countyscore
52.8
County Score
Water Quality 86Safety 70.6Health 66.9

County Report Card

About Madison County, Nebraska

Competitive with the National Average

Madison County’s composite score of 52.8 sits slightly above the national median of 50.0. This indicates a quality of life that is consistent with the middle of the American pack.

Trailing the State Average

While competitive nationally, the county trails the Nebraska state average of 59.3. It faces stiffer competition for residents when compared to neighboring high-scoring counties.

Reliable Water and Stable Incomes

Strengths include a robust Water Score of 86.0 and a respectable Safety Score of 70.6. The local economy supports a median household income of $64,637.

Navigating High Taxes and Risk

The county faces challenges with an effective tax rate of 1.336% and an environmental Risk Score of 39.1. These factors contribute to its lower Tax and Risk dimension scores.

Suited for Practical Professionals

Madison County suits professionals who value stable water quality and a median-tier income. It offers a standard Midwestern lifestyle with room for growth in tax policy.

Score breakdown

Tax19.4Cost42Safety70.6Health66.9Schools61.4Income52.6Risk39.1Water86Weather44.8
🏛19.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠42
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼52.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡70.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤66.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓61.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡39.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤44.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨61.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱57.2
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

Lincoln County
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Mason County
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Hancock County
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Washington County
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Kent County
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Benzie County
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Chippewa County
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Nearby counties

Stanton County
Nebraska
67.9
Pierce County
Nebraska
65.4
Antelope County
Nebraska
67.5
Boone County
Nebraska
71.2
Platte County
Nebraska
44
Wayne County
Nebraska
60.5
Colfax County
Nebraska
53.9
Nance County
Nebraska
63.3

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 taxes rival the national median

Madison County's effective tax rate of 1.336% sits above the national average, placing it in the upper-middle range of American counties. The median property tax of $2,619 nearly matches the national median of $2,690, despite Madison's lower median home value of $196,000.

Madison ranks among Nebraska's highest-tax counties

At 1.336%, Madison County's effective rate is Nebraska's 4th highest, exceeding the state average of 1.281% by more than half a percentage point. The median property tax of $2,619 is the highest in the dataset, pushing residents well above Nebraska's $1,972 state median.

Madison pays considerably more than neighbors

Madison County's 1.336% rate significantly exceeds nearby Merrick County (1.172%) and Nance County (1.197%). With a median property tax of $2,619, Madison homeowners pay roughly $650 more annually than those in neighboring Merrick County ($1,969).

Madison homeowners carry a heavier tax load

On a $196,000 median home value, Madison County residents pay approximately $2,619 annually in property taxes. With mortgage-related assessments, costs reach around $2,520; without a mortgage, they climb to $2,808—among the highest in the region.

Madison appeals could yield significant savings

Given Madison County's above-average tax burden, homeowners facing assessments that don't match current market conditions should consider filing an appeal. Many Madison residents may recover hundreds or even thousands in overpaid taxes through a successful assessment challenge.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Madison County

via CostByCounty

Madison County's rents rise above state and national norms

At 15.8%, Madison County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds both the Nebraska average (14.2%) and represents meaningful housing pressure on residents. With a median household income of $64,637 and median rent of $851 per month, housing costs eat deeper into paychecks here than in most of the state.

Madison County faces above-average affordability challenges

Madison County ranks among Nebraska's least affordable counties, with a 15.8% rent-to-income ratio that significantly exceeds the state average of 14.2%. The $851 monthly rent is the highest among peer rural counties, straining household budgets across the county.

Madison County rents strain compared to neighbors

Madison County's $851 rent stands out—Logan ($725), Loup ($650), McPherson ($653), and Merrick ($772) all offer cheaper options. Higher median home values ($196,000) also suggest Madison's housing market commands a regional premium that stresses affordability.

Nearly 16% of income flows to rent alone

Renters spend $851 monthly while homeowners pay $975, both consuming an above-average share of the $64,637 median household income. At 15.8% of income devoted to rent, Madison County residents have less cushion for other expenses than most Nebraska neighbors.

Madison requires careful budget alignment before moving

Madison County's combination of higher rents and median home values ($196,000) means affordability here depends on above-average income. Compare Madison's 15.8% rent burden to neighboring counties—you may find better value just a few miles away.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Madison County

via IncomeByCounty

Madison County below U.S. income median

Madison County's median household income of $64,637 falls about $10,120 short of the national median of $74,755. While below average nationally, the county shows stronger economic positioning than many rural peers across the country.

Near Nebraska state average earnings

Madison County's $64,637 median income sits slightly below Nebraska's state average of $66,880, trailing by $2,243. The county ranks in the middle tier statewide, reflecting moderate economic conditions compared to other Nebraska communities.

Mixed performance versus region

Madison County earns more than Loup ($60,156), McPherson ($61,316), and Morrill ($59,773), but trails Nance ($65,438) and Logan ($71,650). Regional income variation reaches nearly $12,000 between the highest and lowest earners in this cluster.

Housing costs rise above comfort zone

Madison County's 15.8% rent-to-income ratio is the highest among these eight counties, signaling growing housing pressure on household budgets. With a median home value of $196,000—also the highest in the group—housing affordability deserves careful evaluation for many families.

Budget strategically around housing costs

Madison County residents should prioritize housing efficiency before investing, since rent and mortgages consume nearly 16% of income. Once housing is optimized, redirect savings into retirement accounts and diversified investments to build family wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Madison County

via CrimeByCounty

Madison County Beats National Crime Averages

Madison County earns a strong 98.9 safety score, keeping its total crime rate of 697.8 well below the national average of 2,385.5. Residents benefit from a significantly lower risk profile than the typical American county.

Close to Nebraska's State Safety Benchmarks

Madison County's safety score of 98.9 sits just below the Nebraska state average of 99.0. Its total crime rate of 697.8 is slightly above the statewide average of 626.7 per 100,000 residents.

Safety Profile for a Regional Hub

Madison County's crime rate is higher than some rural neighbors, reflecting its role as a more populated regional center. However, it still maintains a safety profile that rivals many similarly sized Midwestern counties.

Property Crime Outpaces Violent Incidents

Property crimes account for 635.9 incidents per 100,000, while the violent crime rate is a low 61.9. This means property theft is the primary concern, while violent incidents remain very rare.

Focus on Securing Entry Points

Since property crime is the most common issue, Madison County homeowners should focus on securing doors and windows. Installing motion-activated lights and smart locks can effectively deter opportunistic theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Madison County

via HealthByCounty

Madison County's Life Expectancy Edge

Madison County residents live to an average of 78.3 years, outpacing Nebraska's state average of 77.5 years by nearly a full year. However, 16.8% of residents report poor or fair health, suggesting some underlying health challenges despite the longevity advantage.

Madison Leads Nebraska in Longevity

Madison County ranks among Nebraska's healthier counties by life expectancy at 78.3 years. Yet its 9.2% uninsured rate runs slightly above the state average of 8.1%, indicating a small population without consistent insurance access.

Madison Compared to Regional Counties

Madison County's 78.3-year life expectancy exceeds most surrounding counties, though its 16.8% poor/fair health rate is among the region's highest. The county supports 62 primary care providers and 634 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, providing robust healthcare infrastructure.

Strong Provider Access in Madison

Madison County maintains 62 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, offering solid access to routine care. Mental health support is particularly robust at 634 providers per 100,000, yet 9.2% of residents remain uninsured, creating gaps in who can access these services.

Close Madison's Coverage Gap

With 9.2% of Madison County residents uninsured, there's work to do. Visit Healthcare.gov to compare plans or call 1-800-318-2596 to see if you qualify for Medicaid or subsidized coverage.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Madison County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Robust Regional Education Network

Madison County supports a robust education network featuring 23 public schools and seven distinct districts. The system accommodates 6,084 students across a mix of elementary, middle, and high schools.

Strong Graduation Success in Madison

Students achieve a strong 91.0% graduation rate, surpassing both state and national benchmarks. However, per-pupil spending is relatively low at $8,082 compared to the Nebraska average of $10,521.

Norfolk Public Schools Leads Enrollment

Norfolk Public Schools dominates the landscape, serving 4,518 students across 12 different schools. The county maintains a traditional public system with no charter schools currently in operation.

A Mix of Town and Rural Schools

The area offers a diverse mix of 11 town-based and 12 rural schools, with an average enrollment of 304 students. Norfolk Senior High School is the largest facility with 1,346 students.

Settle Near Top-Performing Schools

With graduation rates exceeding 90%, Madison County is an attractive destination for families prioritizing academic success. Home seekers often focus on the Norfolk area to access the county's largest educational resources.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Madison County

via RiskByCounty

Madison County faces elevated multi-hazard risk

Madison County's composite risk score of 60.88 places it in the Relatively Low category but well above the national baseline. The county grapples with exposure to tornadoes, wildfires, and flooding simultaneously, making it Nebraska's riskiest county profiled here.

Madison County: Nebraska's hazard hotspot

Madison County scores 60.88, more than double Nebraska's state average of 25.80, ranking it as the highest-risk county among those profiled. This composite score reflects significant exposure across multiple natural hazard types.

Madison County outpaces all regional counterparts

Madison County's risk score of 60.88 is substantially higher than Merrick County (42.94), Morrill County (27.83), and all other neighboring counties. It stands distinctly as the region's most hazard-exposed area.

Tornadoes, wildfires, and floods create triple threat

Madison County faces significant tornado risk (83.08), wildfire risk (79.74), and flood risk (62.75)—the three highest scores among Nebraska counties profiled. This convergence of hazards demands comprehensive preparedness planning.

Triple-threat insurance: essential, not optional

Homeowners in Madison County should carry comprehensive policies covering tornadoes, wildfires, and flooding—including separate flood insurance, as standard policies exclude water damage. Regular roof inspections and storm shelter access are critical investments.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Madison County

via WeatherByCounty

Classic Continental Conditions

Madison County’s 48.6°F annual average temperature falls slightly below the national median for continental climates. The region experiences a blend of moderate rainfall and cold, snowy winters.

Moist Air and Cool Temps

Madison sits about one degree cooler than the Nebraska state average of 49.7°F. Its 27.7 inches of annual precipitation makes it wetter than the statewide average of 25.9 inches.

Humid and Mild Summers

Compared to its western neighbors, Madison stays relatively humid with 27.7 inches of precipitation and only 23 extreme heat days. This is significantly fewer heat days than counties like Morrill further west.

Freezing Nights and Snowy Trails

Summer temperatures average a pleasant 72.0°F, while January lows drop to an average of 21.5°F. The county sees 28.1 inches of snowfall, balancing the moisture throughout the year.

Ready the Snow Removal Gear

Residents should prepare for cold January nights that average just 21.5°F. Reliable snow removal gear is necessary for the 28.1-inch annual snowfall, though fewer extreme heat days ease summer cooling costs.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Madison County

via SoilByCounty

High-Quality Ground in Madison County

Madison County earns a strong soil score of 61.3, outperforming the Nebraska state average of 58.9. The average pH is 6.67, which is remarkably close to the national median of 6.5 and slightly more acidic than the state average of 6.79. This balanced chemistry is ideal for maximizing crop nutrient uptake.

The Perfect Middle Ground of Texture

The soil composition is evenly balanced with 40.6% sand, 39.2% silt, and 18.6% clay. This loamy mix offers the best of all worlds: good drainage from sand, nutrient holding from silt, and structural integrity from clay. It provides excellent workability for both industrial farming and home gardening.

Reliable Water Storage for Crop Success

Madison County features an available water capacity of 0.175 in/in, which exceeds the state average of 0.172. Organic matter content is 2.48%, sitting above the national benchmark of 2.0% but below the state average. This combination ensures that plants have a steady reservoir of moisture during dry spells.

Efficient Hydrology for Stable Landscapes

The balanced silt and sand levels suggest moderate drainage speeds that prevent both waterlogging and excessive leaching. This makes the county's land reliable for diverse uses, from residential building to intense row-cropping. Effective water management is naturally easier here than in the sandier counties to the west.

Diverse Planting Options in Zone 5b

Madison County's 5b hardiness zone and high-quality loamy soil are perfect for corn, soybeans, and vibrant vegetable gardens. The soil’s ability to hold water makes it a great candidate for fruit trees like apples and pears. Your garden will thrive with minimal intervention thanks to the naturally high soil score.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Madison County

via LawnByCounty

Madison County's Reliable Growing Season

At 57.2, Madison County’s lawn score is higher than the national median of 50.0, suggesting a relatively manageable growing environment. Zone 5b conditions allow for a variety of popular Nebraska grass types to flourish.

Standard Precipitation for the Plains

The county receives 27.7 inches of rain per year, which is better than the state average but still requires supplemental watering. With 3,031 growing degree days, the mowing season stays active and productive through the summer.

A Solid Foundation for Roots

The soil pH is a near-perfect 6.67, facilitating excellent nutrient absorption for grass roots. A mix of 18.6% clay and 40.6% sand provides a solid foundation that balances drainage and stability better than sandier neighbors.

Combating Regional Dry Spells

Severe drought currently impacts 24.6% of the county after a year with 34 weeks of dry conditions. Prioritize watering early in the morning to minimize evaporation and combat the persistent dry spells affecting the area.

Reliable Grasses for Madison

Kentucky Bluegrass blends are highly recommended for Madison's 5b climate. The best time to seed is in late spring, just after the last expected frost on April 30th.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Madison County's county score?
Madison County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 52.8 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 Nebraska?
Madison County ranks #73 among all counties in Nebraska 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, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Madison County is $2,619, with an effective tax rate of 1.34%. This earns Madison County a tax score of 19.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Madison County?
The median household income in Madison County, Nebraska is $64,637 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Madison County earns an income score of 52.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Madison County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Madison County scores 52.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #73 in Nebraska. 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.