Macon County, AL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
18,691
-1.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$43,707/yr
-4.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
9,653
-0.1% year-over-year change

Macon County population

How many people live in Macon County

Macon County is home to 18,691 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 45.8% of Macon County locals are male, and 54.2% are female.

Total population
18,691
-1.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
45.8%
8,560
Female
54.2%
10,131
Value Percent YoY change
Male 8,560 45.8% -1.7%
Female 10,131 54.2% -1.1%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Macon County is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 12.6% are children under 15, then 26.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 17.6% of the population, while another 22.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 21.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
37.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
12.6%
15 to 24
26.2%
25 to 44
17.6%
45 to 64
22.4%
Over 65
21.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,360 12.6% -3.1%
15 to 24 4,894 26.2% 0.8%
25 to 44 3,289 17.6% -1.5%
45 to 64 4,181 22.4% -4.9%
Over 65 3,967 21.2% 1.0%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Macon County, 98.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 17.2% of locals are Caucasian, 77.6% are African American and 0.3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 4.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1%
Non-citizens
0.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 18,347 98.2% -1.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 181 1% 9.0%
Non-citizens 163 0.9% 4.5%
Racial breakdown
White
17.2%
Black or African American
77.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4.2%
Other
0.6%
Value Percent
White 3,218 17.2%
Black or African American 14,498 77.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 6 0%
Asian 59 0.3%
Two or more races 793 4.2%
Other 117 0.6%

Households in Macon County

A peek inside Macon County households

Macon County has 7,237 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 56.9% are families, while the remaining 43.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
7,237
1.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
3,116
Family households
4,121
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 3,116 43.1% 4.4%
Family households 4,121 56.9% -1.1%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Macon County

The housing landscape of Macon County

Macon County's housing consists of 9,653 units, with 63.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.3% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 17.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
9,653
-0.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 6,117 63.4%
1 unit, attached 26 0.3%
2 units 253 2.6%
3 or 4 units 457 4.7%
5 to 9 units 683 7.1%
10 to 19 units 244 2.5%
20 to 49 units 124 1.3%
50 or more units 82 0.8%
Mobile home 1,665 17.2%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 2 0%
Homes built since 2020
128
5.8% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Macon County

In Macon County, the median construction year is 1979. About 4.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 10.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 3.7% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 419 4.3% 1.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 356 3.7% -11.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 792 8.2% 7.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,221 12.6% -4.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,218 23% -0.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,660 17.2% 4.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,472 15.2% -7.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,030 10.7% 8.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 357 3.7% -0.6%
Built in 2020 or later 128 1.3% 5.8%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Macon County occupancy rates

Out of the 7,237 occupied housing units in Macon County, 61.5% are owner-occupied, while 38.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 25% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
7,237
1.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,783
Owner occupied
4,454
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,783 38.5% 10.6%
Owner occupied 4,454 61.5% -3.9%
Unoccupied housing units
25.0%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Macon County housing costs

Housing costs in Macon County come to a median of $675 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $734.

Median housing costs per month
$675/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Macon County
$734/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Macon County

Macon County education at a glance

About 40.5% of the population in Macon County went to high school, while 34.7% pursued college studies. Another 6.1% earned an associate degree and 8.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 459 2.9% 10.3%
High school diploma 6,395 40.5% -0.8%
College diploma 5,488 34.7% -4.4%
Associate degree 961 6.1% 13.3%
Bachelor's degree 1,374 8.7% -4.5%
Graduate degree 1,127 7.1% 1.2%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Macon County

How much people earn in Macon County

The average annual household income in Macon County was $63,220 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $43,707, reflecting a -4.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Macon County
$63,220/year
2.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Macon County
$43,707/year
-4.9% year-over-year change

Macon County income by age

In Macon County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $42,727. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $51,875 overall. Overall, 75.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $42,727 -5.2%
45 - 64 $51,875 1.5%
Over 65 $45,060 -0.7%
Above poverty level
12,119
Below poverty level
3,868
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 12,119 75.8% -4.3%
Below poverty level 3,868 24.2% 8.1%

Employment in Macon County

Workforce and job types in Macon County

The job market in Macon County is powered by 7,600 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 71% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 29% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.2% run their own businesses, 64.1% are employed by private companies, and 19.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
7,600
1.7% year-over-year change
White collar
5,399
Blue collar
2,201
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 5,399 71% 0.3%
Blue collar 2,201 29% 5.2%
Employer type
Self employees
9.2%
Private companies
64.1%
Governmental workers
19.7%
Not for profit companies
7.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 699 9.2% 10.9%
Private companies 4,869 64.1% 3.4%
Governmental workers 1,495 19.7% -6.1%
Not for profit companies 537 7.1% -1.6%
Unemployment rate
8.3%
-23.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Macon County stands at 8.3%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Macon County

How people get around in Macon County

Commuting methods vary: 80.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 8.7% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 5,924 80.9% -0.7%
Bus or trolleybus 14 0.2% -50.0%
Motorcycle 4 0% -33.3%
Walk 636 8.7% 27.2%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Macon County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
36830 49,292 21,126 $70,188 $103,989
36860 1,486 657 $43,451 $54,845
36866 3,898 1,600 $49,028 $68,955
36031 143 46 $50,476 $60,920
36039 171 84 $38,375 $45,450
36075 1,580 617 $53,505 $75,345
36083 9,109 3,481 $46,024 $66,161
36088 3,400 1,205 $35,125 $49,314
36089 7,802 2,915 $24,109 $39,938

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FAQs about Macon County demographics 

What is the total population of Macon County?

Macon County has a total population of 18,691 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -1.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Macon County?

The gender ratio in Macon County is as follows:
  • 45.8% males (8,560 residents)
  • 54.2% females (10,131 residents)

What is the median age in Macon County?

The median age in Macon County is 37.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Macon County?

The age distribution in Macon County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 12.6% (2,360 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 26.2% (4,894 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 17.6% (3,289 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.4% (4,181 residents)
  • Over 65: 21.2% (3,967 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Macon County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Macon County is as follows:
  • White: 17.2% (3,218 residents)
  • Black or African American: 77.6% (14,498 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (6 residents)
  • Asian: 0.3% (59 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.2% (793 residents)
  • Other: 0.6% (117 residents)

What percentage of the population in Macon County are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.2% of the population in Macon County.

How many housing units are there in Macon County?

There are 9,653 housing units in Macon County, reflecting a -0.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Macon County and what is the average household size?

Macon County has a total of 7,237 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Macon County?

Macon County has a median household income of $43,707, representing a -4.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Macon County?

The employment rate is 91.7% in Macon County, with a workforce of 7,600 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 71% (5,399 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 29% (2,201 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.2% (699 residents)
  • Private companies: 64.1% (4,869 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 19.7% (1,495 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.1% (537 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025