GeorgiaPop. 156,578Mid-size cities
Is Macon a Good Place to Live? Macon, Georgia: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Macon ranks #1272 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #250 of 256 mid-size cities and #19 of 20 in Georgia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (88.5, #8 of 256) and affordable homes ($174,500, #21 of 256), and trails on high violent crime (1,293 per 100,000, #233 of 235) and low household income ($51,234, #244 of 256).
Macon by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Macon's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Macon?
Macon's cost of living index is 88.5, 11% below the US level of 100 and #152 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,066/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $174,500.
| Measure | Macon | GeorgiaGA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 88.5#152 of 1,308 | 96.3 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $174,500#156 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,066/mo#282 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 3.4x#338 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 25%#1004 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Georgia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Is Macon safe?
Macon recorded 1,293 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 3.9 times the US rate of 328 and 4.4 times Georgia's 297. That ranks #1069 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #233 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Bibb County Sheriff's Office. Property crime runs 3,424 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Macon | GeorgiaGA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 1,293#1069 of 1,085 | 297 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 3,424#1002 of 1,085 | 1,409 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Georgia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Macon?
The median household in Macon earns $51,234, 38% below the US figure of $83,163 and 36% below Georgia ($79,991). Unemployment is 4.3% (US 4.3%). 24.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Macon | GeorgiaGA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $51,234#1214 of 1,312 | $79,991 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.3%#615 of 1,058 | 3.4% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 24.7%#1231 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +0.1%#597 of 1,132 | +0.9% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Georgia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Macon?
The median resident of Macon is 36.8 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 26.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #925 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 51.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Macon | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 36.8 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 26.3%#925 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 51.4% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Macon's schools and health?
Macon's 35 public schools graduate 77% of students in four years (Georgia 84.1%), with 14.7 students per teacher and $13,989 spent per pupil. 44.4% of adults are obese and 17.3% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Macon | GeorgiaGA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 77%#944 of 1,063 | 84.1% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 14.7#405 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $13,989#705 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 44.4%#1271 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 17.3%#1270 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 19.4%#1099 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 15%#1077 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Georgia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 22,719 students are enrolled in Macon's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Macon?
The average commute in Macon is 22.2 minutes (Georgia 29.4); 0.8% of workers take transit and 9.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Macon scores 7.1 of 20 (below average walkable), #1228 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 81.1°F and winters 49.4°F, with 46.9 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Macon | GeorgiaGA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 22.2 min#520 of 1,312 | 29.4 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 4.9%#558 of 1,312 | 11.3% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 76.2% | 71.4% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.8% | 1.2% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 2% | 1.3% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0% | 0.1% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 9.5% | 14.9% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 7.1#1228 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Georgia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 59.3 | 35.9 | 4.3 |
| Feb | 63.4 | 39.1 | 4.2 |
| Mar | 70.6 | 44.9 | 4.3 |
| Apr | 77.9 | 51 | 3.6 |
| May | 85.8 | 60 | 2.7 |
| Jun | 90.9 | 68.1 | 4.4 |
| Jul | 93.5 | 71.5 | 4.8 |
| Aug | 92.2 | 70.7 | 4.4 |
| Sep | 87.6 | 64.8 | 3.7 |
| Oct | 78.9 | 53.2 | 2.6 |
| Nov | 69.1 | 42.5 | 3.4 |
| Dec | 61.3 | 37.8 | 4.6 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Macon Middle Ga Rgnl Airport.
| Measure | Macon | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 65.4°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 81.1°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 49.4°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 46.9 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Macon Middle Ga Rgnl Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Macon?
Bibb County's air had a median air quality index of 52, and 43% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Bibb County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, tornado, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.08% of building value, lower than 97% of US counties.
| Measure | Macon | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 52#889 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.08%#51 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Bibb County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Bibb County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.0058% | 68% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0092% | 51% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0026% | 47% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0018% | 46% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.001% | 31% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.047% | 9% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Macon compare with similar-size cities?
Macon is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #250 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 156,578.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Macon, GAPop. 156,578 | #1272 | 40.3 | $51,234 | $1,066/mo | 1,293 | 22.2 min |
| Killeen, TXPop. 158,159 | #1168 | 46.1 | $60,977 | $1,208/mo | 498 | 25.5 min |
| Alexandria, VAPop. 156,976 | #83 | 68.9 | $119,681 | $2,089/mo | 142 | 28.4 min |
| Lakewood, COPop. 156,583 | #775 | 53.7 | $89,792 | $1,806/mo | 675 | 25.5 min |
| Roseville, CAPop. 155,955 | #232 | 63.6 | $119,288 | $2,142/mo | 191 | 27.3 min |
| Kansas City, KSPop. 155,135 | #1185 | 45.5 | $62,401 | $1,123/mo | 981 | 22.4 min |
| Hollywood, FLPop. 155,082 | #995 | 50.1 | $67,203 | $1,653/mo | part year | 29.4 min |
| Surprise, AZPop. 154,948 | #391 | 60.2 | $96,711 | $2,033/mo | 86 | 30.2 min |
| Springfield, MAPop. 154,749 | #1186 | 45.5 | $52,656 | $1,144/mo | 871 | 20.2 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Macon compare with the rest of Georgia?
Macon ranks #19 of the 20 Georgia cities we track, with a score of 40.3 against Georgia's statewide 55.4. Its households earn 36% below the Georgia median. Violent crime is 4.4 times the statewide rate.
| City | Rank in GA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johns Creek, GAPop. 81,988 | #1 | 73.4 | $160,093 | $2,257/mo | 40 |
| Alpharetta, GAPop. 66,855 | #2 | 70.6 | $147,612 | $1,948/mo | 220 |
| Roswell, GAPop. 92,621 | #3 | 69.2 | $128,654 | $1,810/mo | 111 |
| Sandy Springs, GAPop. 107,087 | #4 | 68.0 | $104,340 | $1,870/mo | 114 |
| Dunwoody, GAPop. 51,758 | #5 | 67.1 | $121,903 | $1,859/mo | 162 |
| Brookhaven, GAPop. 57,855 | #6 | 65.4 | $117,663 | $1,882/mo | 265 |
| Smyrna, GAPop. 56,633 | #7 | 64.8 | $100,061 | $1,739/mo | 240 |
| Marietta, GAPop. 62,263 | #8 | 60.9 | $72,725 | $1,586/mo | 291 |
| Atlanta, GAPop. 505,268 | #9 | 58.3 | $85,652 | $1,711/mo | 736 |
| Gainesville, GAPop. 45,032 | #10 | 55.2 | $66,974 | $1,299/mo | 404 |
| Athens, GAPop. 127,345 | #11 | 54.2 | $52,974 | $1,219/mo | 352 |
| South Fulton, GAPop. 110,471 | #12 | 53.9 | $82,324 | $1,702/mo | 477 |
| Warner Robins, GAPop. 82,990 | #13 | 53.9 | $66,970 | $1,212/mo | 513 |
| Savannah, GAPop. 147,898 | #14 | 51.9 | $57,137 | $1,382/mo | county/metro |
| Columbus, GAPop. 203,711 | #15 | 51.4 | $58,073 | $1,106/mo | 366 |
| Valdosta, GAPop. 55,252 | #16 | 46.6 | $45,925 | $1,054/mo | 477 |
| Stonecrest, GAPop. 60,501 | #17 | 46.5 | $64,591 | $1,601/mo | no data |
| Augusta, GAPop. 201,528 | #18 | 45.9 | $55,485 | $1,142/mo | 547 |
| Macon, GAPop. 156,578 | #19 | 40.3 | $51,234 | $1,066/mo | 1,293 |
| Albany, GAPop. 67,224 | #20 | 39.5 | $47,240 | $931/mo | 1,485 |
All 20 Georgia cities we track, by overall score. Georgia statewide: median income $79,991, violent crime 296.9 per 100,000.
How is Macon's score calculated?
Macon scores 40.3 out of 100, #1272 of 1,312 (grade F, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Georgia's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Macon. Similar-size median 52.9.
40.6 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Macon's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
18.7 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Macon. Similar-size median 53.8.
24.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Macon's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
48.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Macon's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
84.2 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Macon. Similar-size median 51.2.
16.9 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Macon. Similar-size median 42.1.
41.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Macon. Similar-size median 50.1.
46.4 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Macon's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
32.1 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
66.4 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Macon's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Macon has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Macon
Is Macon, GA a good place to live?
Macon ranks #1272 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #250 of 256 mid-size cities and #19 of 20 in Georgia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (88.5, #8 of 256) and affordable homes ($174,500, #21 of 256), and trails on high violent crime (1,293 per 100,000, #233 of 235) and low household income ($51,234, #244 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Macon?
Macon's cost of living index is 88.5, 11% below the US level of 100 and #152 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,066/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $174,500.
What is the crime rate in Macon?
Macon recorded 1,293 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 3.9 times the US rate of 328 and 4.4 times Georgia's 297. That ranks #1069 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #233 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Bibb County Sheriff's Office. Property crime runs 3,424 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Macon?
The median household in Macon earns $51,234, 38% below the US figure of $83,163 and 36% below Georgia ($79,991). Unemployment is 4.3% (US 4.3%). 24.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Macon?
Median rent in Macon is $1,066/mo (Census), #282 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 25% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Macon?
The Census median value of owner-occupied homes in Macon is $174,500, #156 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest).
How are the public schools in Macon?
Macon's 35 public schools graduate 77% of students in four years (Georgia 84.1%), with 14.7 students per teacher and $13,989 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Macon?
The average commute is 22.2 minutes, #520 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 29.4 minutes across Georgia. 4.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Macon?
Macon averages 65.4°F over the year, 81.1°F in summer and 49.4°F in winter, with 46.9 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Macon walkable?
Macon scores 7.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1228 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Macon at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Bibb County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, tornado, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.08% of building value, lower than 97% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Macon?
Bibb County's air had a median air quality index of 52, and 43% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Macon?
Macon has 156,578 residents. The median resident of Macon is 36.8 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 26.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #925 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 51.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Macon compare with the rest of Georgia?
Macon ranks #19 of the 20 Georgia cities we track, with a score of 40.3 against Georgia's statewide 55.4. Its households earn 36% below the Georgia median. Violent crime is 4.4 times the statewide rate.
What cities are similar in size to Macon?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Macon's population of 156,578 are Killeen, TX (#1168 overall), Alexandria, VA (#83 overall), Lakewood, CO (#775 overall), Roseville, CA (#232 overall), and Kansas City, KS (#1185 overall). Macon is #1272.