countyscore
61.9
County Score
Property Tax 93.7Income & Jobs 87.4Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Madison County, Alabama

Madison County outperforms the nation

Madison County's composite score of 61.9 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 75th percentile nationally. This performance ranks it among the most livable counties in the entire analysis.

Top-tier among Alabama counties

Madison County's score of 61.9 substantially exceeds the state average of 52.9, ranking it in Alabama's upper tier. The 9-point advantage reflects sustained strength across safety, income, health, and tax dimensions.

Safety, income, and schools shine brightest

Madison County excels across multiple dimensions: a safety score of 85.4 offers strong security, income score of 87.4 with median household income of $83,528 provides economic confidence, and health outcomes of 63.0 rank among the best statewide. Tax efficiency remains strong with a 0.404% effective rate and 93.7 score.

Housing affordability is the main drawback

Madison County's cost score of 21.9 reflects tight affordability, with median homes at $267,800 and rent averaging $1,116 monthly. These prices strain even affluent households and exclude most middle-income families.

Perfect for safe, affluent family living

Madison County is ideal for high-earning families and professionals who prioritize safety, excellent schools, and strong healthcare access over budget-conscious living. The combination of secure neighborhoods, quality services, and economic opportunity makes it Alabama's most attractive county for ambitious households.

Score breakdown

Tax93.7Cost21.9Safety85.4Health63Schools52.9Income87.4Risk5.4Water86Weather60.9
🏛93.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠21.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼87.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡85.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤63
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓52.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡5.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤60.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨32.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱37.2
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Counties with similar scores

Geneva County
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Median income: $50,951
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Median income: $49,454
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Faribault County
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Linn County
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Ralls County
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Bon Homme County
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Gregory County
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Lincoln County
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Median income: $48,593
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Nearby counties

Morgan County
Alabama
62.9
Marshall County
Alabama
54.8
Jackson County
Alabama
61.9
Lincoln County
Tennessee
55.5
Limestone County
Alabama
42.9
Franklin County
Tennessee
47.6
Moore County
Tennessee
65.9
DeKalb County
Alabama
62

Deep Dives

Madison County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Madison County

via TaxByCounty

Madison County taxes below national median

Madison County's effective tax rate of 0.404% sits slightly above the national median of 0.339%, but higher home values ($267,800 median) mean residents pay a more substantial $1,081 annually. That's still less than 40% of the national median tax bill, showcasing Alabama's tax advantage.

Moderate tax rate in Alabama context

At 0.404%, Madison County ranks in the middle tier of Alabama counties by effective tax rate, slightly above the state average of 0.339%. The county balances moderate taxation with strong property values relative to many rural Alabama peers.

Madison taxes more than most neighbors

Madison County's 0.404% rate exceeds nearby Marshall County (0.381%) but stays well below Lee County's 0.496%. A typical $267,800 home in Madison costs roughly $100–$200 more annually in taxes than identical homes in Marshall or Limestone.

Your median annual tax bill

Madison County's median home value of $267,800 at an effective rate of 0.404% produces approximately $1,081 in annual property taxes. Adding escrow for mortgage holders brings the total to roughly $1,109.

Higher values mean bigger appeal savings

In Madison County's stronger real estate market, assessment errors can result in substantial overpayment. If your home's assessed value significantly exceeds recent comparable sales, filing an appeal could save you hundreds annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Madison County

via CostByCounty

Madison County: affluent and affordable

Madison County boasts a 16.0% rent-to-income ratio—well below the national average—paired with median household income of $83,528, which exceeds the U.S. median by 12%. This rare combination of high wages and controlled housing costs makes the county exceptionally attractive.

Second-best affordability in Alabama

Madison County ranks near the top of Alabama counties for housing affordability, with renters spending significantly less of their income on housing than the state average. The 16.0% rent-to-income ratio reflects strong regional job markets and reasonable housing supply.

Premium prices, premium incomes

Madison County's $1,116 median rent is the highest among these counties, yet the 16.0% affordability ratio remains excellent due to exceptional median income of $83,528. Neighbors with lower rent often have proportionally lower incomes, making Madison's balance unique.

Housing leaves room to save

Renters pay $1,116 monthly while homeowners pay $1,097 on a $83,528 income, consuming roughly 13-16% of household earnings. This efficiency leaves Madison County households with substantial discretionary income compared to regional peers.

Madison County rewards ambitious relocators

If you're earning above-average income or seeking professional opportunity, Madison County delivers both competitive wages and reasonable housing costs. The county represents Alabama's best-performing housing market for affluent residents seeking quality of life.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Madison County

via IncomeByCounty

Madison County Exceeds National Income

Madison County's median household income of $83,528 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by $8,773—an 12% advantage. This strong national standing reflects a vibrant local economy and workforce with above-average earning power.

Alabama's Economic Powerhouse

Madison County's $83,528 median household income exceeds Alabama's state average of $54,196 by 54%, ranking it among the state's wealthiest counties. This exceptional performance reflects concentrated employment in aerospace, technology, and advanced manufacturing sectors.

Madison and Limestone Form Elite Duo

Madison County's $83,528 income is virtually tied with neighboring Limestone County ($83,534), forming the economic core of northern Alabama. Together, these counties anchor the region's prosperity and significantly outpace all surrounding counties.

Housing Costs Easily Manageable

Madison County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.0% sits just above the recommended 15% threshold, indicating excellent housing affordability. The median home value of $267,800 is substantial but remains accessible to households earning the county median, enabling meaningful home equity building.

Madison Households Can Build Serious Wealth

Madison County families enjoy both strong incomes and reasonable housing costs, creating opportunity for substantial wealth accumulation through strategic investing. Consider maximizing retirement contributions, diversifying into real estate or stock portfolios, and working with a financial advisor to optimize tax efficiency.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Madison County

via CrimeByCounty

Madison County Ranks Among Safest Nationally

Madison County boasts an exceptional safety score of 99.5, with a total crime rate of just 333.8 per 100,000. This rate is roughly seven times lower than the national average.

Leading Alabama in Public Safety

Madison far exceeds the Alabama state average safety score of 97.3. The local crime rate is only a fraction of the 1,731.0 statewide average.

Safest Profile Among Surrounding Counties

Madison stands in stark contrast to neighbor Limestone County, where crime rates reach 8,723.6 per 100,000. Ten reporting agencies provide robust data coverage for the Madison area.

Minimal Violent and Property Crime Risks

Both violent crime (57.2) and property crime (276.6) are remarkably low compared to national figures. These numbers indicate a highly secure environment for all residents.

Maintain Community Safety Habits

In a low-crime area, continuing basic habits like locking cars and closing garage doors prevents opportunistic theft. Participating in neighborhood watch programs helps keep these metrics low.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Madison County

via HealthByCounty

Madison County achieves top-tier health outcomes

Madison County's 76.5-year life expectancy matches the U.S. average of 76.4 years, placing it firmly in the national mainstream. With only 17.2% reporting poor or fair health compared to 21% nationally, Madison residents enjoy notably better health status than the typical American.

Alabama's healthiest county

Madison County leads Alabama with a life expectancy of 76.5 years—4.4 years above the state average of 72.1 years. Its uninsured rate of 8.1% is the lowest in our data, meaning more residents have stable access to preventive and chronic care.

Significantly ahead of peer counties

Madison County's 76.5-year life expectancy outpaces all surveyed neighbors, including Limestone (76.1) and Lee (77.2). With 86 primary care providers and 200 mental health providers per 100,000, Madison has dense healthcare infrastructure supporting both routine and behavioral needs.

Robust provider network and high coverage

Madison County's 8.1% uninsured rate is exceptional, indicating nearly universal access to insurance through jobs or programs. The 86 primary care providers per 100,000 residents means short wait times and neighborhood-level care, plus 200 mental health providers ensure behavioral health is not a bottleneck.

Join the insured majority

Though Madison County has Alabama's lowest uninsured rate, about 2,200 residents still lack coverage and may qualify for affordable plans. Visit healthcare.gov to explore options and join the 91.9% of Madison residents with health security.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Madison County

via SchoolsByCounty

The Engine of Alabama's Education System

Madison County features an expansive network of 86 public schools serving a massive student body of 54,651 across three districts. The system is highly developed, consisting of 48 elementary, 19 middle, and 14 high schools. This infrastructure includes specialized facilities like special education schools and alternative learning centers.

Top-Tier Graduation and Consistent Scores

The county maintains an impressive 93.3% graduation rate, far exceeding the 87.0% national average. With a school score of 54.4 and a per-pupil expenditure of $6,592, the county demonstrates strong performance above the state medians. These results reflect a deep local commitment to preparing students for college and careers.

A Powerhouse of Three Major Districts

Huntsville City is the largest district with 45 schools and nearly 24,000 students, followed closely by Madison County's 20,551 students. Madison City is a highly sought-after third district, managing 12,473 students across 11 schools. No charter schools are currently operating, as the three traditional districts provide extensive specialized programming.

Diverse Locales from Urban to Rural

Educational settings vary from 46 city schools to 25 suburban and 13 rural campuses, offering a lifestyle for every family. Major high schools like Virgil Grissom and Bob Jones serve nearly 2,000 students each, providing college-like atmospheres and vast extracurriculars. This diversity makes the county one of the most versatile educational regions in the Southeast.

Secure Your Future in a Leading School District

Madison County is widely recognized for its high-performing schools, making it a primary destination for families moving to Alabama. Whether you prefer the suburban feel of Madison City or the urban energy of Huntsville, top-tier schools are never far away. Explore the diverse real estate market and find a home in a district that values excellence.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Madison County

via RiskByCounty

Madison County faces highest composite risk

Madison County's composite risk score of 94.56 significantly exceeds the national average, earning a relatively high risk rating. This score reflects substantial vulnerability to multiple hazard types, particularly tornadoes, flooding, and earthquakes that demand serious preparation.

Alabama's most at-risk county

Madison County ranks highest in disaster risk statewide, with a composite score of 94.56 compared to Alabama's 61.54 average. This 33-point lead puts Madison County in a distinct vulnerability tier, requiring residents to prioritize disaster preparedness.

Substantially riskier than all neighbors

Madison County's 94.56 score far exceeds all adjacent counties, including Marshall County (87.31), Limestone County (79.96), and Marion County (69.15). The county's elevated position is driven by exceptional tornado and flood risks that dominate the regional landscape.

Tornadoes and floods are critical threats

Tornado risk stands at 98.47, making Madison County one of the nation's most tornado-prone areas, while flood risk (95.93) poses nearly equivalent danger. Earthquake risk (94.85) rounds out a remarkable triad of major hazards that residents must actively prepare for.

Comprehensive coverage essential

Madison County residents should prioritize safe room construction or access to community shelters before tornado season, and maintain current NFIP flood insurance given the 95.93 flood score. Review all homeowners insurance annually, document property values, and develop family emergency plans for multiple hazard types.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Madison County

via WeatherByCounty

Mild temperatures and heavy rain

Madison County averages 61.2°F annually, placing it above the national median for warmth. It receives 56.2 inches of annual precipitation, making it wetter than many parts of the country.

The cooler end of Alabama

The county is 2 degrees cooler than the state average of 63.2°F. It ranks as one of Alabama's cooler counties, alongside neighbors like Limestone and Marion.

Top for snowfall in the region

Madison averages 2.4 inches of snow annually, more than double the amount seen in neighboring Limestone or Marshall. It shares a similar annual temperature of 61.2°F with Limestone.

Vibrant summers and snowy peaks

July hits an average of 79.8°F, leading to 55 extreme heat days each year. Winter averages 43.5°F and brings the highest snowfall in this group at 2.4 inches.

Ready for rain and rare snow

Residents need to prepare for 56.2 inches of annual rain and occasional winter accumulation. Keep summer cooling costs in mind as temperatures exceed 90°F for nearly two months.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Madison County

via SoilByCounty

Madison's Silt-Rich Northern Alabama Soil

Madison County soil has a pH of 5.33, sitting comfortably above the state average of 5.21. Although specific taxonomic orders aren't provided, the chemistry suggests a robust mineral foundation common in the Tennessee Valley.

High Silt and Clay for Structure

A composition of 45.2% silt and 23.0% clay gives this soil excellent body and nutrient-holding capacity. This mix is less prone to the rapid leaching found in the sandy southern parts of the state.

A State Leader in Soil Quality

Madison County earns a high soil score of 32.6, driven by an available water capacity of 0.164 in/in. Its 1.73% organic matter is nearly identical to the state average, providing a reliable base for heavy production.

A Deep Reservoir for Thirsty Crops

The high available water capacity means this soil acts as a deep reservoir, sustaining plants longer between rains. While specific drainage classes aren't listed, the clay content indicates the ground will stay moist and heavy after a storm.

Bountiful Harvests in Zone 8a

This soil is fantastic for large-scale corn and soybean farming, but it works just as well for a backyard vegetable patch. The high water retention gives you a major advantage in keeping your plants hydrated all summer.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Madison County

via LawnByCounty

Competitive Lawn Conditions in Madison County

Madison County scores 37.2 for lawn ease, placing it well above the state average of 29.5. Despite this regional advantage, local growers still face more obstacles than the national median of 50.0.

Rainy Days and Moderate Summer Heat

The county sees 56.2 inches of annual rain and 55 days of extreme heat. With 5,074 growing degree days, there is ample thermal energy to support vigorous grass growth throughout the spring and summer.

Balancing Clay and Sand in the Soil

The soil is a mix of 31.8% sand and 23.0% clay, providing a decent foundation that still requires attention to drainage. The pH of 5.33 is acidic, so adding lime is essential to keep the soil in the ideal 6.0-7.0 range.

Consistent Water Planning for 8a Lawns

Madison has experienced 16 weeks of drought over the past year, though it is currently free from severe drought levels. Maintaining a consistent watering schedule will keep your turf resilient during the typically dry autumn months.

Timing Your North Alabama Lawn

Zoysia and Bermuda grass are excellent choices for this 8a hardiness zone. Wait for the last spring frost on April 4th to start your project, and aim to finish before the frost returns on November 8th.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Madison County's county score?
Madison County, Alabama has a composite county score of 61.9 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Madison County rank among counties in Alabama?
Madison County ranks #10 among all counties in Alabama on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Madison County, Alabama?
The median annual property tax in Madison County is $1,081, with an effective tax rate of 0.40%. This earns Madison County a tax score of 93.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Madison County?
The median household income in Madison County, Alabama is $83,528 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Madison County earns an income score of 87.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Madison County, Alabama a good place to live?
Madison County scores 61.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #10 in Alabama. The best way to evaluate Madison County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Madison County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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