Macon County
TN · Pop. 25,793 · Suburban County
Macon County sits in Tennessee across 307 square miles, home to 25,793 people at 84 per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on hay, soybeans, corn. The median home price is $211,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.41%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 7b with a 210-day growing season, average summer highs of 88°F and average winter lows of 29.3°F. Annual rainfall averages 53.2 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Macon Community Hospital is 1.9 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 100% of homes. On the hazard side, tornado risk is very high, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 210-day growing season in USDA zone 7b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.41% holds annual carrying costs down.
- Broadband reaches 100% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- Macon Community Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 1.9 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A low unemployment rate of 3% reflects a stable local job base.
Cons
- Tornado risk is very high, so a storm shelter and wind-resistant structures are practical necessities.
- Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
At a glance
Macon County, TN is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 89/100
- Median home price
- $211k
- Property tax
- 0.41%
- Growing season
- 210 days (zone 7b)
- Annual rainfall
- 53.2"
- Broadband
- 100%
- Nearest hospital
- Macon Community Hospital, 1.9 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Macon County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Macon County?
- Macon County is in USDA hardiness zone 7b with a 210-day growing season, average summer highs of 88°F, and average winter lows of 29.3°F. The established crops are hay, soybeans, corn.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $211,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.41%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 100% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Macon Community Hospital is 1.9 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore Tennessee Resources
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LandWatch
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More counties in Tennessee
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The closest counties to Macon County by distance, including across state lines.
Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
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