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 skews on age — the median resident is 50.1, older than the national median. With 37,533 residents, Macon County is a county in North Carolina.
Incomes run on the lower side: a median household income of $53,298, below the US median of $78,538. About 8.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Home values run above average at $229,000, with typical rent around $791.
Roughly 24.6% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. About 7.0% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 23 minutes each way.
The age structure shapes everything downstream in Macon County — from housing demand to the mix of working-age earners reflected in the income figures above.
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.
Macon County, NC Climate
Macon County, NC has an average annual temperature of 12.4°C (54°F) and receives about 1722 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
12.4°C
Avg Temp
1722
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 2° / 36° | 153 mm |
| February | 4° / 39° | 148 mm |
| March | 8° / 46° | 178 mm |
| April | 12° / 54° | 132 mm |
| May | 16° / 61° | 153 mm |
| June | 20° / 68° | 137 mm |
| July | 22° / 72° | 145 mm |
| August | 22° / 71° | 138 mm |
| September | 19° / 65° | 129 mm |
| October | 13° / 55° | 115 mm |
| November | 8° / 46° | 141 mm |
| December | 4° / 39° | 153 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Macon County, NC
The most comfortable months to visit Macon County, NC are typically August, June and July, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 29°C high). The coldest is January (near -4°C low). March is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Macon County
Visiting or relocating to Macon County, NC? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — live availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Macon County
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a move to Macon County?
Get relocation and cost-of-living insights for Macon County, NC by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
More from North Carolina
Population 1,151,009
Population 1,130,906
Population 542,987
Population 386,740
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.