countyscore

Macon County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#11 in North Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
56.4
County Score
Property Tax 91.4Weather & Climate 75.5Cost of Living 67.9

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.

2040608010091.467.937.941.86431.226.226.275.5Tax91.4Cost67.9Safety37.9Health41.8Schools64Income31.2Risk26.2Water26.2Weather75.556.4/100
This county
National avg
4 above average4 below average

Macon County DNA

Foverall

How Macon County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Macon County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (91.4/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (26.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
91.4+39.400000000000006
Cost
67.9+19.900000000000006
Safety
37.9-17.1
Health
41.8-8.200000000000003
Schools
64+10
Income
31.2-19.8
Risk
26.2-20.8
Water
26.2-31.8
Weather
75.5+19.5
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$251,900

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$803/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$251,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$32,120/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $59,061/yr
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Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

48.0

per 100K

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

Jackson County
North Carolina
55.6
Clay County
North Carolina
56.3
Rabun County
Georgia
50.6
Swain County
North Carolina
51.6
Towns County
Georgia
69.5
Graham County
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Transylvania County
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Cherokee County
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Deep Dives

Macon County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 56.4 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 North Carolina?
Macon County ranks #11 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 $1,074, with an effective tax rate of 0.43%. This earns Macon County a tax score of 91.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Macon County?
The median household income in Macon County, North Carolina is $59,061 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Macon County earns an income score of 31.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Macon County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Macon County scores 56.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #11 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.