Macon County, North Carolina

Income Data

-13% vs. North Carolina average
$53,298
Median Household Income
$35,682
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$53,298
-13% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$35,682
-10% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
23.3%
income as % of home value
Rank in North Carolina
#71 / 100
by median household income

How Macon County Compares

Macon County$53,298
North Carolina Average$61,072
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$53,298
Median Household Income
$35,682
Per Capita Income
$229,000
Median Home Value
23.3%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Macon County, North Carolina

Macon County incomes lag national average

Macon County's median household income of $53,298 falls $21,457 short of the national median of $74,755, placing it in the lower 30% nationally. This 29% gap reflects limited employment diversity and rural economic constraints.

Below-average earnings in North Carolina

Macon County's $53,298 median income sits 13% below North Carolina's state average of $61,072, indicating above-average economic vulnerability. Per capita income of $35,682 slightly exceeds the state average of $33,920, a rare bright spot suggesting moderate individual earning power.

Macon County ranks among lower earners

Macon County's $53,298 median income nearly matches Jackson County ($53,479) and falls well behind Johnston County ($79,838) and Iredell County ($78,678). The $25,000+ gap to top earners reflects Macon's reliance on agriculture, tourism, and limited manufacturing.

Moderate housing affordability in Macon

Macon County's 17.8% rent-to-income ratio remains manageable, but median home values of $229,000 represent a substantial commitment relative to lower household incomes. Residents should carefully assess mortgage feasibility before committing to home purchases.

Strategic saving builds Macon County futures

Macon County residents benefit from employer-sponsored retirement plans and regular savings discipline to build wealth despite below-average incomes. Low-cost investment options and long-term time horizons can meaningfully compound modest monthly contributions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Macon County, North Carolina?
The median household income in Macon County, North Carolina is $53,298, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Macon County?
The per capita income in Macon County is $35,682, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $53,298.
How does Macon County compare to the North Carolina average?
Macon County's median household income of $53,298 is lower than the North Carolina state average of $61,072. The per capita income is $35,682, compared to the state average of $33,920.
What is the per capita income in Macon County, North Carolina?
The per capita income in Macon County, North Carolina is $35,682, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Macon County a low-income area in North Carolina?
Macon County's median household income of $53,298 is below the North Carolina average of $61,072. The per capita income of $35,682 is also comparable to the state average of $33,920. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Macon County rank for income in North Carolina?
Macon County ranks #71 out of 100 counties in North Carolina by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $53,298 and per capita income of $35,682, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Macon County

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Your income is above the Macon County median

County median: $53,298 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

-13%

vs. National Median

-29%

vs. Macon County MedianAbout equal
vs. North Carolina Average13% below
vs. National Median29% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent5.6x

Your monthly income ($4,442) vs. median rent ($791/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.