countyscore
48.3
County Score
Schools 72.2Disaster Risk 71.1Weather & Climate 65.8

County Report Card

About Madison County, Georgia

Close to the National Median

Madison County earns a score of 48.3, sitting nearly at the national median of 50.0. It offers a standard of living that is consistent with the middle of the American experience.

Outperforming the Georgia Average

With a 48.3 score, Madison County ranks above the Georgia state average of 46.7. It provides a more stable quality of life profile than many of its immediate neighbors.

Strong Schools and Low Risk

Education is a major draw here, with a school score of 72.2. The county also provides a secure environment with an environmental risk score of 71.1.

Infrastructure and Health Needs

The water quality score of 14.3 and health score of 25.5 are the county's most significant weak points. These dimensions suggest a need for better utility and medical service access.

Perfect for Education-Focused Families

Madison County is highly suitable for families who value quality schools and a low-risk environment. It offers a well-rounded rural lifestyle with strong community foundations.

2040608010052.44450.225.572.234.771.114.365.8Tax52.4Cost44Safety50.2Health25.5Schools72.2Income34.7Risk71.1Water14.3Weather65.848.3/100
This county
National avg
2 above average3 below average

Madison County DNA

Foverall

How Madison County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Madison County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (71.1/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (14.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
52.4
Cost
44
Safety
50.2
Health
25.5-24.5
Schools
72.2+18.200000000000003
Income
34.7-16.299999999999997
Risk
71.1+24.099999999999994
Water
14.3-43.7
Weather
65.8+9.799999999999997
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$198,800

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$951/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$198,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$38,040/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $58,784/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

12.9

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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Nearby counties

Clarke County
Georgia
29.3
Franklin County
Georgia
51.5
Jackson County
Georgia
47.5
Oglethorpe County
Georgia
53.4
Banks County
Georgia
43.3
Oconee County
Georgia
54.7
Hart County
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53
Elbert County
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46.8

Deep Dives

Madison County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Madison County

via TaxByCounty

Madison County keeps taxes modest

Madison County's effective tax rate of 0.809% sits below Georgia's state average of 0.898% and well under the national norm. The median tax bill of $1,608 on median homes valued at $198,800 demonstrates an investor-friendly tax environment.

Low-tax ranking in Georgia

Madison County ranks in the lower portion of Georgia's 159 counties for effective tax rates, collecting $1,608 on a median home—well below the state median of $1,529. It's one of the state's more affordable counties for property owners.

Below-average taxes for the region

Madison County's 0.809% effective rate beats Liberty County (1.053%), Long County (0.997%), and Lincoln County (0.883%), landing it squarely in the lower-tax camp alongside Lowndes County (0.830%). A $200,000 home in Madison County costs roughly $40–$80 less annually than in higher-tax neighbors.

Budget approximately $1,608 yearly

Madison County homeowners with a median home value of $198,800 and an effective tax rate of 0.809% pay around $1,608 in annual property taxes. Mortgage costs push this to $1,822; free-and-clear ownership brings it down to $1,269.

Don't skip assessment verification

Even in lower-tax counties, roughly 20% of properties are overassessed according to research. Madison County residents should verify their assessment against recent comparable sales and consider filing an appeal if they suspect their property value is overstated.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Madison County

via CostByCounty

Madison County achieves affordability balance

Madison County's 19.4% rent-to-income ratio sits just above Georgia's 18.6% benchmark, indicating manageable housing strain relative to household incomes. With a median household income of $58,784 (21% below national) and $951 rent, residents maintain reasonable housing economics despite subpar regional incomes.

Balanced affordability in Georgia context

Madison County's rent-to-income ratio hovers near Georgia's state average, neither strained nor exceptionally affordable. The $951 median rent runs just 2.6% above state norms, positioning the county as a stable, predictable housing market.

Mid-range pricing in competitive region

Madison County's $951 rent sits between Long County's $931 and Lowndes County's $1,002, offering middle-ground positioning. Compared to bargain-basement Marion County ($717) and Lincoln County ($732), Madison reflects slightly higher regional demand and development activity.

Rent affordable, ownership pricier

Madison County renters allocate 19.4% of their $58,784 income to $951 monthly rent—a sustainable percentage leaving room for other expenses. Homebuyers face $808 monthly costs against $198,800 median values, suggesting stronger property appreciation and equity-building potential.

Stable market for balanced seekers

Madison County offers predictable housing economics aligned with state norms—ideal for relocators seeking mainstream affordability without dramatic tradeoffs. If you value stability, moderate costs, and reasonable incomes, Madison County delivers straightforward Georgia living without surprises.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Madison County

via IncomeByCounty

Madison trails the national income standard

Madison County's median household income of $58,784 falls about $16,000 below the U.S. median of $74,755. The county ranks in the lower-middle range of American counties on household earnings.

Slightly below Georgia's median income

Madison's $58,784 median household income sits roughly $1,700 below Georgia's state average of $60,488. The county hovers near the state median, representing a fairly typical Georgia community.

Moderate position among regional peers

Madison ($58,784) ranks above Lincoln ($50,688) and Marion ($50,484) but below Long County ($64,747) and Lumpkin ($72,388). The county represents middle-tier earning power in this regional grouping.

Healthy rent burden, appreciating homes

Madison's 19.4% rent-to-income ratio yields roughly $950 monthly housing costs, comfortably below the 20% threshold. The $198,800 median home value reflects strong property demand despite moderate household incomes.

Strategic homeownership builds equity

Madison households earning $58,784 can realistically achieve homeownership near the county median of $198,800, capturing appreciation over time. Consistent saving and early investment in property accelerate long-term wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Madison County

via CrimeByCounty

Madison County is safer than the national average

Madison County earns a solid safety score of 98.2, reflecting a secure rural environment. Its total crime rate of 1119.2 per 100,000 is less than half of the national rate of 2,385.5.

Beating the Georgia state safety average

Madison County's safety score of 98.2 is higher than the Georgia average of 97.8. Its total crime rate of 1119.2 is about 20% lower than the state average of 1412.9.

Comparing Madison to nearby rural counties

Madison County's crime rate of 1119.2 is higher than Lumpkin County's rate of 763.3. However, it still maintains a very safe reputation within its specific region of North Georgia.

Low violent crime but higher property theft

The violent crime rate stands at 184.3, while property crime is much higher at 934.9 per 100,000 residents. Most local law enforcement calls involve non-violent incidents like theft or burglary.

Keeping Madison County homes secure

With property crime as the main concern, investing in home surveillance can provide valuable peace of mind. Simple habits like locking vehicles and home entrances go a long way in this community.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Madison County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Strong Multi-Campus Rural Network

Madison County’s education infrastructure includes seven public schools serving a total of 5,077 students. The system is organized under one district and features five elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school.

Top Performance and Robust Investment

A high graduation rate of 95.0% places the county well above the national average of 87%. Madison County also invests $7,709 per student, surpassing the state average of $7,405, which results in a strong school score of 57.7.

Dedicated Public Education Infrastructure

The Madison County School District oversees the entire student population of 5,077. There are no charter schools in the county, ensuring that all public education resources are concentrated within the primary district system.

Vibrant Rural Learning Environments

The district is entirely rural, with all seven schools situated in countryside settings. While the average school size is 725 students, the high school serves 1,436 students, whereas Colbert Elementary is much smaller with 447.

Premium Education in a Rural Setting

Strong academic scores and high investment per student make Madison County a premier destination for families. Explore local real estate to find a home within this high-performing rural school system.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Madison County

via RiskByCounty

Madison County ranks among nation's safest

Madison County scores 28.94 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the very low risk category and below Georgia's state average of 39.49. This low score reflects diversified, moderate exposure across all hazard types—no single disaster type dominates the risk profile. Compared to national averages, Madison enjoys substantially below-average natural disaster vulnerability.

Georgia's safer counties

Madison County's composite score of 28.94 ranks it well below Georgia's state average of 39.49, positioning Madison among the state's safest counties. Individual hazard scores remain consistently moderate, ranging from wildfire risk at 29.74 to earthquake risk at 61.61—no extreme concentrations. This balance and below-average positioning make Madison a secure location within Georgia.

Very low-risk tier with slight variation

Madison County's 28.94 score places it in the very low-risk group alongside Marion County (6.71), Long County (8.02), and Lincoln County (5.53), though higher than those ultra-safe peers. Madison's score reflects slightly more elevation in specific hazards—particularly earthquake (61.61) and tornado (58.52)—than nearby Marion or Long. Still, Madison remains solidly in Georgia's safest counties tier.

Earthquake and tornado warrant attention

Madison County's most elevated individual scores are earthquake risk at 61.61 and tornado risk at 58.52—both still moderate in absolute context but the county's primary concerns. Hurricane risk at 69.34 and wildfire risk at 29.74 round out a relatively balanced hazard portfolio, while flood risk at 34.41 remains manageable. These secondary concerns pose limited acute threat compared to higher-risk counties.

Standard coverage with selective enhancement

Madison County's overall very low risk profile means standard homeowners insurance provides adequate baseline protection for most residents. However, given the county's slightly elevated earthquake (61.61) and tornado (58.52) risks, verify that your policy includes appropriate wind and hail coverage. Annual review with your agent ensures optimal protection without over-insuring in this low-risk environment.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Madison County

via WaterByCounty

Drinking Water Violations Exceed State Averages

Madison County earns a Grade F for drinking water with 26 health violations recorded over the past five years. Its violation rate of 210.3 per 100,000 residents is significantly higher than the Georgia average of 152.5. These results indicate a need for improved oversight and infrastructure in the local water systems.

Watershed Health Near the Statewide Average

Exactly 48.0% of the 25 assessed water bodies in Madison County are impaired, nearly matching the state average of 48.4%. The 2022 data shows that fecal coliform, pH levels, and fish bioassessments are the top causes of impairment. These stressors reflect the impact of both environmental factors and human activity on local streams.

Nine Sites Provide Regular Water Quality Data

Madison County has nine monitoring sites that have captured 2,100 measurements in the last five years. The data primarily covers physical properties, nutrients, and organic chemicals. This level of monitoring provides a steady stream of information to help regulators track the health of the Broad River basin.

Broad River Levels Significantly Below Normal

The USGS gauge on the Broad River above Carlton reports a current discharge of 415 cfs. This is only 39% of the long-term mean of 1,060 cfs, indicating a period of drought or low precipitation. Low flow can lead to higher water temperatures and decreased oxygen for aquatic species.

Test for Acidity and Bacteria at Home

With a high violation rate and watershed impairments tied to pH and fecal coliform, residents should consider routine tap water testing. The Broad River's low flow currently limits its capacity to dilute contaminants, making source water more vulnerable. Using an NSF-certified filter can help address potential safety issues at the household level.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Madison County

via WeatherByCounty

A temperate Piedmont climate

Madison's 60.7°F average temperature is closer to the national median than its southern Georgia counterparts. It offers a milder version of the humid subtropical climate found across the state.

Cooler than the Georgia average

At 60.7°F, Madison is cooler than the Georgia state average of 63.7°F. This reflects the milder conditions of the upper Piedmont region compared to the coastal plains.

Notable winter snow accumulation

The county records 2.1 inches of snow, which is much higher than the trace amounts seen in Macon or Liberty. Its 51.2 inches of rain aligns almost perfectly with the state average.

Manageable summers and crisp winters

Summers are warm with 46 days over 90°F and a July average of 78.8°F. Winters are crisp at 44.1°F, occasionally bringing 2.1 inches of snow to the landscape.

Prepare for four seasons

Residents should prepare for a balanced four-season cycle, including 46 days of high heat. Insulating pipes is recommended to protect against the 44.1°F winter average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Madison County

via SoilByCounty

Northern Piedmont Identity

Local pH and taxonomic data for Madison County are not included in this dataset. This region typically features acidic soils that fall well below the national median pH of 6.5.

The Soil Mix

Current records do not provide sand, silt, or clay percentages for Madison County. Much of the northern Piedmont is known for red clay soils that retain nutrients well but require aeration.

Measuring Soil Health

Organic matter and available water capacity figures are missing for this county. Gardeners should use the state organic matter average of 1.83% as a minimum benchmark for their own soil health.

Drainage and Infrastructure

No specific drainage class or hydrologic group is recorded for Madison County in this data. Understanding local water movement is critical for managing pasture health and home foundations.

Growing in Zone 8a

Madison County resides in Hardiness Zone 8a, offering a balance of warm summers and distinct winters. This zone is ideal for berries, tomatoes, and a variety of hardy ornamental shrubs.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Madison County

via LawnByCounty

Manageable Lawns in Madison County

Madison County's lawn difficulty score of 46.8 makes it a friendly spot for homeowners compared to the state average of 35.8. Situated in hardiness zone 8a, it offers a manageable balance of heat and cold for southern turf.

Fewer Heat Days, Better Turf

With only 46 extreme heat days, Madison County is much cooler than the state average of 65 days. The 51.2 inches of annual rain and 4,782 growing degree days create a steady, predictable schedule for mowing and watering.

Preparing Your Garden Soil

Local soil data is limited, but the region's climate typically supports healthy loam if maintained correctly. Focus on ensuring your soil isn't too compacted, which allows the 51.2 inches of rain to reach the roots.

Short Drought Durations

The county experienced 17 weeks of drought last year, though the entire area is currently facing a severe drought spike. Utilize rain barrels to capture some of the generous local precipitation for use during these dry weeks.

Time Your Seeding Perfectly

Zoysia or tall fescue work well in this zone 8a environment. The growing window is defined by a last frost on March 29 and a first frost on November 7, so plan your major lawn work within those dates.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Madison County's county score?
Madison County, Georgia has a composite county score of 48.3 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 Georgia?
Madison County ranks #69 among all counties in Georgia 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, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Madison County is $1,608, with an effective tax rate of 0.81%. This earns Madison County a tax score of 52.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Madison County?
The median household income in Madison County, Georgia is $58,784 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Madison County earns an income score of 34.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Madison County, Georgia a good place to live?
Madison County scores 48.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #69 in Georgia. 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 Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.