CountyScore

Madison County

New York · NY

#21 in New York
60.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Madison County, New York

Madison County surpasses U.S. median score

Madison County's composite score of 55.6 outperforms the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 44% of U.S. counties. This mid-sized central New York county delivers better-than-average livability relative to most American communities.

Slightly above New York's average

Madison County's score of 55.6 exceeds New York's state average of 54.7, ranking it in the upper-middle tier of the state's counties. It represents a solid New York profile with modest strengths across multiple dimensions.

Balanced affordability and decent wages

Madison County offers a cost score of 75.2 with median home values of $176,800 and median household income of $73,141. Housing remains genuinely affordable while income levels support middle-class stability.

Tax burden moderately constrains value

An effective tax rate of 2.295% translates to a tax score of 37.7, indicating moderate tax pressure that slightly limits overall livability. Income score of 31.1 suggests limited opportunities for high-wage employment, and data on schools, safety, and health is not yet available.

Suited for families seeking stability

Madison County appeals to families wanting balanced affordability, reasonable wages, and upstate convenience near Syracuse. This is a steady, middle-of-the-road choice for those seeking predictable community living without standout peaks.

Score breakdown

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

Tax37.7Cost75.2SafetyComing SoonHealth80.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome31.1Risk40.6WaterComing Soon
🏛37.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠75.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼31.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤80.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡40.6
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 →

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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 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

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

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

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.