Market Snapshot
Report generated March 2026
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 37,533 ↑ 1.4% since 2020 |
| Median Household Income | $53,298 29% below national median |
| Median Home Value | $229,000 |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.9% |
| Median Age | 50.1 years |
| Housing Vacancy Rate | 33.2% |
| Total Land Sales (Past 12 Months) | 181 transactions |
| Active Listings | 200 properties |
| Avg Days on Market | 146 days |
Rural Land Sales (1+ Acres) (Jun 2025 – Mar 2026)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Price/Acre | $18,000 |
| Recent Sales | 153 transactions |
| Avg Days on Market | 144 days |
| Avg Parcel Size | 6.18 acres |
| Active Listings | 134 properties |
Recent Rural Land Sales
| Date | Acres | Price | $/Acre | Address | City |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 2026New | 1.25 | $29,900 | $23,920 | 1185 Watauga Rd | Franklin |
| Mar 2026New | 1.54 | $13,000 | $8,442 | 0 Cherokee Mine Rd | Franklin |
| Mar 2026New | 4.12 | $64,000 | $15,534 | 6878 Upper Burningtown Rd | Franklin |
| Mar 2026New | 2.84 | $13,800 | $4,859 | 0 Diamond Falls Blvd | Franklin |
| Mar 2026New | 29.30 | $220,000 | $7,509 | 0 Big Creek Rd | Otto |
| Mar 2026New | 1.31 | $13,800 | $10,534 | 703 Diamond Falls Blvd | Franklin |
| Feb 2026 | 1.67 | $5,000 | $2,994 | 357 Golden Falls Dr | Franklin |
| Feb 2026 | 2.33 | $34,500 | $14,807 | 499 Deep Springs Dr | Franklin |
| Feb 2026 | 5.89 | $72,000 | $12,224 | 300 Rivermist Ln | Franklin |
| Feb 2026 | 1.02 | $45,000 | $44,118 | LOT 9A Nantahala Trl | Topton |
| Date | Acres | Price | $/Acre | Address | City |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 2026 | 2.00 | $55,000 | $27,500 | 000 Walkingstick Rd | Highlands |
| Feb 2026 | 4.04 | $55,000 | $13,614 | 0 Hemlock Falls Rd | Franklin |
| Feb 2026 | 1.28 | $125,000 | $97,656 | 4821 Clarks Chapel Rd | Franklin |
| Feb 2026 | 2.92 | $70,000 | $23,973 | TBD Strawberry Branch | Scaly Mountain |
| Feb 2026 | 2.51 | $15,000 | $5,976 | 1480 Hemlock Falls Rd | Franklin |
| Feb 2026 | 3.20 | $37,000 | $11,562 | 4444 Conley Ridge Trl | Franklin |
| Feb 2026 | 3.51 | $61,000 | $17,379 | 0 Rickman Creek Rd | Franklin |
| Feb 2026 | 1.26 | $20,579 | $16,333 | 0 Meadow View Trl | Franklin |
| Feb 2026 | 1.17 | $49,500 | $42,308 | 2 Jay Bird Trl | Franklin |
| Feb 2026 | 2.69 | $165,000 | $61,338 | Cowee Ridge Rd | Highlands |
| Feb 2026 | 2.91 | $165,000 | $56,701 | 0 Cowee Ridge Road | Highlands |
| Jan 2026 | 13.23 | $60,000 | $4,535 | 642 Butterfly Blvd | Franklin |
| Jan 2026 | 1.37 | $15,000 | $10,949 | LOT 14 Papillion Pl | Franklin |
| Jan 2026 | 5.00 | $90,000 | $18,000 | 0 Cricket Holw | Otto |
| Jan 2026 | 5.36 | $105,000 | $19,590 | 0 Heritage Way | Otto |
| Jan 2026 | 1.02 | $27,500 | $26,961 | 6 Sunset Mountain Trl | Franklin |
| Jan 2026 | 52.56 | $382,500 | $7,277 | 1531 Ledford Branch Rd | Franklin |
| Jan 2026 | 1.34 | $139,000 | $103,731 | Lot 10 Highlands Point | Highlands |
| Jan 2026 | 1.35 | $150,000 | $111,111 | L22,23 Hideaway Trail | Highlands |
| Jan 2026 | 41.88 | $354,500 | $8,465 | 9999 Maxwell Home Rd | Franklin |
| Jan 2026 | 1.24 | $32,000 | $25,806 | 1 Gem Lake Estates Rd | Franklin |
| Jan 2026 | 18.30 | $100,000 | $5,464 | 0 Corbin Cove Dr | Franklin |
| Jan 2026 | 3.44 | $31,000 | $9,012 | 18 Enchanted Mountain Cv | Franklin |
| Dec 2025 | 11.01 | $142,500 | $12,943 | 0 Wayah Rd | Franklin |
| Dec 2025 | 5.14 | $62,000 | $12,062 | 94 Rose Creek Rd | Franklin |
| Dec 2025 | 1.21 | $40,000 | $33,058 | 62 Lyle Mountain Trl | Franklin |
| Dec 2025 | 1.39 | $37,500 | $26,978 | LOT 3 Autumn Trl | Franklin |
| Dec 2025 | 1.18 | $32,500 | $27,542 | 1 Sunset Mountain Trl | Franklin |
| Dec 2025 | 1.56 | $27,000 | $17,308 | LOT 7 Country Walk | Franklin |
| Dec 2025 | 12.00 | $136,000 | $11,333 | 274 Bear Paw Rdg | Franklin |
| Dec 2025 | 1.11 | $53,000 | $47,748 | 292 Kingwood Cir | Franklin |
| Dec 2025 | 1.25 | $165,000 | $132,000 | 0 Cardwell-Eaton | Highlands |
| Dec 2025 | 4.13 | $95,000 | $23,002 | 319 McGaha Rd | Franklin |
| Dec 2025 | 15.06 | $330,000 | $21,912 | 832 Lakey Creek Rd | Franklin |
| Dec 2025 | 1.97 | $121,000 | $61,421 | Palmer St | Franklin |
| Dec 2025 | 20.22 | $1,500,000 | $74,184 | TBD Jack Wilcox Road | Highlands |
| Dec 2025 | 10.68 | $70,000 | $6,554 | 0 Crestline Dr | Franklin |
| Dec 2025 | 2.66 | $64,000 | $24,060 | Lots 7 9 Buck Falls Rd | Highlands |
| Dec 2025 | 1.24 | $15,000 | $12,097 | Wayah Rd Lot 303 | Franklin |
| Nov 2025 | 3.55 | $80,000 | $22,535 | 0 Ruby Cir | Franklin |
| Nov 2025 | 46.10 | $445,500 | $9,664 | 1098 Nickajack Rd | Franklin |
| Nov 2025 | 1.03 | $48,000 | $46,602 | 3359 Mulberry Rd | Otto |
| Nov 2025 | 1.17 | $7,800 | $6,667 | 52 Corundum Hill Rd | Franklin |
| Nov 2025 | 1.13 | $25,000 | $22,124 | 0 Coweeta Church Rd | Otto |
| Nov 2025 | 3.88 | $575,000 | $148,196 | TBD Arnold Road | Highlands |
| Nov 2025 | 1.26 | $16,550 | $13,135 | 10 Hideaway Ln | Franklin |
| Nov 2025 | 1.72 | $71,000 | $41,279 | Georgia Rd | Franklin |
| Nov 2025 | 3.68 | $67,000 | $18,207 | 440 Byrd Farm Rd | Franklin |
| Nov 2025 | 2.96 | $25,000 | $8,446 | 0 Pine Mountain Dr | Topton |
| Nov 2025 | 1.00 | $36,000 | $36,000 | 2 Brendle Rd | Franklin |
| Nov 2025 | 1.00 | $36,000 | $36,000 | 3 Brendle Rd | Franklin |
| Nov 2025 | 1.23 | $70,000 | $56,911 | 1615 Mountain Laurel Drive | Highlands |
| Nov 2025 | 40.00 | $180,000 | $4,500 | 0 Patton Rd | Franklin |
| Nov 2025 | 1.02 | $18,000 | $17,647 | 0 Lyle Downs Rd | Franklin |
| Nov 2025 | 2.14 | $20,000 | $9,346 | 321 Enchanted Mountain Cv | Franklin |
| Nov 2025 | 1.24 | $20,000 | $16,129 | 139 Wallalieu Rd | Otto |
| Nov 2025 | 4.26 | $82,500 | $19,366 | 2 Gibson Rd | Franklin |
| Nov 2025 | 1.89 | $38,000 | $20,106 | LOT 21 Willa Rd | Franklin |
| Nov 2025 | 5.49 | $36,000 | $6,557 | Dendy Orchard Rd | Highlands |
| Nov 2025 | 1.28 | $36,000 | $28,125 | 0 Dendy Orchard Rd | Highlands |
| Nov 2025 | 1.00 | $15,000 | $15,000 | 0 Wild Turkey Ln | Franklin |
| Oct 2025 | 7.82 | $75,000 | $9,591 | 0 Gale Trl | Franklin |
| Oct 2025 | 7.82 | $75,000 | $9,591 | 6 Gale Trl | Franklin |
| Oct 2025 | 6.21 | $65,000 | $10,467 | 0 Allison Watts Rd | Franklin |
| Oct 2025 | 23.90 | $100,000 | $4,184 | Allison Watts Rd | Franklin |
| Oct 2025 | 3.50 | $90,000 | $25,714 | 4 George Rd | Topton |
| Oct 2025 | 1.53 | $69,000 | $45,098 | 36 Dobson Road Brookstone Vista Ln | Franklin |
| Oct 2025 | 1.35 | $53,000 | $39,259 | LOT 32 Brookstone Vista Ln | Franklin |
| Oct 2025 | 1.86 | $25,000 | $13,441 | Overlook Ridge Rd | Franklin |
| Oct 2025 | 3.91 | $110,000 | $28,133 | 0 Evans Creek Rd | Scaly Mountain |
| Oct 2025 | 2.08 | $20,000 | $9,615 | 0 Piney Grove Rd | Franklin |
| Oct 2025 | 1.00 | $150,000 | $150,000 | 204 Ralph Taylor Rd | Franklin |
| Oct 2025 | 2.99 | $50,000 | $16,722 | 0 Keener Mountain Rd | Franklin |
| Oct 2025 | 4.10 | $570,000 | $139,024 | 0 Wilson Road | Highlands |
| Oct 2025 | 1.54 | $32,340 | $21,000 | LOT 7 Sequoyah View Trl | Franklin |
| Oct 2025 | 2.15 | $16,800 | $7,814 | Lt 361 Wildflower | Franklin |
| Oct 2025 | 15.52 | $85,000 | $5,477 | (undisclosed Address) | Franklin |
| Sep 2025 | 1.20 | $620,000 | $516,667 | Sassafras Ct | Highlands |
| Sep 2025 | 1.31 | $57,500 | $43,893 | TBA View Point Road | Highlands |
| Sep 2025 | 1.18 | $57,500 | $48,729 | TBA View Point Road | Highlands |
| Sep 2025 | 3.15 | $157,500 | $49,968 | 0 Goshen Rd | Franklin |
| Sep 2025 | 2.19 | $230,000 | $105,023 | 85 & 86 Lake Villas Way | Highlands |
| Sep 2025 | 3.29 | $26,000 | $7,903 | 1757 Hemlock Falls Rd | Franklin |
| Sep 2025 | 11.50 | $1,900,000 | $165,217 | TBD Klein Road | Highlands |
| Sep 2025 | 2.03 | $58,000 | $28,571 | 189 Gray Fox Rd | Franklin |
| Sep 2025 | 2.21 | $26,000 | $11,765 | LOT 24 Cliff View Dr | Franklin |
| Sep 2025 | 2.82 | $37,500 | $13,298 | 0 Bucks Nest Dr | Topton |
| Sep 2025 | 2.14 | $30,000 | $14,019 | LOT 4 Cliff View Dr | Franklin |
| Sep 2025 | 1.22 | $369,000 | $302,459 | 127 Womack St | Franklin |
| Sep 2025 | 9.44 | $110,000 | $11,653 | 224 Hemlock Gap Ln | Franklin |
| Sep 2025 | 2.37 | $44,900 | $18,945 | LOT 11 Silvercrest Rd | Franklin |
| Sep 2025 | 2.72 | $28,500 | $10,478 | 0 Crystal Creek Rd | Otto |
| Sep 2025 | 2.44 | $27,000 | $11,066 | 0 Windermere Woods Rd #7 | Franklin |
| Sep 2025 | 1.44 | $105,000 | $73,171 | 8 Porter Creek Dr Penthouse S-2 | Franklin |
| Sep 2025 | 40.05 | $845,000 | $21,099 | 0 Bryson City Rd | Franklin |
| Sep 2025 | 31.74 | $400,000 | $12,602 | 0 John B Deal Rd | Franklin |
| Sep 2025 | 33.66 | $500,000 | $14,854 | (undisclosed Address) | Franklin |
| Aug 2025 | 4.00 | $25,000 | $6,250 | 0 Thornwood Rd | Franklin |
| Aug 2025 | 27.25 | $230,000 | $8,440 | 0 Buck Knob Rd | Scaly Mountain |
| Aug 2025 | 1.24 | $25,000 | $20,161 | 29 Tessentee Woods Rd | Franklin |
| Aug 2025 | 2.09 | $20,000 | $9,569 | 26 Chapel Cove Cir | Franklin |
| Aug 2025 | 32.84 | $110,000 | $3,349 | Old Bryson City Rd | Bryson City |
| Aug 2025 | 4.29 | $42,000 | $9,790 | (undisclosed Address) | Franklin |
| Aug 2025 | 1.66 | $44,000 | $26,506 | On Hidden Springs Road | Highlands |
| Aug 2025 | 5.05 | $62,000 | $12,277 | 0 Welch Rd | Franklin |
| Aug 2025 | 8.00 | $205,000 | $25,625 | 0 Bear Claw Rdg | Franklin |
| Aug 2025 | 6.17 | $127,000 | $20,583 | TBD Highlands Gate Drive | Highlands |
| Aug 2025 | 1.65 | $60,000 | $36,364 | 0 Highlands Gorge Point | Franklin |
| Aug 2025 | 1.87 | $105,000 | $56,150 | 10796 Georgia Rd | Otto |
| Aug 2025 | 6.39 | $155,000 | $24,257 | 0 Sarah Cove Rd | Otto |
| Aug 2025 | 1.17 | $120,000 | $102,564 | 0 Kent Dr | Highlands |
| Jul 2025 | 1.95 | $37,000 | $18,974 | 51 Bear Mountain Rd | Franklin |
| Jul 2025 | 4.15 | $120,000 | $28,916 | LOT 1 Water Gauge Rd | Franklin |
| Jul 2025 | 2.78 | $122,500 | $44,065 | 402 Bradley Creek Rd | Franklin |
| Jul 2025 | 1.62 | $890,000 | $549,384 | 99 Ancient Way | Highlands |
| Jul 2025 | 2.33 | $850,000 | $364,807 | Lot 8 Ravenel Ridge Road | Highlands |
| Jul 2025 | 2.25 | $314,500 | $139,778 | 03 Watkins Road | Highlands |
| Jul 2025 | 1.78 | $70,000 | $39,326 | 798 Featherstone Dr | Franklin |
| Jul 2025 | 1.22 | $125,000 | $102,459 | TBD Moorewood Circle | Highlands |
| Jul 2025 | 6.58 | $120,000 | $18,237 | 8 Gibson Rd | Franklin |
| Jul 2025 | 2.00 | $55,000 | $27,500 | 0 Quail Hollow Rd | Franklin |
| Jul 2025 | 39.17 | $160,000 | $4,085 | 0 Corundum Hill Rd | Franklin |
| Jul 2025 | 20.00 | $110,000 | $5,500 | 0 Brown Branch Rd | Franklin |
| Jul 2025 | 1.77 | $30,000 | $16,949 | 0 River Rd | Franklin |
| Jul 2025 | 2.61 | $69,000 | $26,417 | On Crestview Drive | Otto |
| Jul 2025 | 5.40 | $13,000 | $2,407 | 0 Doghobble Dr | Franklin |
| Jul 2025 | 6.45 | $43,750 | $6,783 | 0 Deerwood Dr | Franklin |
| Jul 2025 | 2.15 | $24,000 | $11,163 | 46 Elkhorn Ridge Dr | Franklin |
| Jul 2025 | 2.15 | $24,000 | $11,163 | 0 Elkhorn Ridge Dr #46 | Franklin |
| Jul 2025 | 10.47 | $100,000 | $9,551 | 0 Reserve Rd | Franklin |
| Jul 2025 | 2.01 | $45,000 | $22,388 | 0 Quail Hollow Ln | Franklin |
| Jul 2025 | 1.13 | $8,500 | $7,522 | 0 Anderson Creek Rd | Franklin |
| Jul 2025 | 2.34 | $25,600 | $10,940 | 0 Elkhorn Ridge Dr #87 | Franklin |
| Jul 2025 | 3.88 | $60,000 | $15,464 | 0 John Teague Rd | Franklin |
| Jun 2025 | 6.70 | $45,000 | $6,716 | 451 W Dills Creek Rd | Franklin |
| Jun 2025 | 5.15 | $50,000 | $9,709 | 0 Happy Jack Rd | Franklin |
| Jun 2025 | 1.30 | $17,500 | $13,462 | LOT 8 Mountain Meadows Rd | Franklin |
| Jun 2025 | 1.24 | $17,500 | $14,113 | LOT 2 Mountain Meadows Rd | Franklin |
| Jun 2025 | 1.18 | $67,500 | $57,204 | Shortoff Ln | Highlands |
| Jun 2025 | 1.78 | $58,000 | $32,584 | 14 Willow Ct | Franklin |
| Jun 2025 | 1.98 | $25,000 | $12,626 | 0 Gregory Rd | Franklin |
| Jun 2025 | 4.00 | $430,000 | $107,500 | Cunningham Rd | Franklin |
| Jun 2025 | 2.54 | $42,500 | $16,732 | 0 Kinsland Rd | Franklin |
Suburban/Urban Land Sales (Under 1 Acre) (Sep 2025 – Mar 2026)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Lot Price | $62,000 |
| Recent Sales | 28 transactions |
| Avg Days on Market | 103 days |
| Avg Parcel Size | 0.59 acres |
| Active Listings | 66 properties |
Recent Suburban/Urban Land Sales
| Date | Acres | Price | Address | City |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 2026New | 0.42 | $50,999 | 9999 Kimberly Ln Lot 21 | Franklin |
| Mar 2026New | 0.58 | $80,000 | 7 Snow Hill Rd | Franklin |
| Feb 2026 | 0.80 | $99,500 | 385 Cherokee Mine Rd | Franklin |
| Feb 2026 | 0.88 | $66,000 | 2 Highlands Plz | Highlands |
| Jan 2026 | 0.50 | $29,000 | 0 Village Rd | Otto |
| Jan 2026 | 0.50 | $295,000 | 24 Lake Shore Dr | Topton |
| Jan 2026 | 0.26 | $1,700,000 | TBD Shelby Drive | Highlands |
| Jan 2026 | 0.51 | $47,500 | 9059 Lower Burningtown Rd | Franklin |
| Jan 2026 | 0.63 | $130,000 | 0 Satulah Ridge Rd | Highlands |
| Dec 2025 | 0.71 | $34,000 | 64 Lyle Mountain Trl | Franklin |
| Date | Acres | Price | Address | City |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 2025 | 0.55 | $65,000 | 0 Little Choga Rd | Topton |
| Dec 2025 | 0.81 | $26,000 | 12 Parker Farm Rd | Franklin |
| Nov 2025 | 0.75 | $70,500 | 940 Rickman Creek Rd | Franklin |
| Nov 2025 | 0.19 | $51,500 | 521 Carolina Village Cir | Franklin |
| Nov 2025 | 0.33 | $14,000 | LOT 17 Pressley Circle Rd | Franklin |
| Nov 2025 | 0.99 | $45,000 | 0 Cortney Marie | Franklin |
| Nov 2025 | 0.95 | $62,000 | LOT 1&3 White Oak Cir | Franklin |
| Nov 2025 | 0.80 | $47,000 | LOT 2 Brookstone Vista Ln | Franklin |
| Nov 2025 | 0.20 | $165,000 | Lot 95 Shelby S | Highlands |
| Oct 2025 | 0.71 | $59,900 | 9 Scenic Ridge Cir | Franklin |
| Oct 2025 | 0.18 | $16,500 | 0 Thunderstruck Ln | Hayesville |
| Oct 2025 | 0.29 | $185,000 | 23&24 Shelby Drive | Highlands |
| Oct 2025 | 0.78 | $57,000 | 9999 Kimberly Ln Lot 14 | Franklin |
| Oct 2025 | 0.89 | $52,900 | 9999 Kimberly Ln Lot 24 | Franklin |
| Sep 2025 | 0.21 | $15,000 | 0 Bailey Rd | Franklin |
| Sep 2025 | 0.54 | $142,000 | 3109 Fulton Rd | Franklin |
| Sep 2025 | 0.73 | $235,000 | TBD Old Logging Trail | Highlands |
| Sep 2025 | 0.81 | $79,900 | 527 Saunders Rd Lot 78 | Franklin |
County Profile
| Demographic | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Population (2023) | 37,533 |
| Population (2020) | 37,014 |
| Population Growth | 1.4% |
| Median Household Income | $53,298 |
| Median Home Value | $229,000 |
| Total Housing Units | 27,070 |
| Vacant Housing Units | 8,980 |
| Housing Vacancy Rate | 33.2% |
| Median Age | 50.1 |
| Bachelor's Degree or Higher | 4,436 (11.8%) |
| Unemployment Rate (BLS) | 3.2% |
Market Overview
Macon County, North Carolina has a population of 37,533, which has grown 1.4% since 2020. The median household income is $53,298, below the national median of $74,580 by 28.5%. With a median home value of $229,000 and an unemployment rate of 3.2%, the local economy is struggling. The housing vacancy rate of 33.2% suggests soft market conditions. The county's location in North Carolina makes it accessible for investors and developers seeking rural land. Recent rural land sales show a median price of $18,000 per acre, with properties averaging 6.20 acres. There are currently 200 active land listings in the county.
Related Resources
Nearby County Reports
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current population of Macon County, North Carolina?
As of the 2023 American Community Survey, Macon County has a population of 37,533. The county has grown 1.4% since the 2020 Census, indicating a growing community.
What is the median household income in Macon County?
The median household income in Macon County is $53,298, which is 28.5% below the national median of $74,580.
Is Macon County growing or shrinking?
Macon County is growing. The population has increased 1.4% since 2020.
What is the housing market like in Macon County?
The median home value in Macon County is $229,000. The housing vacancy rate is 33.2%, which suggests soft market conditions. The unemployment rate is 3.2%, indicating a struggling local economy. Recent rural land sales (1+ acres) show a median price of $18,000 per acre. Suburban/urban lots under 1 acre have a median lot price of $52,900.
Does Reelvest buy land in Macon County, North Carolina?
Yes! Reelvest Properties buys vacant land throughout North Carolina, including Macon County. We make cash offers within 24-48 hours, close in 14-30 days, and pay all closing costs. Get your free cash offer today.
Data Sources: Market data reflects recent vacant land transactions in the county. Demographic data from U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (2023), Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025). Updated monthly.