Macon County, TN Property Tax: $858/yr (2026)
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The effective property tax rate in Macon County is 0.41% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $211,200, that works out to about $866 per year, or $72 per month. Macon County is located in northern Tennessee, and is home to approximately 25,793 residents.
About Macon County
Macon County covers approximately 307.1 square miles in Tennessee. The county is home to about 25,793 residents living in roughly 10,845 housing units, of which 60.9% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $56,269, and the median home was built in 1990.
Macon County borders Allen County, Monroe County, Clay County, Jackson County, Smith County — useful comparisons if you're considering nearby areas with potentially different tax rates.
How Property Taxes Work in Tennessee
Property taxes in Tennessee are administered at the county level. Each county sets a millage rate applied to the assessed value of real property — the effective rate above accounts for any partial assessments and exemptions already built into the local tax base. Assessed value can differ meaningfully from current market value depending on how often the county reassesses and what fraction of market value it uses.
Most counties in Tennessee offer exemptions that reduce the taxable assessed value: homestead exemptions for primary residences, senior exemptions, disability exemptions, and veteran exemptions are common. These reduce your effective rate below the county-wide average shown here. Contact the Macon County Assessor's office to learn which exemptions apply to your property and when to file.
Macon County vs. Neighboring Counties
| Location | Eff. Rate | Median Home | Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Macon County, TN | 0.41% | $211,200 | $866 |
| Tennessee state average | 0.51% | — | $1,077* |
| Allen County | 0.55% | $176,300 | $972 |
| Monroe County | 0.77% | $116,300 | $892 |
| Clay County | 0.61% | $136,900 | $841 |
| Jackson County | 0.50% | $135,200 | $671 |
| Smith County | 0.47% | $224,500 | $1,047 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at Macon County's median home value of $211,200. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Macon County's property tax rate compare to the rest of Tennessee?
At 0.41%, Macon County is lower than the Tennessee state average of 0.51%. On a home at the county median of $211,200, that means about $866 per year — versus $1,077 at the state average rate, a difference of $211 per year. Compared to the national average of 1.10%, Macon County is below average.
What's a typical annual property tax bill in Macon County?
For a home at the county median value of $211,200, the annual property tax in Macon County is approximately $866 — or about $72 per month. For a home worth $316,800, expect around $1,299 per year. For a $422,400 home, approximately $1,732 per year. Use the calculator above to estimate taxes for any assessed value.
Where do I appeal a Macon County property tax assessment?
Property assessment appeals in Macon County are handled by the Macon County Assessor's office. Most jurisdictions require filing within 30–90 days of receiving your assessment notice — confirm the specific deadline with the assessor's office before submitting, as deadlines and procedures vary by county. A successful appeal can reduce your assessed value and lower your tax bill for the current and future tax years.
What exemptions are available in Macon County?
Tennessee counties commonly offer homestead exemptions for owner-occupied primary residences, senior citizen exemptions for qualifying homeowners aged 65 and older, exemptions for disabled residents, and veterans' exemptions. Each exemption reduces your assessed taxable value, which in turn reduces your effective tax rate below the county-wide 0.41% shown here. Contact the Macon County Assessor's office to confirm which exemptions are available and the application deadlines.
Data sources: US Census Bureau ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates, US Census Gazetteer (2024), County Adjacency File