Cost of Living in Macon, MS

Population 3,454 · Mississippi · Data vintage 2023

38
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

At $29,167, median household incomes in Macon land roughly 61% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 8.9% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.

Macon is about 60 miles west of Tuscaloosa, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 58% lower than Tuscaloosa's $237,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 32
Rent 47

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

About the Cost of Living in Macon

The median home value in Macon is $98,200 — 68% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $620/month, 53% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $29,167/year is 61% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.9%, above the national average of 4.8%. Mississippi's top state income tax rate is 4.7% and the combined sales tax is 7.1%. Overall, Macon has a cost of living index of 38 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 62% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$98,200
68% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$327,184
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$620/mo
53% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
13.2x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
0.7%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$770
1 BR
$802
2 BR
$933
3 BR
$1,238
4 BR
$1,321
Owner-occupied 64.0%
Renter-occupied 36.0%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$620
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,234/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
23.0 min
15% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
5.8%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
88.2%
Carpooled
0.7%
Walked
3.1%
Work from home
5.8%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 4.7%
Total Sales Tax 7.1%
State rate 7.0%
Avg local rate 0.1%
Property Tax 0.7%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$29,167
61% below avg
Per Capita Income
$20,326
Unemployment Rate
8.9%
85% above avg
Poverty Rate
35.9%
Labor Force Participation
61.1%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 9.6%
Graduate degree 9.0%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 32.9
Male median age 31.2
Female median age 36.8

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

87%
4-Year Graduation Rate
16.2:1
Student-teacher ratio
4
Public schools
1,458
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Macon, MS?

Macon has a cost index of 38 (100 = national average). It is 62% below the national average.

What is average rent in Macon, MS?

The median gross rent in Macon is $620 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Macon?

The median home value in Macon is $98,200 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Macon?

The median household income in Macon is $29,167 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Macon, MS?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Macon is 7.1%. The Mississippi state income tax top rate is 4.7%.

Is Macon, MS affordable?

Yes, Macon is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 38 — about 62% below the US national average of 100.

Macon at a Glance

Population
3,454
Median Income
$29,167
Home Value
$98,200
Median Rent
$620/mo
Unemployment
8.9%
Sales Tax
7.1%
View all cities in Mississippi →
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