Living in Macon, GA
Macon is the 171st-largest city in the US, home to about 158,000 people in 2025. Its population has been roughly flat since 2020. Prices across the metro area run well below the national average (88.5 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population, 2025
- 157,556+0.1% since 2020
- Median home value
- $174,5003.4 years of median income
- Median rent
- $1,066/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $51,234median, per year
- Price level
- 88.5US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 59° / 94°lows 36° / 72°
- Average commute
- 22 min10% work from home
- State income tax
- 5.19%top rate, flat
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County: Bibb County
Time zone: Eastern Time (UTC-5, UTC-4 in summer)
Elevation: about 367 ft
Metro area: Macon-Bibb County, GA
Cost of living in Macon
The median home in Macon is worth $174,500 and the median household earns $51,234 a year, so a typical home costs about 3.4 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $1,066 a month, about 25% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the Macon-Bibb County, GA metro area at 88.5, with housing at 58.9 and goods at 96.3 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $66,400 here. Georgia taxes wages at a top rate of 5.19% (a flat rate). The average combined state and local sales tax in Georgia is 7.56%.
What would my salary be worth in Macon?
Macon weather
Average highs run from 59°F in January to 94°F in July, and January nights average 36°F. It gets 47 inches of rain and melted snow a year, with almost no snow. Expect about 85 days a year at 90°F or hotter. The most comfortable months are March to May and October to November.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Macon
People and work
The median resident is 36.8 years old, and 26% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 51% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 22 minutes; 10% of workers work from home.
- Median age
- 36.8286th youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 26%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 51%of households
- People per sq mile
- 632249.4 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 1%2% walk, 0% bike
- Unemployment
- 8.1%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 24.7%of residents
- Typical home built
- 1977median year
Who moves to Macon, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from Miami (Miami-Dade County), Fort Lauderdale (Broward County) and Jacksonville (Duval County). People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to Savannah (Chatham County), Jacksonville (Duval County) and Augusta (Richmond County). See the map and full lists
IRS county-to-county migration, 2022 to 2023 tax years. Where Americans are moving.
Natural hazards, home prices and air quality
Natural hazard risk
Relatively Low
FEMA rating for Bibb County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: lightning.
Home prices
+2.7% in a year
Up 53% over five years. FHFA house price index for the Macon-Bibb County, GA area, 2026 Q2.
Air quality, 2025
43% good days
1 day unhealthy at least for sensitive groups. EPA daily air quality index for the Macon, GA area (365 days measured).
FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025) combines expected losses from 18 natural hazards with how vulnerable and resilient the community is. It describes the county, not your street; check flood maps for a specific address at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
Parks and sights near Macon
The best-known parks, museums, zoos and landmarks within about 35 miles. Tap Been or Want to add them to your city passport.
- Middle Georgia State University 2 miles
- Georgia College & State University 33 miles
- Mercer University 3 miles
- Georgia Military College 33 miles
- Fort Valley State University 22 miles
- Gordon State College 31 miles
Places from Wikidata (CC0), linked to each one's official site or Wikipedia article. Check hours and fees before you go.
Airports near Macon
| Airport | Distance | Passengers boarding in 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Middle Georgia Regional Airport MCN | 8 mi | 17,020 |
| Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport ATL | 71 mi | 52,511,402 |
| Columbus Airport CSG | 75 mi | 63,422 |
Federal Aviation Administration, calendar year 2024 passenger boardings (enplanements) at commercial service airports. Straight-line distance.
Colleges in and near Macon
| College | Distance | Undergrads | Net price a year | Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Middle Georgia State University | 2 mi | 6,574 | $11,448 | 26% |
| Mercer University | 3 mi | 4,500 | $24,778 | 72% |
| Fort Valley State University | 22 mi | 2,684 | $12,421 | 39% |
US Department of Education College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Net price is the average yearly cost after grants for students who get federal aid. Graduate: share finishing within 150% of normal time.
Frost dates and fall color in Macon
Half the years, the last spring night at 32°F comes before March 21, so plant tender crops after that date or wait a week or two to be safer. Fall color depends on the trees, but the US Department of Agriculture says the brightest leaves come with warm, sunny days and cool nights, and that frost ruins vivid color. Here, cool 36°F nights usually start around November 1 and the first frost comes around November 10.
NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for Macon Middle Ga Regional Airport, GA, median (50%) dates. All frost dates for Macon.
Wildfire smoke in Macon
From 2021 through 2025, a smoke plume covered Macon on about 142 days a year, including about 18 days of medium or heavy smoke. Smoke high overhead can turn sunsets red without reaching the ground, so check the air quality reading before you change plans.
NOAA Hazard Mapping System smoke analysis, daily satellite plumes over the city center, 2021 to 2025. Smoke days for every city.
Home internet in Macon
Census Bureau American Community Survey 2020-2024, table B28002, 59,921 households. Compare every city.
Public schools in Macon
Downtown Macon is in this district. Neighborhoods farther out may belong to a different one, so check the address with the district before you buy or rent.
| District | Grades | Students | Schools | Students per teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bibb County School District | Pre-K to 12 | 21,334 | 35 | 13.8 |
Other districts within 10 miles: Houston County School District (30,939 students), Jones County School District (5,004 students), Monroe County School District (4,703 students), Peach County School District (3,980 students), Crawford County School District (1,516 students).
National Center for Education Statistics, school district boundaries and characteristics, 2024-25 school year.
Macon's twin cities
Cities at least 250 miles away with the closest match to Macon's weather month by month and its costs (price level, home values and rent).
- Longview, TX86% matchCompare
- Shreveport, LA82% matchCompare
- Jackson, MS78% matchCompare
- Abilene, TX76% matchCompare
Find a twin that is cheaper, warmer or cooler
Stargazing near Macon
The nearest certified International Dark Sky Places:
Designations by DarkSky International as recorded in Wikidata (CC0). All dark sky places.
Pros and cons of living in Macon
Data points come from the official sources on this page. Points marked Local come from people who live here, are read by a person before they appear, and are ranked by readers.
Pros
- Data Homes are affordable for locals: the median home costs 3.4 years of median household income, lower than in three quarters of the cities we cover.
- Data Everyday prices in the metro run 11% below the US average (BEA).
- Data Low natural hazard risk: FEMA rates Bibb County relatively low overall.
Cons
- Data Poverty is high: 24.7% of residents live below the poverty line.
Macon report card from locals
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Macon through locals' eyes
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Cities near Macon
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warner Robins, GA | 14 mi | 87,761 | $185,700 | 93.8 | Compare |
| Columbus, GA | 75 mi | 202,171 | $193,900 | 89.3 | Compare |
| South Fulton, GA | 77 mi | 112,820 | $309,800 | 100.1 | Compare |
| Athens, GA | 81 mi | 128,612 | $299,200 | 93.3 | Compare |
| Atlanta, GA | 82 mi | 529,110 | $439,600 | 100.1 | Compare |
| Sandy Springs, GA | 87 mi | 105,013 | $619,800 | 100.1 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
Cities with a similar profile
Closest match on climate, price level, size, income and median age, outside the immediate area.
Compare Macon with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Macon a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show prices below the national average, homes that cost under four years of median income, short commutes. Compare Macon side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Macon?
The Census Bureau estimates Macon had 157,556 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 157,358 in April 2020 (+0.1%).
How much do you need to earn to live in Macon?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $66,400 in the Macon area. The median household here earns $51,234.
When is the best time to visit Macon?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, March to May and October to November are the most comfortable months. July averages 94°F and January 59°F for daytime highs.
What county is Macon in?
Macon is in Bibb County, Georgia. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Macon in?
Macon is on Eastern Time (UTC-5, or UTC-4 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Macon?
About 367 feet above sea level at the city center. Elevation varies across the city.
Does Georgia have a state income tax?
Yes. Georgia has a flat income tax with a top rate of 5.19% for 2026. Some cities add a local income tax, which is not included here.
Sources
Population: Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025). Income, housing, education and commuting: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates for the city of Macon. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the Macon-Bibb County, GA metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Macon Middle Ga Regional Airport, GA station; snowfall from Warner Robins, GA. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.