RANK #861 / 1001 NAT · #31 / 41 GA · POP 156,578
1YR FORECAST: -1.1%
5YR OUTLOOK: +21%
Bibb County, Georgia, is perhaps best known for Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, a significant archaeological site showcasing over ten millennia of Indigenous cultures, including impressive earthworks built by the Mississippian culture. Located in central Georgia, Macon, the county seat, is about 85 miles southeast of Atlanta, offering a commute that avoids major metropolitan congestion. The community has a blend of rolling hills and flat plains, characteristic of its position on Georgia's Fall Line. Outdoor recreation is a draw, with Lake Tobesofkee providing opportunities for swimming, boating, and fishing, alongside numerous local parks and hiking trails.
Life in Bibb County offers a balance of affordability and community, appealing to families and those seeking a less hurried pace. The local economy is experiencing a period of transition and growth, with recent investments in commercial and residential developments. Educational institutions like Mercer University, Middle Georgia State University, and Wesleyan College contribute to the area's character. While public transportation is available through the Macon-Bibb County Transit Authority, many residents rely on personal vehicles, though commute times are generally manageable.
Bibb County is one of 75 U.S. counties in this market profile — weaker than typical on the BoomTown Index. Within this cohort, its recent home-price change of +1.7% runs above the profile's typical +0.8%.
See all 75 Affordable Slow Markets counties →Below national median (11.3x)
Above national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Below national median (15x)
Housing is fairly valued at 5.9x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Bars show trailing 12-month growth. The dashed Forecast bars are the model's next-12-month projection; the whisker marks the ±1% range (cooling–accelerating).
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
East Bank Mixed-Use Development
Macon-Bibb County (attracting private investment)
|
$350M | Planned |
|
Robins BESS (Battery Energy Storage System)
Georgia Power Co.
|
$128M | Under Construction |
|
Robins Air Force Base Solar Farm
Georgia Power Co.
|
$128M | Operating |
|
Amazon Fulfillment Center
Amazon
|
$90M | Operating |
|
Macon Mall Amphitheater
Macon-Bibb County
|
$44M | Completed |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 1001 counties.
The data is not encouraging — Bibb County scores just 13/100 on the Boom Town Index, ranking #861 of 1001 counties. Job growth at +1.7% and median household income of $51,234 reflect an economy that has been contracting or stagnating relative to the rest of the country.
Housing in Bibb County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $174,500 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.29, with rents averaging $1,066/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Employers in Bibb County are hiring — job growth of +1.7% — but the population is close to flat (+0.0% YoY). Home values moved +1.7% over the past year. Labor demand is outpacing local population growth, which tends to tighten wages and housing.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 3.98% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Bibb County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.