Cost of Living in Macon-Bibb County, GA

Population 156,543 · Georgia · Data vintage 2023

64
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Macon-Bibb County lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $166,000 — 46% below the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in Georgia. A poverty rate near 25% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.

Cost Overview

Housing 54
Rent 78

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Macon-Bibb County

The median home value in Macon-Bibb County is $165,800 — 46% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,026/month, 22% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $50,747/year is 32% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.5%, above the national average of 4.8%. Georgia's top state income tax rate is 5.5% and the combined sales tax is 7.3%. Overall, Macon-Bibb County has a cost of living index of 64 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 36% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$165,800
46% below avg
Median Rent
$1,026/mo
22% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
13.5x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
0.9%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$773
1 BR
$817
2 BR
$984
3 BR
$1,289
4 BR
$1,520
Owner-occupied 51.5%
Renter-occupied 48.5%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,026
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,640/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
23.9 min
11% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
8.7%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
77.8%
Carpooled
8.9%
Public transit
0.8%
Walked
2.0%
Bicycle
0.1%
Work from home
8.7%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) 5.5%
Total Sales Tax 7.3%
State rate 4.0%
Avg local rate 3.4%
Property Tax 0.9%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$50,747
32% below avg
Per Capita Income
$31,306
Unemployment Rate
7.5%
56% above avg
Poverty Rate
24.8%
Labor Force Participation
57.3%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 12.9%
Graduate degree 13.1%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 36.6
Male median age 34.8
Female median age 38.2

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 53 — Moderate
38.7%
Good air days/yr
157
Max AQI recorded
307
PM2.5 days
44
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Macon-Bibb County, GA?

Macon-Bibb County has a cost index of 64 (100 = national average). It is 36% below the national average.

What is average rent in Macon-Bibb County, GA?

The median gross rent in Macon-Bibb County is $1,026 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Macon-Bibb County?

The median home value in Macon-Bibb County is $165,800 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Macon-Bibb County?

The median household income in Macon-Bibb County is $50,747 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Macon-Bibb County, GA?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Macon-Bibb County is 7.3%. The Georgia state income tax top rate is 5.5%.

Is Macon-Bibb County, GA affordable?

Yes, Macon-Bibb County is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 64 — about 36% below the US national average of 100.

Macon-Bibb County at a Glance

Population
156,543
Median Income
$50,747
Home Value
$165,800
Median Rent
$1,026/mo
Unemployment
7.5%
Sales Tax
7.3%
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🗺️ County data for Georgia

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