Macon County's composite score of 74.8 sits well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the stronger half of American counties. The county delivers measurable livability advantages compared to most of the nation.
2 / 5
Perfectly aligned with Missouri average
At 74.8, Macon County scores exactly at Missouri's state average, making it a textbook example of typical statewide livability. The county neither stands out nor lags among its Missouri peers.
3 / 5
Low costs anchor Macon's appeal
Macon County shines with a cost score of 85.0, offering median homes at $127,000 and monthly rent at just $719. The tax score of 79.0 with an effective rate of 0.826% provides additional financial breathing room for residents.
4 / 5
Income potential limited in county
The income score of 21.5 reflects a median household income of only $58,318, indicating fewer higher-paying employment opportunities. Data gaps remain on safety, health, education, and environmental factors.
5 / 5
Smart choice for cost-focused planners
Macon County appeals to families and workers prioritizing low housing costs and minimal taxes over income growth. It's an excellent fit for those with stable, external income sources seeking maximum affordability.
Macon County's composite score of 74.8 sits well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the stronger half of American counties. The county delivers measurable livability advantages compared to most of the nation.
Perfectly aligned with Missouri average
At 74.8, Macon County scores exactly at Missouri's state average, making it a textbook example of typical statewide livability. The county neither stands out nor lags among its Missouri peers.
Low costs anchor Macon's appeal
Macon County shines with a cost score of 85.0, offering median homes at $127,000 and monthly rent at just $719. The tax score of 79.0 with an effective rate of 0.826% provides additional financial breathing room for residents.
Income potential limited in county
The income score of 21.5 reflects a median household income of only $58,318, indicating fewer higher-paying employment opportunities. Data gaps remain on safety, health, education, and environmental factors.
Smart choice for cost-focused planners
Macon County appeals to families and workers prioritizing low housing costs and minimal taxes over income growth. It's an excellent fit for those with stable, external income sources seeking maximum affordability.
Score breakdown
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🏛79
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Macon County's 0.826% effective rate places it in the 70th percentile nationally, well above the U.S. median of 0.64%. The median tax bill of $1,049 remains below the national median of $2,690 because homes here average just $127,000.
Notably above Missouri average
Macon County ranks 12th among Missouri's 114 counties in effective tax rate, significantly above the state average of 0.733%. Its median tax of $1,049 falls slightly below the state median of $1,199.
Second-highest rate in eight-county region
Only Livingston County (0.899%) exceeds Macon's 0.826% rate in this cluster. Macon outpaces Marion County (0.868%), Lincoln County (0.77%), and all lower-rate peers in the group.
A median home costs $1,049 yearly
A typical Macon County home valued at $127,000 generates $1,049 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, owners pay $1,106; without, they pay $1,000.
Appeals help offset high rates
Macon County's above-average tax rate makes reassessment appeals particularly worthwhile. If your home's assessed value exceeds its market value, filing an appeal costs nothing and could reduce your tax burden significantly.
At 14.8%, Macon County's rent-to-income ratio beats most national markets, signaling good affordability for renters with modest incomes. With median rents of $719 and a median household income of $58,318, the county punches above its weight in housing accessibility.
Below-average costs in Missouri
Macon County's 14.8% rent-to-income ratio sits just below Missouri's state average of 15.6%, making it one of the state's more affordable counties. At $719 monthly rent, it undercuts the state median of $768, benefiting renters on tighter budgets.
Macon rents undercut most peers
Macon County's $719 rent is competitive, landing between Linn County's rock-bottom rates ($612) and the regional middle, while its home values of $127,000 offer entry-level ownership. This positions Macon as an accessible option for first-time buyers and budget-conscious renters alike.
Under 15% of income on rent
Renters in Macon County spend $719 monthly while homeowners average $693, with median home values of $127,000. At 14.8% of income, housing costs remain well-controlled for a county with median household income of just $58,318.
Macon County: affordable rural living
For those seeking small-town charm without breaking the bank, Macon County delivers manageable housing costs and true affordability. If your income is modest, this county's below-state-average rent-to-income ratio makes relocation financially sensible.
With a median household income of $58,318, Macon County residents earn $16,437 less than the national median of $74,755. The county ranks in the lower third nationally, around the 35th percentile.
Just shy of the Missouri average
Macon County's $58,318 median household income sits $1,185 below the state average of $59,503. The county represents typical lower-income Missouri households.
Among the lower earners locally
Macon County's $58,318 median income trails nearby Livingston County ($60,148) and Linn County ($61,975). The county faces steeper economic headwinds compared to its stronger neighbors.
Housing costs create real strain
Macon County's 14.8% rent-to-income ratio approaches affordability limits for lower-wage workers. With a median home value of $127,000, homeownership requires careful financial planning and down-payment assistance.
Seek resources for financial stability
Macon County residents should prioritize building emergency savings and investigating local financial assistance programs. Community development organizations often offer free financial counseling and credit-building workshops.
At 75.9 years, Macon County residents live 0.5 years shorter than the U.S. average of 76.4 years—a difference that's negligible statistically. With 18.8% reporting poor or fair health, the county aligns closely with national norms, indicating typical disease burden and prevention outcomes. Macon County's health profile is solidly mainstream, neither leading nor lagging nationally.
One year above Missouri's state average
Macon County's 75.9-year life expectancy ranks 1.6 years above Missouri's state average of 74.3 years, placing it in the upper tier statewide. The 18.8% poor/fair health rate slightly exceeds the state mean, yet the strong life expectancy suggests effective management of serious conditions. Macon County represents a county making solid progress on health equity despite moderate income levels.
Strong performer in a mixed regional picture
Macon County's 75.9-year life expectancy edges out Linn County (75.0 years) and matches Lincoln County's regional leadership. At 18.8% poor/fair health, Macon County ranks in the middle of the cluster—better than McDonald County (25.4%) and Linn County (22.1%), but behind Lincoln County (17.3%). The county's balanced provider supply (40 primary care, 59 mental health per 100K) supports moderate but functional access.
Good coverage, moderate provider capacity
Macon County's 11.4% uninsured rate sits below the state average of 12.5%, indicating strong insurance penetration through employer and public programs. With 40 primary care providers per 100K, the county falls short of national standards (60 per 100K) but exceeds many rural peers. Mental health services (59 per 100K) are reasonably accessible, supporting integrated behavioral care across the population.
Keep coverage to sustain progress
About 1 in 9 Macon County residents remain uninsured, missing out on preventive services that sustain the county's solid health outcomes. Open enrollment windows occur annually; visit Healthcare.gov to compare plans and subsidies based on your household income. Strong primary care networks are only effective when people can afford to access them.
With a composite risk score of 36.77, Macon County ranks in the very low category, performing better than the national average for disaster risk. This moderate profile reflects manageable exposure to most natural hazards across the county.
Below-average risk within Missouri
Macon County's score of 36.77 sits well below Missouri's state average of 50.56, placing it in the safer half of Missouri's 115 counties. The county benefits from relatively low exposure to seismic and wildfire activity.
Safer than Lincoln County, riskier than Livingston
Macon County at 36.77 exceeds the safety of Livingston County (23.03) but remains substantially safer than Lincoln County (67.08) to the northeast. It ranks as a moderate-risk area within its regional cluster.
Tornadoes and floods top the list
Tornado risk at 66.03 and flood risk at 47.68 are Macon County's primary hazards, though both remain below state averages. Earthquake exposure at 54.45 is moderate, while wildfire and hurricane risks are relatively minimal.
Standard coverage plus flood insurance
Macon County residents should maintain comprehensive homeowners insurance and seriously consider flood coverage given the 47.68 flood risk score. Establish a tornado safety plan and ensure your home can withstand severe winds, particularly in spring months.