Cost of Living in Macon, MO

Population 5,457 · Missouri · Data vintage 2023

49
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Under 25,000 residents gives Macon a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $134,000.

Macon is about 55 miles north of Columbia, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 50% lower than Columbia's $268,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 44
Rent 58

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

About the Cost of Living in Macon

The median home value in Macon is $133,800 — 56% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $760/month, 42% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $51,103/year is 31% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.8%, below the national average of 4.8%. Missouri's top state income tax rate is 5.0% and the combined sales tax is 8.4%. Overall, Macon has a cost of living index of 49 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 51% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$133,800
56% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$257,345
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$760/mo
42% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
14.7x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
1.0%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$623
1 BR
$668
2 BR
$826
3 BR
$1,142
4 BR
$1,311
Owner-occupied 63.8%
Renter-occupied 36.2%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$760
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,374/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
21.4 min
21% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
6.0%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
82.9%
Carpooled
8.5%
Public transit
0.5%
Walked
1.9%
Bicycle
0.2%
Work from home
6.0%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 5.0%
Total Sales Tax 8.4%
State rate 4.2%
Avg local rate 4.1%
Property Tax 1.0%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$51,103
31% below avg
Per Capita Income
$28,586
Unemployment Rate
3.8%
20% below avg
Poverty Rate
14.1%
Labor Force Participation
57.9%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 14.1%
Graduate degree 7.6%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 42.4
Male median age 45.5
Female median age 41.8

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

87%
4-Year Graduation Rate
12.3:1
Student-teacher ratio
5
Public schools
1,258
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Macon, MO?

Macon has a cost index of 49 (100 = national average). It is 51% below the national average.

What is average rent in Macon, MO?

The median gross rent in Macon is $760 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Macon?

The median home value in Macon is $133,800 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Macon?

The median household income in Macon is $51,103 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Macon, MO?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Macon is 8.4%. The Missouri state income tax top rate is 5.0%.

Is Macon, MO affordable?

Yes, Macon is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 49 — about 51% below the US national average of 100.

Macon at a Glance

Population
5,457
Median Income
$51,103
Home Value
$133,800
Median Rent
$760/mo
Unemployment
3.8%
Sales Tax
8.4%
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🗺️ County data for Missouri

Explore county-level cost of living data

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