Macon GA vs Washington DC — Cost of Living, Crime & Income Comparison 2026
Updated May 2026 · Source: US Census ACS 5-Year (2023), FBI CDE (2023), BLS OEWS (2024)
Macon, GA
Georgia · Population: 61,773
- Median HH Income$70,086
- Median Home Price$171,916
- Unemployment3.9%
- Bachelor's+46.8%
Washington, DC
District of Columbia · Population: 672,079
- Median HH Income$106,287
- Median Home Price$580,173
- Unemployment6.5%
- Bachelor's+63.6%
Detailed Comparison
Demographics
Population
Macon
61,773
Washington
672,079
Washington +
Pop. Density / sq mi
Lower = more space
Macon
N/A
Washington
N/A
Median Age
Macon
35.2
Washington
34.9
Washington +
Foreign Born
Macon
18.3%
Macon +
Washington
13.3%
White
Macon
43.7%
Macon +
Washington
39.1%
Black
Macon
30.4%
Washington
43.3%
Washington +
Asian
Macon
2.0%
Washington
4.1%
Washington +
Hispanic
Macon
19.8%
Macon +
Washington
11.6%
Spanish at Home
Macon
N/A
Washington
N/A
| Metric | Macon, GA | Washington, DC | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 61,773 | 672,079 | Washington + |
| Pop. Density / sq miLower = more space | N/A | N/A | - |
| Median Age | 35.2 | 34.9 | Washington + |
| Foreign Born | 18.3% | 13.3% | Macon + |
| White | 43.7% | 39.1% | Macon + |
| Black | 30.4% | 43.3% | Washington + |
| Asian | 2.0% | 4.1% | Washington + |
| Hispanic | 19.8% | 11.6% | Macon + |
| Spanish at Home | N/A | N/A | - |
Economy
Median HH Income
Macon
$70,086
Washington
$106,287
Washington +
Per Capita Income
Macon
$43,074
Washington
$75,253
Washington +
Per Capita Personal Income (MSA)
BEA MSA-level
Macon
$57,405
Washington
$101,182
Washington +
Unemployment Rate
Macon
3.9%
Macon +
Washington
6.5%
Poverty Rate
Macon
12.7%
Macon +
Washington
14.5%
Bachelor's Degree+
Macon
46.8%
Washington
63.6%
Washington +
| Metric | Macon, GA | Washington, DC | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median HH Income | $70,086 | $106,287 | Washington + |
| Per Capita Income | $43,074 | $75,253 | Washington + |
| Per Capita Personal Income (MSA)BEA MSA-level | $57,405 | $101,182 | Washington + |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.9% | 6.5% | Macon + |
| Poverty Rate | 12.7% | 14.5% | Macon + |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 46.8% | 63.6% | Washington + |
Housing
Median Home Value
Zillow ZHVI / Census ACS
Macon
$171,916
Macon +
Washington
$580,173
Homeownership Rate
Macon
47.2%
Macon +
Washington
41.1%
| Metric | Macon, GA | Washington, DC | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home ValueZillow ZHVI / Census ACS | $171,916 | $580,173 | Macon + |
| Homeownership Rate | 47.2% | 41.1% | Macon + |
Safety
Violent Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Macon
392
Macon +
Washington
398
Property Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Macon
1752
Macon +
Washington
1999
| Metric | Macon, GA | Washington, DC | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime / 100KFBI CDE (state-level est.) | 392 | 398 | Macon + |
| Property Crime / 100KFBI CDE (state-level est.) | 1752 | 1999 | Macon + |
Health
Obesity Rate
CDC PLACES
Macon
N/A
Washington
24.6%
Diabetes Rate
CDC PLACES
Macon
N/A
Washington
7.8%
Poor Mental Health
CDC PLACES — 14+ days/month
Macon
N/A
Washington
14.6%
No Health Insurance
CDC PLACES
Macon
N/A
Washington
6.7%
Binge Drinking
CDC PLACES
Macon
N/A
Washington
24.0%
Current Smokers
CDC PLACES
Macon
N/A
Washington
9.7%
| Metric | Macon, GA | Washington, DC | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Obesity RateCDC PLACES | N/A | 24.6% | - |
| Diabetes RateCDC PLACES | N/A | 7.8% | - |
| Poor Mental HealthCDC PLACES — 14+ days/month | N/A | 14.6% | - |
| No Health InsuranceCDC PLACES | N/A | 6.7% | - |
| Binge DrinkingCDC PLACES | N/A | 24.0% | - |
| Current SmokersCDC PLACES | N/A | 9.7% | - |
Climate
Avg Annual Temp
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Macon
64.6°F
Washington
N/A
Annual Precipitation
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Macon
45.7 in
Washington
N/A
| Metric | Macon, GA | Washington, DC | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual TempNOAA 1991–2020 normal | 64.6°F | N/A | - |
| Annual PrecipitationNOAA 1991–2020 normal | 45.7 in | N/A | - |
Air Quality
PM2.5 Annual Avg
EPA AQS (state-level est.)
Macon
9.8 µg/m³
Washington
8.8 µg/m³
Washington +
Good Air Days
AQI ≤ 50
Macon
55.0%
Washington
75.0%
Washington +
| Metric | Macon, GA | Washington, DC | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| PM2.5 Annual AvgEPA AQS (state-level est.) | 9.8 µg/m³ | 8.8 µg/m³ | Washington + |
| Good Air DaysAQI ≤ 50 | 55.0% | 75.0% | Washington + |
Commute
Mean Commute Time
Census ACS
Macon
30.2 min
Macon +
Washington
32.8 min
| Metric | Macon, GA | Washington, DC | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mean Commute TimeCensus ACS | 30.2 min | 32.8 min | Macon + |
Which City is Right for You?
Washington leads in median household income at $106,287, while macon offers more affordable housing with a median home price of $171,916. On public safety, Macon is safer with a violent crime rate of 392 per 100,000 residents, compared to 398 in Washington. Macon has a lower unemployment rate at 3.9%, and Washington has cleaner air (PM2.5 avg 8.8 µg/m³).
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