Macon
Tennessee

What stands out

Three things set Macon County apart from the other 3,142 counties: violent crime is in the top 5% of American counties (5.0 per 1,000), high-school completion is in the bottom 5% of American counties (78%), and rainfall is in the top 5% of American counties (56 inches a year). Within Tennessee it ranks 9th of 95 counties for violent crime.

Where you are

You live in Macon County, Tennessee. 25,365 people live here with you. The population grew 2.2% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +589).

Tennessee has no income tax on wages, and its tax on interest and dividends was fully repealed in 2021. It has one of the highest combined sales-tax rates in the country and taxes groceries at a reduced rate. Nashville and the surrounding counties have had a decade of rapid growth and price increases; the rest of the state remains inexpensive. There is no estate or inheritance tax.

Money

The typical household here brings in $51,215 a year, lower than 76% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $50,310. Unemployment runs 3.1%, lower than 63% of American counties. 4% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 31 minutes each way.

Tennessee has no state income tax, so none of that goes to the state.

Home

The median home costs $266K, pricier than 61% of American counties, about 2.7 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $741 a month. Property tax is 0.45% of home value, roughly $829 a year on that median home, lower than 92% of American counties. 72% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 5.0 per 1,000 residents, higher than 95% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 37 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 73.2 years, shorter than 79% of American counties. There are 18 active physicians in the county, about 7.1 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 3.0 of 5 stars. 14.4% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.00 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 52% of American counties. 78% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 71 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 54% of eligible voters turned out. Under Tennessee law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is banned with narrow exceptions, and marijuana is illegal.

Weather and risk

The year averages 59°F, highs near 70 and lows near 47, warmer than 63% of American counties. About 56 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 45 out of 100, safer than 55% of American counties; the county has had 21 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 213 Mbps down, faster than 56% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.4 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.