Madison County's composite score of 73.5 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 47%, reflecting strong performance on core livability measures. This substantial advantage positions the county solidly in the upper tier of American counties.
2 / 5
Above Florida's State Average
Madison County scores 73.5 compared to Florida's state average of 69.4, ranking it among the stronger performers within the state. The county's cost-driven advantages elevate it above many of its Florida neighbors.
3 / 5
Exceptional Affordability Throughout
Madison County leads with a cost score of 85.0, offering median rent of $819 and median home values of $105,900, among Florida's lowest. The tax score of 77.6 with an effective rate of 0.876% provides additional economic efficiency.
4 / 5
Lowest Incomes Across the Region
The income score of 14.8 reflects a median household income of $48,176, the lowest among measured counties, limiting economic mobility. Safety, health, schools, and environmental data remain unavailable, preventing a complete livability assessment.
5 / 5
Best for Ultra-Budget-Conscious Residents
Madison County suits retirees, remote workers, and those with stable external income seeking Florida's absolute lowest cost of living. The county's exceptional affordability makes it ideal for individuals prioritizing minimal expenses above all other factors.
Madison County's composite score of 73.5 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 47%, reflecting strong performance on core livability measures. This substantial advantage positions the county solidly in the upper tier of American counties.
Above Florida's State Average
Madison County scores 73.5 compared to Florida's state average of 69.4, ranking it among the stronger performers within the state. The county's cost-driven advantages elevate it above many of its Florida neighbors.
Exceptional Affordability Throughout
Madison County leads with a cost score of 85.0, offering median rent of $819 and median home values of $105,900, among Florida's lowest. The tax score of 77.6 with an effective rate of 0.876% provides additional economic efficiency.
Lowest Incomes Across the Region
The income score of 14.8 reflects a median household income of $48,176, the lowest among measured counties, limiting economic mobility. Safety, health, schools, and environmental data remain unavailable, preventing a complete livability assessment.
Best for Ultra-Budget-Conscious Residents
Madison County suits retirees, remote workers, and those with stable external income seeking Florida's absolute lowest cost of living. The county's exceptional affordability makes it ideal for individuals prioritizing minimal expenses above all other factors.
Score breakdown
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🏛77.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.