CountyScore

Madison County

Illinois · IL

#82 in Illinois
58.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Madison County, Illinois

Madison outpaces the national median

Madison County's composite score of 59.1 sits well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper half of U.S. counties. This 18% advantage reflects a county that offers better-than-average livability across measured dimensions, though it trails the Illinois state average of 62.1 by 3 points.

Middle-of-the-road among Illinois counties

Madison County ranks around the middle tier within Illinois, scoring 3 points below the state average. The county sits in a competitive field where affordability and tax burden significantly shape overall livability rankings.

Affordability is Madison's strongest asset

The county excels in housing affordability with a cost score of 74.0, offering median home values of $167,900 and monthly rents around $969. While median household income of $74,800 provides solid middle-class earning power, the real strength lies in housing costs that don't strain the budget.

Income growth and tax burden need attention

Madison's income score of 32.2 lags significantly, with median household income falling below comparable Midwest counties. The effective tax rate of 1.925% also ranks among the higher burdens in the region, limiting the county's overall competitiveness.

Best for budget-conscious middle-class families

Madison County suits families seeking affordable housing without sacrificing proximity to established communities and services. It's ideal for those prioritizing cost of living over earning potential, though families earning above-average incomes may find better overall value elsewhere in the state.

Score breakdown

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

Tax48.1Cost74SafetyComing SoonHealth75.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome32.2Risk6.6WaterComing Soon
🏛48.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠74
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼32.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤75.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡6.6
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

Hillsborough County
Florida
58.8
Median income: $75,011
Monroe County
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58.8
Median income: $82,430
Jackson County
Illinois
58.8
Median income: $45,572
Sangamon County
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58.8
Median income: $74,114
Genesee County
New York
58.8
Median income: $72,055

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 County taxes run above national average

Madison County homeowners pay an effective tax rate of 1.925%, outpacing the national median of 1.728% and placing the county in the 58th percentile nationally. The median annual property tax here is $3,232—well above the national median of $2,690—despite a median home value of $167,900, which is significantly lower than the national median of $281,900.

Madison ranks above average in Illinois

At 1.925%, Madison County's effective tax rate exceeds Illinois's state average of 1.831%, ranking it in the upper half of the state's counties. The median property tax of $3,232 is also 16% higher than the state median of $2,782.

Comparable to peer Illinois counties

Madison County's tax rate of 1.925% sits between Marion County (1.707%) to the south and Marshall County (1.991%) to the north. Among regional peers, Madison's rate is moderate, suggesting competitive property tax pressures in the southwestern Illinois corridor.

Expect $3,232 annual property tax

On Madison County's median home value of $167,900 and effective rate of 1.925%, a typical homeowner pays $3,232 annually in property taxes. For mortgaged properties, total obligations rise to $3,604 when ancillary fees are included.

You may be overassessed

Many Madison County homeowners pay more than they should due to assessment errors or outdated valuations. Consider filing an appeal with the Madison County Assessor's office—a free process that could reduce your tax bill significantly.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Madison County

via CostByCounty

Madison rents track national norms

Madison County residents spend 15.6% of household income on rent, just slightly above the national benchmark of roughly 15%. The median rent of $969/month is notably higher than Illinois's state average of $837, reflecting the county's position as a mid-tier housing market in the region.

Middle-ground affordability in Illinois

Among Illinois counties, Madison's rent-to-income ratio of 15.6% places it in the less affordable tier, above the state average of 14.7%. This suggests renters here face tighter budget constraints than their counterparts in many other Illinois communities.

Higher costs than surrounding counties

Madison's $969 median rent outpaces nearby Marion County ($771) and Marshall County ($767) by roughly $200/month. However, homeownership costs are competitive: Madison's median owner cost of $1,109 sits between Marion's $785 and Marshall's $858, reflecting mixed affordability across housing types.

Balanced burden across housing types

Madison's median household income of $74,800 means renters allocate $969/month (15.6%) while homeowners spend $1,109/month (17.8%) on housing. Together, these costs consume roughly one-third of household income, leaving moderate room for other expenses.

Consider Madison for balanced housing

If you're relocating within Illinois, Madison County offers middle-range affordability with rents and home values near state norms. Compare this to pricier McHenry County ($1,358 rent, $286,900 median home) or more affordable Marshall County before making your decision.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Madison County

via IncomeByCounty

Madison matches the nation's income benchmark

Madison County's median household income of $74,800 sits virtually at the national median of $74,755, placing it squarely in the middle of American earning power. This alignment suggests Madison households earn roughly what typical U.S. families make, though regional cost differences still matter.

Above Illinois average despite lower state ranking

At $74,800, Madison County earns $6,220 more than Illinois's state average of $68,580, ranking it in the upper tier of the state's 102 counties. This solid position reflects a diverse economy and stronger household earnings than most Illinois peers.

Madison leads regional income competition

Madison County outearns neighboring Marshall County ($69,818) and Marion County ($60,839) by $5,000–$14,000 per household. Its per capita income of $40,869 also exceeds the state average of $36,009, signaling stronger individual earning power across the region.

Rent remains affordable on Madison incomes

Madison's rent-to-income ratio of 15.6% means renters spend roughly $975 monthly on housing—well below the 30% affordability threshold. With median home values at $167,900, homeownership is also achievable for median-income families without excessive financial strain.

Build on Madison's stable earning foundation

Madison households earning $74,800 have room to invest beyond housing costs; redirecting just 5% of income into retirement or college savings accounts adds $3,740 annually. Starting an emergency fund and exploring employer retirement plans can accelerate wealth growth in this stable earning environment.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Madison County

via HealthByCounty

Madison's life expectancy lags nationwide

At 75.4 years, Madison County residents live nearly 3 years less than the U.S. average of 78.3 years. The county's 15.4% poor or fair health rate sits below the national average of 18%, suggesting middling overall health outcomes relative to the country.

Slightly below Illinois average

Madison County's 75.4-year life expectancy trails the state average of 76.0 years, placing it in the middle tier of Illinois counties. However, its uninsured rate of 5.5% beats the state average of 6.3%, indicating stronger insurance coverage.

Competitive healthcare provider access

Madison County has 48 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—above neighbors like Mason County (39) and Marion County (35). Its mental health workforce of 266 providers per 100,000 is solid, though significantly lower than nearby Marion County's 404.

Better insured than state average

Only 5.5% of Madison County residents lack health insurance, outperforming Illinois's 6.3% rate. With 48 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, access to routine care is reasonably available, though rural areas may face longer wait times.

Already well-covered, but verify yours

Madison County has strong insurance penetration, but 5.5% of residents remain uninsured—roughly 6,000 people. Check your coverage today at Healthcare.gov or contact the Madison County health department to ensure you're protected.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Madison County

via RiskByCounty

Madison ranks above national average

Madison County's composite risk score of 93.42 places it in the Relatively Moderate category, well above the state average of 54.46. This elevated risk profile means residents face greater exposure to multiple natural hazards compared to typical Illinois counties.

Among Illinois's most at-risk counties

Madison County ranks as one of the highest-risk counties in Illinois, driven by exceptionally high tornado and earthquake scores of 97.61 and 97.07 respectively. Its flood risk of 92.27 further compounds vulnerability across the county.

Significantly riskier than neighboring counties

Madison's composite score of 93.42 far exceeds nearby Marion County (77.13) and Massac County (61.61), making it a notable outlier in southwestern Illinois. This difference is primarily driven by Madison's extreme tornado and earthquake susceptibility.

Tornadoes and earthquakes pose urgent threats

Madison County residents face a tornado risk score of 97.61—among the highest in the state—and an earthquake risk of 97.07, both demanding serious preparedness. Flooding also presents substantial danger with a risk score of 92.27, particularly near the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers.

Comprehensive coverage is essential here

Standard homeowners policies typically exclude tornado and earthquake damage, making separate coverage critical for Madison County residents. Given the county's high composite risk score, consider adding umbrella liability insurance and ensuring your property can withstand severe weather.

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.