Updated September 10, 2026
How much housing does Macon have?
The Census counts 71,869 housing units in Macon for a population of about 156,543 — roughly 2.2 people for every housing unit.
That makes Macon the fourth largest of the four Georgia cities with a page here; Atlanta counts 259,122.
Who arranges chimney work on a Macon home?
About 51.5% of occupied Macon homes are owner-occupied, which leaves about 48.5% rented.
Even at 51.5% owner-occupied, the remaining 48.5% of Macon homes are rented, where the person who notices a problem and the person who authorizes the repair are not the same. Say which you are when you send a request.
Tenure also decides who keeps the paperwork. A Macon chimney's earlier reports follow the property, not the occupant, so ask for them whichever side of that 51.5% you are on.
Which cities near Macon have their own page here?
Columbus, about 72 miles away, Atlanta, about 78 miles away, and Augusta, about 101 miles away — measured from Macon.
Those are great-circle distances between the Census 2023 Gazetteer interior points of each place, so the drive is longer than the figure.
Columbus's median build year is 1978 against Macon's 1976, a 2-year difference in the housing the two chimneys belong to.
What you can observe safely
- Keep the fireplace closed if it can remain closed without touching wildlife.
- Record when sounds occur from a safe distance.
What to avoid
- Do not climb onto the roof or enter the chimney.
- Do not alter gas components, venting, or safety controls.
- Do not use a test fire to diagnose the problem.
Possible causes to assess
- Wildlife entry
- Nesting or other obstruction
- Missing or damaged termination
A symptom cannot establish the cause remotely. An assessment of the complete system helps determine the appropriate repair.
Animal and nest removal in MaconA few common questions
Can this be diagnosed from a photo?
A photo can document a symptom and help prepare a visit. It cannot confirm concealed conditions or establish that a chimney or fuel-burning appliance is safe.