Is Macclenny Safe, Pros and cons of living in Macclenny
Macclenny, Florida, nestled in Baker County, offers a glimpse into a quieter, more traditional Florida lifestyle. Known for its small-town charm and close-knit community, it provides a different pace compared to the state’s bustling metropolitan areas. This city is a place where neighbors often know each other, and community events play a significant role in local life.
The area boasts a natural beauty characterized by pine forests and a generally mild climate, making it appealing to those seeking an escape from urban sprawl. Macclenny serves as a hub for the surrounding rural communities, providing essential services and a central gathering point for residents of Baker County. Its location offers a balance between accessibility to larger cities and the tranquility of a more rural setting.
Is it Safe to Live in Macclenny?
Macclenny’s crime rate is a complex picture, with some sources indicating it is higher than the national average, while others suggest it is below. One report indicates that the crime rate in Macclenny is considerably higher than the national average across all communities, with a chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime at 1 in 96 (NeighborhoodScout). However, another analysis suggests Macclenny’s crime rates are 35% lower than the national average, with violent crimes being 39% lower than the national average (AreaVibes). Your chance of being a victim of crime in Macclenny is reported as 1 in 73 (AreaVibes).
Further details reveal that violent crime in Macclenny occurs at a rate higher than in most communities of all population sizes in America, with the chance of becoming a victim of violent crime at 1 in 303 (NeighborhoodScout). Conversely, property crime is reported at a rate of 7 per 1,000 residents, which is about average for all cities and towns in America of all population sizes (NeighborhoodScout). Another source states that Macclenny has a crime safety grade of B- as of 2026, with the overall crime rate being 27% below the national average (DoorProfit). Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 354, and property crime is 1 in 60 (DoorProfit).
Cost of Living
Housing Costs
The housing market in Macclenny presents a mixed but generally affordable picture compared to national averages. As of March 2026, the median sale price of a home in Macclenny was $330,000, marking a significant increase of 24.5% compared to the previous year (Redfin). The median sale price per square foot is $170, up 0.6% year-over-year (Redfin). In the broader 32063 zip code, which includes Macclenny, the median sale price was $355K in March 2026, up 18.4% from the prior year, with a median sale price per square foot of $174 (Redfin).
Rental prices in Macclenny are also noteworthy. As of May 9, 2026, the average rent for all property types is $2,122 per month, showing a year-over-year increase of $172 (Zillow). Houses for rent in Macclenny average around $2,100 per month (Zillow). However, other sources provide different figures, with one indicating a median rent of $1,800 as of April 2026, which is 8% lower than the national average (Zumper). Another report states the median monthly rent is $869 (Livability.com, based on November 2025 data).
Overall Affordability
Macclenny’s overall cost of living is generally lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families. The cost of living in Macclenny, Florida, is 15% lower than the national average (Payscale). This includes housing expenses that are 33% lower than the national average, and utility prices that are 9% lower (Payscale). Transportation expenses are also significantly lower, being 15% below the national average (Payscale).
However, grocery prices in Macclenny are reported to be 5% higher than the national average (Payscale). Healthcare costs are notably lower, at 17% below the national average (Payscale). Another perspective suggests that Macclenny’s cost of living is 0% higher than the U.S. national average and 75% lower than Florida’s state average, with a slight increase from the previous year (Salary.com). Household bills in Macclenny are 10% lower than the U.S. median (doxo).
Job Market and Economy
Major Employers
The employment landscape in Macclenny is shaped by a mix of local institutions and national retailers. Key employers include Baker County Medical Services, which aims to provide high-quality care efficiently (Zippia). Meridian Behavioral Healthcare is another significant employer, focusing on mental health and substance use disorder treatment within the community (Zippia). The First Coast YMCA also has a presence, offering management services (Zippia).
National companies with a presence in Macclenny include Walmart, a major employer with a Supercenter location (Indeed.com, Lensa). McDonald’s, Dollar General, and CVS Health are also among the prominent businesses providing employment opportunities (Indeed.com). The retail and healthcare sectors appear to be significant drivers of employment in the area.
Employment and Unemployment
Macclenny’s employment rate is robust, with the employment rate currently at 95.52% (BestNeighborhood.org). This indicates a low unemployment rate for those actively seeking non-military employment. For Baker County, the unemployment rate is reported at 4.1%, which is near the U.S. average of approximately 4% (Florida State Authority).
The state of Florida’s unemployment rate in January 2025 was 3.5%, with a national unemployment rate of 4.0% during the same period (FloridaCommerce). This suggests that Macclenny, as part of Baker County, likely mirrors the generally stable employment conditions seen across the state and the nation.
Climate and Weather
Temperatures
Macclenny experiences a climate characterized by distinct seasons, with hot summers and mild winters. The summers are long, hot, oppressive, and mostly cloudy, typically lasting from late May to late September (Time and Date). The average daily high temperature during this period exceeds 86°F (Time and Date). July is the hottest month, with an average high of 91°F and a low of 73°F (Time and Date).
The winters are short, cool, and partly cloudy, generally occurring from late November to late February (Time and Date). The coldest month is January, with an average low of 44°F and a high of 65°F (Time and Date). The temperature throughout the year typically ranges from 44°F to 91°F, rarely dropping below 30°F or exceeding 96°F (Time and Date).
Rainfall
Macclenny receives a considerable amount of rainfall throughout the year, contributing to its humid subtropical climate. The area is described as being “wet year round” (Time and Date). Monthly rainfall averages show significant variation, with June, July, August, and September receiving the highest amounts of precipitation, often exceeding 5.8 inches per month (Time and Date).
For instance, June typically sees around 6.97 inches of rain, while July and August average close to 6 inches each (Time and Date). The drier months are generally from November to April, with rainfall amounts typically ranging from about 2 to 3 inches per month (Time and Date). The average annual rainfall is approximately 51 inches (Livability.com).
Education and Schools
School Ratings
Macclenny is served by the Baker County School District, with several public schools catering to its student population. MacClenny Elementary School has an above-average rating, with a B+ overall Niche grade (Niche). It serves students in grades 1-5 and has a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1 (Niche). State test scores indicate that 72% of students are proficient in math and 67% in reading (Niche).
Baker County Middle School, serving grades 5-8, also holds a B- rating on Niche (Niche). It has a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1, with 56% of students proficient in math and 51% in reading according to state test scores (Niche). These ratings suggest that the local schools provide a solid educational foundation for students in the area.
Demographics
Population and Diversity
Macclenny is a small city with a population of approximately 7,748 residents as of the most current US Census data, making it the 387th most populated city in Florida (Vertex AI Search). The projected population for 2026 is 8,291, reflecting an anticipated annual growth rate of 3.5% (Vertex AI Search). The median age of residents is 36.3 years (Vertex AI Search).
The racial makeup of Macclenny is predominantly White, comprising about 67.2% of the population. Black or African American residents make up about 21.2%, and Hispanic residents account for approximately 7.3% (Vertex AI Search). The population consists of about 50.7% males and 49.3% females (Point2Homes). A significant majority, 99.1%, of Macclenny residents are U.S. citizens (Data USA).
Income and Housing
The median household income in Macclenny was reported as $73,942 in 2024, showing a notable 16.2% year-over-year growth (Data USA). This figure is close to the Florida state median income of $72,336 (Florida State Authority). The poverty rate in Macclenny is 9.53%, which is lower than the national average of 12.5% (Data USA).
The median property value in Macclenny was $261,800 in 2024, a 15.1% increase from the previous year (Data USA). The homeownership rate stands at 76.5%, which is higher than the national average of 65.2% (Data USA). For renters, the median gross rent was $1,384 per month (Point2Homes).