countyscore
47.6
County Score
Weather & Climate 69.8Water Quality 69.7Lawn Care 69.1

County Report Card

About Madison County, Kentucky

Madison County Trails the National Median

Madison County earns a composite score of 47.7, placing it just below the national median of 50.0. This score indicates the county offers a slightly lower overall quality of life than the typical American county across our key metrics.

Falling Behind the Kentucky Average

With an overall score of 47.7, Madison County lags significantly behind the Kentucky state average of 58.6. While it remains a regional hub, it struggles to keep pace with the state's top-performing jurisdictions in several categories.

Clean Water and Moderate Tax Burden

The county excels in water quality with a score of 69.7 and maintains a competitive tax score of 58.7. Residents benefit from an effective tax rate of 0.739%, which supports a median household income of $62,407.

Vulnerability to Risk and High Costs

Natural risk is a primary concern here, with a low score of 25.2 reflecting environmental vulnerabilities. Housing affordability also presents a hurdle, as the cost score of 38.4 sits well below the national average.

A Choice for Higher-Income Professionals

Madison County best suits professional families who prioritize income potential and infrastructure over environmental resilience. It remains a viable option for those who value modern amenities despite the higher cost of living.

2040608010058.738.437.155.352.946.225.269.769.8Tax58.7Cost38.4Safety37.1Health55.3Schools52.9Income46.2Risk25.2Water69.7Weather69.847.6/100
This county
National avg
2 above average2 below average

Madison County DNA

Foverall

How Madison County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Madison County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Weather & Climate (69.8/100) but notably weak in Disaster Risk (25.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
58.7
Cost
38.4-9.600000000000001
Safety
37.1-17.9
Health
55.3
Schools
52.9
Income
46.2
Risk
25.2-21.8
Water
69.7+11.700000000000003
Weather
69.8+13.799999999999997
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$220,700

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$851/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$220,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$34,040/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $62,407/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

10.6

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Clark County
Kentucky
47.5
Estill County
Kentucky
58.7
Garrard County
Kentucky
54.2
Jessamine County
Kentucky
47.5
Fayette County
Kentucky
37.5
Powell County
Kentucky
60.1
Rockcastle County
Kentucky
72.7
Jackson County
Kentucky
62.7

Deep Dives

Madison County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Madison County

via TaxByCounty

Madison's tax rate beats national average

Madison County homeowners pay an effective tax rate of 0.739%, nearly one-third less than the national median of $2,690 annually on a typical home. This puts Madison in the lower-tax camp nationally, where median home values exceed $281,000—well above Madison's median of $220,700.

Madison ranks mid-range in Kentucky

At 0.739%, Madison's effective rate slightly exceeds Kentucky's state average of 0.719%, placing it in the middle tier among the state's 120 counties. The county's median tax bill of $1,631 runs 49% above the state median of $1,093.

Madison higher than most regional peers

Madison's 0.739% rate tops Mason County (0.634%) but trails Martin County (0.774%) among nearby counties. Compared to Marshall County (0.717%) and McCracken County (0.734%), Madison sits squarely in the middle, reflecting moderate regional tax pressure.

Median Madison home pays $1,631 yearly

A typical $220,700 home in Madison County generates approximately $1,631 in annual property taxes, or about $136 per month. With mortgage-related assessments factored in, the actual bill reaches $1,781.

You may be paying too much

Many Madison County homeowners are overassessed relative to market value, meaning your property may be carrying a higher tax burden than necessary. Filing an appeal with the county assessor costs nothing and could substantially lower your annual bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Madison County

via CostByCounty

Madison rents strain less than nation

Madison County residents spend 16.4% of their income on rent, beating the national trend where affordability pressures mount. This modest advantage reflects a median household income of $62,407 against a national median of $74,755—lower wages offset by lower housing costs.

Among Kentucky's most affordable

Madison County ranks well for housing affordability within Kentucky, with a rent-to-income ratio of 16.4% compared to the state average of 17.0%. At $851 monthly rent versus Kentucky's median of $771, the county shows that income levels make the difference.

Competitive with nearby counties

Madison's $851 median rent sits between Marion County ($731) and McCracken County ($861), positioning it squarely in the regional middle. The $62,407 median income keeps affordability in line with similarly-sized Appalachian Kentucky communities.

Rent and ownership both stable

Madison renters allocate $851 monthly while owners pay $1,075, both amounts consuming about 16-17% of the $62,407 median household income. The median home value of $220,700 reflects a balanced housing market neither inflated nor depressed.

Consider Madison for balanced living

If you're relocating from higher-cost regions, Madison offers genuine affordability without sacrificing access to homeownership—median homes under $225k and rents below $900. Compare these figures to Marion ($731 rent) or Marshall ($773 rent) if you prioritize lower monthly costs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Madison County

via IncomeByCounty

Madison earns above the national median

Madison County's median household income of $62,407 sits 17% below the national median of $74,755, placing it in the middle range nationally. Per capita income here reaches $32,382, outpacing Kentucky's state average of $29,616 by 9%.

Ranks in top third statewide

Madison County ranks solidly within Kentucky's upper tier, with median household income exceeding the state average of $55,909 by $6,498. This positions the county among the stronger earners across all 120 Kentucky counties.

Competitive with regional peers

Madison's $62,407 household income edges out Marion County ($55,404) and Mason County ($51,473) in the same region. It runs slightly behind Marshall County ($63,611) and McCracken County ($62,385), reflecting consistent mid-tier economic performance across central Kentucky.

Rent absorbs modest share of income

At a rent-to-income ratio of 16.4%, Madison County residents spend a healthy percentage on housing—well below the national stress threshold of 30%. With a median home value of $220,700, homeownership remains attainable for households at the median income level.

Build financial security here

Madison County's above-average income provides a solid foundation for wealth-building through homeownership, retirement savings, and investment. Local residents should explore tax-advantaged accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s to maximize earnings growth beyond the median.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Madison County

via CrimeByCounty

Madison County remains safer than national norms

Madison County maintains a total crime rate of 1,454.5 per 100,000 residents, significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This performance earns the county a safety score of 97.7 out of 100. Residents benefit from a environment that experiences roughly 40% less crime than the typical U.S. community.

Comparing Madison to Kentucky state averages

While safe by national standards, Madison County's crime rate is higher than the Kentucky state average of 786.2 per 100,000. Its safety score of 97.7 trails the statewide average score of 98.8. Four local reporting agencies work to manage these numbers across the county.

How Madison stacks up against neighbors

Madison County reports more activity than nearby Marion County, which sees just 682.7 crimes per 100,000 people. However, it remains more secure than Mason County, where the rate climbs to 1,740.1. This middle-ground position highlights Madison as a busy but relatively safe regional hub.

Property crimes drive most local reports

Property crime accounts for the vast majority of local incidents, occurring at a rate of 1,334.0 per 100,000 residents. Violent crime is much less common, staying at 120.5 per 100,000, though this exceeds the state average of 78.1. These figures emphasize that most residents will rarely encounter serious violent threats.

Stay proactive about your home security

Since property offenses represent the bulk of local crime, simple security measures go a long way. Install motion-activated lighting and ensure all entry points stay locked throughout the day. Community awareness remains the best tool for keeping these high safety scores intact.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Madison County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Growing Educational Hub in Central Kentucky

Madison County supports a robust infrastructure of 27 public schools serving 12,284 students across two distinct districts. The network includes 13 elementary, six middle, and eight high schools, providing a comprehensive pipeline for local families.

Strong Graduation Rates Meet Regional Standards

The county maintains a high 92.9% graduation rate, significantly exceeding the national average of 87.0%. While per-pupil expenditure sits at $6,733, the composite school score of 54.5 remains competitive with the Kentucky state average of 55.3.

Madison County and Berea Independent Districts

The Madison County district is the primary provider with 11,198 students, while Berea Independent serves a smaller community of 1,086. There are currently no charter schools in operation, meaning 100% of the public landscape consists of traditional and alternative district-run schools.

Town-Centered Learning with Rural Reach

Most students attend one of the 19 schools located in town settings, though eight schools serve the county's rural outskirts. Madison Central High School is the largest campus with 2,226 students, contrasting with smaller community-focused elementary schools.

Plant Roots Near High-Performing Schools

Families looking for a blend of town amenities and academic stability often prioritize homes near top-ranked Madison County campuses. Explore local real estate to find a residence that places your children within walking distance of these established learning environments.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Madison County

via RiskByCounty

Madison ranks above average for disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 74.84, Madison County faces relatively low overall natural disaster risk—but it's notably higher than the U.S. average of 50.19. Tornadoes pose the county's most acute threat, with a risk score of 85.31, making severe weather preparedness essential for residents.

Madison is riskier than most Kentucky counties

Madison's composite score of 74.84 places it well above Kentucky's state average of 44.21, ranking it among the higher-risk counties statewide. This elevated profile is driven primarily by tornado vulnerability, where the county significantly outpaces state norms.

Madison faces steeper risks than nearby Marion County

Neighboring Marion County scores just 30.22, making Madison roughly 2.5 times riskier overall. However, Madison's tornado risk of 85.31 is notably more severe than Marion's 61.90, reflecting the county's unique exposure to severe convective storms.

Tornadoes and earthquakes demand attention here

Tornadoes (85.31) and earthquakes (76.84) are Madison's two leading hazards, with tornado risk significantly outpacing the state average. Flooding also registers at 75.99, making spring and early summer particularly dangerous for residents in low-lying areas.

Secure comprehensive coverage now

Standard homeowners insurance doesn't cover tornado or flood damage—you'll need separate flood insurance and a reinforced safe room or tornado shelter for protection. Given Madison's 85.31 tornado risk, storm-ready upgrades like reinforced foundations and impact-resistant windows are wise investments before severe weather season.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Madison County

via WaterByCounty

Madison County Earns High Marks for Compliance

Madison County maintains a B grade with a violation rate of 1.1 per 100K people. This is significantly lower than the Kentucky average of 35.7 and reflects only one health violation in five years. The county's drinking water system shows strong adherence to Safe Drinking Water Act standards.

Clean Bill of Health for Assessed Watersheds

In the 2022 reporting cycle, all 8 assessed water bodies in the county met federal Clean Water Act standards. The county maintains a 0% impairment rate, matching the state average for assessed reaches. These results suggest that local streams are currently supporting their designated uses.

Active Monitoring Tracks Inorganic and Metal Trends

The county hosts 2 active monitoring sites that generated 2,802 measurements over the last five years. Agencies focus primarily on inorganics, metals, and pesticides to track long-term water quality trends. This data provides a consistent baseline for local environmental health.

Kentucky River Flows Significantly Below Average

At the Kentucky River at Valley View, current discharge is just 784 cfs, or 12% of the long-term mean. This notably low flow indicates a period of hydrologic stress compared to the typical 6,332 cfs. Low volumes can impact both local ecology and water availability.

Monitor Water Conservation During Low Flow

While drinking water remains reliable, the exceptionally low streamflow in the Kentucky River may impact source water availability. Residents should stay informed about local water conservation requests during this dry period. The strong compliance record suggests that tap water remains safe despite the low river levels.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Madison County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer and wetter than national norms

Madison County's average of 57.0°F is higher than the national median. It experiences a humid climate with 48.1 inches of rain, which is over 10 inches wetter than the US average.

Typical Kentucky temperature and rain

Madison is slightly warmer than the Kentucky state average of 56.2°F. However, its 48.1 inches of rain is slightly below the state average of 50.6 inches.

Drier than western neighbors

Madison is significantly drier and warmer than Logan County. While neighbors like Lee see over 17 inches of snow, Madison typically records just 1.3 inches annually.

Mild winters with minimal snow

Summers are warm with 24 days over 90°F and a July average of 76.8°F. Winters are manageable with a 37.9°F average and very little snow accumulation.

Prioritize indoor cooling efficiency

Minimal snow gear is needed here, as the county only sees 1.3 inches of snowfall. Residents should focus on managing the 24 extreme heat days with reliable indoor cooling.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Madison County

via SoilByCounty

Superior Soils in Madison County

Madison County earns a soil score of 66.9, comfortably outpacing the state average of 56.2. The average pH of 5.93 is slightly acidic, though it remains closer to the national median of 6.5 than the state average of 5.80.

A Silty, Productive Mix

The soil contains 55.6% silt and 22.3% clay, creating a dense environment that excels at holding nutrients. With 20.3% sand, the ground maintains enough structural variety to remain workable for local farmers.

Rich Organic Matter for Crops

At 3.59%, the organic matter content exceeds both the state average of 3.55% and the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.195 in/in ensures that plants have access to more moisture than the typical Kentucky field.

Managing Water in Central Kentucky

While specific drainage classes are unmapped, the high silt and clay percentages suggest the land retains water effectively. Gardeners should monitor for slow drainage during heavy rains to prevent root saturation.

Vibrant Gardening in Zone 7a

Madison County sits in Hardiness Zone 7a, making it ideal for a long season of tomatoes, peppers, and hardy perennials. These high-scoring soils provide an excellent foundation for anyone looking to start a backyard garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Madison County

via LawnByCounty

Madison County Lawn Difficulty Overview

A lawn difficulty score of 69.1 indicates that growing grass here is easier than the state average of 66.3 and much easier than the national median of 50.0. Located in hardiness zone 7a, homeowners have a wide range of turf options for their landscapes.

A Steady Climate for Turf Growth

The annual precipitation of 48.1 inches falls perfectly within the ideal lawn range of 30-50 inches. With 4,182 growing degree days and only 24 extreme heat days, the local climate supports a robust and predictable growing season.

Managing Madison's Slightly Acidic Soils

Soil pH in this area averages 5.93, which is just below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range and may require light lime applications. The soil contains 22.3% clay, providing decent moisture retention for the roots of your lawn.

Stable Moisture and Low Drought Risk

Madison County currently shows no area in drought or abnormally dry conditions. With only 3 weeks in drought over the past year, your lawn is unlikely to face the severe water stress seen in other parts of the state.

Start Your Madison Lawn This Spring

Tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass are excellent choices for zone 7a. Aim to start your seeding or sodding projects after the last expected frost on April 15 to take full advantage of the spring growing season.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Madison County's county score?
Madison County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 47.6 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 Kentucky?
Madison County ranks #107 among all counties in Kentucky 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, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Madison County is $1,631, with an effective tax rate of 0.74%. This earns Madison County a tax score of 58.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Madison County?
The median household income in Madison County, Kentucky is $62,407 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Madison County earns an income score of 46.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Madison County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Madison County scores 47.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #107 in Kentucky. 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.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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