countyscore
46.1
County Score
Income & Jobs 85.1Property Tax 62.7Safety 60.9

County Report Card

About Madison County, Mississippi

Madison County remains a competitive choice

Madison County’s composite score of 45.8 sits slightly below the national median of 50.0. High income levels are balanced by a higher cost of living compared to national rural averages.

A top-tier economic performer in Mississippi

While its 45.8 score is just under the state average of 48.4, Madison leads the state in many individual metrics. It serves as a primary affluent suburb for the Jackson metropolitan area.

Elite income levels and public safety

Madison County dominates with an income score of 82.4 and a safety score of 60.9. The median household income of $78,794 is significantly higher than most neighboring counties.

High costs and natural risk factors

Affordability is the main challenge, with a cost score of 16.4 and a median home value of $286,300. The natural risk score of 17.9 also suggests vulnerability to regional weather patterns.

Tailored for high-earning families

Madison County is the premier choice for families seeking the state's highest income potential and safest neighborhoods. Residents trade housing affordability for a high-status lifestyle and strong community metrics.

2040608010062.715.460.957.53285.117.954.547.1Tax62.7Cost15.4Safety60.9Health57.5Schools32Income85.1Risk17.9Water54.5Weather47.146.1/100
This county
National avg
2 above average3 below average

Madison County DNA

Foverall

How Madison County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Madison County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (85.1/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (15.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
62.7+10.700000000000003
Cost
15.4-32.6
Safety
60.9
Health
57.5
Schools
32-22
Income
85.1+34.099999999999994
Risk
17.9-29.1
Water
54.5
Weather
47.1-8.899999999999999
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$311,100

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,186/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$311,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$47,440/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $83,441/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

19.9

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

Rankin County
Mississippi
53.8
Hinds County
Mississippi
38.6
Yazoo County
Mississippi
48.1
Scott County
Mississippi
44.5
Leake County
Mississippi
49.8
Holmes County
Mississippi
57.6
Attala County
Mississippi
47.2
Sharkey County
Mississippi
58.6

Deep Dives

Madison County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Madison County

via TaxByCounty

Madison mirrors national tax burden

Madison County's effective property tax rate of 0.723% is roughly one-third the national median of 2.1%, though its median property tax of $2,071 approaches the national median of $2,690. This reflects Madison's notably higher median home value of $286,300, the highest in this county group.

Madison taxes slightly below state average

Madison County's 0.723% effective rate sits marginally below Mississippi's 0.743% average, but its $2,071 median property tax far exceeds the state median of $931. This disparity highlights Madison's position as Mississippi's most affluent county in this comparison group.

Madison homes priciest, taxes highest

Madison County's median home value of $286,300 substantially outpaces all neighbors—the next-highest is Lee at $187,800. Consequently, Madison residents pay the region's highest median property tax of $2,071, though the effective rate remains competitive at 0.723%.

Madison median tax reaches $2,071 annually

On Madison County's median home valued at $286,300, property taxes total approximately $2,071 per year. With a mortgage, homeowners owe $2,184; without, $1,812.

High values make assessments worth verifying

In rapidly appreciating markets like Madison, assessment errors compound quickly and cost homeowners thousands. Filing an appeal with the county assessor is especially valuable when median home values are this high.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Madison County

via IncomeByCounty

Madison County exceeds national income average

Madison County's median household income of $78,794 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by $4,039, placing it above the typical American household. The county significantly outpaces Mississippi's statewide average of $48,514, making it an economic outlier within the state.

Madison County ranks first in Mississippi

Madison County's median household income of $78,794 ranks among the highest in Mississippi, far exceeding the state average of $48,514. Per capita income of $47,771 also dramatically surpasses the state average of $27,136, reflecting concentrated wealth and strong earning capacity.

Madison County leads the entire region

Madison County's median household income of $78,794 substantially outpaces all neighboring counties, including Lee County ($67,144) by $11,650 and Lowndes County ($54,460) by $24,334. The county's per capita income of $47,771 is also the highest in its region by a significant margin.

Housing costs easily manageable

Madison County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.7% sits well below national affordability thresholds, with housing expenses consuming a small fraction of household earnings. The median home value of $286,300 reflects a prosperous housing market where high-income households can comfortably afford ownership.

Madison County: prime wealth-building opportunity

Madison County's above-national income and favorable housing-cost ratios create exceptional capacity for long-term wealth building through retirement accounts, investment portfolios, and real estate equity. High-earning households should maximize tax-advantaged savings strategies and diversified investments to compound advantages over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Madison County

via CrimeByCounty

Madison County's National Safety Standout

Madison County earns an impressive 98.6 safety score, reflecting a very secure environment. The total crime rate of 901.5 per 100K is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Madison County State Safety Ranking

Madison holds its own against state benchmarks, exceeding the average safety score of 98.4. Its total crime rate of 901.5 is also lower than the Mississippi average of 978.4.

Regional Safety in Madison and Beyond

Compared to the much higher rates found in Lee County (2,750.1), Madison offers a significantly more tranquil setting. Six local agencies contribute to this robust reporting and safety oversight.

Local Violent vs. Property Crime

The violent crime rate of 168.4 per 100K is less than half the national average. Property crime at 733.1 represents the majority of local offenses, mostly consisting of petty theft.

Practical Security for Madison Homes

Even in safe areas, property crimes remain the most frequent threat. Ensuring that garage doors are closed and valuables are out of sight helps keep these numbers low.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Madison County

via WeatherByCounty

Standard Deep South warmth

Madison County’s 63.4°F average annual temperature is well above the national median. This climate type ensures long, warm growing seasons and very little winter weather.

Near the state baseline

Averaging 63.4°F, Madison County sits just below the Mississippi state average of 63.9°F. It represents the transition between the state’s warmer southern and cooler northern halves.

Similar to its eastern neighbor

Madison’s climate is nearly identical to Leake County, though it is slightly cooler than Leake’s 63.8°F. Madison is also slightly drier, recording 57.0 inches of rain versus Leake’s 60.1 inches.

Heavy heat and light snow

Summer brings 77 days of extreme heat above 90°F, peaking with a July average of 81.0°F. Winters are mild at 46.4°F, though the county sees a light average of 0.5 inches of snow.

Plan for sun and storms

Robust cooling systems are necessary for the 77 days of intense heat each year. Residents should also prepare for the 57.0 inches of annual rain by maintaining home exteriors against humidity.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Madison County

via SoilByCounty

Madison County's Top-Tier Soil Quality

Madison County boasts a high soil score of 45.9, significantly outperforming the state average of 35.7. The average pH is 5.37, which is slightly less acidic than the statewide average of 5.30 but still below the national median of 6.5. This region is known for some of the most productive ground in the state.

Dominant Silt Content Defines the Land

The soil is remarkably silty, with silt making up a dominant 68.6% of the composition. Sand is low at 18.5%, and clay accounts for 12.9%, creating a fine-textured soil that is very smooth. This high silt ratio allows for excellent nutrient distribution but can be prone to erosion if left uncovered.

Exceptional Water Capacity for Crops

Madison County features an impressive available water capacity of 0.210 in/in, far exceeding the state average of 0.174 in/in. While organic matter is lower than average at 1.47%, the soil's ability to hold moisture makes it highly resilient. This high capacity is a major factor in the county's superior soil score.

Water Retention and Silt Management

With silt levels near 70%, this soil acts like a sponge, holding onto water longer than sandy neighbors. Although specific drainage data is unavailable, the high water capacity suggests slow but steady percolation. Gardeners should watch for surface crusting, a common trait in silt-heavy soils after heavy rains.

Thriving in Madison's Zone 8b

Madison County's Zone 8b climate and high-capacity soil are ideal for thirsty crops like corn and leafy greens. The soil's physical properties are perfect for established trees and extensive vegetable gardens. Take advantage of this high-scoring soil to grow a lush, productive landscape.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Madison County

via LawnByCounty

Managing One of the State's Easier Lawns

Madison County's difficulty score of 34.9 makes it one of the more manageable counties in Mississippi for lawn care. Though it is easier than the state average of 30.9, it remains more challenging than the national median of 50.0. The Zone 8b climate provides a predictable, albeit warm, environment for southern grasses.

Steady Rainfall and Summer Intensity

The county receives 57.0 inches of rain annually, which is slightly above the ideal lawn range. Residents deal with 77 extreme heat days and 5,637 growing degree days, ensuring that turf stays active for most of the year. This combination means mowing schedules must be consistent to manage the rapid growth.

Loamy Soil Requires pH Adjustments

Soil in Madison County is acidic, with a pH of 5.37 compared to the target 6.0-7.0 range. The low sand content of 18.5% and 12.9% clay suggests a siltier texture that may hold moisture longer than sandier soils. Adding lime and ensuring proper aeration will help maintain the delicate balance required for lush turf.

Watching for Dry Conditions

While the county only saw 5 weeks of drought over the past year, currently 83.0% of the area is abnormally dry. This sudden shift means supplemental watering is becoming more important for maintaining lawn health. Using smart irrigation controllers can help navigate these fluctuations without wasting water.

Planting Around the Frost Window

The best time to start your lawn is after the final spring frost on March 22. Because the first fall frost typically hits by November 6, you have a solid seven-month window for establishment. Centipede grass and Bermuda are favorites here for their ability to handle the 77 days of extreme heat.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Madison County's county score?
Madison County, Mississippi has a composite county score of 46.1 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 Mississippi?
Madison County ranks #50 among all counties in Mississippi 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, Mississippi?
The median annual property tax in Madison County is $2,108, with an effective tax rate of 0.68%. This earns Madison County a tax score of 62.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Madison County?
The median household income in Madison County, Mississippi is $83,441 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Madison County earns an income score of 85.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Madison County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Madison County scores 46.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #50 in Mississippi. 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 Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.