CountyScore

Madison County

Montana · MT

#25 in Montana
73.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Madison County, Montana

Well-above-average livability county

Madison County scores 73.1 out of 100, substantially exceeding the national median of 50.0 by more than 23 points. This strong performance places it in the upper quartile of U.S. counties for overall livability.

Tops Montana's state average

With a score of 73.1, Madison County exceeds Montana's state average of 72.1, ranking in the upper tier of Montana counties. It represents one of the state's better-performing livability environments.

Exceptional tax advantage and health

Madison County leads this group with a tax score of 90.8 and an effective tax rate of just 0.409%. Health outcomes also score well at 73.7, and median household income of $67,420 is solid for the region.

Housing costs rising sharply

The county's primary drawback is accelerating housing costs, with median home values at $440,500 and median gross rent at $1,159 per month. While the cost score of 74.3 remains above average, it reflects the county's relative affordability challenges.

Ideal for tax-savvy professionals

Madison County suits professionals and families seeking minimal taxes, good health care, and moderate incomes within an attractive Montana setting. The exceptionally low tax burden makes it compelling despite higher housing costs than neighboring counties.

Score breakdown

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

Tax90.8Cost74.3SafetyComing SoonHealth73.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome27.4Risk59WaterComing Soon
🏛90.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠74.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼27.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤73.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡59
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

Moffat County
Colorado
73.1
Median income: $70,975
Twiggs County
Georgia
73.1
Median income: $55,439
Benton County
Indiana
73.1
Median income: $61,811
Kiowa County
Kansas
73.1
Median income: $73,214
Owen County
Kentucky
73.1
Median income: $59,706

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 lowest rate shields wealth

Madison County's 0.409% effective tax rate is the lowest among these eight counties and less than 60% of the national median of 0.71%. Despite the highest median home value at $440,500, residents pay just $1,800 annually—nearly 33% less than the national median tax bill.

Second-most tax-friendly county

Madison's 0.409% effective rate trails only Lincoln County (0.579%) statewide, landing 47% below Montana's 0.767% average. High-value homes pay minimal taxes here—a rare advantage for wealthy property owners.

Priciest homes, gentlest rates

Madison County's $440,500 median home value towers over Lincoln ($258,700) and Meagher ($244,400), yet its annual tax of $1,800 undercuts both—a consequence of the county's exceptionally low 0.409% rate. Wealth concentrates lightly in Madison.

Your $1,800 annual tax bill

A typical Madison County home worth $440,500 costs just $1,800 per year in property taxes—or $150 monthly. With a mortgage, you'll pay $1,773; without, $1,813.

Wealth deserves verification too

Madison's ultra-low tax rate shouldn't discourage assessment reviews—high-value properties sometimes sit overvalued without owner knowledge. Request a free reappraisal if recent sales of comparable homes suggest your property is assessed above market value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Madison County

via CostByCounty

Madison County renters exceed affordability limits

Madison County's 20.6% rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds the 15% national standard and Montana's 15.9% state average. The $1,159 monthly median rent is 40% higher than the state average, driven partly by tourism and recreation demand in this scenic southwest region.

Among Montana's priciest rental markets

Madison County ranks among the state's least affordable counties for renters, with a 20.6% rent-to-income ratio substantially above Montana's 15.9% average. Only a handful of counties—notably Missoula and parts of the Gallatin Valley—face steeper affordability challenges.

Second-highest rents in this survey group

At $1,159 per month, Madison County's median rent trails only Missoula County ($1,125 is close, but Lewis and Clark at $1,062 is lower), and far exceeds the rural counties. This places Madison among the region's premium rental markets, rivaling Missoula despite a smaller population.

Recreation appeal comes with housing costs

Renters earning the median $67,420 annually spend roughly $13,908 on rent—a substantial 20.6% of gross income. Homeowners paying $849 monthly ($10,188 yearly) face lower ownership costs, but the median home value of $440,500 means significant down-payment and mortgage burdens for buyers.

Plan carefully for Montana's mountain living

Madison County's 20.6% rent-to-income ratio and $1,159 rents reflect its appeal to recreationalists and retirees—but affordability requires advance planning. If relocating here, secure income well above the $67,420 median or prioritize homeownership to lock in costs before property values climb further.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Madison County

via IncomeByCounty

Solid middle-class incomes statewide

Madison County's median household income of $67,420 exceeds 45% of U.S. counties, landing it firmly in the middle class—though $7,335 below the national median of $74,755. The county draws strength from ranching, tourism, and small manufacturing.

Above Montana's average income

At $67,420, Madison County earns $5,125 more than Montana's state median of $62,295, ranking in the upper-middle tier of the state's 56 counties. This advantage reflects a balanced mix of agriculture and outdoor recreation economy.

Outpaced by Lewis and Clark

Madison County trails Lewis and Clark County ($74,543) and Missoula County ($71,246), but outearns Liberty, Lincoln, and Meagher counties. Its position reflects the pulling power of regional tourism and ranch-based wealth.

High home prices test affordability

Madison County's 20.6% rent-to-income ratio is the highest among income-earning counties here, and the median home value of $440,500 is second only to Missoula. Buyers need robust household incomes or significant down payments to break in.

Land and legacy wealth matter here

Madison County's ranch economy creates unique wealth-building opportunities through agricultural real estate and multi-generational asset transfer. Working with local financial advisors familiar with land values and seasonal cash flow can unlock long-term prosperity.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Madison County

via HealthByCounty

Madison lives well above U.S. average

At 80.3 years, Madison County residents enjoy a life expectancy over 2.5 years longer than the U.S. average of 77.6 years. Just 13.9% report poor or fair health, suggesting strong overall wellness and disease prevention across the county.

Top-tier Montana health outcomes

Madison County's 80.3-year life expectancy outpaces Montana's 76.3-year average by 4 years. Though its 13.1% uninsured rate runs slightly above Montana's 11.9% average, overall health metrics rank well within the state's upper tier.

Moderate providers, solid mental health access

Madison County operates 56 primary care providers per 100K and 84 mental health providers per 100K—modest compared to larger counties like Missoula but reflective of rural geography. These provider ratios suggest residents access care through a mix of local and regional specialists.

Rural balance: decent access, some gaps

With 56 primary care providers per 100K and 84 mental health providers per 100K, Madison County provides basic access in a rural setting. However, 13.1% of residents remain uninsured, potentially creating barriers during health crises or preventive care needs.

Take control of your health

Madison County's 13.1% uninsured rate means over 1 in 10 residents lack coverage. Visit Montana's Health Insurance Marketplace or call a local community health center to explore plans—prevention and early care save money and stress down the road.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Madison County

via RiskByCounty

Madison County shows moderate risk profile

With a composite risk score of 41.03, Madison County ranks in the very low category and slightly exceeds Montana's state average of 33.31. The county's risk stems primarily from wildfire and earthquake exposure rather than multiple concurrent hazards.

Middle of the pack for Montana

Madison County's score of 41.03 sits modestly above the Montana state average of 33.31, placing it in the middle range of the state's 56 counties. This positions residents in a more typical risk zone compared to either Montana's highest or lowest-risk areas.

Safer than Lewis and Clark and Missoula

Madison County's score of 41.03 runs substantially lower than neighboring Lewis and Clark (71.25) and Missoula (77.04) but higher than Meagher (2.80). The county occupies a relative safety zone in southwestern Montana.

Wildfire and earthquake present primary threats

Wildfire risk reaches 87.34 in Madison County—well above the state norm—while earthquake risk at 79.90 reflects the county's position in a seismically active region. Flood risk scores 29.83, presenting modest but measurable exposure in some areas.

Wildfire and earthquake coverage both matter

Madison County homeowners should ensure wildfire damage coverage is explicitly included in their policy given the 87.34 risk score, and seriously consider purchasing earthquake insurance given the 79.90 exposure. Reviewing your property's specific flood risk with your insurer ensures you have appropriate protection.

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.