countyscore
52.6
County Score
Water Quality 86Cost of Living 76.4Soil Quality 71.4

County Report Card

About Macon County, Missouri

Beating the National Livability Benchmark

Macon County scores a 52.6 on the composite index, edging out the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a community that offers a slightly higher standard of living than the average American county.

A Solid Contender in Rural Missouri

Macon County's 52.6 score puts it ahead of the Missouri state average of 50.3. It provides a reliable rural alternative that holds its own against more developed regions in the state.

Pristine Water and Excellent Housing Value

Macon County excels with a Water Score of 86.0 and a Cost Score of 76.4. Residents enjoy affordable living with median home values at $127,000 and a high Risk Score of 63.3, signaling low environmental danger.

Educational Rankings and Income Levels Lag

The county struggles with a School Score of 31.1 and an Income Score of 33.7. A median household income of $58,318 suggests that local wage growth has not kept pace with regional averages.

Ideal for a Quiet, Affordable Lifestyle

Macon County is a great fit for individuals who value clean resources and low property costs. It is especially attractive to retirees or those with stable incomes looking to minimize their cost of living.

2040608010050.876.447.54831.133.763.38651.8Tax50.8Cost76.4Safety47.5Health48Schools31.1Income33.7Risk63.3Water86Weather51.852.6/100
This county
National avg
3 above average2 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 (76.4/100) but notably weak in Schools (31.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
50.8
Cost
76.4+28.400000000000006
Safety
47.5
Health
48
Schools
31.1-22.9
Income
33.7-17.299999999999997
Risk
63.3+16.299999999999997
Water
86+28
Weather
51.8
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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.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$127,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$719/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$127,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$28,760/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $58,318/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

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

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
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Nearby counties

Shelby County
Missouri
60.1
Randolph County
Missouri
49.9
Adair County
Missouri
44.3
Knox County
Missouri
66
Linn County
Missouri
61.9
Chariton County
Missouri
61.3
Monroe County
Missouri
58.6
Sullivan County
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62.4

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 taxes: Upper-middle nationally

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Macon County

via CostByCounty

Macon County affordable for renters nationwide

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Macon County

via IncomeByCounty

Macon County earns below U.S. median

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Macon County

via CrimeByCounty

Macon County is safer than the average

Macon County earns a high safety score of 98.1 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 1,179.7 per 100,000 residents is roughly half the national average of 2,385.5.

Consistently safer than the Missouri average

The county's total crime rate is significantly lower than the Missouri state average of 1,926.2. With a safety score of 98.1, Macon County ranks better than the state average score of 97.0.

Regional leader in residential safety

Macon County outperforms the broader state trends with a crime rate that is nearly 39% lower than Missouri's average. Three local reporting agencies help maintain this trend through consistent community monitoring.

Property crime remains the primary concern

Violent crime is very low at 125.2 per 100,000 residents, well below the national mark of 369.8. However, property crime represents the bulk of local issues at 1,054.5 incidents per 100,000 people.

Practical tips for Macon County residents

Since property crime is the main contributor to local stats, residents should prioritize securing garages and vehicles. Simple deterrents like motion sensors can discourage the opportunistic theft that accounts for most property incidents.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Macon County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse Array of Small Districts

Macon County manages 14 public schools for its 2,072 students, with an even split between elementary and high school buildings. Six different school districts provide education across this rural landscape.

High Investment for Every Student

Macon County spends $6,534 per pupil, exceeding the state average investment of $6,334. While the graduation rate of 87.1% matches the national average, it trails the Missouri state average of 91.3%.

Focus on the Macon County R-I District

Macon County R-I is the largest provider, educating 1,210 students across five schools. The county maintains a traditional public system with zero charter schools currently in operation.

Quiet Rural and Town Classrooms

Ten schools are located in rural areas, while four serve town centers, offering a classic Missouri educational experience. The average school size is a modest 173 students, ranging from small rural schools to Macon Elementary with 486 students.

Education-First Home Buying in Macon

For families prioritizing school funding and small class sizes, Macon County is a strong contender. Browse local listings to find a residence that places your children in these well-funded, intimate rural districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Macon County

via RiskByCounty

Macon County's risk remains quite low

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Macon County

via WaterByCounty

Macon County Leads with Grade A Quality

Macon County maintains a perfect Grade A rating for drinking water, with zero health violations over the last five years. This record is exceptional compared to the state average violation rate of 81.5 per 100,000 people. Residents can have high confidence in the safety of their public water supplies.

Watershed Assessments Currently Unavailable

No local water bodies in Macon County are currently listed in the federal §303(d) assessment database. This indicates that these watersheds haven't been evaluated under the current Clean Water Act reporting cycle. Until assessments are completed, the impairment status of local streams remains unknown.

Diverse Biological and Nutrient Monitoring

Nineteen monitoring sites in the county have produced 2,214 measurements over the past five years. In addition to physical and nutrient tracking, this county uniqueley prioritizes biological, algae, and phytoplankton data. This ecological focus provides a deeper look into the health of the local food web.

Little Chariton River Maintains Stable Flow

The East Fork Little Chariton River near Macon shows healthy stability with a current discharge of 91 cfs. This is 105% of its long-term mean of 87 cfs, indicating very typical conditions for the 112-square-mile drainage area. Consistent flow supports both municipal needs and aquatic ecosystems.

Reliable Flow Supports Clean Resources

Macon County benefits from both perfect drinking water compliance and stable streamflow in the Little Chariton River. This stability makes it an excellent time to participate in local watershed protection efforts while resources are healthy. Maintaining these high standards requires ongoing vigilance as new biological and nutrient data emerges.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Macon County

via WeatherByCounty

Stable National Temperature Average

Macon is very close to the national median with an annual average of 53.9°F. This creates a balanced, though often volatile, Midwestern climate.

Tracking Closely with Missouri Norms

It sits just one degree below the state average temperature of 54.9°F. Its 41.9 inches of rain tracks slightly behind the Missouri average of 43.8 inches.

Regional Variation in Summer Heat

Macon records 36 extreme heat days, which is higher than Linn's 25 but lower than Lincoln's 42. Local snowfall data is limited, though neighbors suggest moderate accumulation.

Warm Summers and Chilly Winters

Summers are warm with 36 days reaching 90°F and a July average of 77.8°F. Winter temperatures dip to a 30.4°F average, creating a sharp seasonal contrast.

Cooling Solutions for Hot Summers

Focus on cooling solutions for the 36 extreme heat days that define the summer season. Residents should also prepare for winter lows that average around 30.4°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Macon County

via SoilByCounty

Healthy Entisols with Balanced pH

Macon County's dominant soil order consists of Entisols with an average pH of 6.28. This is more alkaline than the state average of 6.09 and approaches the national median of 6.5. This pH range is optimal for the availability of phosphorus and other key nutrients.

Flexible Silty Clay Loam Texture

The soil is classified as silty clay loam, featuring 55.8% silt and 23.9% clay. With 20.3% sand, this mix provides better drainage and workability than many other Missouri clay-heavy soils. It offers a great balance between nutrient storage and physical structure.

Consistent Moisture and Organic Wealth

Organic matter levels reach 2.67%, comfortably exceeding the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.201 in/in also beats the state average of 0.183 in/in. These qualities helped Macon County earn a high soil score of 71.4.

Well-Drained Land for Active Use

The county benefits from well-drained soils, a significant advantage for both farming and construction. It falls into Hydrologic Group C, which suggests a somewhat slow infiltration rate when the ground is saturated. Despite this, the well-drained classification makes it easier to manage than neighbor counties.

Ideal Hardiness for Mid-Missouri Gardens

Located in Hardiness Zone 6a, Macon County is well-suited for staples like peppers, tomatoes, and beans. The silty clay loam texture provides the stability needed for fruit trees and larger perennials. It is a fantastic place to establish a productive home garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Macon County

via LawnByCounty

Managing Macon's Moderate Challenge

Macon County scores a 64.3 on the lawn difficulty scale, placing it just above the Missouri state average of 63.7. In Hardiness Zone 6a, homeowners face a moderate challenge that requires more attention to moisture than in northern neighbors.

High Growing Degree Days

The county receives 41.9 inches of annual rain, but 36 extreme heat days can quickly dry out the turf. With 3,921 growing degree days, grass grows quickly, necessitating a frequent mowing schedule to maintain health.

Well-Drained Silty Clay Loam

Silty clay loam soil with a 6.28 pH offers a nutrient-rich environment that is well-drained for most residential lots. The 20.3% sand content helps with natural aeration, though the 23.9% clay still holds moisture effectively.

Combating Year-Round Dryness

Managing water is critical here, as the county endured 32 weeks of drought last year and is currently 100% abnormally dry. Utilizing rain barrels and smart controllers can help maintain the lawn through these persistent dry periods.

Macon's Frost-Free Window

Plant hardy cool-season grasses after the April 8 last frost to give them a long and productive growing season. Aim to finish any major seeding projects before the October 28 first frost to ensure successful dormancy.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Macon County's county score?
Macon County, Missouri has a composite county score of 52.6 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 Missouri?
Macon County ranks #51 among all counties in Missouri 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, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Macon County is $1,049, with an effective tax rate of 0.83%. This earns Macon County a tax score of 50.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Macon County?
The median household income in Macon County, Missouri is $58,318 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Macon County earns an income score of 33.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Macon County, Missouri a good place to live?
Macon County scores 52.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #51 in Missouri. 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

ByCounty Network

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.