Macon County

via IncomeByCounty

Macon faces profound income challenges

Macon County's median household income of $37,177 lags the U.S. median of $74,755 by more than $37,500—nearly half the national average. The county ranks among the lowest-income American counties, facing severe economic headwinds.

Georgia's lowest income in this cohort

Macon's $37,177 median household income falls roughly $23,300 below Georgia's state average of $60,488. The county represents one of Georgia's most economically distressed communities in this eight-county comparison.

Dramatically outearned by all peers

Macon ($37,177) trails even the next-lowest county, Marion ($50,484), by over $13,000. Every peer county significantly outearns Macon, underscoring the exceptional economic challenge facing the community.

Housing affordability amid deep poverty

Macon's 20.1% rent-to-income ratio translates to roughly $625 monthly housing costs on a median income of $37,177. While the $87,000 median home value is the lowest in the group, homeownership remains a stretch for most households.

Focus on financial stability first

For Macon households earning $37,177, building an emergency fund takes priority before wealth-building investments. Community resources for financial literacy, job training, and asset-building programs offer pathways toward economic resilience.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Macon County

via CrimeByCounty

Macon County is one of the nation's safest

Macon County holds a remarkable safety score of 99.4, indicating extremely low crime levels. Its total crime rate of 396.7 per 100,000 is far lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Leading the state in public safety

With a safety score of 99.4, Macon County is significantly safer than the Georgia state average of 97.8. The county's crime rate of 396.7 is less than one-third of the Georgia average of 1412.9.

A peaceful pocket in Central Georgia

Macon County is much safer than nearby Marion County, which has a crime rate of 839.2. It offers a much quieter environment than most of its surrounding neighbors.

Crime is rare but mostly property-based

Macon County reports a very low violent crime rate of 115.7 and a property crime rate of 281.0 per 100,000. Even the property crime rate here is lower than what many counties report for violent crime alone.

Preserving safety in Macon County

The exceptionally low crime rates in Macon County make it a model for community safety. Basic home security and reporting suspicious activity help keep these impressive numbers stable.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Macon County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Community-Focused Small School System

Macon County supports a modest education system of three schools serving 1,114 total students. The single school district operates one elementary, one middle, and one high school for the local community.

Navigating Challenges and Opportunities

The graduation rate currently stands at 77.0%, which trails the Georgia state average of 88.1%. The county spends $6,210 per pupil and maintains a composite school score of 45.0, reflecting significant challenges compared to state-wide benchmarks.

Consistent Learning Under One District

All 1,114 students are enrolled in the Macon County School District, which manages the three local campuses. No charter schools exist in the county, making the traditional public system the sole provider of local education.

Town-Centered Schools and Small Classes

Every school in the county is classified as being in a town locale, providing a consistent community feel. These are intimate learning environments with an average of 371 students, ranging from Macon County Elementary's 511 pupils to the middle school's 263.

The Heart of the Local Community

If you are looking for a community where schools are the central town hub, Macon County offers a close-knit environment. Prospective homeowners should consider these small-scale settings when evaluating local educational options.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Macon County

via RiskByCounty

Macon County remains below state average

Macon County scores 32.09 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the very low risk category and below Georgia's state average of 39.49. This score reflects generally moderate hazard exposure with no single dominant threat—the county benefits from geographic distribution of risks. Compared to national averages, Macon enjoys below-average natural disaster vulnerability.

Well-protected by Georgia standards

Macon County's composite score of 32.09 falls comfortably below Georgia's state average of 39.49, positioning it among the state's safer counties. All individual hazard categories remain moderate, with no extreme concentration in any single disaster type. This balanced, below-average profile makes Macon a relatively secure location within Georgia.

Mid-tier safety among regional peers

Macon County's 32.09 score sits between the very low-risk tier (Marion at 6.71, Long at 8.02) and the higher-risk counties like Lumpkin (44.91) and Lowndes (72.65). Among the eight profiled counties, Macon ranks in the safer half while remaining above Georgia's absolute lowest-risk locations. This positioning reflects the county's moderate geographic vulnerability.

Hurricane exposure Macon's primary hazard

Macon County's hurricane risk at 80.27 stands notably elevated compared to its composite score of 32.09, representing the county's most significant single threat. Flood risk at 32.95 and wildfire risk at 43.23 present secondary considerations, while tornado and earthquake risks remain below 35 and 47 respectively. Hurricane preparedness should be Macon's disaster planning priority.

Prioritize hurricane and flood coverage

Macon County's 80.27 hurricane risk warrants comprehensive wind and hail coverage in your homeowners policy as essential protection. With flood risk at 32.95, particularly for lower-lying properties, National Flood Insurance Program coverage provides critical backup to standard policies. Annual policy review ensures your protection keeps pace with Macon's primary seasonal threat—Atlantic hurricane season.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Macon County

via WaterByCounty

Macon County Water Grade Reflects Safety Concerns

Macon County receives a Grade F for drinking water compliance, having recorded 12 health violations over the last five years. Despite the failing grade, the violation rate of 116.6 per 100,000 residents remains lower than the Georgia average of 152.5. This suggests that while violations occur, they are less frequent per person than the state norm.

Local Watersheds Show Moderate Impairment Levels

Of the 29 assessed water bodies in Macon County, 44.8% are listed as impaired in the 2022 ATTAINS report. This is slightly better than the Georgia state average of 48.4%. Fecal coliform, poor fish bioassessments, and pH levels are the most common reasons these waters fail standards.

Strong Monitoring Network Tracks Nutrients and pH

Macon County benefits from 11 monitoring sites that have provided 5,588 measurements over the past five years. Scientists focus heavily on physical characteristics, nutrients, and major inorganic groups. This data provides a comprehensive baseline for assessing the impact of land use on water quality.

Flint River Running at Half Its Normal Flow

The Flint River near Montezuma is currently discharging 1,720 cfs, which is exactly 50% of its long-term mean of 3,415 cfs. This significant drop in flow can alter the river's chemistry and impact habitat for local fish populations. Monitoring the Flint is essential, as it serves as a major regional water source.

Filter for pH and Bacteria During Low Flow

Because of the Grade F compliance and identified pH issues in the watershed, residents may want to test their home's water for acidity and microbial safety. The Flint River's low flow (50% of mean) can exacerbate these issues by reducing the river's ability to dilute runoff. Implementing home filtration is a prudent step given these combined risk factors.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Macon County

via WeatherByCounty

Moderate rainfall in Central Georgia

Macon County receives 48.0 inches of rain annually, sitting slightly below the Georgia state average but near the national median. This location typically experiences the long, humid summers characteristic of the Deep South.

Drier than the Georgia average

The county's 48.0 inches of precipitation is lower than the state average of 51.4 inches. It represents the drier side of Georgia's agricultural heartland.

Warmer winters than the north

With only 0.2 inches of snow, Macon is significantly warmer and drier in winter than northern counties like Lumpkin. Its climate is more similar to its southern neighbor, Marion.

Rare snow and humid days

Winter is brief and mostly dry, with snowfall remaining a rare 0.2-inch event. Although specific summer temperatures are missing from the record, the region is known for intense seasonal heat.

Irrigation for summer heat

Gardeners should plan for 48.0 inches of rain, which is moderate for the state. Supplemental irrigation may be necessary during the peak heat of the Central Georgia summer.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Macon County

via SoilByCounty

Agricultural Soil Identity

Macon County's specific pH and taxonomic data are not currently available in this record. Most agricultural land in this region trends acidic, typically staying near the state average pH of 5.26.

Texture and Drainage

Specific sand and clay percentages are not recorded for the county. Soils in this part of Georgia often strike a balance between drainage and moisture retention, supporting intensive farming.

Fertility and Nutrient Potential

Organic matter and water capacity data are currently missing from the local profile. While the state average for organic matter is 1.83%, local farmland often requires careful management to maintain high productivity.

Water Flow and Building

The dataset does not specify a dominant drainage class or hydrologic group for Macon County. Proper soil testing is essential for both agricultural irrigation planning and residential construction.

Flourishing in Zone 8b

Macon County lies in Hardiness Zone 8b, a prime zone for Georgia's famous peaches and pecans. The long growing season also makes it an excellent place for cotton and peanuts.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Macon County

via LawnByCounty

Macon County Leads in Ease

Macon County is a top performer for Georgia lawns with a difficulty score of 54.1. This is one of the few areas in the state that is actually easier to maintain than the national average of 50.0.

Balanced Moisture for Growth

The county receives 48.0 inches of precipitation per year, which is near the upper limit of the 30-50 inch ideal range. This balance provides ample water for turf in zone 8b without the constant risk of flooding.

Founding Your Lawn on Good Ground

Although specific soil metrics are not currently available, the high lawn score suggests generally favorable conditions. Homeowners should still verify their local pH to ensure it stays near the 6.0-7.0 range for optimal nutrient uptake.

Slightly Better Drought Resilience

Macon County spent 23 weeks in drought over the last year, with about 79.7% of the area in severe drought. This is better than many neighboring counties where 100% of the land is impacted, but smart watering is still required.

Peak Growth in Zone 8b

Bermuda grass thrives in Macon County's climate and is excellent at recovering from drought. Get growing in early spring to take full advantage of the county's superior lawn-friendly conditions.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Macon County's county score?
Macon County, Georgia has a composite county score of 47.4 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Macon County rank among counties in Georgia?
Macon County ranks #74 among all counties in Georgia on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Macon County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Macon County is $1,011, with an effective tax rate of 1.16%. This earns Macon County a tax score of 27.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Macon County?
The median household income in Macon County, Georgia is $37,177 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Macon County earns an income score of 1.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Macon County, Georgia a good place to live?
Macon County scores 47.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #74 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Macon County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Macon County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.