CountyScore

Madison County

Iowa · IA

#71 in Iowa
67.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Madison County, Iowa

Madison scores 35% above the national median

Madison County's composite score of 67.6 comfortably exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper-middle tier of U.S. counties. This solid national performance reflects competitive household incomes and strong health outcomes.

Slightly below Iowa's average

With a score of 67.6 versus Iowa's state average of 69.3, Madison ranks just below the midpoint of the state's counties. It represents a respectable but not top-tier Iowa option.

Highest income levels in the group

Madison boasts the highest income score of 41.8 in this group, with median household earnings of $89,542, supporting strong purchasing power and economic opportunity. Health outcomes of 82.4 are exceptional, ranking among the state's best.

Costs and taxes run higher

Madison's cost score of 70.5 reflects the highest median home values ($236,900) and rents ($938 monthly) in this group, limiting affordability. The tax score of 58.6 indicates a 1.554% effective tax rate, above several peers.

Suited to affluent families seeking quality

Madison County attracts higher-earning families who can afford its elevated housing costs and prioritize excellent healthcare and stable living. It's less suitable for budget-conscious movers but rewarding for those with strong incomes.

Score breakdown

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

Tax58.6Cost70.5SafetyComing SoonHealth82.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome41.8Risk64.5WaterComing Soon
🏛58.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠70.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼41.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤82.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡64.5
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

Lonoke County
Arkansas
67.6
Median income: $71,449
Fayette County
Iowa
67.6
Median income: $58,764
Anderson County
Kansas
67.6
Median income: $64,925
Meade County
Kansas
67.6
Median income: $74,868
Morris County
Kansas
67.6
Median income: $56,716

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 taxes rank well above average

Madison County's effective tax rate of 1.554% substantially exceeds the national median of 1.099%, placing it around the 70th percentile across U.S. counties. With a median home value of $236,900 and a median property tax of $3,681, Madison residents face one of the higher combined tax burdens in the nation.

Madison's taxes among Iowa's highest

At 1.554%, Madison County's effective rate ranks second-highest in Iowa, exceeded only by Linn County's 1.661%, and well above the state average of 1.344%. The median property tax of $3,681 is 70% higher than Iowa's average of $2,160, reflecting the county's steep tax burden.

Madison taxes tied for regional peak

Madison County's 1.554% rate rivals Linn County (1.661%) as the highest in its region, substantially outpacing Marshall (1.514%), Lucas (1.480%), and Louisa (1.273%). With a median home value of $236,900, Madison residents pay the highest median tax bill of $3,681 in their peer group.

What homeowners pay annually

A typical Madison County homeowner with a median-valued house of $236,900 pays approximately $3,681 per year in property taxes. Those with mortgages face bills averaging $3,719, while those who own outright average $3,597 annually.

You may be paying too much

Madison County homeowners should carefully review their assessed values, as the county's high tax burden makes overassessment particularly costly. Consult with your county assessor or a property tax professional to determine if an appeal is warranted.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Madison County

via CostByCounty

Madison: Highest Incomes in the Region

Madison County boasts the region's highest median household income at $89,542—$14,787 above the national average—which helps offset higher housing costs. With a rent-to-income ratio of 12.6%, Madison renters have among the most breathing room in the eight-county comparison.

Top Earners, Manageable Housing

Madison County's 12.6% rent-to-income ratio ranks in Iowa's top tier for affordability, and median income of $89,542 is substantially above the state median. Renters here spend $938 monthly—well above state average of $812—but earn enough to keep the burden light.

Premium Rents, Premium Incomes

Madison's median rent of $938 ranks highest in the region after Linn County ($915), yet median income also tops all eight counties. This concentration of higher earners means housing costs, while elevated, remain proportionally manageable.

Income Advantage Offsets Higher Costs

Madison households earning $89,542 pay $938 in median rent (12.6% of income) or $1,378 in mortgages (18.4% of income). Strong incomes allow homeowners to manage $1,378 monthly costs that would stress households in lower-income counties.

Madison for Growing Professionals

If you're earning solid income and seeking a county with economic vitality, Madison County delivers with the region's highest median income and strong home values at $236,900. Higher housing costs reflect the area's prosperity and quality of life.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Madison County

via IncomeByCounty

Madison County earns well above national median

Madison County's median household income of $89,542 surpasses the U.S. median of $74,755 by $14,787—a 19.8% premium. This substantial advantage makes Madison one of Iowa's most prosperous counties.

Madison ranks highest in Iowa

At $89,542, Madison County's median household income ranks among the very top in Iowa, exceeding the state average of $69,830 by $19,712. The county consistently claims the highest or near-highest income ranking among all Iowa counties.

Madison far outpaces regional peers

Madison County's $89,542 significantly exceeds Marion County ($78,059) by $11,483 and Mahaska County ($69,019) by $20,523. This regional income leadership reflects Madison's proximity to the Des Moines metro area and strong workforce quality.

Housing highly affordable in Madison

At just 12.6%, Madison County's rent-to-income ratio ranks among Iowa's lowest, meaning rent consumes less than two weeks of monthly earnings. The median home value of $236,900 is very affordable for households earning $89,542 annually.

Madison offers wealth-building opportunities

Madison County's above-average incomes and favorable housing ratios position residents exceptionally well for wealth accumulation through investment and homeownership. With strong earnings and low housing costs, Madison households have substantial capacity to build emergency funds, invest, and secure long-term financial independence.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Madison County

via HealthByCounty

Madison County exceeds health benchmarks

At 78.8 years, Madison County residents live 2.4 years longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years. Just 11.7% report poor or fair health, well below the national average of 16.8%. Madison County consistently outperforms national health metrics across multiple indicators.

Healthiest county in Iowa

Madison County's 78.8-year life expectancy ranks second only to Lyon County within Iowa, exceeding the state average of 77.7 by more than a year. The county's 11.7% poor/fair health rate is the lowest in Iowa. Madison County achieves some of the best health outcomes in the state.

Balanced provider network

Madison County has 54 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 71 mental health providers per 100,000—solid numbers that exceed many rural neighbors. This moderate but adequate provider base supports the county's strong health outcomes. Access appears well-matched to population needs.

Coverage and access aligned well

At 4.6% uninsured, Madison County beats both Iowa's 5.7% and the national 10.9% averages—reflecting strong employment and income levels. With 54 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, most Madison residents access care easily. This combination of universal coverage and adequate providers enables excellent health outcomes.

Keep Madison's momentum going

Madison County's nearly universal coverage is a strength, but staying covered requires attention during life changes. Visit Healthcare.gov during open enrollment to review your plan, or contact Madison County Social Services about Medicaid eligibility. Continuous coverage helps catch health problems early.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Madison County

via RiskByCounty

Madison County sits slightly below state average

Madison County's composite risk score of 35.53 runs about 10 percent below Iowa's state average of 39.68, landing it in the very low risk category. This modest advantage reflects reasonable but not exceptional protection from major natural hazards.

Mid-range risk ranking for Iowa

Madison County ranks in the middle tier of Iowa's 99 counties, neither among the state's safest nor its most vulnerable. This middle-ground position reflects fairly typical exposure to the state's primary weather hazards.

Comparable risk to neighboring counties

Madison's 35.53 score falls between Marion County (34.35) and Lucas County (29.68), placing it in the safer cluster of south-central Iowa. Marshall County (62.47) to the northeast experiences notably higher risk, marking a clear hazard gradient across the region.

Wildfire risk your most notable concern

Wildfire risk at 59.92 is Madison's highest hazard score, reflecting the county's prairie landscape and agricultural heritage. Tornado risk of 54.93 and flood risk of 36.58 also warrant preparedness planning during their respective seasonal peaks.

Standard coverage with wildfire provisions

Ensure your homeowners policy includes wind and hail protection for tornado exposure and maintain adequate replacement cost limits. If your property borders wildland areas, discuss additional coverage options with your agent to address grassfire and structural ignition risks.

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.