countyscore
47.9
County Score
Health 89.5Income & Jobs 74.3Soil Quality 69.1

County Report Card

About Madison County, New York

Just Below the National Benchmark

Madison County scores a 47.8, landing slightly behind the national median composite score of 50.0. It remains a competitive location despite missing the top national percentiles.

Surpassing the State Average

With a 47.8 composite score, the county remains slightly more livable than the New York state average of 47.0. It offers a stable alternative to more volatile markets in the state.

Outstanding Public Health Outcomes

Health is the county's primary asset, evidenced by an impressive Health Score of 89.5. Residents also earn well, with an Income Score of 74.3 and a median household income of $73,141.

Addressing Tax Burdens and Safety

High property taxes lead to a low Tax Score of 1.4, driven by a 2.295% effective rate. Safety and environmental risk scores also lag behind at 49.6 and 40.6 respectively.

Best for Health-Oriented Professionals

This county is a great fit for mid-career professionals who value strong health metrics and solid earnings. Moderate housing costs with a median rent of $891 provide a reasonable lifestyle if taxes are managed.

Score breakdown

Tax1.4Cost32.6Safety49.6Health89.5Schools64.3Income74.3Risk40.6Water38.3Weather54.9
🏛1.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠32.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼74.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡49.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤89.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓64.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡40.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧38.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤54.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨69.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱68.7
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

Oneida County
New York
39
Onondaga County
New York
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Chenango County
New York
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Cortland County
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Otsego County
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Herkimer 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 County taxes above the national typical

Madison County's effective tax rate of 2.295% exceeds the national median of 2.1% by roughly 195 basis points, placing it in the upper-middle tier of American counties. The typical homeowner here pays $4,058 annually—nearly 50% above the national median of $2,690.

Slightly above New York's state average

Madison County's effective rate of 2.295% tops the state average of 2.046% by 250 basis points, positioning it as a moderate-tax county statewide. The median tax bill of $4,058 runs below the state average of $4,709, reflecting Madison's lower median home value of $176,800.

Mid-range taxes in the upstate region

Madison County's 2.295% rate sits between Lewis County (1.698%) and Livingston County (2.466%), and matches closely with Niagara County (2.284%). Monroe County to the west runs noticeably higher at 2.788%, making Madison a moderate option in the corridor.

What a typical Madison County home costs to own

On the county's median home value of $176,800, you'll pay roughly $4,058 in annual property taxes at the current effective rate. That figure rises to $4,304 if you finance through a mortgage, and drops to $3,748 for homeowners with no mortgage.

You may be overassessed—here's what to do

Across New York, many homeowners discover their assessed values exceed fair market value, opening the door to successful tax appeals. If you believe your Madison County property is overvalued relative to recent comparable sales, filing a grievance during the assessment review period could reduce your tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Madison County

via CostByCounty

Madison County punches above affordability average

Renters spend just 14.6% of income on housing, roughly 3 percentage points better than New York's state average of 17.6% and well below national norms. Median rent of $891 per month undercuts the state average by 21%, creating meaningful budget relief for working households.

Upper tier of New York affordability

Madison County ranks solidly among New York's most affordable counties for renters and owners alike, with a rent-to-income ratio that beats the statewide average convincingly. The county's combination of reasonable incomes and modest housing costs keeps it competitive statewide.

Affordable but not the cheapest option

Madison County's $891 rent sits between Lewis County's bargain $821 and Livingston County's $912, though Madison homeowners face slightly steeper costs at $1,124 monthly. The median home value of $176,800 reflects the slightly higher property costs compared to its immediate neighbors.

Income-to-housing ratio works in residents' favor

With median household income of $73,141, residents spend about $10,692 yearly on rent (14.6%) and $13,488 on ownership costs if mortgaged. This leaves a substantial portion of household income for food, transportation, healthcare, and savings—a luxury in many New York markets.

Madison County: affordability meets community

If you're weighing a move within New York, Madison County delivers 21% lower rent than the state average alongside homes priced near $177,000. Compare its 14.6% rent-to-income ratio to your current situation and discover whether this upstate haven aligns with your relocation goals.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Madison County

via IncomeByCounty

Madison County meets national income standards

Madison County's median household income of $73,141 sits just $1,614 below the national median of $74,755, placing it squarely in the middle of American counties. This near-parity reflects the county's balanced mix of agriculture, education, and small manufacturing.

Below New York average but stable

At $73,141, Madison County trails New York's state average of $76,433 by $3,292, ranking in the middle of the state's 62 counties. Colgate University's presence provides a base of professional jobs and institutional stability for the local economy.

Madison leads surrounding rural counties

Madison County's $73,141 income outpaces Lewis County ($68,329) by $4,812 and edges ahead of Niagara County ($67,809) by $5,332. This leadership reflects the college town anchor and stronger regional labor market connectivity.

Affordability index favors homeowners

Madison County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.6% demonstrates strong affordability, with median home values at $176,800—well within reach for median-income households. Families here enjoy the security of owning a home without stretched finances.

College-town stability supports long-term planning

Madison County's institutional anchors and relatively low housing burden create an ideal environment for wealth building through homeownership and retirement savings. Local families should leverage affordable housing to build equity while exploring education-linked career development opportunities.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Madison County

via CrimeByCounty

Madison County Offers Solid National Security

Madison County reports a total crime rate of 1,133.5 per 100K, which is less than half the national average of 2,385.5. This earns the county a safety score of 98.2, indicating a very safe community.

Matching the New York Standard

The county's safety score of 98.2 is almost identical to the New York state average of 98.3. Its total crime rate of 1,133.5 is just slightly above the state average of 1,074.4 per 100K.

Comparing Central New York Safety

Madison County's crime rate of 1,133.5 is significantly higher than Lewis County's 389.6, but remains lower than Montgomery County's 1,140.5. It occupies a middle ground for safety within the Central New York region.

Focusing on Property Protection

Property crime accounts for 974.7 incidents per 100K, which is the primary driver of local law enforcement activity. Violent crime remains low at 158.8 per 100K, though this is slightly higher than the New York average of 125.0.

Secure Your Home and Garage

Locking vehicles and outbuildings is the best defense against property crime in Madison County. Simple deterrents help keep these rates well below the national property crime average of 2,015.7.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Madison County

via HealthByCounty

Madison County beats U.S. health trends

Madison County's 78.4-year life expectancy exceeds the national average of 76.4 years, and just 14.4% of residents report poor or fair health—the lowest rate among its regional peers. This suggests effective health management and preventive care infrastructure.

Middle-tier health outcomes for New York

Madison County's 78.4-year life expectancy sits slightly below New York's state average of 77.9 years, placing it in the upper-middle tier of the state's 62 counties. Its 14.4% poor/fair health rate is well below the state trend.

Best health in its central New York cluster

Madison County leads its neighbors on poor/fair health rates at 14.4%, beating Lewis (15.6%), Livingston (15.3%), and Monroe (12.0%) on some metrics. Primary care and mental health provider density are both strong at 74 and 248 per 100K respectively.

Excellent coverage, strong provider access

Madison County's uninsured rate of 4.1% is among New York's best, and primary care providers at 74 per 100K provide reliable access. Mental health services are especially robust at 248 per 100K, supporting behavioral health alongside medical care.

Lock in coverage before open enrollment ends

Madison County's strong insurance rates prove coverage is attainable—use New York State of Health to explore plans that fit your budget. If you're uninsured, enroll soon; waiting until next year means months without protection from medical emergencies.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Madison County

via SchoolsByCounty

Madison County's Broad Network of 25 Schools

Madison County supports 8,510 students through a network of 25 public schools organized into nine districts. The system includes 12 elementary schools and 7 high schools, providing a steady pipeline from early childhood to graduation. The infrastructure is well-distributed to serve both centralized towns and outlying rural areas.

High Investment Levels Support Student Success

The county spends $14,011 per pupil, which exceeds the national average of $13,000 and helps maintain a graduation rate of 86.5%. With a school score of 66.8, the county performs near the New York state average of 67.7. These metrics show a strong commitment to funding quality education for every student.

Chittenango and Cazenovia Drive Local Enrollment

The Chittenango Central School District is the largest in the county, serving 1,909 students across four schools. Cazenovia Central and Canastota Central also maintain significant enrollments with 1,309 and 1,212 students, respectively. Charter schools do not have a presence here, as the county relies entirely on its nine traditional districts.

A Balanced Mix of Town and Rural Learning

With 13 schools in town settings and 12 in rural areas, the county offers diverse environments for students. The average school size is 340 students, though larger facilities like Chittenango High School serve over 600 students. This mix ensures that families can choose between more populated town schools or smaller rural campuses.

Invest in a Home Near Madison's Quality Schools

Madison County is a premier destination for families seeking high per-pupil investment and reliable academic results. Homes in the Chittenango and Cazenovia districts remain in high demand due to their robust school reputations. Take the next step and find a house that puts your children in these respected classrooms.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Madison County

via RiskByCounty

Madison County risk aligns with U.S. patterns

Madison County's composite risk score of 59.38 places it slightly below the national average, with a Relatively Low rating. The county mirrors broader U.S. vulnerability patterns, though targeted hazards vary by region.

Below-average disaster risk for New York State

At 59.38, Madison County scores 10 points below New York's state average of 69.42, positioning it in the safer third of counties. Still, it faces more exposure than its northern neighbors Lewis and Livingston.

Middle ground between safest and highest-risk upstate

Madison County (59.38) falls between safer Livingston (56.36) and riskier Montgomery County (65.17), while far below higher-exposure regions like Monroe County (93.77). Its position reflects a transitional geography with meaningful—but moderate—hazard exposure.

Flooding creates the county's largest vulnerability

Flood risk (77.07) dwarfs all other hazards in Madison County, reflecting the region's waterways and spring snowmelt patterns. Tornadoes (41.86), hurricanes (59.57), and earthquakes (47.36) pose secondary threats, while wildfires (20.07) remain relatively low.

Flood insurance is non-negotiable in Madison County

Madison County's elevated flood risk demands a separate flood insurance policy—standard homeowners policies will not cover flood loss. Review your coverage annually, especially if your home sits in a designated flood zone or near tributaries.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Madison County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler and Brisk Central New York

Madison County averages 44.3°F per year, placing it on the cooler end of the national climate spectrum. The region is characterized by high annual precipitation and cool summer nights.

Lags Behind State Average Temperatures

The county’s 44.3°F average temperature sits 3.1 degrees lower than the New York state average. It is consistently cooler than neighboring regions further to the south or east.

Higher Moisture Than State Medians

Madison receives 48.1 inches of annual precipitation, which is nearly five inches more than the state average. While snowfall data is currently unavailable, its temperature profile mirrors nearby Oneida County.

Zero Days of Extreme Heat

The county rarely feels the burn, averaging zero days per year at or above 90°F. July is mild at 67.3°F, but January is biting with an average of only 19.4°F.

Focus on Moisture and Heating

With 48.1 inches of precipitation and zero extreme heat days, focus your home budget on basement waterproofing and efficient heating. Air conditioning is a low priority given the mild 65.4°F summer average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Madison County

via SoilByCounty

Prime pH in Central New York

Madison County boasts a pH of 6.05, placing it significantly higher than the New York state average of 5.11. This level approaches the national median of 6.5, making it more versatile than many surrounding counties.

Silt-Rich Foundation for Farming

Silt makes up nearly half of the composition at 49.2%, while sand accounts for 32.7%. The 15.9% clay content helps with nutrient retention without making the soil too heavy to till effectively.

Rich Organic Content and Capacity

Organic matter levels reach 8.75%, which is quite healthy compared to the 2.0% national average. An available water capacity of 0.176 in/in ensures that plants have access to steady moisture throughout the season.

Natural Moisture Balance

While official drainage class data is currently missing, the silt-heavy profile typically indicates moderate drainage speeds. This balance helps prevent both drought stress and waterlogged roots in your garden beds.

Thriving in Hardiness Zone 5b

Hardiness zone 5b supports a variety of hardy perennials and cool-season crops like peas and broccoli. Leverage this high-scoring soil to start a diverse vegetable patch or a flowering landscape.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Madison County

via LawnByCounty

Madison's High-Performing Lawns

Madison County features a lawn difficulty score of 68.7, which is much higher than the state average of 61.1. The USDA Hardiness Zone 5b provides a temperate environment where grass thrives with relatively low effort.

Zero Heat Stress

Madison enjoys 48.1 inches of annual precipitation and zero extreme heat days, which is a perfect recipe for lush turf. The 2,030 growing degree days mean your lawn stays active and green without the risk of heat-induced dormancy.

Near-Perfect pH Levels

The local soil pH of 6.05 is well within the ideal range for grass to absorb essential nutrients. With a composition of 15.9% clay and 32.7% sand, your soil offers a stable base that requires minimal chemical correction.

Exceptional Drought Resilience

The county only experienced 9 weeks of drought over the past year and currently reports 0% of its area in dry conditions. This natural moisture stability means you rarely need to rely on irrigation systems to keep your lawn healthy.

Lush Cool-Season Mixes

A mix of Kentucky Bluegrass and Perennial Ryegrass works beautifully in Zone 5b's moist climate. Time your seeding between the May 6 last frost and the October 9 first frost for the best results.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Madison County's county score?
Madison County, New York has a composite county score of 47.9 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 New York?
Madison County ranks #26 among all counties in New York 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, New York?
The median annual property tax in Madison County is $4,058, with an effective tax rate of 2.30%. This earns Madison County a tax score of 1.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Madison County?
The median household income in Madison County, New York is $73,141 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Madison County earns an income score of 74.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Madison County, New York a good place to live?
Madison County scores 47.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #26 in New York. 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.