CountyScore

Madison County

Kentucky · KY

#99 in Kentucky
67.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Madison County, Kentucky

Madison County outpaces national average

Madison County's composite score of 71.9 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper tier of U.S. counties. This 44% advantage over the national benchmark reflects stronger-than-average affordability and tax efficiency across the region.

Slightly below Kentucky's median performance

Madison County ranks just below Kentucky's state average composite score of 75.0, making it a solid mid-tier performer among the state's counties. The 3.1-point gap suggests similar livability conditions to most Kentucky communities.

Tax advantages and moderate housing costs

Madison County shines with a tax score of 81.5 and an effective tax rate of just 0.739%, paired with a cost score of 76.7 reflecting median home values of $220,700. These competitive fiscal conditions create a favorable environment for cost-conscious residents and established homeowners alike.

Income growth opportunity identified

Madison County's income score of 24.1 lags significantly, with a median household income of $62,407 well below prosperous peer counties. While not alarming, this suggests limited high-wage employment and career advancement opportunities in the region.

Madison suits budget-aware established families

Madison County appeals to families prioritizing affordable housing, low taxes, and moderate living costs over maximum income potential. It works best for retirees, remote workers, and established professionals who value financial efficiency and small-town stability.

Score breakdown

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

Tax81.5Cost76.7SafetyComing SoonHealth70.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome24.1Risk25.2WaterComing Soon
🏛81.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠76.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼24.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤70.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡25.2
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

Lonoke County
Arkansas
67.6
Median income: $71,449
Fayette County
Iowa
67.6
Median income: $58,764
Madison County
Iowa
67.6
Median income: $89,542
Anderson County
Kansas
67.6
Median income: $64,925
Meade County
Kansas
67.6
Median income: $74,868

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'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

Health in Madison County

via HealthByCounty

Madison County outlives the nation

At 73.8 years, Madison County residents live roughly 1.5 years longer than the U.S. average of 72.3 years—a meaningful edge in life expectancy. Still, nearly 1 in 5 residents (19.4%) report poor or fair health, slightly above the national average of 17.9%, suggesting good longevity doesn't guarantee daily wellness.

Top performer within Kentucky

Madison County ranks well for Kentucky, where the state average life expectancy sits at 72.2 years—Madison exceeds this by 1.6 years. The county's 19.4% poor/fair health rate is also better than Kentucky's statewide average, positioning it among the healthier counties in the state.

Healthiest in its peer group

Madison County's 73.8-year life expectancy leads nearby Marshall County (74.8) and Marion County (73.2), though Marshall edges ahead slightly. With 48 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and strong mental health resources (202 per 100K), Madison offers robust healthcare compared to eastern Kentucky neighbors like Martin County (36 primary care providers per 100K).

Strong coverage, good access

Only 6.1% of Madison County residents lack health insurance—beating Kentucky's 7.0% state average and the national rate of 10.9%. With 48 primary care providers and 202 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, most people can find a doctor or therapist without traveling far.

Keep coverage strong

While Madison County leads on insurance access, 6.1% of residents remain uninsured and vulnerable to health crises. Check your coverage options at kynect.ky.gov or call 1-855-MY-KYNCT to ensure you're protected—especially if your job or life situation has changed.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

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.