countyscore
65.6
County Score
Property Tax 93.3Safety 87.3Health 69.9

County Report Card

About Madison County, Montana

Exceptional Quality of Life

Madison County boasts an impressive composite score of 65.6, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This makes it one of the more desirable counties in the country by these metrics.

A Montana Standout

At 65.6, the county sits well above the Montana state average of 56.4. It effectively combines fiscal advantages with a high sense of community security.

Superior Tax Benefits and Safety

The tax score is nearly perfect at 93.3, thanks to a low effective tax rate of 0.409%. Residents also enjoy a very high safety score of 87.3 and a solid health score of 69.9.

High Costs and Water Concerns

The cost of living is steep, with a cost score of 32.5 and median home values reaching $440,500. Water access remains a relative weakness with a score of 28.6.

Designed for the Wealthy Homeowner

This county is best for affluent families or individuals who can afford high real estate prices in exchange for elite tax savings. It offers a secure, healthy lifestyle for those with the means to enter the market.

Score breakdown

Tax93.3Cost32.5Safety87.3Health69.9Schools64Income60.1Risk59Water28.6Weather43.9
🏛93.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠32.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼60.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡87.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤69.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓64
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡59
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧28.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤43.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱27.9
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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Counties with similar scores

Sharp County
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Median income: $42,950
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Stevens County
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Median income: $71,060
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Madison County
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Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area
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Franklin County
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Edmonson County
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Russell County
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Median income: $50,520
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Meagher County
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Median income: $56,215
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Nearby counties

Gallatin County
Montana
44.2
Beaverhead County
Montana
63
Silver Bow County
Montana
36.4
Jefferson County
Montana
58
Deer Lodge County
Montana
48.9
Clark County
Idaho
54.1
Park County
Montana
48.9
Broadwater County
Montana
54.5

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'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

Safety in Madison County

via CrimeByCounty

Madison County’s Superior Safety Rank

Madison County features a total crime rate of 274.5 per 100,000, which is nearly nine times lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This translates to an elite safety score of 99.6 out of 100. The county stands as a model for low-crime rural living in the US.

Exceeding Montana's Safety Standards

The county's safety score of 99.6 is well above the Montana average of 98.2. Furthermore, its total crime rate of 274.5 is a fraction of the state average of 1,112.5 per 100,000 residents. Madison ranks among the safest jurisdictions in the entire state.

Comparing Madison to Regional Peers

Madison County is safer than neighboring Lewis and Clark, which has a crime rate of 2,490.0 per 100,000. It also reports lower crime than Meagher County’s 205.3, though the difference is small. The area remains a quiet sanctuary compared to more urbanized neighbors.

Low Incidents Across the Board

Property crime occurs at a rate of 217.3, and violent crime is even lower at 57.2 per 100,000. These statistics come from a single reporting agency, meaning the data captures a specific but potentially limited slice of local activity. However, the reported incidents remain remarkably low.

Preserving Peace in Madison County

Maintaining low crime rates requires continued resident involvement and property awareness. Simple steps like locking outbuildings and installing gate alarms can protect large properties from rare thefts. Your proactive approach helps keep Madison County one of Montana's safest gems.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Madison County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Dozen Schools Across Six Districts

Madison County operates 13 public schools serving 970 students across six distinct districts. The count includes five elementary, four middle, and four high schools.

Top-Tier Scores and High Graduation Rates

The county earns a school score of 57.6, which is higher than the state average of 53.7. It also maintains a strong 90.0% graduation rate while spending $8,895 per pupil.

Ennis K-12 Dominates Local Enrollment

Ennis K-12 Schools is the largest district, serving 422 students across three school facilities. Other notable districts include Twin Bridges K-12 with 210 students.

Purely Rural Learning Environments

All 13 schools are in rural locales, creating a consistent educational environment across the county. The average school size is 75 students, though Ennis Primary is the largest at 229.

Invest in High-Performing Rural Education

Madison County combines a high quality of life with academic performance that beats state averages. Research homes near Ennis or Sheridan to secure a spot in these top districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Madison County

via WeatherByCounty

High Altitude Cool and Steady Precip

Madison County's average annual temperature of 43.9°F reflects its high-elevation geography and northern latitude. It receives 13.2 inches of precipitation, placing it on the drier side of the national spectrum.

Typical Montana Temperatures and Snow

The county's 43.9°F average is nearly identical to the Montana state average of 43.7°F. However, it receives 45.7 inches of snow, which is higher than several of its central Montana counterparts.

Colder and Snowier Than Lewis and Clark

Madison County records 45.7 inches of snow, roughly 13 inches more than Lewis and Clark County. It also sees fewer extreme heat days, with only 12 days hitting 90°F compared to 15 in the state capital area.

Temperate Summers and Bracing Winters

Summer averages a comfortable 62.9°F, making it one of the cooler summer retreats in the state. Winters are consistent, with January lows averaging 25.4°F and snowfall peaking between December and February.

Focus on Winter Prep and Low Heat

With only 12 extreme heat days, air conditioning is less critical than high-performance heating and snow tires. The 45.7 inches of annual snow requires regular maintenance and proper roof structural considerations.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Madison County

via SoilByCounty

High-Altitude Soil Identity

Madison County's soil identity is tied to its mountain valleys, though specific taxonomic data is currently unavailable. The pH likely tracks with the state average of 7.43, which is more alkaline than the national 6.5 median.

Understanding Your Ground

We lack specific data for sand, silt, and clay in this area, but these proportions define how your soil will drain. Testing your own backyard is the most effective way to determine your soil's unique textural signature.

Aiming for Montana Standards

Specific organic matter figures are unrecorded, but the state-wide average of 2.54% is a healthy target for any grower. Without a measured water capacity, irrigation planning should stay conservative during the hot, dry summer months.

Navigating Mountain Hydrology

Hydrologic and drainage data are not currently cataloged for this county's varied landscape. Gardeners can check for local drainage issues by observing how quickly a test hole empties after a heavy soak.

Growing Bounty in Zone 5a

The Zone 5a climate supports a wide range of cool-season vegetables and perennials. Turn over some earth this spring and discover the potential of your local mountain soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Madison County

via LawnByCounty

High Altitude Difficulty

Madison County scores a 27.9 for lawn ease, indicating a high-maintenance environment for traditional turf. This score is significantly lower than the national average of 50.0 and trailing the Montana average of 33.4.

Cool Summers and Low Rainfall

Precipitation is quite low at 13.2 inches per year, making irrigation a necessity. However, with only 12 extreme heat days, your lawn is less likely to scorch compared to other Montana regions.

Focusing on Soil Health

Specific data on clay and sand content is limited for this area, so gardeners should prioritize local testing. Well-draining soil is vital in this Zone 5a region to survive the heavy winter freeze-thaw cycles.

Facing Constant Dryness

The county has spent all 53 weeks of the past year in drought conditions, and the entire area remains abnormally dry. Use smart irrigation controllers to adjust for local weather and minimize water waste.

Navigating the Late Frost

Because the last frost often hits as late as June 6, the spring planting window is very narrow. Stick to cold-hardy fescues and consider dormant seeding in the fall for better spring results.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Madison County's county score?
Madison County, Montana has a composite county score of 65.6 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 Montana?
Madison County ranks #12 among all counties in Montana 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, Montana?
The median annual property tax in Madison County is $1,800, with an effective tax rate of 0.41%. This earns Madison County a tax score of 93.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Madison County?
The median household income in Madison County, Montana is $67,420 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Madison County earns an income score of 60.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Madison County, Montana a good place to live?
Madison County scores 65.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #12 in Montana. 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.