CountyScore

Madison County

Arkansas · AR

#12 in Arkansas
73
County Score

County Report Card

About Madison County, Arkansas

Madison ranks decisively above national median

Madison's composite score of 73.0 significantly outpaces the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 46% of U.S. counties. The county delivers solid livability across tax burden, housing affordability, and healthcare access.

Arkansas's best performer on this peer list

At 73.0, Madison edges out all seven peer counties and tops Arkansas's state average of 70.3, representing top-tier livability for the state. It stands as the gold standard among these eight counties for overall quality of life.

Tax efficiency and affordability lead the way

Madison boasts the lowest effective tax rate in this group at 0.445%, earning a tax score of 89.8/100, plus a cost score of 87.3/100 with median rent at just $727/month. Housing remains affordable with a median home value of $157,800.

Income stagnation and moderate risk factors

Income score of 18.6/100 reflects a median household income of $53,888, limiting economic mobility and wealth accumulation despite low costs. Risk score of 54.9/100 suggests environmental or demographic pressures that could affect long-term stability.

Perfect for cost-conscious families seeking balance

Madison County is ideal for families and retirees who value affordability, low taxes, and stability above rapid economic growth. Its balanced profile makes it the strongest overall choice for those seeking traditional small-town living with minimal financial stress.

Score breakdown

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

Tax89.8Cost87.3SafetyComing SoonHealth61.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome18.6Risk54.9WaterComing Soon
🏛89.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠87.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼18.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤61.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡54.9
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

Conecuh County
Alabama
73
Median income: $42,266
Drew County
Arkansas
73
Median income: $41,071
Cherokee County
Iowa
73
Median income: $64,478
Spencer County
Kentucky
73
Median income: $98,333
Grant Parish
Louisiana
73
Median income: $61,112

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 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

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

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

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.