Macon, IL
Population 1,035 · Illinois
About Macon, IL
Macon is a small town located in Illinois with a population of 1,035 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $74,063 per year, which is 1% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 46.8 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Macon features a median home value of $109,500, which is 55% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Macon one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $800, 31% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 498 total housing units, 82% are owner-occupied (363 units) and 18% are renter-occupied (80 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Macon shows an unemployment rate of 3.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 5.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Macon have an average one-way commute time of 29.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
11.6% of Macon residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 1.1% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Macon, IL
Compared to national averages, Macon has a median household income of $74,063 (1% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $109,500, which is 55% below the national median. Monthly rent at $800 is 31% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Macon's income is 1% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 34% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Macon, IL?
Macon offers affordable housing with a median home value of $109,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $800/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.0%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 5.7%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($74,063) that falls below the national average. However, Macon’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Macon has a population of 1,035 with a median age of 46.8 years. Compare Macon with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Macon
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chebanse | 1,033 | $76,190 | $149,300 | Compare |
| Payson | 1,030 | $62,262 | $118,000 | Compare |
| Washburn | 1,026 | $79,306 | $90,700 | Compare |
| Beckemeyer | 1,024 | $64,231 | $112,500 | Compare |
| Forest View | 1,022 | $108,833 | $257,100 | Compare |
| Wayne City | 1,050 | $58,208 | $108,600 | Compare |
| Percy | 1,014 | $42,813 | $88,500 | Compare |
| Colchester | 1,057 | $62,500 | $86,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Illinois
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Macon With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Macon
What is the population of Macon, IL?
The population of Macon, IL is 1,035 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Illinois.
What is the median household income in Macon?
The median household income in Macon, IL is $74,063 per year, which is 1% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Macon?
The median home value in Macon, IL is $109,500, which is 55% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Macon?
The median monthly rent in Macon, IL is $800, which is 31% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Macon?
The unemployment rate in Macon, IL is 3.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Macon, IL a good place to live?
Macon offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,035 and a median age of 46.8, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Macon, IL?
11.6% of residents in Macon aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Macon?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Macon, IL: median home value is $109,500 (55% below national), median rent is $800/month, and median household income is $74,063. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Macon?
The poverty rate in Macon, IL is 5.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Macon, IL?
Macon's population is 1.1% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 1.8% two or more races. 0.7% of residents are foreign-born.