Macon County

As of the 2020 Census, Macon County, NC, had a population of approximately 37,014. The racial makeup was 92.3% White, 1.4% Black or African American, 0.9% Native American, 0.5% Asian, and 2.9% from other races. Hispanic or Latino individuals of any race constituted 6.6% of the population. The median household income stood at $45,458, with 14.6% of residents living below the poverty line. The county covers an area of 520 square miles, with a population density of about 71 people per square mile.

As of 2023, Macon County, NC, had a median home value of approximately $300,000. The median rent is around $900 per month. The county has an 81% homeownership rate. Housing inventory has been moderately low, contributing to a seller's market. Property tax rates average about 0.7%. The county's population density is approximately 50 people per square mile, offering a mix of rural and small-town living. The real estate market has seen a year-over-year increase in home values by about 7%.

Macon County, NC is governed by a Board of Commissioners with five members elected for four-year staggered terms. The county has various elected positions, including Sheriff, Clerk of Superior Court, Register of Deeds, and members of the Board of Education.

As of the most recent general election in 2022, the Board of Commissioners had seats contested among Republican and Democratic candidates.

• Commissioner: Gary Shields (R), Paul Higdon (R), and Josh Young (D).
• Sheriff: Brent Holbrooks (R) defeated Dereck Jones (D).
• Clerk of Superior Court: Vic Perry (R) ran unopposed.
• Register of Deeds: Todd Raby (R) ran unopposed.
• Board of Education: Seats were contested across various districts.

In the 2020 presidential election, Macon County had approximately 25,000 registered voters with turnout at around 76%, predominantly voting Republican. For precise and updated details always check the official Macon County Board of Elections website.

As of the latest data, Macon County, NC, demonstrates a mixed profile in education compared to national and state averages. About 86.7% of residents aged 25 or older have a high school diploma or higher, which is slightly below the national average of around 88.5% and North Carolina's average of 87.8%. When it comes to higher education, approximately 26.1% hold a bachelor's degree or higher in Macon County, compared to the national average of 33.1% and the state average of 31.3%. These figures indicate that while the county has a relatively high rate of high school completion, it lags behind both the state and national averages in higher education attainment.

As of the latest data, Macon County, NC has an estimated labor force of around 15,000 people. The unemployment rate is approximately 4.1%, slightly lower than the national average of 4.8% and also below North Carolina's state average of 4.3%.

Top industries in Macon County include healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation and food services. These sectors collectively employ a significant portion of the population, mirroring broader state and national trends but with a particular emphasis on service-oriented roles due to the county's tourist attractions.

Compared to state and national averages, Macon County has a higher concentration of employment in the accommodation and food services sector, reflecting its robust tourism industry. Conversely, the county has a lower percentage of employment in manufacturing and professional services compared to both state and national figures.

As of the latest data, the average household income in Macon County, NC, is approximately $44,036 per year. Comparatively, the state average for North Carolina is around $54,602, while the national average is approximately $68,703.

Macon County's average income is significantly lower than both the state and national averages, indicating potential economic disparities and highlighting the county's unique economic landscape.

As of the latest available data, Macon County, NC has a crime rate of approximately 1,810 incidents per 100,000 people, which is lower than the national average. The crime rate in this county includes various types of crimes, both violent and property-related. Below is a summary of the statistics for different types of crimes:

These figures provide a snapshot of crime trends in Macon County, aiding residents and policymakers in effective community planning and safety measures.