Madison County's composite score of 75.1 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it among better-performing U.S. counties. The county demonstrates genuine competitive strength on livability metrics.
2 / 5
Slightly above Missouri's statewide mark
At 75.1, Madison County scores 0.3 points above Missouri's state average of 74.8, putting it just barely in the upper tier. The county performs very similarly to typical Missouri counties with modest advantages.
3 / 5
Tax efficiency and housing value
Madison County leads with a tax score of 81.6 and the lowest effective tax rate among these eight counties at 0.735%, maximizing household budgets. The cost score of 83.6 delivers median homes at $155,900 and monthly rent at $817, both reasonable for the region.
4 / 5
Wage opportunities remain constrained
The income score of 21.5 and median household income of $58,435 indicate limited high-income employment options locally. Critical data on safety, health, schools, and environmental quality remain unavailable.
5 / 5
Perfect for tax-minimizing investors
Madison County suits investors and retirees seeking to minimize their tax burden while maintaining affordable housing. Those dependent on local job markets will find fewer opportunities than larger regional centers.
Madison County's composite score of 75.1 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it among better-performing U.S. counties. The county demonstrates genuine competitive strength on livability metrics.
Slightly above Missouri's statewide mark
At 75.1, Madison County scores 0.3 points above Missouri's state average of 74.8, putting it just barely in the upper tier. The county performs very similarly to typical Missouri counties with modest advantages.
Tax efficiency and housing value
Madison County leads with a tax score of 81.6 and the lowest effective tax rate among these eight counties at 0.735%, maximizing household budgets. The cost score of 83.6 delivers median homes at $155,900 and monthly rent at $817, both reasonable for the region.
Wage opportunities remain constrained
The income score of 21.5 and median household income of $58,435 indicate limited high-income employment options locally. Critical data on safety, health, schools, and environmental quality remain unavailable.
Perfect for tax-minimizing investors
Madison County suits investors and retirees seeking to minimize their tax burden while maintaining affordable housing. Those dependent on local job markets will find fewer opportunities than larger regional centers.
Score breakdown
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🏛81.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.