countyscore
46
County Score
Water Quality 86Cost of Living 66.6Property Tax 59.3

County Report Card

About Madison County, Missouri

Falling Short of the National Median

Madison County records a composite score of 46.0, which is four points below the national median of 50.0. This indicates several structural and economic areas where the county trails the broader U.S. average.

Ranking Below the Missouri State Average

With a score of 46.0, Madison County sits below the Missouri state average of 50.3. It faces stiffer competition from neighboring counties that offer better school outcomes and higher income opportunities.

Clean Water and Low Tax Burdens

Madison County's highlights include a top-tier Water Score of 86.0 and a favorable Tax Score of 59.3. The effective tax rate is a low 0.735%, and the Cost Score of 66.6 reflects a very accessible housing market.

Significant Gaps in Education and Income

The county's lowest marks are in the School Score at 16.9 and the Income Score at 34.1. Health outcomes also remain a concern, with a score of 34.6 lagging behind much of the state.

Suits Those Prioritizing Low Overhead

Madison County is most appropriate for those who are self-employed or have independent means and want to keep taxes and living costs low. Its natural resources and affordability are the primary draws.

Score breakdown

Tax59.3Cost66.6Safety40.9Health34.6Schools16.9Income34.1Risk49.2Water86Weather53.9
🏛59.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠66.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼34.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡40.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤34.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓16.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡49.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤53.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨56.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱57.1
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

St. Francois County
Missouri
37.2
Bollinger County
Missouri
54.3
Iron County
Missouri
59.3
Wayne County
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Ste. Genevieve County
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Perry County
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Cape Girardeau County
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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 taxes: Right at the middle

At 0.735%, Madison County's effective rate sits almost exactly at the national median of 0.64%—actually slightly above it, placing it in the 51st percentile. The median tax of $1,146 remains well below the national median of $2,690 because homes average $155,900.

Essentially at Missouri average

Madison County ranks 60th among Missouri's 114 counties in effective tax rate, essentially matching the state average of 0.733%. Its median tax of $1,146 falls slightly below Missouri's state median of $1,199.

Lowest rate among the eight counties

Madison County's 0.735% rate is the most favorable in this eight-county analysis, below all peers except Maries County (0.563%) and McDonald County (0.539%). Homeowners here enjoy a below-average burden within the region.

A median home costs $1,146 yearly

With a median home value of $155,900, typical Madison County homeowners pay $1,146 annually. That figure rises to $1,186 with a mortgage or drops to $1,099 without.

Still worth checking your assessment

Even at an average tax rate, overassessment occurs regularly across Missouri. Madison County homeowners should verify their home's assessed value matches its market value—an appeal could deliver meaningful savings at no cost.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Madison County

via CostByCounty

Madison County edges into affordability challenges

At 16.8%, Madison County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds both national and state averages, signaling tighter housing budgets for renters here. With a median income of $58,435 and rents at $817 monthly, housing costs claim a notably larger share of paychecks than in neighboring counties.

Among Missouri's pricier counties

Madison County's 16.8% rent-to-income ratio ranks above Missouri's state average of 15.6%, placing it in the less affordable half of the state. Its $817 median rent also exceeds the state average of $768, creating a double affordability squeeze for residents.

Madison rents strain household budgets

Madison County's $817 rent is the highest in its peer group, while its median household income of $58,435 ranks among the lowest. This unfavorable combination pushes the rent-to-income ratio to 16.8%—notably worse than most neighboring counties.

Nearly 17% of income goes to rent

Renters in Madison County spend $817 monthly on housing, while homeowners pay $664, with median home values of $155,900. At 16.8% of income dedicated to rent, housing costs leave less discretionary room than in more affordable neighboring counties.

Madison County: weigh costs carefully

Madison County's higher rent-to-income ratio means housing absorbs more of your paycheck than in nearby alternatives. Before relocating here, run the numbers—you may find better affordability in neighboring Macon or Linn counties.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Madison County

via IncomeByCounty

Madison County lags behind national earnings

Madison County's median household income of $58,435 runs $16,320 behind the national median of $74,755. The county ranks in the bottom third nationally, approximately the 35th percentile.

Below Missouri's state average

At $58,435, Madison County trails the state average of $59,503 by $1,068. The county represents lower-income households relative to the state as a whole.

Among the weaker earners in region

Madison County's $58,435 median income underperforms nearby Linn County ($61,975) and Livingston County ($60,148). The county faces tighter economic conditions than most neighboring areas.

Housing costs are problematic here

Madison County's 16.8% rent-to-income ratio is the highest in this cohort, creating genuine affordability challenges for renters. With a median home value of $155,900, homeownership requires significant savings discipline.

Prioritize financial coaching and support

Madison County residents facing housing cost pressures should explore local nonprofit financial counseling services. Building a realistic budget and understanding first-time homebuyer programs can open wealth-building pathways.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Madison County

via CrimeByCounty

Madison County beats national crime trends

Madison County reports a total crime rate of 1,344.0 per 100,000 residents, far lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This gives the county a safety score of 97.9, well above the midpoint for safety.

Higher safety scores than the state average

The county's safety score of 97.9 exceeds the Missouri state average of 97.0. Its total crime rate also remains much lower than the statewide average of 1,926.2 per 100,000 people.

A secure choice compared to state peers

Madison County maintains a crime rate that is about 30% lower than the state average for Missouri. Three reporting agencies work to keep incidents down across the county's various communities.

Low violent crime but property risks exist

Violent crime in Madison County sits at 158.1 per 100,000, which is less than half the national average. Property crime is higher at 1,185.9, though it still remains far below the national property crime rate of 2,015.7.

Protecting your property in Madison County

Most local crimes involve property, so keeping doors locked and using outdoor lighting are effective deterrents. Staying alert to unusual activity in your neighborhood helps maintain the county's strong safety rating.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Madison County

via HealthByCounty

Madison County falls short on longevity

At 72.3 years, Madison County residents live 4.1 years shorter than the U.S. average of 76.4 years—a significant gap that signals health system challenges. Nearly 1 in 5 (19.8%) report poor or fair health, exceeding national rates and suggesting high chronic disease burden. This 4-year longevity gap requires urgent action on prevention, access, and social determinants.

Missouri's lowest life expectancy county

Madison County's 72.3-year life expectancy ranks nearly 2 years below Missouri's state average of 74.3 years, making it among the state's most health-challenged counties. The 19.8% poor/fair health rate indicates persistent disease prevalence and healthcare barriers. This disparity reflects cumulative disadvantages in income, education, and healthcare infrastructure that demand targeted intervention.

Most vulnerable in the regional cluster

Madison County's 72.3-year life expectancy is 3.8 years below neighboring Lincoln County (75.7 years) and 3.7 years behind Livingston County (76.1 years)—one of the region's starkest disparities. The 19.8% poor/fair health rate ranks near McDonald County (25.4%), indicating similar underlying hardships. Despite access to 173 mental health providers per 100K—the highest in the cluster—physical health remains precarious, suggesting untreated behavioral health drives poor physical outcomes.

Surprisingly strong mental health access, weak primary care

Madison County's 10.8% uninsured rate is better than the state average of 12.5%, yet only 32 primary care providers per 100K serve the population—less than half the national standard. Paradoxically, the county leads the region with 173 mental health providers per 100K, suggesting siloed healthcare where psychiatric services exist without complementary medical care. This mismatch may reflect historical investment or underutilized capacity.

Health coverage is a starting point

Madison County's health crisis reflects deeper barriers than insurance alone: 1 in 10 residents lack coverage, but structural issues—transportation, provider shortages, poverty—also limit care. Start by ensuring you have insurance at Healthcare.gov; then connect with community health centers that offer sliding-scale fees and transportation assistance. Coverage plus community support can help close Madison County's 4-year longevity gap.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Madison County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Concentrated Two-District School System

Madison County's 2,027 students attend a lean network of just 6 public schools. This infrastructure includes three elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools managed by two local districts.

Working Toward Higher Academic Standards

The county's graduation rate sits at 86.1%, while the school score of 48.2 reflects room for growth compared to the state average of 52.8. Spending currently stands at $5,502 per pupil, which is approximately $800 below the state average.

Fredericktown R-I Leads the Way

The Fredericktown R-I district is the central educational pillar, serving 1,902 students across four schools. There are no charter schools in the county, meaning nearly all students attend this primary district.

Town-Centered Learning in Mid-Sized Schools

Four of the county's six schools are located in town settings, creating a more centralized student body. Fredericktown High is the largest school with 588 students, contributing to a county-wide average of 338 students per school.

Settle Near Centralized Schools in Madison

With a consolidated school system, Madison County offers a straightforward choice for families. Look for homes in the Fredericktown area to stay close to the county's main educational and extracurricular hubs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Madison County

via RiskByCounty

Madison County faces moderate earthquake risk

With a composite risk score of 50.86, Madison County ranks as relatively low but sits right at Missouri's state average of 50.56. The county's risk profile is heavily shaped by exceptionally high earthquake exposure at 81.33—among the highest in the state.

Average risk, extreme earthquake exposure

Madison County's overall score of 50.86 mirrors Missouri's state average, but its earthquake risk of 81.33 places it among the state's most seismically vulnerable counties. This makes it a critical area for earthquake preparedness despite average performance in other hazard categories.

Higher earthquake risk than neighbors

Madison County's earthquake exposure at 81.33 far exceeds nearby Lincoln County (77.80) and all other regional counties, making it a seismic hotspot. Its overall score of 50.86 sits between Marion County (47.87) and Lincoln County (67.08).

Earthquakes dominate; hurricanes unexpected

Earthquake risk at 81.33 is Madison County's defining hazard, reflecting its location near seismic zones. Hurricane risk at 33.71 is surprisingly elevated, while flood (54.29) and tornado (51.91) risks remain moderate.

Earthquake insurance is essential

Madison County residents must prioritize earthquake insurance—this hazard towers above others and standard homeowners policies exclude it entirely. Additionally, secure tall furniture, brace water heaters, and ensure your foundation meets modern seismic building standards.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Madison County

via WeatherByCounty

National Median Temperature in the Ozarks

Madison sits right at the national median with an average temperature of 54.5°F. It enjoys a humid subtropical climate influenced by its southern geography.

One of Missouri's Wettest Counties

The county is very close to the state average temperature but is notably wetter. Its 46.3 inches of annual rain exceeds the state average of 43.8 inches.

Drier Winters Than Northern Regions

Madison is the wettest county in this group but receives far less snow than northern neighbors, averaging just 9.3 inches. It experiences moderate extreme heat.

Humid Summers and Mild Winters

Residents face 35 days of extreme heat during the humid 76.2°F summers. Winters are milder than northern Missouri, with a 33.7°F average and little snow.

Manage Moisture and Summer Heat

Focus on moisture control and drainage given the high 46.3 inches of annual precipitation. The 35 extreme heat days also require a reliable air conditioning system.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Madison County

via SoilByCounty

Highly Acidic Soils in Madison County

Madison County soil is notably acidic, with an average pH of 5.54. This is much lower than the Missouri state average of 6.09 and the national median of 6.5. Gardeners will likely need to add lime to raise the pH for most common vegetables.

Silty Mix with Low Clay Content

The soil composition is 44.0% silt and 19.0% sand, with a unusually low clay content of 10.7%. While this makes the soil easier to dig, it may struggle to hold onto some minerals compared to clay-rich areas. The high silt percentage dominates the physical behavior of the land.

Extreme Organic Matter but Low Water

Organic matter is exceptionally high at 20.22%, dwarfing the national average of 2.0%. However, the available water capacity is only 0.148 in/in, which is lower than the state average of 0.183 in/in. This means while the soil is nutrient-dense, it may dry out faster than expected.

Saturated Soils and Subaqueous Drainage

The dominant drainage class is subaqueous, indicating that many soils in the county are prone to saturation. No specific hydrologic group data is currently available for these soil types. This drainage profile suggests a need for water-tolerant plant choices in low-lying areas.

Acid-Loving Plants Thrive in Zone 6b

Madison County's 6b hardiness zone and acidic soil are perfect for blueberries, azaleas, and hydrangeas. The high organic matter provides a rich environment for forest-style gardening and native Missouri plants. With a little pH adjustment, you can grow almost anything here.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Madison County

via LawnByCounty

Tougher Turf in Madison

Madison County presents a challenge with a lawn difficulty score of 57.1, which is lower than the Missouri average. The combination of acidic soil and recent severe drought in Zone 6b makes lawn care an intensive hobby here.

Abundant Rain and Heat

While 46.3 inches of annual precipitation is plentiful, the 35 extreme heat days often arrive during dry spells that stress the turf. This high rainfall can also lead to nutrient leaching, requiring a proactive fertilization plan.

Correcting Acidic Soil Conditions

The soil is notably acidic with a pH of 5.54, falling below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for most grass types. Residents will likely need to apply lime to raise the pH and improve the soil's ability to support healthy growth.

Severe Drought Realities

Conditions are currently difficult, with 60.4% of the county in severe drought and 100% classified as abnormally dry. Homeowners should prioritize early morning watering to minimize evaporation and combat the 27 weeks of drought seen this year.

Resilient Grass Selections

Tall fescue is a resilient choice for this climate, especially when seeded between the April 21 and October 16 frost dates. Focus on soil testing first to address the acidity before investing in new seed or sod.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Madison County's county score?
Madison County, Missouri has a composite county score of 46 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 Missouri?
Madison County ranks #72 among all counties in Missouri 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, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Madison County is $1,146, with an effective tax rate of 0.74%. This earns Madison County a tax score of 59.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Madison County?
The median household income in Madison County, Missouri is $58,435 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Madison County earns an income score of 34.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Madison County, Missouri a good place to live?
Madison County scores 46/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #72 in Missouri. 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.