Median Income
$74,063
1% lower than US avg
Home Value
$109,500
61% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
113/100K
70% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.6%
66% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$800
31% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.0%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.7%
53% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.8%
69% lower than US avg
How Macon Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,035
Median Age46.8 yrs
Density815/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans5.8%
Economy
A+
Median Income$74,063
Per Capita$37,062
Unemployment1.7%
Poverty3.8%
County GDP$9,054M
Commute29 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$109,500
Rent$800
Ownership81.9%
Zillow$151,891
Housing Units547
Rent Burden28.8%
Crime
F
Violent113/100K
Property169/100K
Health
Obesity38.0%
Uninsured6.7%
Smoking13.3%
Depression23.4%
Heart Disease4.8%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain40.4 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation709 ft (216 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.6%
High School+94.8%
Graduate+2.6%
School Score4.73
Community
2024 VoteR 59% / D 40%
Commute29 min
Broadband84.7%
EV Stations16
Libraries9
Is Macon a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Macon receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Macon offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Macon is $74,063, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.7%. Only 3.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Macon is $109,500, 61% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $800 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Macon is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 113 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 169 per 100,000, 91% below the national average.
Education
11.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Macon experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 40.4 inches, including 13.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Macon has a population of 1,035 with a density of 815 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age is 46.8 years, 20% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50% female and 50% male. The city is predominantly White (95.6%), with 1.3% Hispanic, 1.8% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.5% of residents. 5.8% of the population are veterans. 11.4% of residents have a disability. 92.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
46.8yrs
Median Age
20% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.5%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.5%
89% below US avg
The median household income in Macon is $74,063, which is 1% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,062. The average weekly wage is $1,304. The unemployment rate is 1.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,981 business establishments, including 244 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes. 5.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $74,063 |
| 1% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,062 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,304 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $70,393 |
| Gini Index | 0.466 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.7% |
| 53% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.8% |
| 69% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,981 |
| County GDP | $9,054M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 244 |
| Healthcare | 271 |
| Retail | 334 |
| Manufacturing | 92 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,684 |
| 91% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.10% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.1% |
The median home value in Macon is $109,500, 61% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $151,891, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 99% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $800 (31% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $845 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 81.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 547 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1959. The average annual property tax is $6,684 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $109,500 |
| 61% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $151,891 |
| Median List Price | $209,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $209,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $135 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.0% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 1 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $800 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $840 |
| 1 Bedroom | $845 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,378 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,706 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 81.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 81.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 18.1% |
| Housing Units | 547 |
| Median Year Built | 1959 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,684 |
| 91% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.10% |
In Macon, 38.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.3% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.8% of residents, below the national average. 29.2% have high blood pressure. 13.3% are current smokers. 21.5% report binge drinking. 19.6% are physically inactive, below the national average. 23.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.9% experience frequent mental distress. 6.7% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,126. The dentist ratio is 1:1,611. 83.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Macon vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.0% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.3% |
| Heart Disease | 4.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.2% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.3% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.6% |
| Depression | 23.4% |
| Mental Distress | 17.9% |
| Physical Distress | 11.6% |
| Short Sleep | 35.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.9% |
| Uninsured | 6.7% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,126 |
| Dentists | 1:1,611 |
| Mental Health | 1:538 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.9% |
| Dental Visits | 65.5% |
| Premature Death | 10,949/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 83.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 271 |
Macon has a violent crime rate of 113 per 100,000 residents, 70% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 169 per 100,000, 91% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Macon receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Macon vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 112.7/100K |
| 70% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 169.0/100K |
| 91% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Macon experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 293 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 40.4 inches. The area receives 13.6 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. 65% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 709 feet.
Temperature
27°F Jan (-3°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 53.0°F |
| 2% below US avg |
| January Average | 27°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 709 ft (216 m) |
| Area | 1.3 sq mi (3.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 815/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.7087°N, 88.9967°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Macon County County |
| Nearest Airport | Central Il Regional/Bloomington-Normal (BMI)
53 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.4"
6% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.29"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 65.0% |
| Unhealthy Days | 1 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0498 ppm |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 2.66 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.3 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 83.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 50.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 91.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
13 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M3.3 on May 13, 2025.
| Jun 17, 2021 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.8 |
147 km |
| Nov 11, 1991 |
3 km W of Flat Rock, Illinois |
M3.8 |
142 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 |
9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois |
M3.4 |
97 km |
| May 30, 2015 |
4 km ENE of Geff, Illinois |
M3.4 |
149 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
69 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 |
7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois |
M3.2 |
75 km |
| Jul 1, 2017 |
9 km SSE of Mulberry Grove, Illinois |
M3.1 |
98 km |
| Dec 16, 1996 |
3 km NNE of Terre Haute, Indiana |
M3.1 |
139 km |
| Sep 5, 1995 |
3 km N of Woodlawn, Illinois |
M2.9 |
150 km |
| Sep 5, 2004 |
3 km WNW of Saint Peter, Illinois |
M2.9 |
92 km |
| Apr 24, 1990 |
5 km SW of Newton, Illinois |
M2.9 |
108 km |
| Mar 28, 2024 |
1 km NNE of Germantown, Illinois |
M2.8 |
135 km |
| Sep 14, 2011 |
8 km NW of Mount Erie, Illinois |
M2.7 |
140 km |
| May 17, 2022 |
6 km NNW of Mount Vernon, Illinois |
M2.5 |
149 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
754 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 26 fatalities, 620 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 5, 1977 |
EF4 |
64 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
20 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1957 |
EF4 |
60 km |
2 |
| Dec 1, 2018 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2011 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 2009 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
72 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
20 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 1978 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Aug 21, 1977 |
EF3 |
43 km |
6 |
| Aug 6, 1977 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 1974 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 1974 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.9 in |
Driest |
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| April |
53°F (11°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
67°F (19°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
42°F (6°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-1°C) |
2.9 in |
|
Macon has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 27°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.5 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (1.9").
Average costs for common services in Macon. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$250 ($150–$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200–$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100–$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800–$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75–$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150–$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25–$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50–$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400–$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100–$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60–$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50–$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150–$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000–$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400–$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500–$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500–$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000–$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000–$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800–$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200–$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000–$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30–$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75–$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50–$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00–$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50–$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50–$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00–$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00–$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60–$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80–$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30–$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50–$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75–$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200–$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30–$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600–$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500–$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200–$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25–$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400–$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000–$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50–$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100–$400) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,000 |
| Toddler | $888 |
| Preschool | $830 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $637 |
| Toddler | $668 |
| Preschool | $570 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Macon
What is the population of Macon?
Macon has a population of 1,035 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 815 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50% female and 50% male.
Is Macon expensive to live in?
Macon has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $74,063, 1% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $109,500 (61% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $800 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Macon safe?
Macon is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 113 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 169 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Macon receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Macon?
Macon has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 27°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 40.4 inches, with 13.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Macon?
The job market in Macon is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,304. There are 1,981 business establishments in the area, including 244 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 29 minutes, and 5.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Macon?
The median home value in Macon is $109,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $151,891. For renters, the median monthly rent is $800. Fair market rent is $845 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 81.9%. The average annual property tax is $6,684.
How are the schools in Macon?
Schools in Macon have an average test score of 4.7 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 11.6% of adults in Macon hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.8% have completed high school. 2.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Macon?
The obesity rate in Macon is 38.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.3% of adults are smokers. 19.6% are physically inactive. 23.4% of residents report depression. 6.7% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 83.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,126.
What is transportation like in Macon?
The average commute in Macon is 29 minutes. 83.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Macon?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Macon is 95.6% White, 1.8% Black or African American, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino. 98.5% of residents speak only English at home. 5.8% of the population are military veterans. 11.4% of residents have a disability. 92.9% have health insurance coverage.
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