countyscore
57.2
County Score
Property Tax 90.9Cost of Living 86.2Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Madison County, Arkansas

Madison ranks in top 60% nationally

Madison County's composite score of 57.2 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by a significant margin, placing it at approximately the 57th percentile nationally. This rural county outperforms most American counties on overall livability, driven by exceptional strengths in specific areas.

Arkansas's second-best livability score

With a score of 57.2, Madison ranks in the top tier of Arkansas's 75 counties, well ahead of the state average of 47.9. It represents one of the state's strongest livability offerings overall, reflecting balanced strengths across multiple dimensions.

Exceptional tax burden and water quality leadership

Madison boasts the lowest effective tax rate in this group at 0.445% and a remarkable tax score of 90.9, combined with an outstanding water score of 86.0. Cost affordability also excels at 86.2, with median home values of $157,800 and rent of just $727/month—making it highly accessible.

Schools and income growth lag behind

Madison's school score of just 15.8 is the lowest in this county group, indicating significant educational system challenges that should concern families with children. Income levels remain modest at $53,888 median household income, limiting economic advancement opportunities for residents.

Perfect for eco-conscious families valuing affordability

Madison County suits environmentally conscious families and retirees who prize low taxes, clean water, and affordable housing over school rankings. Those with school-age children should research educational alternatives, but the county excels for remote workers and early retirees seeking quality of life on a budget.

Score breakdown

Tax90.9Cost86.2Safety55.2Health32.7Schools15.8Income22.6Risk54.9Water86Weather69.8
🏛90.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠86.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼22.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡55.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤32.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓15.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡54.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤69.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨39.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱54.9
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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Nearby counties

Newton County
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65.3
Carroll County
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Washington County
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37.2
Benton County
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Johnson County
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Franklin County
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Boone County
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Crawford County
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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 offers some of nation's lowest rates

Madison County's 0.445% effective tax rate ranks among America's lowest, placing it in roughly the top 10% of most tax-friendly counties nationally. The median property tax of just $702 annually is one-quarter of the nation's median of $2,690.

Best tax rate in Arkansas

Madison County's 0.445% effective rate is the lowest among all Arkansas counties, beating the state average of 0.532% by a significant margin. Residents enjoy median property taxes of $702, just below the statewide median of $705.

Madison leads region in tax friendliness

Madison County's 0.445% rate decisively beats all neighboring counties—it undershoots Little River (0.484%), Monroe (0.493%), and Marion County (0.513%). The county offers the region's most favorable tax climate for property owners.

Median tax stays under $702 annually

With a median home value of $157,800, Madison County homeowners pay approximately $702 per year in property taxes. Mortgaged properties see that rise to $707 when escrow costs are factored in.

Still worth checking your assessment

Even in Madison County's tax-friendly environment, property assessments can contain errors—some homeowners may be paying more than warranted. A free appeal with the county assessor could confirm your valuation is fair or reduce it further.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Madison County

via CostByCounty

Madison County rents stay reasonable

Madison County renters spend 16.2% of income on housing, just below the national average of roughly 18%, with median household income of $53,888 lagging national figures by about $21,000. Modest rent costs of $727 provide affordability despite lower overall earnings.

Madison ranks better than average

With a rent-to-income ratio of 16.2%, Madison County sits below Arkansas's state average of 18.1%, placing it among the more affordable counties. The median rent of $727 comes in just $33 below the state median, indicating good value relative to state earnings.

Madison offers regional rent deals

Madison County's $727 median rent is the second-lowest in this group, trailing only Logan County's $721 and significantly undercutting Little River ($812) and Marion County ($792). The 16.2% rent-to-income ratio reflects strong affordability comparable to nearby counties.

Both renters and buyers save

Renters pay $727 monthly (16.2% of the $53,888 household income), while homeowners pay just $532—the lowest owner cost in the cohort. Owner costs consume a mere 11.8% of income, making homeownership exceptionally affordable in Madison County.

Madison County rewards homebuyers

Prospective buyers find exceptional value here: median home value of $157,800 with monthly costs of just $532 (11.8% of income). Renters also enjoy low rents; Madison County delivers balanced affordability for both paths to housing.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Madison County

via IncomeByCounty

Madison income gap narrows slowly

Madison County's median household income of $53,888 lags the national median of $74,755 by roughly 28%, though it sits slightly above Arkansas's state average of $51,156. The county reflects the economic reality of rural northwestern Arkansas, with moderate but steady household earnings.

Holding middle ground in Arkansas

Madison County ranks near the median among Arkansas's 75 counties, with household income performance typical of rural Ozark communities. The relatively stable earnings reflect a mix of tourism, agriculture, and small-business activity.

Similar to Logan, trailing Lonoke

Madison County's $53,888 closely matches Logan County's $54,237, positioning the two as peers in western Arkansas's income tier. However, both trail Lonoke County ($71,449) by a significant margin, highlighting Lonoke's unique economic advantages.

Manageable housing costs support stability

Madison County's 16.2% rent-to-income ratio is well below the 30% affordability threshold, meaning housing costs remain comfortable for renters. Median home values of $157,800 align reasonably with local household incomes, supporting modest homeownership.

Start small, think long-term

Madison County's favorable housing-cost ratios free up household budgets for savings and investing, even on modest incomes. Open a high-yield savings account for emergencies, enroll in employer retirement plans, and explore low-cost index funds to build wealth over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Madison County

via CrimeByCounty

Madison County Ranks Highly for Safety

Madison County is exceptionally safe with a score of 98.4 and a total crime rate of just 1,021.7 per 100K. This rate is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

A Top Performer in Arkansas

At a safety score of 98.4, Madison County far exceeds the Arkansas state average of 96.3. Three reporting agencies maintain this high level of transparency and safety monitoring.

Leading Neighbors in Public Safety

The county's total crime rate of 1,021.7 per 100K is significantly lower than the state average of 2,326.8. It stands out as one of the most secure counties in Northwest Arkansas.

Impressively Low Property Crime Rates

Madison County reports property crime at a rate of 681.1 per 100K, which is far lower than the national average of 2,015.7. Violent crime is also low, sitting at 340.6 per 100K.

Maintaining a Safe Community Culture

While Madison County is very safe, property crimes still occur more often than violent ones. Residents can help maintain these low numbers by participating in local safety networks.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Madison County

via HealthByCounty

Madison leads on longevity despite paradox

Madison County's life expectancy of 74.2 years slightly exceeds Arkansas's 72.3-year average, yet 25.3% of residents report poor or fair health—the second-highest rate in this group. This paradox suggests a population with chronic conditions who nonetheless survive to older ages.

Top lifespan, but health perception gaps

Madison's 74.2-year life expectancy ranks among Arkansas's best, placing it near the top of county health outcomes. However, the high rate of self-reported poor health signals that living longer doesn't always mean living well.

Longest lives, real health challenges

Madison edges Lonoke County (74.1 years) by a single year in life expectancy, but reports worse health perceptions at 25.3% versus Lonoke's 19.7%. The difference suggests Madison's longer lives may reflect demographic shifts rather than uniformly better health.

Strong provider network, uninsured rates rising

Madison boasts 30 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 135 mental health providers per 100,000—among the richest resources in the region. Yet the uninsured rate matches the state average at 9.9%, indicating gaps in care utilization despite provider availability.

Use Madison's excellent resources

Madison County has the providers; now ensure you can access them with coverage. Compare plans at healthcare.gov or check if you qualify for Medicaid to take full advantage of the county's strong healthcare infrastructure.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Madison County

via SchoolsByCounty

Consolidated Education in a Rural Setting

Madison County operates eight public schools, all unified under a single school district. The system serves 2,574 students through four elementary schools, one middle school, and three high schools. This consolidated approach allows for streamlined administration across the entire county landscape.

Navigating Challenges in Rural Performance

The county's graduation rate currently sits at 82.0%, which is below the state average of 90.3% and the national benchmark. Per-pupil expenditure is competitive at $6,136, nearly matching the state average. The composite school score of 47.5 suggests there is room for growth in academic outcomes.

The Huntsville School District Connection

The Huntsville School District manages the county's education, with the largest concentration of students at its central campuses. The district services 2,339 students across six schools. There are no charter school options in the county, making Huntsville the primary educational partner for all residents.

The Heart of Rural Education

Every single school in Madison County is classified as a rural locale, with an average size of 322 students. Huntsville High School is the largest with 622 students, while St. Paul Elementary offers a very small, personal feel with only 151 students. This ensures that every child experiences a close-knit, community-oriented learning environment.

Find Your Peace in Madison County

If you value small-town connections and rural settings, Madison County offers a unique 100% rural school experience. Choosing a home here means joining the Huntsville School District community, where schools are often the center of local life. Look for properties that offer the perfect balance of country living and school accessibility.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Madison County

via RiskByCounty

Madison County's Moderate Safety

Madison County's composite risk score of 45.07 ranks Relatively Low, about 18% below the U.S. average. The county's wildfire risk of 71.22 and tornado risk of 65.46 are its primary concerns.

Below the Arkansas Average

At 45.07, Madison County sits comfortably below Arkansas's state average of 55.51, placing it among the safer Arkansas counties. The county avoids the extreme flood pressures facing the state's eastern regions.

Safer Than Surrounding Areas

Madison County (45.07) is one of the state's safest, outperforming Lonoke (75.10) and Logan (48.19). Its risk profile mirrors the low-risk Ozark foothill counties nearby.

Madison's Primary Threats

Wildfire risk (71.22) is Madison County's standout hazard, driven by its Ozark Mountain forests and rural character. Tornadoes (65.46) and earthquakes (53.31) round out the secondary risk tier.

Smart Coverage Choices

Wildfire insurance should be a priority for Madison County homeowners, particularly those with tree cover near their properties. Adding tornado and standard homeowner policies creates solid all-hazard protection at reasonable cost.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Madison County

via WeatherByCounty

A temperate Ozark escape

Madison County offers a cooler 57.3°F annual average, making it one of the more temperate pockets in the southern United States. While still warmer than the national median, it is significantly cooler than its Arkansas neighbors.

One of the coolest spots in Arkansas

This county is one of the coolest in the state, sitting nearly four degrees below the Arkansas average of 61.0°F. Its Ozark location provides a distinct break from the heat found in the Delta or southern timberlands.

Colder and snowier than the region

Madison’s 57.3°F average and 25 extreme heat days make it much milder than Logan’s 66 heat days. It also sees over double the snowfall of its southern neighbors with 5.6 inches annually.

Milder summers and snowy winters

July stays relatively comfortable at 77.0°F, and the county only records 25 days over 90°F. Winter is the coldest in this group at 38.3°F, bringing the state's highest snow totals at 5.6 inches.

Prepare for real winter weather

Residents enjoy a lighter cooling load but should prepare for more frequent winter weather events than the rest of the state. It is the ideal spot for those who prefer four distinct seasons without the standard Arkansas summer intensity.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Madison County

via SoilByCounty

Loamy Ultisols with Deep Acidity

Madison County features Ultisols with a loam texture and a notably acidic average pH of 5.28. This is lower than both the state average of 5.56 and the national median of 6.5, often requiring soil amendments for garden success.

The Ideal Loam Balance

The ground is a balanced blend of 31.8% sand, 41.7% silt, and 14.0% clay. This loamy mix provides a 'goldilocks' environment for roots, offering both easy workability and reliable nutrient storage for your plants.

Exceptional Organic Matter Levels

Organic matter is a standout at 10.45%, more than doubling the state average of 4.15%. Despite this rich profile, the available water capacity of 0.117 in/in is slightly below the state benchmark of 0.148.

Well-Drained Land for Easy Building

The soil is classified as well-drained and belongs to Hydrologic Group B. These characteristics mean water moves through the profile at a moderate rate, making the land excellent for residential building and diverse agricultural uses.

Cool Season Success in Zone 7b

Sitting in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b, Madison County is perfect for cool-season vegetables and berries. The exceptional organic matter levels provide a fantastic foundation for any home gardener looking to start a new plot.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Madison County

via LawnByCounty

Madison County leads the state in ease

With a score of 54.9, Madison County is the rare Arkansas location that is easier to maintain than the national average. This Zone 7b region benefits from milder temperatures that are less stressful for traditional turfgrass.

Cooler summers favor healthy turf

The county experiences only 25 extreme heat days, which is less than half the state average of 64. Combined with 48.3 inches of rain, these conditions are nearly perfect for maintaining a lush lawn without excessive irrigation.

Well-drained loam needs pH adjustment

The soil is a desirable loam texture and is classified as well-drained, which prevents root rot. However, the pH of 5.28 is quite acidic, so adding lime is crucial to bring it closer to the ideal 6.0 range.

Resilient landscapes despite dry spells

Only 7.8% of the county is currently in severe drought, despite 15 weeks of dry conditions over the past year. The well-drained soil helps, but you should still monitor for wilting during the peak of summer.

Versatile options for a Zone 7b climate

The milder climate allows for a mix of warm-season grasses or even tall fescue in shaded areas. Wait until the threat of frost passes on April 13 to start your spring seeding projects.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Madison County's county score?
Madison County, Arkansas has a composite county score of 57.2 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 Arkansas?
Madison County ranks #9 among all counties in Arkansas 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, Arkansas?
The median annual property tax in Madison County is $702, with an effective tax rate of 0.44%. This earns Madison County a tax score of 90.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Madison County?
The median household income in Madison County, Arkansas is $53,888 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Madison County earns an income score of 22.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Madison County, Arkansas a good place to live?
Madison County scores 57.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #9 in Arkansas. 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.