countyscore
41.9
County Score
Soil Quality 86.2Lawn Care 74Weather & Climate 58.4

County Report Card

About Madison County, Indiana

Trailing National Livability Norms

Madison County's composite score of 41.9 falls short of the national median of 50.0. This indicates that while the county is affordable, it faces significant challenges in health and safety.

Underperforming the Indiana Average

The county's score of 41.9 is significantly lower than the Indiana state average of 55.9. It currently ranks in the lower tier of Indiana counties across several composite metrics.

Favorable Taxes and Water Quality

Madison County offers a decent tax score of 56.3 and reliable water quality with a score of 53.0. Housing remains quite affordable, with a median home value of $147,700.

Safety and Environmental Risk

Community safety is a primary concern with a score of 27.4, alongside a low risk score of 22.7. Income and health scores both sit below 50, reflecting limited economic and medical resources.

Suited for First-Time Homebuyers

This county is a practical choice for first-time buyers seeking entry-level home prices and low taxes. It requires residents to be proactive about personal safety and health in exchange for extreme affordability.

Score breakdown

Tax56.3Cost42.5Safety27.4Health41.7Schools44.1Income47.1Risk22.7Water53Weather58.4
🏛56.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠42.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼47.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡27.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤41.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓44.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡22.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧53
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤58.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨86.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱74
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Hamilton County
Indiana
52.1
Delaware County
Indiana
39.9
Tipton County
Indiana
65.2
Hancock County
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52.8
Henry County
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Grant County
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Blackford County
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Howard County
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45.3

Deep Dives

Madison County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Madison County

via TaxByCounty

Madison County above national median

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Madison County

via CostByCounty

Madison County stretches household budgets

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Madison County

via IncomeByCounty

Madison County trails national income standard

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Madison County

via CrimeByCounty

Madison County beats national crime trends

Madison County holds a safety score of 97.2, remaining safer than many national urban areas. Its total crime rate of 1760.3 per 100K is below the national average of 2,385.5. Five reporting agencies handle law enforcement duties for the county's residents.

Madison County's place in Indiana

The county's total crime rate of 1760.3 is notably higher than the state average of 693.8. Its safety score of 97.2 sits slightly below the state average of 98.9. This indicates a higher level of criminal activity than many of Indiana's rural counties.

Urban crime comparisons in Central Indiana

Madison County's violent crime rate of 235.2 per 100K is over double the Indiana average of 102.9. While safer than neighboring Marion County, it faces more challenges than its more rural neighbors. Local agencies focus on addressing both violent and property-related incidents.

A breakdown of local crime types

Property crime is the most frequent issue in Madison County, with a rate of 1525.1 per 100K. Violent crime is less common but still significant at 235.2 per 100K. Both figures, however, remain below the national averages of 2,015.7 and 369.8.

Priority steps for home security

Property protection is essential for Madison County residents given the local crime stats. Installing a monitored security system and motion-activated lights can deter theft. Staying engaged with local law enforcement through community programs helps improve overall safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Madison County

via HealthByCounty

Madison County faces serious health crisis

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Madison County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse and Balanced School System

Madison County serves 18,287 students through 32 public schools spread across eight districts. The system is well-distributed with 15 elementary, five middle, and 10 high schools, plus two specialized campuses. This variety ensures that students have access to appropriate learning environments at every stage.

High Graduation Success and Solid Scores

The county achieves a 93.9% graduation rate, comfortably exceeding both state (92.6%) and national (87.0%) averages. Spending is also competitive, with $5,658 per pupil compared to the Indiana average of $5,507. These metrics contribute to a school score of 52.7, which is higher than the state median.

Anderson Community Leads Local Education

Anderson Community School Corp is the largest district, managing 11 schools and 6,196 students. South Madison and Frankton-Lapel districts also serve thousands of students in the surrounding areas. The county includes two charter schools, such as Anderson Preparatory Academy, which enrolls 864 students.

A Mix of Urban, Rural, and Suburban

Madison County offers a true variety of locales, featuring 12 city schools, 11 rural schools, and 5 suburban schools. The average school size is 610 students, though Anderson High School is significantly larger with 1,790 students. This diversity allows families to choose between high-energy city campuses and quiet rural schoolhouses.

Academic Excellence in Every Setting

With graduation rates that lead the state, Madison County is an excellent place to invest in a family home. From the suburban feel of Pendleton to the urban convenience of Anderson, high-performing schools are always nearby. Secure your family's future by exploring the diverse real estate options in these top-rated districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Madison County

via RiskByCounty

Madison County faces moderate risk

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Madison County

via WeatherByCounty

Typical Midwestern Temperature Profile

Madison County averages 51.8°F annually, sitting right near the national median. It receives 43.0 inches of precipitation, aligning with typical East Coast and Midwest levels.

Mirroring the Indiana State Average

The county’s 51.8°F average is almost identical to the Indiana state average of 52.2°F. It represents a middle-ground climate for the state.

Consistent with Central Indiana Neighbors

Madison County tracks closely with Marion County, though it is slightly cooler and receives about three fewer inches of snow. Its 43.0 inches of rain is just below the state average.

Cold Januarys and Steamy Julys

Winters feature 20.2 inches of snow and a January average of 26.8°F. Summer peaks in July with an average of 73.8°F and 15 days of extreme heat.

Balanced Seasonal Home Prep

Residents need a mix of winter gear for 20 inches of snow and efficient AC for 15 days of 90°F heat. All-season tires are recommended for the 29.6°F winter average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Madison County

via SoilByCounty

Madison County's Top-Tier Inceptisols

Madison County features Inceptisols with a healthy average pH of 6.40. This is very close to the national median of 6.5 and much higher than the Indiana state average of 6.08, making it naturally balanced for many plants.

A Rich Loam with Substantial Clay

The soil is 53.5% silt and 20.9% clay, creating a sturdy loam texture. This composition provides excellent structural support for tall crops and high nutrient-holding capacity thanks to the significant clay content.

Superior Water Capacity and Organic Richness

With 5.60% organic matter, these soils beat the state average of 4.90%. The available water capacity of 0.210 in/in is the highest in the group, ensuring that plants have access to moisture even during dry weeks.

Well-Drained Ground with Group C Hydrology

Madison County land is classified as well-drained, though it falls into Hydrologic Group C. This means while the surface drains well, there is a somewhat slow rate of water transmission through the deeper soil layers.

Exceptional Potential in Zone 6a

With a high soil score of 86.2, Madison County is an agricultural powerhouse. You can grow almost anything here, from prize-winning pumpkins to high-yield vegetable patches, with very little soil amendment needed.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Madison County

via LawnByCounty

Madison County Beats the Averages

A lawn difficulty score of 74.0 makes Madison County a relatively easy place to maintain a lawn compared to the Indiana state average. The Hardiness Zone 6a climate is well-suited for a variety of popular Midwestern grasses.

Predictable Weather for Regular Mowing

The county sees 43.0 inches of precipitation and 3,331 growing degree days annually. With 15 extreme heat days, the weather is stable enough that grass rarely enters full summer dormancy if given minimal care.

Loam Soil offers a Perfect Start

Madison County features well-drained loam with a balanced pH of 6.40, placing it right in the sweet spot for nutrient uptake. The soil’s 20.9% clay and 22.9% sand mixture provides excellent stability for turf roots.

Severe Drought Requires Active Care

Madison County is currently facing severe drought conditions in over 81% of its area, following 30 weeks of drought this past year. Intensive water conservation and deep-soaking irrigation are currently required to save established turf.

Seeding in the Heart of Indiana

Wait until April 24 to seed and aim to finish by the first frost on October 23. Kentucky Bluegrass thrives in this loamy soil, provided you can keep it hydrated during the current severe dry spell.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Madison County's county score?
Madison County, Indiana has a composite county score of 41.9 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Madison County rank among counties in Indiana?
Madison County ranks #83 among all counties in Indiana on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Madison County, Indiana?
The median annual property tax in Madison County is $1,128, with an effective tax rate of 0.76%. This earns Madison County a tax score of 56.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Madison County?
The median household income in Madison County, Indiana is $62,632 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Madison County earns an income score of 47.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Madison County, Indiana a good place to live?
Madison County scores 41.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #83 in Indiana. The best way to evaluate Madison County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Madison County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.