Macon County, North Carolina

Macon County
Macon County Courthouse in Franklin
Location within the U.S. state of North Carolina
North Carolina's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 35°09′N 83°25′W / 35.15°N 83.42°W / 35.15; -83.42
Country United States
State North Carolina
Founded1828
Named afterNathaniel Macon
SeatFranklin
Largest communityFranklin
Area
  Total
519.67 sq mi (1,345.9 km2)
  Land515.58 sq mi (1,335.3 km2)
  Water4.09 sq mi (10.6 km2)  0.79%
Population
 (2020)
  Total
37,014
  Estimate 
(2023)
38,412
  Density71.79/sq mi (27.72/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern)
  Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional district11th
Websitemaconnc.org

Macon County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. As of the 2020 census, the population was 37,014. Its county seat is Franklin.

The Nantahala River runs through Macon County, flowing into the Little Tennessee River in Swain County. The Nantahala is one of the most popular whitewater rafting destinations in the nation.