CountyScore

Madison County

Idaho · ID

#34 in Idaho
70.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Madison County, Idaho

Madison County beats the national average

With a composite score of 70.1, Madison County outperforms the national median of 50.0 by 40 points, placing it in the 70th percentile nationally. This means Madison offers significantly better livability conditions than most American counties when measured across tax burden, housing affordability, income, and health metrics.

Slightly below Idaho's median performance

Madison County scores 70.1 compared to Idaho's state average of 72.5, ranking it in the middle tier among Idaho counties. While still well above national norms, the county trails a handful of higher-performing Idaho communities.

Tax burden and housing costs shine here

Madison County excels with a tax score of 88.3 and an effective tax rate of just 0.497%, among the lowest in the state. Housing affordability is also solid with a median home value of $365,000 and median rent of $965/month, supporting a cost score of 74.7.

Income and risk factors need attention

The county's income score of 21.4 reflects a median household income of $58,259, below state and county averages. A risk score of 41.4 suggests moderate exposure to natural hazards or economic volatility that residents should understand before relocating.

Best for budget-conscious families seeking stability

Madison County suits families prioritizing low taxes and reasonable housing costs over maximum earning potential. The community offers dependable livability across health and affordability measures, making it attractive to retirees or remote workers with modest income needs.

Score breakdown

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

Tax88.3Cost74.7SafetyComing SoonHealth71.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome21.4Risk41.4WaterComing Soon
🏛88.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠74.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼21.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤71.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡41.4
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

Cleburne County
Arkansas
70.1
Median income: $55,979
Montgomery County
Georgia
70.1
Median income: $51,188
Chase County
Kansas
70.1
Median income: $54,518
Norton County
Kansas
70.1
Median income: $50,305
Osborne County
Kansas
70.1
Median income: $59,408

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 below national median

Madison County's effective tax rate of 0.497% is well below the U.S. median of 0.71%, placing it in the lower third nationally for property tax burden. The median property tax here is $1,813, compared to the national median of $2,690—a $877 annual savings for a typical homeowner.

Among Idaho's most affordable counties

Madison County's 0.497% effective rate sits just slightly below Idaho's statewide average of 0.508%, ranking it in the middle tier among the state's 44 counties. The county's median property tax of $1,813 is $284 higher than the state median of $1,529, reflecting its higher median home values.

Lower taxes than Nez Perce, higher than Owyhee

Madison County pays significantly less than neighboring Nez Perce County, where homeowners face a 0.868% rate and $2,529 median tax. It's slightly pricier than adjacent Owyhee County at 0.481%, though both counties are considered affordable by regional standards.

Typical Madison home costs $1,813 yearly

On Madison County's median home value of $365,000, property owners pay approximately $1,813 in annual property taxes. For homeowners with mortgages, that effective tax is $1,726; without mortgages, it rises to $1,922.

Check your assessment for overvaluation

Many Madison County homeowners are paying taxes on properties assessed above true market value. If your property assessment seems high, you have the right to appeal—potentially saving hundreds annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Madison County

via CostByCounty

Madison rents outpace national affordability

Madison County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.9% exceeds the national baseline, meaning renters here spend nearly a fifth of their income on housing—significantly more than the typical American household. With a median household income of $58,259 compared to the national median of $74,755, Madison earners have 22% less income to cover similar or higher housing costs.

Among Idaho's least affordable counties

Madison County ranks as one of Idaho's least affordable places, with a 19.9% rent-to-income ratio well above the state average of 16.8%. Only a handful of Idaho counties face worse housing cost burdens relative to income.

Pricier than most neighboring counties

Madison County's $965 median monthly rent runs $46 higher than the state average and $55 more than nearby Power County's $729. However, median home values of $365,000 position Madison as one of the region's pricier real estate markets, though still below some neighboring areas.

Housing consumes nearly one-fifth of income

Renters here spend $965 monthly while homeowners spend $1,065, with median home values at $365,000. Against a median household income of $58,259, these costs mean housing claims roughly 20% of renter income and slightly higher for mortgage holders—a tight squeeze for household budgets.

Is Madison right for you?

If you're relocating, Madison County offers a growing community feel but demands strong income to maintain comfort. Compare your anticipated salary against the $58,259 median to gauge whether your housing budget will align with local costs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Madison County

via IncomeByCounty

Madison lags U.S. income average

Madison County's median household income of $58,259 sits 22% below the national median of $74,755. This places the county in the lower-middle range nationally, though it reflects Idaho's rural character.

Below state average despite state ties

At $58,259, Madison's median income falls $7,511 short of Idaho's state average of $65,770. The county ranks in the lower half of Idaho's 44 counties.

Closest to Owyhee, trailing Minidoka

Madison's $58,259 income is nearly equal to neighboring Owyhee County's $59,773, but trails nearby Minidoka County's $70,060 by over $11,800. Regional variation in this corner of Idaho reflects differences in agricultural and industrial bases.

Rent burden manageable at 19.9%

Madison County households spend 19.9% of income on rent, slightly above the sustainable 15% threshold but still reasonable compared to national averages. With a median home value of $365,000, homeownership remains challenging but achievable for dual-income households.

Build long-term wealth through planning

Madison County families earning $58,259 annually can accelerate wealth-building by automating retirement savings and exploring first-time homebuyer programs. Starting even modest investments early—$100–200 monthly—compounds significantly over 20–30 years.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Madison County

via HealthByCounty

Madison County lives longer than most Americans

At 79.1 years, Madison County residents live 1.6 years longer than the U.S. average of 77.5 years. Just 20.3% report poor or fair health, a solid performance that suggests strong baseline wellness across the county.

One of Idaho's healthiest communities

Madison County's 79.1-year life expectancy ranks it well above Idaho's state average of 77.5 years. This 1.6-year advantage positions Madison among the state's top performers for longevity.

Madison leads regional health outcomes

Madison County's 79.1-year life expectancy outpaces nearby Oneida County (78.6 years) and Minidoka County (77.0 years). The county also maintains better mental health provider access at 172 per 100K compared to Minidoka's 49 per 100K.

Good access, low uninsured rates

Madison County's 8.3% uninsured rate beats the state average of 11.7%, and residents have solid primary care access at 43 providers per 100K. Strong mental health infrastructure at 172 providers per 100K supports comprehensive care across the community.

Keep Madison healthy—verify your coverage

With 8.3% of residents uninsured, even small gaps can affect neighborhood health. Visit healthcare.gov or Idaho's health insurance marketplace to confirm your coverage and explore options that fit your budget.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Madison County

via RiskByCounty

Madison County faces above-average disaster risk

Madison County's composite risk score of 58.62 places it well above the national average, reflecting significant exposure to multiple hazard types. The county's "Relatively Low" rating indicates moderate concern compared to the highest-risk U.S. counties, but residents should remain prepared for potential natural disasters.

Riskier than most Idaho counties

With a score of 58.62, Madison County ranks among Idaho's higher-risk counties, substantially above the state average of 38.51. This elevated positioning reflects the county's particular vulnerability to earthquakes and wildfires compared to its neighbors statewide.

Madison stands out in Southeast Idaho

Madison County's risk score of 58.62 far exceeds nearby Minidoka County (20.48) and Oneida County (1.40), making it the riskiest in its immediate region. Only Shoshone County in Idaho's panhandle registers higher overall risk at 62.85, highlighting Madison's distinct hazard profile.

Earthquakes and wildfires drive risk here

Madison County faces an earthquake risk score of 87.60—one of Idaho's highest—reflecting its location in a seismically active region where tremors pose real threats to homes and infrastructure. Wildfire risk at 70.26 compounds concerns, as vegetation in the surrounding valleys and mountains creates seasonal fire exposure that can impact air quality and property safety.

Secure earthquake and wildfire coverage now

Given Madison County's elevated earthquake risk, homeowners should verify that their insurance includes earthquake coverage, as standard policies exclude it in most states. Additionally, residents in fire-prone areas should ensure their homeowners policy covers wildfire damage and maintain defensible space around their properties by clearing debris and trimming trees.

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.