Macon is a city located in central Georgia. It is among the largest metropolitan areas in Georgia, and the county seat of Bibb County, It lies near the geographic center of Georgia, approximately 80 miles (129 km) south of Atlanta, hence the city's nickname as the Heart of Georgia. As of the 2000 census, Macon had a population of 97,255; as of 2005, the Macon-Warner Robins-Fort Valley combined statistical area had an estimated metropolitan population of 379,669.

As of the census of 2000, there were 97,255 people, 38,444 households, and 24,219 families residing in the city. The population density was 672.9/km² (1,742.8/mi²). There were 44,341 housing units at an average density of 306.8/km² (794.6/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 10.00% White, 87.50% African American, 1.00% Native American, 0.50 Asian, 0.50% Pacific Islander, 0.50% from other races, and 0.50% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.20% of the population.