countyscore
61.6
County Score
Property Tax 93.6Income & Jobs 87.7Water 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.

2040608010093.620.485.46352.987.75.48660.9Tax93.6Cost20.4Safety85.4Health63Schools52.9Income87.7Risk5.4Water86Weather60.961.6/100
This county
National avg
5 above average2 below average

Madison County DNA

Doverall

How Madison County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Madison County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (93.6/100) but notably weak in Disaster Risk (5.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
93.6+41.599999999999994
Cost
20.4-27.6
Safety
85.4+30.400000000000006
Health
63+13
Schools
52.9
Income
87.7+36.7
Risk
5.4-41.6
Water
86+28
Weather
60.9
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$299,200

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,209/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$299,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$48,360/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $86,499/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

20.4

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Counties with similar scores

Haines Borough
Alaska
Median income: $86,927
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Median income: $61,139
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Coffey County
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Washington County
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Letcher County
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Median income: $41,793
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Dukes County
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Rio Arriba County
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Median income: $57,155
61.6

Nearby counties

Morgan County
Alabama
63.4
Marshall County
Alabama
54.5
Jackson County
Alabama
61.7
Lincoln County
Tennessee
55.1
Limestone County
Alabama
42.4
Franklin County
Tennessee
47.7
Moore County
Tennessee
64.4
DeKalb County
Alabama
61.9

Deep Dives

Madison County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 61.6 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 #9 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 $1,185, with an effective tax rate of 0.40%. This earns Madison County a tax score of 93.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Madison County?
The median household income in Madison County, Alabama is $86,499 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Madison County earns an income score of 87.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Madison County, Alabama a good place to live?
Madison County scores 61.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #9 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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