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Macon County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#15 in North Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
56
County Score
Property Tax 92.2Weather & Climate 75.5Cost of Living 67.7

County Report Card

About Macon County, North Carolina

Well Above the National Median

Macon County scores a 56.0, comfortably beating the national median of 50.0. This high score indicates that the county provides a better-than-average quality of life compared to the rest of the country.

A Leader in North Carolina Livability

Macon County's score of 56.0 is significantly higher than the North Carolina state average of 44.7. It stands out as one of the premier counties in the state for those seeking a high-value lifestyle.

Low Taxes and Quality Schools

The county features an elite tax score of 92.2 due to a low effective rate of 0.427%. It also offers quality education with a school score of 64.0 and affordable housing highlighted by a cost score of 67.7.

Income and Infrastructure Limits

Economic growth is a hurdle with an income score of 21.3 and a median household income of $53,298. Utility and risk scores are also lower, both sitting at 26.2 for water quality and environmental hazards.

A Top Choice for Retirees

Macon County is ideally suited for retirees and those with independent wealth who prioritize low taxes and good schools. It offers a high quality of life for those not reliant on the local job market.

Score breakdown

Tax92.2Cost67.7Safety37.9Health41.8Schools64Income21.3Risk26.2Water26.2Weather75.5
🏛92.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠67.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼21.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡37.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤41.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓64
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡26.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧26.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤75.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨38.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱51.1
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 →
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Nearby counties

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55.5
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Swain County
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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 ranks among the nation's lowest

At 0.427%, Macon County's effective tax rate places it in the bottom 10% nationally—exceptionally low by U.S. standards. Homeowners pay just $979 in median annual taxes, 64% below the national median of $2,690, making Macon one of America's most tax-friendly counties.

Macon is North Carolina's second-lowest taxing

Macon County's 0.427% effective rate ranks second-lowest in North Carolina, trailing only Jackson County (0.369%), and sits 39% below the state average of 0.701%. Annual median taxes of $979 fall 32% below the state median of $1,433.

Macon provides exceptional regional relief

Macon's 0.427% rate significantly undercuts neighboring Jackson (0.369%) and far outpaces Lee County (0.798%) in tax friendliness. At $979 annually, Macon homeowners pay roughly half what similar properties cost in Lee, offering dramatic savings across the mountain region.

Macon homeowners enjoy minimal tax burden

The median Macon County home valued at $229,000 carries an annual property tax of just $979. Even with mortgage-related assessments, bills rarely exceed $1,049, positioning Macon among the nation's most affordable counties for property taxation.

Macon residents should still check valuations

Despite Macon's extraordinarily low tax rates, homeowners should verify their assessed values against market comparables. Filing an appeal if your assessment appears inflated could trim an already-modest bill even further.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Macon County

via CostByCounty

Macon's affordability slightly beats the nation

Macon renters spend 17.8% of income on housing, modestly below the national median of 18.6%, thanks to rents of just $791 monthly. With a median household income of $53,298 well below the national average of $74,755, residents manage decent affordability despite income constraints.

Macon ranks above average for North Carolina

Macon's 17.8% rent-to-income ratio beats the state average of 18.6%, placing it solidly in North Carolina's more affordable half despite below-average incomes. Low rents of $791 are the primary driver of this relative advantage.

Macon delivers solid affordability regionally

Macon's 17.8% rent-to-income ratio outperforms Jackson County (19.2%) and Lee County (18.3%), while slightly trailing Jones County (15.6%) and Lincoln County (14.9%). Its $791 rent makes it one of the region's cheaper options.

Low income balanced by low rents

Macon renters pay $791 monthly while homeowners pay $693, figures well below state averages on a median income of $53,298. These modest costs mean housing claims roughly 18% of typical budgets—manageable even for residents with limited incomes.

Macon appeals to budget-conscious relocators

If you're seeking affordable mountain living with low housing costs, Macon delivers: $791 rents and $229,000 median home values offer genuine value on modest incomes. The tradeoff is limited high-wage job availability, so this works best for remote workers or retirees seeking affordability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Macon County

via IncomeByCounty

Macon County incomes lag national average

Macon County's median household income of $53,298 falls $21,457 short of the national median of $74,755, placing it in the lower 30% nationally. This 29% gap reflects limited employment diversity and rural economic constraints.

Below-average earnings in North Carolina

Macon County's $53,298 median income sits 13% below North Carolina's state average of $61,072, indicating above-average economic vulnerability. Per capita income of $35,682 slightly exceeds the state average of $33,920, a rare bright spot suggesting moderate individual earning power.

Macon County ranks among lower earners

Macon County's $53,298 median income nearly matches Jackson County ($53,479) and falls well behind Johnston County ($79,838) and Iredell County ($78,678). The $25,000+ gap to top earners reflects Macon's reliance on agriculture, tourism, and limited manufacturing.

Moderate housing affordability in Macon

Macon County's 17.8% rent-to-income ratio remains manageable, but median home values of $229,000 represent a substantial commitment relative to lower household incomes. Residents should carefully assess mortgage feasibility before committing to home purchases.

Strategic saving builds Macon County futures

Macon County residents benefit from employer-sponsored retirement plans and regular savings discipline to build wealth despite below-average incomes. Low-cost investment options and long-term time horizons can meaningfully compound modest monthly contributions.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Macon County

via CrimeByCounty

Macon County's Exceptional National Safety Standing

Macon County earns an excellent safety score of 97.7, highlighting its status as a secure community. Its total crime rate of 1,426.3 per 100,000 is approximately 40% lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

A Top Choice for Mountain Safety

Macon's safety score beats the state average of 96.8, and its total crime rate is significantly lower than the state's 2,050.0. This makes it one of the more secure counties in western North Carolina.

Leading the Way in Mountain Security

With a violent crime rate of just 118.6, Macon is nearly three times safer than the average North Carolina county in terms of violence. It maintains a much quieter profile than many higher-traffic mountain destinations.

Very Rare Violent Crime Incidents

Property crime is the most common issue at 1,307.7 per 100,000, though this is still 35% lower than the national average. Violent crime is exceptionally rare, with only 118.6 incidents per 100,000 residents.

Simple Deterrents for Macon Homes

Homeowners in Macon can sustain these impressive safety levels with basic deterrents. Modern security cameras and well-lit entryways are effective ways to protect your property and discourage local theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Macon County

via HealthByCounty

Solid lifespan, high uninsured rates

Macon County residents live to an average of 75.4 years, about 0.8 years above the U.S. average of 74.6 years. However, 17.4% report poor or fair health, and a striking 16.2% lack health insurance—one of the highest uninsured rates in the region.

Above-average life, above-average uninsured

At 75.4 years, Macon's life expectancy exceeds North Carolina's 74.4-year average by one year. Yet the county's 16.2% uninsured rate significantly outpaces the state average of 12.5%, suggesting coverage gaps despite decent life expectancy.

Middle-range outcomes, high uninsured

Macon's 75.4-year life expectancy falls between Iredell (76.5) and Jackson (76.3), but its 16.2% uninsured rate exceeds all nearby counties. This gap signals that Macon residents live reasonably long lives but struggle to access preventive care.

Critical coverage gap despite strong providers

Macon faces a paradox: 16.2% uninsured—the highest in its peer group—while offering 56 primary care providers and 224 mental health providers per 100,000. This suggests that even where providers exist, residents lack the insurance to pay for their services.

Close the coverage gap today

With 1 in 6 Macon residents uninsured, coverage is urgent and available. Explore marketplace plans at Healthcare.gov, ask about Medicaid eligibility, and use community health centers that offer sliding-scale fees based on income.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Macon County

via SchoolsByCounty

A dedicated mountain school system

Macon County operates 12 public schools that serve 4,450 students under a single unified district. The system is diverse, featuring four elementary, two middle, three high schools, and three alternative or specialized centers. This centralized structure ensures a cohesive educational experience for all mountain residents.

Exceptional results and higher spending

Macon County boasts a 95% graduation rate, far surpassing the state average of 88% and the national average of 87%. This achievement is supported by a $7,090 per-pupil expenditure, which is above the state average. The resulting school score of 56.4 places it among the higher-performing counties in the state.

One district, one community vision

Macon County Schools is the sole educational district, educating the entire student population of 4,450. There are no charter schools currently operating in the county, focusing all local resources on the public district. This unity allows for streamlined programming and community-wide support for all twelve campuses.

Small rural schools with large impacts

Nine of the county's 12 schools are in rural settings, with an average school size of 371 students. Franklin High is the largest campus at 1,005 students, while smaller elementary schools like Comfort offer a highly intimate learning environment. This rural focus provides a quiet, dedicated atmosphere for student learning.

Mountain living with elite graduation rates

Macon County’s 95% graduation rate makes it one of the most attractive mountain counties for families. The high investment in students pays off in classroom success and long-term property stability. Look for homes in Franklin or the surrounding rural valleys to benefit from this excellent school district.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Macon County

via RiskByCounty

Macon County's risk moderately exceeds U.S. levels

Macon County scores 73.79 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the Relatively Low category but above the national average. The score reflects balanced multi-hazard exposure, with wildfire emerging as an above-average threat for this Appalachian county.

Macon ranks above the North Carolina average

At 73.79, Macon County's composite score exceeds the state average of 66.72, positioning it in the upper-middle tier of North Carolina counties for natural disaster risk. The county's profile reflects its mountainous western geography and associated hazards.

Macon faces higher wildfire risk than Jackson County

Macon (73.79) and Jackson County (80.47) are neighboring western counties with similar overall risk, but Macon's wildfire score of 58.52 substantially exceeds Jackson's 46.34. Both counties share comparable flood and earthquake exposure typical of the Blue Ridge region.

Wildfires and floods are Macon's chief hazards

Wildfire risk reaches 58.52 in Macon—above the state average and the highest score among these eight counties—while flood risk stands at 70.80. Tornado risk remains moderate at 60.91, and earthquake and hurricane risks are below 70, offering some regional relief.

Prepare for wildfire and flood threats now

Macon residents should maintain homeowners insurance that covers both flood damage and ensure their homes meet wildfire-resistant building standards. Create a defensible space around your property by clearing dead vegetation, secure your gutters, and keep an evacuation kit ready during fire season.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Macon County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler Temperatures and Heavy Rainfall

Macon County's 54.5°F annual average is very close to the national median, setting it apart from its warmer neighbors. Its high elevation creates a temperate rainforest effect with massive precipitation.

One of the State's Coolest Spots

Macon is significantly cooler than the North Carolina average of 59.3°F. It also receives 72.0 inches of rain annually, far exceeding the state average of 51.5 inches.

The Wettest in the West

Macon averages nearly 30 inches more rain per year than Madison County to its north. While Madison sees more snow, Macon's 72 inches of precipitation makes it one of the wettest environments in the state.

Mild Summers and Cold Winters

Extreme heat is rare here, with only 6 days reaching 90°F annually. Winters are chilly with a January average of 36.3°F and 5.1 inches of annual snowfall.

Prioritize Rain Gear and Insulation

With 72 inches of annual rain, heavy-duty waterproof apparel and high-quality roofing are essential. Residents enjoy lower cooling bills thanks to a modest 71.7°F July average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Macon County

via SoilByCounty

Rich, Acidic Mountain Earth

Macon County has an acidic soil pH of 4.94, which is lower than the state average of 5.14. This profile reflects the unique environmental pressures and mineral leaching typical of the Appalachian Highlands.

Balanced Sandy-Silt Composition

The soil composition is an even 50.0% sand, with silt at 25.2% and clay at 13.8%. This balanced mix offers excellent physical properties for both drainage and healthy plant root development.

Elite Levels of Organic Matter

Organic matter is a standout feature at 11.59%, more than double the state average of 5.12%. The available water capacity of 0.135 in/in is also slightly above the state norm, indicating excellent moisture retention.

Excellent Spongelike Water Management

Specific drainage class records are currently missing from the dataset. However, the 11.59% organic content suggests the soil manages water very effectively, acting like a sponge for heavy mountain rainfall.

High-Yield Potential in Zone 7a

Zone 7a is a paradise for cool-climate crops such as kale, potatoes, and berries. With such high natural organic matter, Macon County gardeners have a significant head start on building fertile, productive plots.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Macon County

via LawnByCounty

Mountain Lawns Lead the State

Macon County is a top performer with a 51.1 difficulty score, making it easier to grow grass here than in most of North Carolina. Its 7a hardiness zone reflects a cooler, higher-altitude climate that turf often loves.

Abundant Water and Cool Summers

With a massive 72.0 inches of annual rain and only 6 extreme heat days, lawns in Macon County rarely suffer from the typical Southern scorch. The shorter 3,226 growing degree days mean you'll likely mow less frequently than your neighbors to the east.

Balancing Nutrients in Wet Soil

While the 4.94 pH is acidic, the soil's 50% sand and 13.8% clay mix provides a good physical structure for roots. Because of the high 72-inch rainfall, you may need to apply nutrients more often as they can wash away over time.

Even Rainforests Face Drought

Despite the high average rainfall, 100% of Macon is currently in severe drought after 18 weeks of dry conditions last year. Keep an eye on your lawn even during wet years, as mountain soils can dry out quickly between storms.

Cool-Season Grasses are Ideal

The 7a zone and low heat stress make Macon perfect for Kentucky Bluegrass or Fine Fescue. Wait for the later frost date on April 23 to ensure the ground has truly thawed before you start your new lawn.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Macon County's county score?
Macon County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 56 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 North Carolina?
Macon County ranks #15 among all counties in North Carolina 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, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Macon County is $979, with an effective tax rate of 0.43%. This earns Macon County a tax score of 92.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Macon County?
The median household income in Macon County, North Carolina is $53,298 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Macon County earns an income score of 21.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Macon County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Macon County scores 56/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #15 in North Carolina. 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.

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