Cost of Living in Macon County, North Carolina
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Macon County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Macon County ranks #970 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 31%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Macon County, North Carolina
Macon's affordability slightly beats the nation
Macon renters spend 17.8% of income on housing, modestly below the national median of 18.6%, thanks to rents of just $791 monthly. With a median household income of $53,298 well below the national average of $74,755, residents manage decent affordability despite income constraints.
Macon ranks above average for North Carolina
Macon's 17.8% rent-to-income ratio beats the state average of 18.6%, placing it solidly in North Carolina's more affordable half despite below-average incomes. Low rents of $791 are the primary driver of this relative advantage.
Macon delivers solid affordability regionally
Macon's 17.8% rent-to-income ratio outperforms Jackson County (19.2%) and Lee County (18.3%), while slightly trailing Jones County (15.6%) and Lincoln County (14.9%). Its $791 rent makes it one of the region's cheaper options.
Low income balanced by low rents
Macon renters pay $791 monthly while homeowners pay $693, figures well below state averages on a median income of $53,298. These modest costs mean housing claims roughly 18% of typical budgets—manageable even for residents with limited incomes.
Macon appeals to budget-conscious relocators
If you're seeking affordable mountain living with low housing costs, Macon delivers: $791 rents and $229,000 median home values offer genuine value on modest incomes. The tradeoff is limited high-wage job availability, so this works best for remote workers or retirees seeking affordability.
Cost of Living Advisory: Macon County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Macon County is affordable. The median rent is $791/month against a median household income of $53,298, putting rent at 17.8% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Macon County pay $791/month on average, compared to $693/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 12%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,640/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $29,700/year. With a median household income of $53,298, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Macon County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within North Carolina, Macon County is less affordable than Greene County by roughly 6% ($791/mo vs $845/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Macon County
Rent Burden
17.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,244
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.6%
of gross income
The median home in Macon County may be a stretch
Median home value is $229,000. Estimated monthly cost: $1,828 vs. your max of $1,244.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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