Macon
Missouri

What stands out

Three things set Macon County apart from the other 3,142 counties: the school test score is in the top 8% of American counties (3.40 where 3.0 is grade level). Within Missouri it ranks 2nd of 114 counties for the school test score.

Where you are

You live in Macon County, Missouri. 15,173 people live here with you. The population grew 0.6% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +120).

Missouri stopped taxing Social Security and public pensions for all residents in 2024 and has been cutting its top income-tax rate toward 4.5%. Home prices are well below the national average in both Kansas City and St. Louis. The state's property tax on vehicles, paid every year, surprises new arrivals; tornado exposure is high across the state.

Money

The typical household here brings in $54,113 a year, lower than 69% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $43,944. Unemployment runs 2.5%, lower than 83% of American counties. 6% of workers work from home.

Missouri takes 4.4% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,363 a year.

Home

The median home costs $186K, cheaper than 69% of American counties, about 1.7 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $784 a month. Property tax is 0.83% of home value, roughly $962 a year on that median home, lower than 53% of American counties. 77% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.1 per 1,000 residents, higher than 64% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 11 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 76.3 years, longer than 55% of American counties. There are 13 active physicians in the county, about 8.6 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 2.0 of 5 stars. 10.4% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.38 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 92% of American counties. 91% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 59 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 68% of eligible voters turned out. Under Missouri law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is banned with narrow exceptions, and marijuana is legal for adults.

Weather and risk

The year averages 54°F, highs near 65 and lows near 43, colder than 58% of American counties. About 34 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 43 out of 100, safer than 57% of American counties; the county has had 23 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 181 Mbps down, slower than 58% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.8 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.