With a workforce ready labor, a thriving economy, and world-renowned industry giants, the Decatur and Macon County region offers advantages that accommodate and encourage business growth. The benefits inherent in being a city with a proven agriculture and food manufacturing record serves as a springboard for collaborations between education, government and business who turn good ideas into profitable ventures.
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Cost of Living
Decatur and Macon County’s appeal is magnified by the remarkable affordability of its housing and the low cost of living-almost 20% below the national average.
Crime and Safety
With Decatur named one of the Best Places to live and one of the safest cities in Illinois, Decatur and Macon County have seen efforts pay off. Since 2004, there has been a 40% drop in both property and violent crimes.
Education
Decatur and Macon County is home to many educational institutions offering choices in public, county and private parochial schools. Decatur is also home to Richland Community College and Millikin University. Millikin is consistently ranked among the top 25 colleges in the Midwest by U.S. News and World and Report.
Within a one hour drive of Decatur, there are various post-secondary education institutions, including the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. For a complete list of post secondary education institutions, click here.
Health Care
Decatur and Macon County is home to two nationally recognized and award winning hospitals; this is almost unheard of in a community of 100,000 people. Decatur Memorial Hospital is annually awarded a top 50 Heart Hospital by Truven Health Analytics and practices advanced molecular medicine with technology that can be rarely found at another facility of its kind. St. Mary’s Hospital is a fully accredited, modern health care facility that most recently received national recognition for Outstanding Commitment to Quality Patient Care and a Best Regional Hospital recognition by U.S. News and World Report.
Housing
A $300,000 house in Macon County would cost over $1 million for a comparable house in Chicago. Housing cost savings and cost of living adjustments found here are tangible things. The overall median home price in Macon County is significantly less than Chicago, Indianapolis and Kansas City.
Transportation
Macon County makes traveling easy. The Decatur Airport offers direct flights to international airports, Chicago O’Hare and Lambert St. Louis International. Macon County is a one day round trip to Chicago, St. Louis and Indianapolis and less than a one hour drive from Champaign, Bloomington, and Springfield.
