Macon County, North Carolina Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Macon County is located in North Carolina with a total population of 37,533. It is the 65th most populous county out of 100 in North Carolina. The county encompasses 1 Census-designated place.

Age Demographics

The median age in Macon County is 50.1 years. This is 28% higher than the state median of 39.1 years. 12.1% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Macon County is $53,298. This is 24% lower than the state median of $69,904. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 32% lower. The poverty rate stands at 14.4%. This is 9% higher than the state poverty rate of 13.2%. The unemployment rate is 2.9%. This is 39% lower than the state rate of 4.8%. The median home value is $229,000. Housing costs are 12% lower than the state median of $259,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.3x. 76.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 15% higher than the state average of 66.4%.

Race & Ethnicity

Macon County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 85.7% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 9.7%. The Black or African American population (1.1%) is well below the state average of 20.3%. The Asian population (0.8%) is well below the state average of 3.1%.

Education

24.6% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 29% lower than the state rate of 34.7%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 90.0%.