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Madison County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#3 in North Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
65.6
County Score
Property Tax 86.5Safety 74.6Disaster Risk 72.7

County Report Card

About Madison County, North Carolina

Beating the National Median

Madison County earns an impressive composite score of 65.6, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This strong performance indicates a quality of life that ranks in the upper tier of counties nationwide.

A Western North Carolina Standout

With a score of 65.6, Madison significantly outpaces the North Carolina average of 44.7. It serves as a high-performing rural alternative to the state's more expensive metropolitan hubs.

Low Taxes and High Safety

The county excels in fiscal health with a tax score of 86.5, driven by a low effective tax rate of 0.496%. It also provides a secure environment, boasting a safety score of 74.6 and high resilience against environmental risks.

Improving Local Economic Opportunity

Lower scores in income (34.5) and health (45.9) are the county's primary areas for improvement. The median household income of $58,628 trails behind more urbanized regions of the state.

Perfect for Secure Mountain Living

Madison is ideal for retirees or remote workers who value safety and low taxes over a local corporate ladder. It offers a rare combination of scenic tranquility and financial predictability.

Score breakdown

Tax86.5Cost69.3Safety74.6Health45.9Schools57.7Income34.5Risk72.7Water52Weather68.8
🏛86.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠69.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼34.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡74.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤45.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓57.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡72.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧52
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤68.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨37
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱59.9
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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Nearby counties

Buncombe County
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Yancey 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's tax rate sits below national norms

Madison County's effective tax rate of 0.496% is significantly lower than the national median of 0.87%, placing it in the bottom 30% of U.S. counties. The typical Madison homeowner pays $1,307 annually—less than half the national median property tax of $2,690.

Among North Carolina's lowest-taxing counties

Madison ranks in the lowest tier statewide, with an effective rate well below North Carolina's 0.701% average. At $1,307, the median property tax is $126 lower than the state median, giving residents measurable relief.

Mountain counties cluster with Madison's rates

Madison's 0.496% rate aligns closely with McDowell County (0.517%) and Mitchell County (0.502%), making this region consistently tax-friendly. In contrast, nearby Martin County charges 1.070%, more than double Madison's rate.

On a median home, here's your annual bill

A $263,500 home—Madison's median value—triggers roughly $1,307 in annual property taxes under the current rate. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $1,412 when local fees are included.

Many homeowners could lower their bills

Property assessment errors are common across North Carolina, and Madison County homeowners may be overassessed on their property value or eligible tax exemptions. A formal appeal to the county assessor costs nothing and can result in measurable savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Madison County

via CostByCounty

Madison rents are well below national strain

At 15.6%, Madison County's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the national threshold where housing costs become unaffordable. The typical household here earns $58,628 annually while paying just $764 monthly in rent—meaning housing claims a smaller slice of paychecks than in most of America.

Among North Carolina's most affordable counties

Madison County ranks as one of the most affordable housing markets in North Carolina, with a rent-to-income ratio of 15.6% compared to the state average of 18.6%. This advantage stems from both modest rents ($764 vs. the state median of $938) and incomes that stretch further here.

Madison outperforms the mountain region

Madison's housing costs ($764 rent, $722 monthly ownership) are comparable to nearby McDowell ($741 rent, $605 ownership) and Mitchell ($744 rent, $595 ownership) counties, making it part of a genuinely affordable mountain corridor. However, renters in Nash County ($924 rent) and Martin County ($729 rent with lower incomes) face tighter affordability pressures.

Where your paycheck actually goes

Madison's median household income of $58,628 covers both rental and ownership options well: renters spend 15.6% of income on housing, while homeowners with a $263,500 median home value spend about 14.8% on monthly costs. This balance means residents have room for other expenses that higher-strain counties do not.

Considering Madison? Here's the real math

If affordable mountain living appeals to you, Madison County delivers genuine value—rents run $174 below North Carolina's average while incomes stay competitive at $58,628. Compare this to pricier neighbors like Moore County ($1,181 rent) or Mecklenburg ($1,521 rent) to see your savings potential.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Madison County

via IncomeByCounty

Madison earns below the national average

Madison County's median household income of $58,628 falls short of the U.S. median of $74,755—a gap of $16,127 per year. This puts the county in the lower half of American counties by income, though many rural counties share similar economic profiles.

Mid-range earner within North Carolina

Madison County's $58,628 median household income sits below North Carolina's state average of $61,072, ranking it in the middle tier of the state's 100 counties. The county earns slightly less per capita ($33,738 vs. state average $33,920), reflecting modest individual earning power.

Outpaces nearby rural mountain counties

Madison County earns more than McDowell County ($55,527) and Montgomery County ($55,849), positioning it above many of its neighboring Appalachian communities. However, it trails nearby Mitchell County ($58,089) and significantly lags the prosperous Piedmont region represented by Mecklenburg County ($83,765).

Housing remains affordable here

At a 15.6% rent-to-income ratio, Madison County offers strong housing affordability—well below the 30% threshold that experts consider sustainable. The median home value of $263,500 is accessible for households earning the county median, though rising property values warrant monitoring.

Build security with consistent planning

Madison County residents earning $58,628 annually have room to invest after covering basic expenses—particularly those with lower housing costs. Starting with emergency savings, then moving into retirement accounts and diversified investments, can help bridge the income gap with wealthier regions over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Madison County

via CrimeByCounty

Madison County remains significantly safer than national norms

Madison County reports a total crime rate of 602.4 per 100,000 residents, which sits far below the national average of 2,385.5. This low frequency of incidents earns the county an exceptional safety score of 99.0 out of 100. It is one of the more secure regions in the country based on 2022 data.

A top-tier safety performer in North Carolina

The county's safety score of 99.0 exceeds the North Carolina state average of 96.8. With a total crime rate of just 602.4, Madison County significantly outperforms the statewide average of 2,050.0 incidents per 100,000 people. It ranks as a leader for public safety within the state.

Leading the region in security

Madison County maintains a total crime rate that is nearly 70% lower than the North Carolina state average. Compared to more urbanized neighbors, the county's four reporting agencies manage a remarkably low incident volume. This makes it a quiet outlier in the western part of the state.

Property crimes dominate the few reported incidents

Violent crime is rare here, occurring at a rate of 32.7 per 100,000 compared to the national average of 369.8. Property crime accounts for the vast majority of local offenses at 569.7 per 100,000. Despite this, property crime remains less than a third of the national rate of 2,015.7.

Low risk doesn't mean no risk

Even with a 99.0 safety score, residents should stay vigilant against property crimes which make up nearly 95% of local reports. Simple measures like motion-activated lighting can deter opportunistic theft. Consistent reporting to the four local agencies helps maintain this high standard of safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Madison County

via HealthByCounty

Madison County outlives the nation

At 74.7 years, Madison County's life expectancy edges past the U.S. average of 74.5 years, a small but meaningful advantage. Just 18.5% of residents report poor or fair health, below the national rate of roughly 21%, signaling better-than-average health outcomes in this rural Appalachian county.

Health edge in mountain North Carolina

Madison County ranks slightly above the state average for life expectancy at 74.7 years versus North Carolina's 74.4 years. This positions the county in the middle tier of North Carolina health rankings, reflecting stability in a region often challenged by chronic disease.

Stronger than nearby McDowell

Madison County's life expectancy of 74.7 years outpaces neighboring McDowell County's 74.3 years, though both communities face similar healthcare provider gaps. Madison has better mental health provider access at 213 per 100K compared to McDowell's 212 per 100K, offering marginally more support for behavioral health needs.

Limited primary care, better insurance

With 56 primary care providers per 100K, Madison County has fewer doctors than many urban areas but more than some Appalachian neighbors. The 10.8% uninsured rate is below the state average of 12.5%, meaning most residents have some coverage pathway for routine care.

Find your coverage today

Nearly 1 in 10 Madison County residents still lack health insurance—that's preventable hardship. Visit healthcare.gov or call North Carolina's enrollment hotline to explore Medicaid, marketplace plans, or employer options that fit your budget.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Madison County

via SchoolsByCounty

Personalized Learning in a Rural Mountain Setting

Madison County operates a focused educational network of 7 public schools serving 2,108 students. The infrastructure includes three elementary schools, one middle school, and three high schools, all managed by a single central district. This small-scale system ensures an intimate learning environment across its predominantly rural landscape.

High Graduation Rates Outpace National Benchmarks

Madison County achieves an impressive 91.0% graduation rate, significantly exceeding both the North Carolina average of 88.0% and the national mark of 87.0%. The county invests $7,728 per pupil, which is higher than the state average of $6,969. These investments contribute to a school score of 55.6, outperforming the state median of 52.4.

Madison County Schools Leads Local Education

Madison County Schools serves as the sole district for the area, managing all 2,108 students across its 7 campuses. Currently, there are no charter schools operating within the county, concentrating all public resources into the traditional district system. This unified approach provides consistent curriculum and oversight for all local families.

Quiet Rural Campuses with Small Class Sizes

Education here is defined by a rural feel, with six of the seven schools situated in countryside settings and an average enrollment of just 301 students. Mars Hill Elementary is the largest campus with 500 students, while Madison Early College High provides a more specialized experience for 249 students. This scale fosters a close-knit community where teachers and students know each other well.

Find a Home in Madison’s Top-Performing District

Families looking for high graduation rates and a tranquil mountain lifestyle should explore homes near Mars Hill or Marshall. The county’s strong academic scores and rural character make it an attractive option for buyers prioritizing public education quality. Explore local listings to find a residence within the Madison County Schools boundary.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Madison County

via RiskByCounty

Madison County's low disaster risk

Madison County scores 27.35 on the composite risk scale, earning a "Very Low" rating—well below North Carolina's state average of 66.72 and far safer than many U.S. counties. This puts the county in the lower tier of natural disaster vulnerability nationally, suggesting residents face fewer compound hazards across floods, wildfires, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes.

One of North Carolina's safest counties

Madison County ranks among the lowest-risk counties in North Carolina, with only Mitchell County (23.95) scoring lower statewide. This exceptional safety profile reflects the county's geographic advantages and makes it an outlier even within a state that experiences significant regional hazard variation.

Safer than surrounding Appalachian peers

Madison County's 27.35 score significantly outperforms neighboring McDowell County (59.22) and Mitchell County, despite sharing similar mountain terrain. The county's lower wildfire risk (62.56) and minimal tornado exposure position it as notably safer than counties at lower elevations across western North Carolina.

Wildfire and earthquake are primary concerns

Wildfires present Madison County's highest hazard score at 62.56, likely driven by forest coverage and seasonal dry conditions in the mountains. Earthquake risk (47.65) ranks second, reflecting the county's proximity to seismic activity along the Appalachian region, though both remain moderate compared to statewide baselines.

Prepare for wildfire in mountain communities

Homeowners in Madison County should prioritize wildfire preparedness through defensible space maintenance and ensuring adequate homeowners insurance with wildfire coverage. Given the county's low overall risk profile, standard homeowners and auto policies typically provide sufficient protection, but reviewing earthquake coverage may be prudent given regional seismic activity.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Madison County

via WeatherByCounty

Mountain Climate with High Snowfall

Madison County averages 56.2°F annually, leaning slightly warmer than the national median but cooler than most of the South. Its rugged terrain drives significant winter weather events.

Below State Temperature Averages

The county's average temp is about three degrees cooler than the North Carolina state average. It is also drier than many mountain counties, receiving 44.0 inches of rain compared to the state's 51.5.

Snowier than Neighboring Regions

Madison averages 15.9 inches of snow, nearly triple the amount seen in neighboring Macon County. While it is colder in winter, it sees 21 days of 90-degree heat compared to Macon's 6.

Crisp Summers and Snowy Winters

Madison experiences true mountain winters with 15.9 inches of snowfall and a January average of 36.7°F. Summers remain pleasant, though 21 days still hit the 90-degree mark.

Prepare for Winter Travel

Reliable 4WD vehicles and snow tires are highly recommended for the 15.9 inches of annual snow. Home heating systems should be robust to handle the 38.8°F winter average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Madison County

via SoilByCounty

Madison County's Naturally Acidic Mountain Soil

Madison County soil features a highly acidic average pH of 4.71, significantly lower than the national median of 6.5. While regional taxonomic data is limited, the soil score of 37.0 suggests a profile that outperforms the state average of 29.4 despite its acidity.

A Balanced Mix of Sand and Silt

The local soil consists of 43.6% sand, 27.5% silt, and 14.9% clay. This mixture provides a solid foundation for plant roots while ensuring the soil remains workable for local farmers.

Exceptional Organic Matter and Growth Potential

With an organic matter content of 10.14%, Madison County nearly doubles the North Carolina state average of 5.12%. Its available water capacity of 0.137 in/in also sits slightly above the state norm, promising high fertility for mountain agriculture.

Reliable Water Movement in the Highlands

Specific drainage class data is unavailable for this region, but the 43.6% sand content suggests steady drainage through the profile. The available water capacity confirms that the soil retains enough moisture to support consistent plant growth during drier spells.

Gardening in Hardiness Zone 7a

Madison County's 7a climate and rich organic matter are perfect for cool-weather crops like kale, potatoes, and berries. Start your garden today to take advantage of these nutrient-dense mountain soils.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Madison County

via LawnByCounty

Above-Average Growing Success in Madison County

Madison County earns a lawn difficulty score of 59.9, significantly higher and easier than the North Carolina state average of 40.8. Located in Hardiness Zone 7a, this area provides a more hospitable environment for turf than the national median score of 50.0.

Ideal Rainfall and Moderate Mountain Heat

With 44.0 inches of annual precipitation, Madison falls perfectly within the 30-50 inch ideal range for healthy grass. The county experiences only 21 extreme heat days per year, nearly half the state average of 38, which reduces summer stress on cool-season varieties.

Addressing Highly Acidic Mountain Soils

The soil pH here sits at 4.71, which is much lower than the 6.0-7.0 range required for optimal nutrient uptake. While the 43.6% sand content helps with aeration, homeowners must prioritize significant lime applications to balance the acidity of this mountain terrain.

Managing Recent Dry Spells and Severe Drought

Madison County faced 17 weeks in drought over the past year, and 100% of the area currently experiences severe drought conditions. Deep, infrequent watering is essential to encourage root growth and sustain the lawn through these prolonged dry periods.

Establish Your Mountain Lawn This Spring

In Hardiness Zone 7a, Tall Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass are excellent choices for the cooler mountain climate. Plan to seed after the last spring frost on April 28 to ensure young grass survives the transition into summer.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Madison County's county score?
Madison County, North Carolina 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 North Carolina?
Madison County ranks #3 among all counties in North Carolina 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, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Madison County is $1,307, with an effective tax rate of 0.50%. This earns Madison County a tax score of 86.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Madison County?
The median household income in Madison County, North Carolina is $58,628 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Madison County earns an income score of 34.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Madison County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Madison County scores 65.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #3 in North Carolina. 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.

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Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.