CountyScore

Madera County

California · CA

#29 in California
60.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Madera County, California

Madera Outpaces National Livability Standard

Madera County's composite score of 65.7 sits 15.7 points above the national median of 50.0, positioning it solidly in the upper tier of American counties. This strong showing reflects the county's successful balance of affordability and tax efficiency.

Above-Average Living in California

Madera County scores 65.7 versus California's state average of 61.3, placing it comfortably above the middle of the state's county rankings. The 4.4-point advantage reflects moderate strength across multiple livability dimensions.

Solid Balance of Cost and Income

Madera County achieves a tax score of 82.6 and a cost score of 61.2, with median rent at $1,307/month and home values at $367,700. Median household income of $75,496 provides middle-class earning power, bridging affordability and economic viability better than many rural alternatives.

Moderate Income Levels Relative to Costs

The income score of 32.7 reflects median incomes that lag state and national medians, suggesting some residents may feel squeezed between local wages and housing costs. Health, safety, school, and environmental data are not yet available to complete the livability assessment.

Good Fit for Middle-Class Families

Madera County works well for working families seeking California's Sierra Nevada proximity with reasonable housing costs and solid middle-class income potential. It offers a measured alternative to coastal counties without sacrificing as much livability as the state's most remote rural areas.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax82.6Cost61.2SafetyComing SoonHealth64.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome32.7Risk3.6WaterComing Soon
🏛82.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠61.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼32.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤64.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡3.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Madera County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region
Connecticut
60.1
Median income: $101,117
Manatee County
Florida
60.1
Median income: $75,792
Liberty County
Georgia
60.1
Median income: $59,013
Hennepin County
Minnesota
60.1
Median income: $96,339
Leflore County
Mississippi
60.1
Median income: $33,188

Deep Dives

Madera County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Madera County

via TaxByCounty

Madera County taxes near national median

Madera County's effective tax rate of 0.700% sits slightly below California's state average of 0.714%. With a median property tax of $2,575, Madera County is nearly in line with the national median of $2,690, making it representative of typical American property tax burdens.

Mid-range among California counties

Madera County's median property tax of $2,575 falls well below the California state average of $4,045, ranking it in the middle tier of California's 58 counties. Its 0.700% effective rate is competitive with most of the state's more rural and inland regions.

Balanced tax rate for the region

Madera County's median home value of $367,700 and tax of $2,575 place it as a middle ground between neighboring Merced County ($368,400 home value, $2,487 tax) and the more expensive northern counties. The effective rates across this region cluster between 0.67–0.70%, indicating consistent regional tax policy.

Madera County homeowner tax example

A Madera County homeowner with a $367,700 home pays approximately $2,575 annually in property taxes at the 0.700% effective rate. With mortgage-related assessments included, the annual bill reaches roughly $2,734 for financed properties.

Assessment appeals help Madera homeowners

Many Madera County homeowners discover they can reduce their tax burden through property tax appeals, especially when home values have declined or assessments contain errors. Filing an appeal is free and can lead to meaningful savings over time.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Madera County

via CostByCounty

Madera balances affordability with state living

Madera County's 20.8% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below both the national average and California's 22.4% state benchmark, offering genuine housing relief. With a median household income of $75,496—near the national median—Madera delivers better affordability through moderate rents of $1,307 monthly.

Madera ranks above average for California

Among California's 58 counties, Madera's 20.8% rent-to-income ratio outperforms the state average of 22.4%, placing it in the more affordable half. The county provides middle-ground pricing between pricey coastal areas and ultra-cheap rural counties like Lassen.

Madera offers Central Valley balance

Madera's median rent of $1,307 sits between Lake County ($1,292) to the northwest and pricier regions to the west, while its affordability ratio outperforms mountain neighbors. The county's Sierra Nevada access and Central Valley employment create appealing geographic options.

One-fifth of income sustains housing here

Madera renters spend $1,307 monthly on rent while homeowners invest $1,530, consuming about one-fifth of the $75,496 median household income. This leaves substantial resources for savings and other expenses compared to coastal California counties.

Madera suits families seeking Central Valley value

If you're seeking California living with manageable housing costs, Madera's median home value of $367,700 and 20.8% affordability ratio offer realistic pathways to ownership. The county's proximity to Fresno and Bakersfield job markets makes it ideal for workers balancing mountain access with urban amenities.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Madera County

via IncomeByCounty

Madera County meets the national income bar

Madera County's median household income of $75,496 slightly exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755, positioning it in the national middle class. The county ranks around the national median despite rural character and limited urban employment centers.

Madera falls short of California's income standard

At $75,496, Madera County's median household income is 13% below California's state average of $87,001. The county ranks in the lower-middle tier among California's 58 counties.

Madera outearns nearby rural California counties

Madera County ($75,496) earns notably more than Lake ($58,738) and Merced ($65,044), suggesting stronger local employment or agricultural returns. The income advantage positions Madera as one of the more prosperous rural regions in its area.

Madera's housing costs remain manageable

At 20.8%, Madera County's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the 25% threshold, offering reasonable housing affordability. Median home values of $367,700 align with household incomes better than many California counties.

Madera households can build wealth through homeownership

Madera County's income-to-housing ratio creates genuine opportunity for wealth-building through property ownership and savings. Households should maximize this advantage by investing in home equity, retirement accounts, and income-growing skills development.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Madera County

via HealthByCounty

Madera's health ranks below national average

Madera County residents live 76.5 years on average, about 2.4 years shorter than the U.S. average of 78.9 years. Nearly one in four residents report poor or fair health—the second-highest rate among the eight counties profiled.

Significant gap from California average

Madera County's 76.5-year life expectancy falls 2 years short of California's 78.5-year average, ranking it among the state's lower-performing counties. The county's 24.9% poor/fair health rate is among the highest statewide.

Grapples with rural health challenges

Madera's 47 primary care providers per 100,000 residents exceed Lassen and Mariposa counties but fall short of Mendocino's 78 per 100,000. Mental health access at 200 providers per 100,000 is the lowest among neighboring counties, creating significant treatment gaps.

High uninsured rate strains rural care

Madera County's 9.6% uninsured rate ranks among the state's highest, second only to Mendocino County at 10.3%. Limited primary care infrastructure at 47 providers per 100,000, combined with high uninsurance, creates barriers to routine care for roughly 1 in 10 residents.

Take action on coverage today

Nearly 1 in 10 Madera residents lacks health coverage—visit Covered California to explore plans and see if you qualify for financial assistance. In a rural county with limited providers, having insurance ensures you can access available care without catastrophic costs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Madera County

via RiskByCounty

Madera faces high composite risk

Madera County scores 96.4 on the composite risk scale, earning a "Relatively High" rating that exceeds California's state average of 88.7. This Sierra Nevada region demonstrates elevated exposure across nearly all natural disaster categories.

Among California's highest-risk counties

Madera County ranks 2nd in composite disaster risk among California's 58 counties, second only to Los Angeles County. This placement reflects the region's extreme wildfire, earthquake, and flood vulnerabilities.

Higher risk than mountain peers

Madera County's 96.4 risk score far exceeds neighboring Mariposa County (86.4) and other Sierra Nevada communities, making it one of the region's most hazard-exposed areas. Its mountain location amplifies wildfire and earthquake risks.

Wildfire and earthquake risks peak

Madera County faces extreme wildfire risk (99.4 out of 100) and serious earthquake risk (96.9), positioning these as the county's dominant natural hazards. Flood risk (94.0) rounds out a trio of major concerns for residents.

Essential coverage for mountain homes

Madera County homeowners should carry dedicated wildfire and earthquake insurance, given the county's very high scores in both categories. Ensure your property meets defensible-space standards and review coverage annually.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.