countyscore
34.6
County Score
Soil Quality 75.8Lawn Care 71.7Health 62.2

County Report Card

About Macon County, Illinois

A Challenging National Profile

Macon County’s composite score of 34.6 is significantly below the national median of 50.0. High safety risks and environmental concerns drive this lower national ranking.

Trailing the State Average

Macon County ranks well below the Illinois state average of 52.8. While affordability is a high point, other dimensions like safety and school performance lag behind state peers.

Low-Cost Housing Leader

Cost of living is the county's strongest suit with a score of 54.5. Median home values are just $121,800, making it one of the more accessible markets in the state.

Safety and Risk Obstacles

Safety is a primary concern with a score of 13.8. The county also faces significant environmental risks, resulting in a risk score of only 16.7.

Targeted Toward Bargain Hunters

This county is best for individuals prioritizing very low housing costs and healthcare access over safety and school rankings. It offers an entry-level price point for homeownership.

Score breakdown

Tax2.4Cost54.5Safety13.8Health62.2Schools35.6Income46.4Risk16.7Water42.8Weather54.5
🏛2.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠54.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼46.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡13.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤62.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓35.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡16.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧42.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤54.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨75.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱71.7
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Macon County?

Many homeowners in Macon County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Macon County with Miller County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Miller County
Arkansas
Median income: $49,983
34.6
Hardee County
Florida
Median income: $54,231
34.6
Pemiscot County
Missouri
Median income: $40,748
34.6
Osage County
Oklahoma
Median income: $60,482
34.6
Jasper County
South Carolina
Median income: $63,503
34.6
Jefferson County
Alabama
Median income: $64,589
34.7
Fairbanks North Star Borough
Alaska
Median income: $84,722
34.5
Leon County
Florida
Median income: $65,074
34.5

Nearby counties

Piatt County
Illinois
54.9
Moultrie County
Illinois
58.4
De Witt County
Illinois
47.8
Christian County
Illinois
55.3
Logan County
Illinois
51.6
Shelby County
Illinois
60.9
Sangamon County
Illinois
33.4
Douglas County
Illinois
55.6

Deep Dives

Macon County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Macon County

via TaxByCounty

Macon County taxes moderately above median

Macon County's effective tax rate of 2.102% exceeds the national median of 2.690%, ranking it in the higher-tax tier nationally. The median tax bill of $2,560 falls short of the national median of $2,690, reflecting lower-than-average home values.

Above Illinois state average

Macon County's effective rate of 2.102% surpasses Illinois's state average of 1.831% by about 15%. Its median tax of $2,560 slightly underperforms the state average of $2,782.

Macon County moderately taxed

Macon County's 2.102% rate places it among the mid-to-upper range for the region, below LaSalle (2.154%) and Livingston (2.180%) but above Lawrence (1.210%) and Logan (1.839%). Regional variation is substantial.

Median home costs $2,560 yearly

On Macon County's median home value of $121,800, homeowners pay approximately $2,560 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, that rises to $2,728.

Challenge assessments if warranted

Macon County homeowners should compare their assessed values to comparable recent sales. If your assessment appears inflated, filing an appeal could yield meaningful tax savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Macon County

via CostByCounty

Macon County moderately affordable nationally

Macon County's 15.3% rent-to-income ratio sits near national affordability averages, though median household income of $62,449 trails the national median by 16%. Residents manage housing costs reasonably well relative to their earnings, despite regional wage constraints.

Mid-range affordability across Illinois

Macon County's 15.3% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Illinois's 14.7% state average by a narrow margin, reflecting modest housing costs relative to local incomes. At $797 monthly, Macon rents rank among the lowest statewide.

Lowest rents, mixed income story

Macon County's $797 monthly rent is the lowest among the eight counties analyzed, yet median incomes of $62,449 are also near the bottom, limiting the affordability advantage. Home values at $121,800 offer solid value for buyers seeking rural living at minimal cost.

Homeownership notably more affordable

Renters dedicate 15.3% of a $62,449 median income to $797 monthly rent, while homeowners spend just $865 (16.6% of income) on mortgages. The modest gap between renter and owner costs makes Macon an unusual market where both housing tenures remain genuinely affordable.

Ultra-low costs for patient homebuyers

Macon County attracts relocators seeking minimal housing costs combined with affordable homeownership, though lower incomes may limit job market opportunities. Weigh Macon's ultra-low rents against stronger earning potential in neighboring Livingston or Lee counties.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Macon County

via IncomeByCounty

Macon County income lags nationally

Macon County's median household income of $62,449 falls 16% short of the national median of $74,755, placing it in the lower-income band. The county's per capita income of $35,850 runs 4% below the national average, indicating modest household resources.

Ranks among Illinois' lower counties

Macon County's $62,449 median household income sits 9% below the Illinois state average of $68,580, placing it among the state's more economically challenged counties. Its per capita income of $35,850 matches closely with the state average of $36,009, masking wider household-level income gaps.

Lower-income area in regional context

Macon County's $62,449 ranks below six of the eight-county group, exceeding only Lawrence County ($53,438) and trailing Lee County by $5,990. The county reflects persistent economic challenges requiring community-wide development initiatives.

Rent burden creeping upward

At 15.3% of income spent on rent, Macon County residents face higher housing burdens than several peer counties, leaving less for savings. A median home value of $121,800 offers relative affordability, but limited incomes constrain homebuying power and emergency financial reserves.

Prioritize foundational financial health

Macon County residents earning $62,449 should prioritize building financial resilience before investing aggressively. Start by creating a written budget, establishing a $500 emergency fund, then gradually increase savings as capacity grows—even $25 monthly in a savings account builds momentum over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Macon County

via CrimeByCounty

Macon County faces higher crime challenges

Macon County reports a total crime rate of 2,472.4 per 100,000 residents, which sits slightly above the national average of 2,385.5. This leads to a safety score of 96.1, indicating there is more frequent criminal activity than in surrounding rural areas.

Below the Illinois safety average

The county's safety score of 96.1 is lower than the Illinois state average of 98.7. Its total crime rate of 2,472.4 is nearly triple the state average of 835.0, highlighting the urban challenges faced by local law enforcement.

Higher incident rates than nearby counties

Macon County sees significantly more crime than its neighbors like Logan County, which stays below 600 incidents per 100,000. Ten reporting agencies work to manage the higher volume of cases in this central Illinois hub.

Property and violent crime overview

Property crime is the primary concern at 1,969.2 incidents per 100,000 residents, while the violent crime rate of 503.2 exceeds the national average of 369.8. These numbers suggest that roughly 1 in 40 residents may experience a crime annually.

Prioritize your home security

Given the higher crime rates, Macon County residents should invest in comprehensive security systems and smart surveillance. Active participation in community policing and keeping properties well-lit can significantly deter local criminal activity.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Macon County

via HealthByCounty

Macon lags behind national life expectancy

At 74.6 years, Macon County's life expectancy ranks among the lowest nationally, trailing the U.S. average of 76.4 years by 1.8 years. With 18.6% poor/fair health, residents face health challenges that demand attention despite the presence of Decatur as a regional medical hub.

Below-average health outcomes in state

Macon County's 74.6-year life expectancy is 1.4 years below Illinois's state average of 76.0, placing it among the state's lower performers. This gap suggests the county's health outcomes lag despite urban amenities in Decatur.

Decent providers in county seat

Macon County has 89 primary care providers and 186 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—respectable numbers boosted by Decatur's medical infrastructure. However, rural portions of the county still struggle with provider shortages, creating two-tier access.

Low uninsurance, uneven provider reach

At 5.4%, Macon County ties for the lowest uninsured rate, yet 89 primary care providers per 100K suggests access gaps outside Decatur's urban core. Rural residents may face longer travel times despite the county's aggregate provider numbers.

Verify your coverage works locally

With strong insurance enrollment but uneven provider distribution, verify your plan covers both Decatur-based specialists and rural clinics near you. Visit healthcare.gov to confirm network coverage in your specific area of Macon County.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Macon County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse Urban and Rural School Options

Macon County hosts a large student body of 14,825 across 41 public schools, including 19 elementary and 10 high schools. Nine districts manage this varied landscape, which serves both city centers and outlying rural areas.

Facing Challenges with Efficiency

The county operates on a lean budget of $7,275 per pupil, which is lower than the state average of $9,250. Despite this, it maintains an 85.2% graduation rate and a school score of 51.6, reflecting the complexities of serving a diverse population.

Decatur SD 61 Drives County Education

Decatur SD 61 is the largest district by far, educating 7,974 students across 17 schools. The county also features one charter school, offering a small but distinct alternative for 2.4% of the local school landscape.

A Blend of City Spirit and Rural Quiet

Over half of the schools are located in city settings, but 13 rural and 6 suburban schools provide plenty of variety. MacArthur High School is the largest campus with 1,105 students, while the average school size across the county is 436.

Diverse Neighborhoods Near Dedicated Schools

Macon County offers everything from urban magnet schools to quiet rural districts. Families moving here can choose from a wide range of educational styles to find the perfect fit for their children’s needs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Macon County

via RiskByCounty

Macon County faces moderate-high risk

With a composite risk score of 83.3 and a relatively moderate rating, Macon County ranks above the national average across multiple hazard categories. Tornado, flood, and earthquake risks all contribute significantly to this elevated score.

Among Illinois' higher-risk counties

Macon County's score of 83.3 substantially exceeds Illinois' state average of 54.5, ranking it in the upper tier of county risk statewide. This county faces considerably above-average disaster exposure compared to most of Illinois.

Riskier than most area counties

Macon County's score of 83.3 exceeds neighboring Logan County (58.1) and Macoupin County (79.9). Its tornado risk of 86.1 and earthquake risk of 89.9 position it as one of the region's more hazard-prone areas.

Tornadoes, earthquakes, and floods combine

Macon County residents face a tornado risk of 86.1, an earthquake risk of 89.9, and a flood risk of 83.3—an unusually potent combination of major hazards. Each of these three threats individually warrants serious preparedness planning.

Secure multi-hazard coverage today

Macon County homeowners must obtain flood insurance separately, as standard policies don't cover flood damage, and should evaluate earthquake insurance given the county's 89.9 earthquake risk. Verify that wind and hail coverage is robust enough to handle tornado damage, making comprehensive protection your priority.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Macon County

via WeatherByCounty

Standard Midwestern Climate Trends

Macon County averages 53.0°F annually, aligning almost perfectly with the national median temperature. Its 38.4 inches of precipitation reflect a stable, humid continental environment.

Aligning with the State Baseline

Macon County is a perfect representative of state weather, as its 53.0°F average is nearly identical to the Illinois state average of 52.8°F. It avoids the climate extremes found at the state's northern and southern borders.

Milder Winters than Northern Peers

Macon County sees only 13.6 inches of snow annually, which is significantly less than the 20-30 inches common in northern Illinois. It is slightly drier than neighbors like Lawrence, with roughly six fewer inches of annual rainfall.

Steamy July and Light Snowfall

July brings an average temperature of 75.7°F and 27 days over 90°F, creating a humid summer peak. However, winters are relatively dry in terms of frozen precipitation, with only 13.6 inches of snow.

Focus on Summer Heat Mitigation

Energy costs here peak in the summer given the 27 extreme heat days and warm July average. While snow gear is necessary, the relatively low 13.6-inch total suggests winter maintenance is less intensive than in northern counties.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Macon County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline-Leaning Central Soils

Macon County has a pH of 6.60, the highest in this region and slightly more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. This chemistry contributes to a solid soil score of 75.8, beating the state average.

Fine-Textured Silt and Clay

The soil is comprised of 64.1% silt and 24.7% clay, with very little sand at 11.2%. This creates a fine-textured environment that is highly efficient at trapping nutrients but can be prone to surface crusting.

Strong Organic Foundation

Macon County's organic matter is 3.17%, which sits comfortably above the state average of 2.94%. The available water capacity is 0.198 in/in, providing a stable supply of moisture for diverse plant life.

Naturally Retentive Hydrology

While specific drainage data is limited, the high silt and clay levels point to soil that holds onto water tightly. This retention is a major asset during the hot Illinois summers, keeping plant roots hydrated longer.

Plentiful Planting in Zone 6a

Macon County sits in Zone 6a, a versatile hardiness zone that supports everything from sunflowers to tomatoes. The neutral-to-alkaline pH is particularly beneficial for many common garden vegetables and lawn grasses.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Macon County

via LawnByCounty

A Stable Environment for Macon Lawns

Macon County provides a favorable environment for lawns with a difficulty score of 71.7, exceeding the state average of 69.8. In this Zone 6a county, growing a standard lawn is much simpler than in many other parts of the country.

Warm Summers and Robust Rain

Residents deal with 27 extreme heat days, which exactly matches the Illinois state average. The 38.4 inches of annual precipitation and 3,655 growing degree days mean your grass will grow vigorously throughout the summer months.

Strong Foundation in Silt and Clay

Soil quality is high with a pH of 6.60 and 24.7% clay, providing a stable foundation for turf roots. The low sand content of 11.2% suggests the ground holds water and nutrients efficiently compared to more porous soils.

Adapting to Extreme Drought Stress

Water scarcity is a major concern right now, with 100% of the county in severe drought after 31 weeks of dry spells. Use a rain gauge to ensure your lawn gets about one inch of water per week during these critical times.

Maximize the Zone 6a Growing Season

Kentucky Bluegrass or heat-tolerant fescues are your best bets for a reliable lawn in this climate. Start your seeding after the April 16 frost to take advantage of the long growing season that lasts until October 24.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Macon County's county score?
Macon County, Illinois has a composite county score of 34.6 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 Illinois?
Macon County ranks #98 among all counties in Illinois 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, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Macon County is $2,560, with an effective tax rate of 2.10%. This earns Macon County a tax score of 2.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Macon County?
The median household income in Macon County, Illinois is $62,449 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Macon County earns an income score of 46.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Macon County, Illinois a good place to live?
Macon County scores 34.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #98 in Illinois. 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.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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