Macon County, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 65th-largest in North Carolina
The population of Macon County, North Carolina is 37,533 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 65th-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $53,298, the median home value is $229,000, and the median age is 50.1.
The population of Macon County has grown 14.0% since 2010 (33,959 → 38,717), a +0.94% annualized rate.
37,533
Population
+0.94%
Annual growth
73
People / sq mi
$53,298
Median Income
$229,000
Median Home Value
Macon County covers 516 sq mi of land at 72.8 people per square mile.
About Macon County, NC
Macon County is a county in North Carolina with a population of 37,533. It ranks #65 among counties in North Carolina by population. The median age is 50.1, older than the national median. The population is 49.2% male and 50.8% female.
The median household income in Macon County is $53,298, below the US median of $74,580. 8.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $229,000, with monthly rent averaging $791. The homeownership rate of 76.3% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Macon County reflects 24.6% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 7.0% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 22.6 minutes each way.
Macon County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Macon County had a population of 33,959 in 2010 and 38,717 in 2024, a 14.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 38,717 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.95%.
38,717
Population (2024)
33,959
Population (2010)
38,717
Peak (2024)
0.95%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 33,959 |
| 2011 | 33,889 |
| 2012 | 33,816 |
| 2013 | 33,756 |
| 2014 | 33,849 |
| 2015 | 34,117 |
| 2016 | 34,299 |
| 2017 | 34,610 |
| 2018 | 35,226 |
| 2019 | 35,729 |
| 2020 | 37,095 |
| 2021 | 37,465 |
| 2022 | 37,996 |
| 2023 | 38,430 |
| 2024 | 38,717 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 88.6% |
| Black or African American | 1.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
50.1
Median Age
50.8%
Female
49.2%
Male
28.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 14.5% · Seniors (65+): 28.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $53,298$-16,606 vs state |
| Mean household income | $76,654 |
| Per-capita income | $35,682 |
| Poverty rate | 8.7%-0.7% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 51.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Macon County is professional & business services, accounting for 20.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
1.4%
Carpool
81.7%
Public transit
7.0%
Work from home
22.6 min
Avg commute
Housing
$229,000$-30,400 vs state
Median home value
$791
Median rent
76.3%
Homeownership rate
27,070
Total housing units
66.8%
Occupied
33.2%
Vacant
23.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
85.6%
With health insurance
88.6%
With broadband internet
49.3%
Foreign-born
9.7%
Veterans (18+)
16.1%
With a disability
91.5%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
90.0%
High School+
24.6%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in North Carolina
Other counties in North Carolina
Part of North Carolina
Metro areas in North Carolina
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Macon County, North Carolina has a population of 37,533 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 65th-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 73 people per square mile.
The population of Macon County has grown 14.0% since 2010 (33,959 → 38,717), a +0.94% annualized rate.
The median household income in Macon County, North Carolina is $53,298, with mean (average) household income of $76,654 and per-capita income of $35,682. 8.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Macon County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (88.6%), Black or African American (1.2%), Hispanic or Latino (1.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Macon County, North Carolina is 50.1 years. Residents are 50.8% female and 49.2% male.
The median home value in Macon County is $229,000 and median monthly rent is $791. 76.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 27,070 total housing units, 33.2% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Macon County, North Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 20.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.6%.
Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with Macon County, North Carolina, with a population of 886,283.
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Full rankings of North Carolina counties
Statewide data for North Carolina
Population, race, income, age, and trends across North Carolina
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.