Madison County's score of 66.9 comfortably exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper-middle tier of American counties. This indicates reliable livability across core dimensions.
2 / 5
Below Indiana's Middle Ground
Madison County's 66.9 score falls about 4 points below Indiana's average of 71.2, positioning it slightly below the state median. Among 92 counties, it ranks in the lower-middle tier.
3 / 5
Strong Affordability Foundation
Madison County excels in cost (78.7 score) with median homes at just $147,700 and rent at $926/month—excellent value for the region. Tax efficiency (80.8 score, 0.764% rate) and modest health outcomes (66.2) provide a stable baseline.
4 / 5
Income Is the Weakest Link
Madison County's income score of 24.3 reflects the lowest median household income in this group at $62,632, significantly limiting economic mobility and wealth building. Incomplete school and safety data also leave questions about quality of life.
5 / 5
Best for Frugal, Stable Households
Madison County suits those prioritizing rock-bottom living costs and tax minimization, particularly retirees, fixed-income earners, and remote workers. It's an accessible entry point for cost-conscious families, though limited income growth suggests it serves as a base rather than a destination for career advancement.
Madison County's score of 66.9 comfortably exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper-middle tier of American counties. This indicates reliable livability across core dimensions.
Below Indiana's Middle Ground
Madison County's 66.9 score falls about 4 points below Indiana's average of 71.2, positioning it slightly below the state median. Among 92 counties, it ranks in the lower-middle tier.
Strong Affordability Foundation
Madison County excels in cost (78.7 score) with median homes at just $147,700 and rent at $926/month—excellent value for the region. Tax efficiency (80.8 score, 0.764% rate) and modest health outcomes (66.2) provide a stable baseline.
Income Is the Weakest Link
Madison County's income score of 24.3 reflects the lowest median household income in this group at $62,632, significantly limiting economic mobility and wealth building. Incomplete school and safety data also leave questions about quality of life.
Best for Frugal, Stable Households
Madison County suits those prioritizing rock-bottom living costs and tax minimization, particularly retirees, fixed-income earners, and remote workers. It's an accessible entry point for cost-conscious families, though limited income growth suggests it serves as a base rather than a destination for career advancement.
Score breakdown
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🏛80.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Madison County's effective tax rate of 0.764% is well above the national median of 0.630%, placing it in the higher-tax cohort. Despite lower median home values of $147,700, residents here pay $1,128 annually—above the national average for lower-valued homes.
Ranks second-highest in Indiana group
Madison County's 0.764% effective rate significantly exceeds Indiana's state average of 0.671%, making it the second-highest among these eight counties. Median taxes of $1,128 fall below the state median of $1,199 only because of modest home values.
Steeper taxes than most peers
Madison County's 0.764% rate beats only Lake County (0.925%) in this group, but substantially exceeds LaGrange (0.542%), Kosciusko (0.598%), and Lawrence (0.604%). It's firmly in the higher-tax tier regionally.
What $147,700 home costs annually
A typical Madison County homeowner with a $147,700 home pays approximately $1,128 in annual property taxes. With mortgage, that figure rises to $1,222; without, to $956—reflecting a steep rate applied to modest home values.
Assessment review could pay off
Madison County's elevated rate means accurate assessments matter especially—an overvalued home costs you substantially more. Filing a property tax appeal is free and could reduce your annual bill, particularly for older or recently underperforming properties.
Renters allocate 17.7% of income to housing—the second-highest burden in this analysis—despite a median household income of $62,632, well below the national $74,755. Monthly rents of $926 compete with better-earning counties, creating affordability strain.
Above-average housing stress in Indiana
Madison County's 17.7% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Indiana's 15.6% state average, ranking it among the state's most housing-burdened counties. Its $926 median rent is $43 above the state average despite below-average incomes.
Highest strain in a low-income cluster
Madison County's 17.7% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Knox County (15.9%), Lawrence County (14.7%), and LaPorte County (15.8%), despite comparable or lower rents in some neighbors. This mismatch reflects Madison's lower income relative to housing costs.
Housing costs pinch household finances
Renters dedicate 17.7% of income to rent, while homeowners spend roughly 16.3% on mortgages for a median home value of $147,700. Together, these allocations limit discretionary spending compared to regional peers.
Madison County requires careful budgeting
Madison County's 17.7% rent-to-income ratio makes it challenging for income levels near the county median; consider it only with above-median earnings. More affordable options like Lawrence County (14.7%) or Knox County (15.9%) may stretch your budget less.
Madison County's median household income of $62,632 falls 16.2% below the national median of $74,755, indicating below-average earning power. Per capita income of $33,425 similarly lags US benchmarks, reflecting limited wealth across the county.
Below Indiana average, among lowest ranked
Madison County's median household income of $62,632 runs 8.9% below Indiana's state average of $68,681, placing it among the lower-earning counties statewide. This significant gap reflects economic challenges that constrain household finances.
Second-lowest income in regional group
Madison County's $62,632 income trails LaGrange County ($83,741) by 25% and falls below Kosciusko County ($73,922) by 15%. Only Knox County ($58,863) earns less in this regional comparison, indicating Madison faces real income headwinds.
Housing pressure on Madison County budgets
Madison County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.7% ranks among the highest in this analysis, with housing costs claiming a substantial share of household income. A median home value of $147,700 reflects affordability constraints tied to lower local incomes.
Protect and grow Madison County wealth
With household incomes 16% below the national average and housing costs consuming more income share, Madison County residents should prioritize emergency funds before investing. Once stable, even modest monthly contributions to retirement and education savings can build security over time.
Madison County's life expectancy of 73.2 years ranks among the nation's lowest—1.7 years below the U.S. average of 74.9 years. With 21.1% reporting poor or fair health, the county reflects a population under significant health stress.
Indiana's lowest life expectancy
Madison County's 73.2-year life expectancy is the lowest in Indiana, trailing the state average of 75.1 years by 1.9 years. This disparity signals urgent public health needs across the county.
Regional health leader in decline
Madison County's 73.2-year life expectancy significantly trails Johnson County (76.2 years) by 3 years and ranks among the lowest regional performers. With 48 primary care providers per 100,000, access is below regional standards.
Coverage adequate, health outcomes poor
Madison County's 8.0% uninsured rate matches the state average, but health outcomes remain deeply concerning. With 48 primary care providers and 154 mental health providers per 100,000, the county offers limited resources for a struggling population.
Take action for your health
Madison County faces severe health challenges despite adequate insurance rates. Ensure your coverage is strong and up to date at healthcare.gov—it's a critical first step in protecting your family's health.
Madison County scores 77.26 on the composite risk scale, rating as relatively low but standing 31.74 points above Indiana's state average of 45.52. This elevation reflects scattered vulnerability across multiple natural disaster types, particularly tornado and flood exposure.
Upper-tier risk in Indiana
Madison County ranks in the upper tier of Indiana's risk distribution at 77.26, substantially higher than southern rural counties but trailing Lake County (95.93) and LaPorte County (78.88). The county faces above-average statewide exposure to several hazard categories simultaneously.
Riskier than most central peers
Madison County (77.26) faces higher overall risk than Johnson County (74.65) to the south, though both communities share similar tornado vulnerabilities. Compared to rural southern counties, Madison's exposure stands notably elevated across multiple hazard types.
Tornadoes and flooding lead
Tornado risk at 85.27 represents Madison County's primary threat, while flooding at 82.60 rivals tornado danger as a major hazard. Earthquake risk at 81.84 rounds out three similarly dangerous exposures, making multi-hazard preparation essential.
Multi-hazard insurance is critical
Madison County homeowners should obtain comprehensive coverage for tornado, hail, wind, and flood damage given the 85.27 tornado and 82.60 flood risk scores. Ensure earthquake coverage is included or added separately, as the 81.84 earthquake risk is substantial.