CountyScore

Madison County

Alabama · AL

#57 in Alabama
68.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Madison County, Alabama

Madison delivers prosperity above national norm

Madison County's composite score of 68.2 ranks it in the 68th percentile nationally, well above the national median of 50.0. The county combines higher incomes with reasonable costs, creating a stronger economic foundation than most U.S. counties.

Just below Alabama's middle tier

Madison County scores 68.2, falling 2.6 points short of Alabama's state average of 70.8. While ranking in the middle of Alabama's county performance, Madison distinguishes itself through income strength and health outcomes that exceed many state peers.

High income and excellent health

Madison County stands out with an income score of 37.9 and median household income of $83,528—among the strongest in the comparison group. A health score of 72.3 signals excellent healthcare infrastructure, and a risk score of 5.4 reflects remarkable economic resilience and stability.

Housing costs and affordability trade-offs

The county's cost score of 71.4 and median home value of $267,800 reflect higher housing costs than smaller Alabama counties, trading affordability for income opportunity. Median rent of $1,116/month strains budgets for service workers despite strong overall incomes.

Ideal for affluent professionals and families

Madison County attracts professionals, managers, and established families earning solid incomes who can absorb higher housing costs. This county offers the best combination of employment opportunity, economic stability, and healthcare quality among Alabama's eight profiled counties.

Score breakdown

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

Tax90.9Cost71.4SafetyComing SoonHealth72.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome37.9Risk5.4WaterComing Soon
🏛90.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠71.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼37.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤72.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡5.4
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 Madison County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Escambia County
Alabama
68.2
Median income: $44,447
Cross County
Arkansas
68.2
Median income: $47,012
Poinsett County
Arkansas
68.2
Median income: $47,188
Morgan County
Colorado
68.2
Median income: $75,407
Brantley County
Georgia
68.2
Median income: $47,801

Deep Dives

Madison County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

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.