Madison County's composite score of 72.0 ranks 44% above the national median of 50.0, placing it among the country's more livable counties. This strong performance reflects balanced excellence across tax and housing dimensions.
2 / 5
Madison slightly exceeds Georgia average
With a score of 72.0, Madison County surpasses Georgia's state average of 70.9, ranking it among the state's top-tier counties. The narrow margin reflects tight competition within Georgia's high-performing county cohort.
3 / 5
Tax and cost efficiency drive Madison
Madison County combines a cost score of 78.9 with a tax score of 79.5 and effective tax rate of 0.809%, creating an economically efficient living environment. Median rent of $951/month and median home value of $198,800 ensure housing accessibility across income levels.
4 / 5
Income potential needs bolstering
An income score of 21.8 with median household income of $58,784 lags state norms, limiting upward earning potential for local workers. Safety, health, schools, and environmental quality remain unmeasured, preventing comprehensive livability evaluation.
5 / 5
Perfect for balanced-priority households
Madison County suits families wanting excellent tax efficiency and housing affordability with reasonable diversity in the living experience. It's best for those with income sources outside the county or who can supplement local wages with remote work.
Madison County's composite score of 72.0 ranks 44% above the national median of 50.0, placing it among the country's more livable counties. This strong performance reflects balanced excellence across tax and housing dimensions.
Madison slightly exceeds Georgia average
With a score of 72.0, Madison County surpasses Georgia's state average of 70.9, ranking it among the state's top-tier counties. The narrow margin reflects tight competition within Georgia's high-performing county cohort.
Tax and cost efficiency drive Madison
Madison County combines a cost score of 78.9 with a tax score of 79.5 and effective tax rate of 0.809%, creating an economically efficient living environment. Median rent of $951/month and median home value of $198,800 ensure housing accessibility across income levels.
Income potential needs bolstering
An income score of 21.8 with median household income of $58,784 lags state norms, limiting upward earning potential for local workers. Safety, health, schools, and environmental quality remain unmeasured, preventing comprehensive livability evaluation.
Perfect for balanced-priority households
Madison County suits families wanting excellent tax efficiency and housing affordability with reasonable diversity in the living experience. It's best for those with income sources outside the county or who can supplement local wages with remote work.
Score breakdown
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🏛79.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
Madison County's life expectancy of 74.2 years falls 4.7 years short of the U.S. average of 78.9 years. One-fifth of residents (21.9%) report poor or fair health, slightly above national rates, reflecting moderate health challenges.
Slightly above Georgia's health benchmark
Madison County's 74.2-year life expectancy exceeds Georgia's 73.3-year average by 0.9 years, positioning it solidly in the middle of the state's health rankings. The county performs better than half of the eight-county group.
Mid-tier health in a diverse region
Madison County ranks fifth among these eight counties for life expectancy, falling between Lowndes (73.5 years) and Lumpkin (75.3 years). The county's provider access is limited compared to strong performers like Lowndes and Lumpkin.
Higher uninsured rate, fewer primary care doctors
Madison County's 17.7% uninsured rate exceeds Georgia's 15% average, leaving nearly one in six residents without health insurance. With just 19 primary care providers per 100,000—below the county average across this group—access to routine care is challenging.
Bridge your coverage gap today
Nearly one in six Madison County residents are uninsured, missing preventive care opportunities. Visit healthcare.gov or contact the Madison County Health Department to explore plans that fit your budget and health needs.
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.