countyscore
50.4
County Score
Safety 82.6Cost of Living 72.4Disaster Risk 52.6

County Report Card

About Madison County, Florida

Madison County meets national livability

Madison County's composite score of 50.3 essentially matches the national median of 50.0, placing it squarely in the middle of American county livability rankings. This average performance reflects a balanced profile with complementary strengths and weaknesses.

Outperforms Florida's state average

Madison County's composite score of 50.3 exceeds Florida's state average of 45.1 by 5.2 points, positioning it as one of the state's more livable counties. This above-average standing reflects particular strengths in affordability and safety.

Housing affordability and safety excel

Madison County stands out for exceptional housing affordability, with a median home value of just $105,900 and rent of $819/month (cost score: 72.4). Safety score of 82.6 further ensures residents enjoy a secure community environment with low crime.

Incomes and health services are weak

Madison County's median household income of $48,176 ranks among Florida's lowest (income score: 11.3), severely constraining economic opportunity and wage growth. Health score of just 13.2 signals critical gaps in healthcare facility access and availability.

Ideal for cost-conscious rural families

Madison County suits retirees, remote workers, and families prioritizing affordability and safety over income potential and medical resources. Its combination of low housing costs and strong security makes it an attractive haven for those with independent incomes or modest needs.

Score breakdown

Tax47.2Cost72.4Safety82.6Health13.2Schools39.6Income11.3Risk52.6Water28.1Weather28.3
🏛47.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠72.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼11.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡82.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤13.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓39.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡52.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧28.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤28.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨22
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱20
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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Lowndes 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 County taxes far exceed national median

Madison County's effective tax rate of 0.876% significantly surpasses the national median of 0.71%, though its median tax of $928 represents just 35% of the national median of $2,690. This reflects the county's tiny property values—among the absolute lowest in Florida—paired with one of the state's steepest tax rates.

Second-highest tax rate in Florida

Madison County's effective rate of 0.876% ranks second only to Liberty County (0.877%) among all Florida jurisdictions, far exceeding the state average of 0.731%. Yet its median tax of $928 remains among Florida's lowest because homes average just $105,900 in value.

Nearly matches Liberty for highest regional rate

Madison's 0.876% rate virtually equals Liberty's 0.877%, making both north-central Florida's most aggressively-taxed counties. The median tax of $928 ranks among the region's lowest, as both counties serve rural, economically distressed areas with minimal property values.

Annual tax obligations in Madison County

A homeowner with a median-valued property of $105,900 pays roughly $928 annually in property taxes—about $77 per month. Despite Madison's nearly-highest state tax rate, the overall burden remains modest because homes are valued substantially below state averages.

Challenge assessments in this high-tax county

Madison County's aggressive tax rate makes assessment accuracy paramount; even modest overvaluations compound significantly over time. Homeowners should compare their assessed value against recent comparable sales and consider appeals if their property appears overvalued relative to actual market conditions.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Madison County

via CostByCounty

Madison County punches above affordability weight

Madison County's 20.4% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the national average, delivering genuine affordability despite modest household incomes of $48,176. At $819 monthly rent, Madison offers exceptional value for renters seeking low housing costs.

Among Florida's most affordable options

Madison County's 20.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks notably below Florida's average of 22.5%, placing it among the state's most budget-friendly communities. This rural Panhandle county maintains some of Florida's lowest housing costs relative to income.

The rural affordability champion

Madison County's $819 median rent represents the lowest in this region, matching Levy County ($826) while exceeding both in pure affordability ratio terms. With the lowest median household income at $48,176, Madison's renters must be disciplined, but housing costs remain genuinely manageable at 20.4% of earnings.

Modest incomes, modest housing costs

Madison County renters spend $819 monthly (20.4% of income), while homeowners pay $572 for median homes valued at just $105,900. Both groups benefit from exceptionally low housing costs, though modest household incomes ($48,176) require careful overall budgeting beyond housing.

Madison County: maximum affordability, simple life

Madison County delivers Florida's lowest combination of housing costs and home values ($105,900), with renters spending just 20.4% of income on housing. This Panhandle community suits those prioritizing affordability and rural simplicity, though lower household incomes mean overall financial resources remain modest despite housing advantages.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Madison County

via IncomeByCounty

Madison County substantially below national median

Madison County's median household income of $48,176 falls about 36% below the U.S. median of $74,755, the lowest on this list. The county's per capita income of $23,670 reflects limited economic opportunities and lower wages across the board.

Lowest income county in this analysis

At $48,176, Madison County's median household income ranks roughly $17,300 below Florida's state average of $65,468. The county sits at the very bottom of Florida's income distribution among all 67 counties.

Struggling rural economy limits options

Madison County's $48,176 median income trails every other county in this analysis, including Liberty ($53,824) and Levy ($53,805). The county's remote location, small population, and agriculture-dependent economy restrict job availability and wage growth.

Housing is deeply affordable here

With a rent-to-income ratio of 20.4%, Madison residents spend about one-fifth of earnings on housing—excellent affordability. The median home value of just $105,900 is highly accessible, offering one of the lowest barriers to homeownership in Florida.

Maximize limited resources strategically

Madison County residents can build wealth through aggressive savings rates and employer retirement plans, even with constrained incomes. The county's extremely affordable housing provides a foundation for equity building and intergenerational wealth creation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Madison County

via CrimeByCounty

Madison County provides a safe rural haven

Madison County boasts a high safety score of 99.4, outperforming national standards by a wide margin. Its total crime rate of 411.4 per 100,000 is about five times lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Surpassing the Florida state safety average

With a safety score of 99.4, Madison County ranks higher than the Florida state average of 98.4. Its crime rate is also significantly better than the state average of 1,027.9.

Madison stands tall against regional neighbors

Madison's crime rate of 411.4 is far lower than neighboring Leon County’s rate of 2,613.5. This makes Madison one of the safest rural choices in the north Florida region.

Breakdown of Madison's crime statistics

Violent crime is low at 166.8 per 100,000, while property crime is also minimal at 244.6. Both figures are just a small fraction of the national averages recorded in 2022.

Maintaining Madison's high safety standards

Home security awareness helps keep property crime rates low in this tight-knit community. Installing a simple video doorbell can provide peace of mind and deter potential incidents.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Madison County

via HealthByCounty

Madison County faces serious health crisis

At 72.4 years, Madison County residents live nearly 6.5 years less than the U.S. average of 78.9 years—among the lowest in the nation. The county's 27.8% poor/fair health rate is among the highest nationally, far exceeding the U.S. average of 17%.

Florida's lowest life expectancy ranking

Madison County's 72.4-year life expectancy ranks lowest in Florida, trailing the state average of 75.8 years by 3.4 years. The county's 16.1% uninsured rate exceeds Florida's 14.4%, limiting access to care for vulnerable residents.

Severe provider shortage compared to peers

Madison County's 11 primary care providers per 100,000 residents tie for the lowest in the state, far behind Lake County's 59 and Leon County's 89. With only 76 mental health providers per 100,000, the county offers minimal behavioral health infrastructure compared to wealthier neighbors.

Healthcare crisis demands urgent action

Madison County confronts a perfect storm: 16.1% of residents lack insurance, and only 11 primary care providers per 100,000 create severe access bottlenecks. The county's 27.8% poor/fair health rate reflects years of accumulated barriers to preventive care, chronic disease management, and emergency treatment.

Get health coverage and care now

With one of Florida's lowest life expectancies and the worst provider shortage, Madison County residents must prioritize insurance enrollment. Apply for Medicaid immediately and contact community health centers—having coverage and an established care relationship can be lifesaving.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Madison County

via SchoolsByCounty

Education in the Heart of North Florida

Madison County features 13 public schools serving 2,418 students across its rural and town landscapes. The county provides five elementary schools and three high schools.

Beating State and National Graduation Rates

Madison County achieves a 92.0% graduation rate, outperforming the state's 89.8% and the nation's 87%. Per-pupil expenditure sits at $5,906, which is just below the Florida state average.

A Leader in Charter Choice

The Madison District manages 13 schools, with three charter schools representing 23.1% of all local options. Madison County Central School is the largest campus, serving 846 students in a K-8 format.

A Blend of Town and Rural Life

Schools are split between 8 rural locations and 5 town settings, offering families a variety of environments. The average school enrollment is 242 students, making for very close-knit campus communities.

Small Schools with Big Results

Madison County's combination of high graduation rates and small school sizes makes it an attractive destination for families. Look for homes near Madison Creative Arts Academy or Madison High to benefit from this community-focused system.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Madison County

via RiskByCounty

Madison County's risk remains below national average

Madison County's composite risk score of 47.42 with a 'Relatively Low' rating sits comfortably below the national average. The county's inland location and lower density provide natural buffers against several major hazard types.

Lower-risk inland Florida county

Madison County's score of 47.42 falls significantly below Florida's state average of 75.74, placing it among the safer Florida counties. This positioning reflects the county's inland geography and reduced exposure compared to coastal regions.

Safer than most regional peers

Madison County's 47.42 score substantially trails Lake County (91.92) and Levy County (66.09) but exceeds Liberty County (12.66) and Lafayette County (15.90). This placement reflects Madison's middle position among North Florida counties in terms of disaster exposure.

Hurricanes and wildfires warrant attention

Madison County's hurricane risk of 90.57 and wildfire risk of 63.45 represent the county's primary hazard exposures. While tornado (38.20) and flood (33.33) risks remain moderate, hurricane season remains the critical preparedness period.

Hurricane insurance and basic preparations suffice

Madison County homeowners should maintain wind/hurricane insurance and undertake basic property hardening like roof reinforcement and clearing vegetation. The county's moderate overall risk profile makes standard comprehensive homeowners coverage combined with windstorm protection adequate for most properties.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Madison County

via WeatherByCounty

Madison County Stays Above National Medians

Madison County's 67.7°F average annual temperature is much higher than the national median of 54°F. It represents the cooler end of Florida's subtropical climate spectrum.

One of Florida's Coolest Counties

At 67.7°F, Madison County sits well below the Florida state average of 71.1°F. It ranks among the cooler counties in the state due to its northern border location.

Cooler Than Its Western Neighbor Leon

Madison County's 67.7°F average is half a degree cooler than Leon County's 68.2°F. It also receives 52.8 inches of rain, which is less than the 59.3 inches seen in Leon.

Distinct Summer Heat and Refreshing Winters

Summers average 80.6°F with 94 days exceeding 90°F, providing plenty of southern heat. Winters are relatively cool for Florida at 53.7°F, though the county sees no annual snowfall.

Balancing Moderate Rain and Heat Needs

With 52.8 inches of annual rain, Madison is slightly drier than the Florida average of 54.8 inches. Homeowners still need efficient cooling to manage the 94 days of extreme heat each year.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Madison County

via SoilByCounty

Madison's Acidic Foundation

Madison County has a soil pH of 4.93, which is slightly higher than the state average but still quite acidic. This acidity level is significantly sharper than the national median pH of 6.5.

Sand-Heavy Soil Profile

The soil is comprised of 85.4% sand, 6.0% silt, and 6.2% clay. This high sand content is typical for the region, though the clay levels are slightly higher than some coastal neighbors, offering a bit more body.

Low Fertility Benchmark

Organic matter is relatively low at 3.34%, trailing the state average of 8.03%. Combined with a low water capacity of 0.084 in/in, the county earns a soil score of 22.0, well below the state average of 31.1.

Rapid Water Drainage

No specific drainage class is listed, but the 85.4% sand content suggests very rapid water movement. Farmers should be aware that nutrients may leach away quickly during heavy rains, requiring careful fertilization.

Zone 9a Gardening Success

In Zone 9a, Madison County is a prime spot for cold-hardy citrus and various tuber crops. Boosting your soil with organic amendments like compost will help counter the low fertility and improve your gardening outcomes.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Madison County

via LawnByCounty

Steady Maintenance in North Florida

Madison County's difficulty score of 20.0 sits slightly above the Florida average of 19.2. This Zone 9a county offers a more predictable environment than many of its southern counterparts, though it remains tougher than the national median.

Balanced Rain for a Florida Lawn

With 52.8 inches of annual rain, Madison is closest to the 'ideal' 30-50 inch range among its neighbors. The 94 days of 90°F heat are typical for the state, creating a long, robust growing season of 6,701 degree days.

Low pH in a Sandy Landscape

A soil pH of 4.93 and a sand content of 85.4% mean your lawn needs help holding onto nutrients. Adding organic matter can help improve the 6.2% clay structure and keep your turf green during the peak growing months.

Managing Through Severe Drought

Madison has faced 28 weeks of drought this year, and 100% of the county is under Severe Drought. It is crucial to monitor local water restrictions and focus on maintaining root health over bright green color during the driest months.

March Marks the Start of Growth

After the last frost on March 5, the conditions are ripe for Bahiagrass or Zoysia sod. These varieties can withstand the summer heat and make the most of the long, warm days that follow.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Madison County's county score?
Madison County, Florida has a composite county score of 50.4 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 Florida?
Madison County ranks #23 among all counties in Florida 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, Florida?
The median annual property tax in Madison County is $928, with an effective tax rate of 0.88%. This earns Madison County a tax score of 47.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Madison County?
The median household income in Madison County, Florida is $48,176 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Madison County earns an income score of 11.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Madison County, Florida a good place to live?
Madison County scores 50.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #23 in Florida. 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.