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Macon, Georgia

USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence

52
Overall Score

Macon, Georgia, often called the 'Heart of Georgia,' is located near the state's geographic center and serves as a vital hub for commerce, culture, and education. Founded in 1823, the city boasts a rich history deeply intertwined with the textile industry, the Civil War, and an iconic musical heritage that gave birth to legends like the Allman Brothers Band and Otis Redding. Today, Macon combines its architectural grandeur—showcasing antebellum homes and neoclassical public buildings—with a revitalized downtown core featuring local dining, boutique shopping, and vibrant cultural festivals like the annual International Cherry Blossom Festival.

About Georgia

Georgia, a southeastern U.S. state, is characterized by its Southern charm, diverse landscapes ranging from mountains to coastline, and a rich cultural blend of Native American, African American, and European influences. The state boasts a thriving and diverse economy with major industries including technology, manufacturing, logistics, agriculture (leading in pecans and blueberries, significant in peanuts and peaches), and a growing film and television production sector. Living in Georgia generally offers a lower cost of living compared to the national average, with mild winters and long, hot, humid summers, supporting a lifestyle that often includes abundant outdoor activities and a strong sense of community.

153,156
Population
$58K
Avg Salary
88
Cost Index
52.0
Quality Score
How this 52/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
Component Readings used Points Weight Contributes
Safety Safety score: 45 / 100 45.0 30% 13.5
Affordability Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 88.0 58.8 25% 14.7
Economy & jobs Median household income: $49,500 Income needed to live here: $48,000 Unemployment rate: 4.5% 48.8 20% 9.8
Growth Population growth rate: no usable reading Job growth rate: 1.5% 50.0 15% 7.5
Business climate assessment Business climate assessment: 65 / 100 65.0 10% 6.5
Overall score 52.0

Provenance. These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as Tier 1 (fast) (q=52, partial — below threshold), last refreshed 15 October 2026. They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.

Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.

Businesses in Macon

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Quality Scores

Business
65
Livability
72
Affordability
82
Growth
67

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Macon is notably lower than the national average, making it an attractive destination for families, retirees, and young professionals seeking affordability without sacrificing lifestyle. Housing costs, in particular, remain well below national medians, allowing residents to secure significantly more square footage for their investment whether renting or buying. Everyday goods, utilities, and transportation expenses also track below typical U.S. benchmarks, contributing to a comfortable standard of living for moderate income levels.

Average Rent
$1,150/mo
Groceries
$380/mo
Transport
$110/mo
Utilities
$175/mo
Healthcare
$220/mo
Gym membership (monthly)
$40.00
Cinema ticket
$12.00
Restaurant meal (mid-range)
$18.00
Monthly groceries
$380.00
Doctor visit (without insurance)
$130.00

Salary Insights

Macon's economy is anchored by a diverse mix of healthcare, education, manufacturing, and aerospace industries, bolstered by its strategic location along major interstate corridors. Major employers like Atrium Health Navicent, Mercer University, and Robins Air Force Base just to the south in Warner Robins provide a stable employment foundation for the region. The city has experienced a steady push toward economic revitalization, with entrepreneurial incubators and downtown redevelopment fostering new small businesses and remote worker interest.

The average salary in Macon is $58,000 per year. You would need approximately $48,000 to live comfortably.

Top Industries

Retail Trade +0.80% Manufacturing +1.50% Accommodation and Food Services +2.00% Educational Services +1.20% Healthcare and Social Assistance +2.10%

Climate

🌡️
66°F
Avg Temp
☀️
90°F
Summer High
❄️
38°F
Winter Low
🌧️
39.00"
Annual Rain
💧
68.00%
Humidity
🌤️
251
Sunny Days

Transport

Getting around Macon is predominantly car-dependent, with major thoroughfares like Interstate 75 and Interstate 16 providing smooth regional connectivity. The Macon Transit Authority operates fixed bus routes serving key commercial and residential corridors, though most daily commuters rely on personal vehicles. Traffic congestion is generally mild compared to major metropolitan hubs, resulting in manageable average commute times.

22 min
Avg Commute
35.00/10
Transit Score
42.00/10
Walkability
High
Car Dependency

Pros & Cons

Advantages
Median home prices in Macon are significantly lower than the national average, offering high housing affordability per square foot (Zillow, 2024)
Rich cultural and musical history featuring world-class annual events like the International Cherry Blossom Festival
Strategic central Georgia location providing convenient access to Atlanta, Savannah, and regional natural attractions
Major healthcare hub anchored by robust medical centers like Atrium Health Navicent and Piedmont Macon
Abundant outdoor recreation options, including the expansive Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park and Amerson River Park
Drawbacks
Property crime rates in certain urban neighborhoods exceed the national median, requiring careful neighborhood selection (FBI Uniform Crime Reporting, 2024)
Public transportation options are limited, making a personal vehicle practically essential for daily commuting and errands
Hot and humid summer climate can be intensely stifling for individuals sensitive to high temperatures
Average local wages lag somewhat behind major metropolitan economic centers in the state
Economic mobility and job growth in certain traditional sectors have historically trailed high-growth tech hubs

Questions about Macon

What people ask about living in and moving to Macon, Georgia.

What industries are growing in Macon? Jobs & Economy 1 answer

Macon’s economy is diversifying with growth in healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, and technology. The region’s hospitals and health systems often seek nurses, technicians, and administrative staff, while manufacturing plants look for skilled workers and engineers. Logistics firms benefit from the city’s central location in the Southeast. Checking regional job boards, industry reports, and local chamber of commerce...

How does the cost of living in Macon compare to other Georgia cities? Cost of Living 1 answer

Macon’s overall cost of living is generally lower than Atlanta’s. Housing, groceries, and utilities tend to be more affordable, while transportation costs are similar due to regional fuel prices. Average monthly expenses for a single person are typically 10-15% lower than in the state capital. However, wages in Macon may be slightly lower, so it’s wise to compare salary ranges for your industry. Use online cost‑of‑li...

What public transportation options are available in Macon? Getting Around 1 answer

Macon offers a city bus system that serves most residential and commercial areas, with routes connecting downtown, shopping centers, and suburbs. The service operates on a fixed schedule, and fares are modest. For longer trips, regional rail and intercity bus lines stop at the city’s transit hub. Checking the city transit authority’s website provides route maps, schedules, and fare information, while local ride‑share...

What’s the weather like in Macon year‑round? General 1 answer

Macon experiences a humid subtropical climate. Summers are hot and humid, with temperatures often reaching the 90s°F, while winters are mild, with average highs in the 50s°F and occasional cold snaps. Spring and fall are pleasant, featuring moderate temperatures and higher humidity. Checking a local weather station’s forecast will give you up‑to‑date information, and planning for air conditioning and proper ventilati...

How are the public schools in Macon rated? Schools & Education 1 answer

Public schools in Macon vary in performance, with some districts receiving higher ratings and others needing improvement. The state education department publishes annual accountability reports that include test scores, graduation rates, and school ratings. Visiting school district websites provides information on enrollment, curriculum, extracurriculars, and parent reviews. Additionally, local parent groups and commu...

Is Macon a safe place to live? Safety 1 answer

Crime rates in Macon are comparable to many mid‑size Southern cities. Violent crime is generally lower than national averages, though property crime can be higher in certain neighborhoods. Checking the city’s public safety department statistics and neighborhood crime maps will give you a clearer picture. Engaging with local community associations and attending town meetings can also help you gauge neighborhood safety...

What healthcare facilities are available in Macon? Healthcare 1 answer

Macon hosts several hospitals and specialty clinics that offer a range of services from emergency care to cardiology and orthopedics. These facilities are staffed by board‑certified physicians and equipped with modern diagnostic equipment. Visiting the city’s health department website or the hospitals’ own sites will give you details on services, provider directories, and patient reviews. For specific specialist refe...

What cultural attractions does Macon have? Things to Do 1 answer

Macon boasts a rich musical heritage, with venues that host live performances ranging from blues to contemporary acts. The city also preserves several historic districts featuring antebellum homes, museums, and galleries that showcase local art and history. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore parks and river trails. Checking the city tourism office’s online calendar and local event listings will keep you informed about c...

What are the most common types of housing in Macon? Housing 1 answer

The housing market in Macon features a mix of single‑family homes, townhomes, and some newer subdivisions. Older neighborhoods offer historic bungalows and craftsman styles, while newer developments provide contemporary designs with modern amenities. Prices vary by age and location, but you’ll find a range from modest entry‑level homes to larger properties with acreage. Local real‑estate listings and county property...

What should I know about moving into Macon? Moving Here 1 answer

When moving to Macon, start by researching local utility providers for electricity, water, and internet. Register with the county tax office to handle property taxes and vehicle registration. Familiarize yourself with the city’s zoning regulations if you plan to remodel or build. It’s also helpful to explore neighborhood walkability scores and local amenities such as grocery stores and parks. Finally, connecting with...

Some answers here were drafted as a starting point and may be out of date. Live in Macon? Add your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Urblytica benchmarks its Cost of Living Index against a United States national average baseline of 100. A score of 115 means a city is approximately 15% more expensive than the national average, while a score of 85 indicates it is 15% more affordable. This composite calculation is weighted across six primary expenditure categories: housing, utilities, grocery items, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods.

Urblytica aggregates housing data from multiple authoritative sources, including Multiple Listing Service (MLS) feeds, municipal property tax registries, the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS), and verified historical deed transactions. This multi-tier aggregation ensures precision in tracking median home values and rental rates.

A municipality must meet minimum data-density thresholds—including consistent reporting population samples from the U.S. Census and active residential or commercial real estate transaction feeds—to ensure statistical significance before a complete scoring profile is published.

When primary agencies (such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics or U.S. Census Bureau) issue historical data revisions or benchmark corrections, Urblytica's data pipeline automatically re-indexes affected historical archives to maintain longitudinal trend accuracy.

U.S. affordability calculations incorporate federal income tax brackets, state-specific income tax rates, and local municipal tax variations to evaluate the true net tax drag on median household earnings across different states and cities.

Local county and municipal property tax millage rates are factored directly into the housing component of the cost-of-living index to reflect recurring annual tax burdens for homeowners.

The platform aggregates state sales taxes alongside county and city surtaxes to measure consumer basket purchasing power parity accurately across different retail jurisdictions.

Utility calculations apply regional seasonal consumption weightings, incorporating high summer air conditioning loads in southern states and heavy winter heating demands in northern states.

The index tracks average out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, routine outpatient visit costs, and regional health insurance premium benchmarks published by federal health agencies.

Educational metrics aggregate state standardized testing benchmarks, student-to-teacher ratios, high school graduation rates, and per-pupil expenditure data published by state departments of education.
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