CountyScore

Madison County

Ohio · OH

#24 in Ohio
69.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Madison County, Ohio

Madison County outpaces national median

With a composite score of 68.1, Madison County ranks well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 68th percentile nationwide. This score reflects a county that delivers solid livability across measured dimensions, putting it among the better-performing regions in the country.

Slightly below Ohio's average

Madison County scores 68.1 compared to Ohio's state average of 68.8, ranking it near the middle of the state's county distribution. While competitive, it trails the state's strongest performers by a modest margin.

Tax and affordability stand out

Madison County excels in tax efficiency with a score of 72.6 and an effective tax rate of just 1.053%, paired with solid housing affordability (cost score 72.4, median home value $231,400). Median household income of $83,229 is also notably higher than several peer counties, supporting middle-class stability.

Income growth remains modest

The income score of 37.7 suggests wage growth and earning potential trail state peers, limiting upward mobility for workers. Additional data on schools, health, and safety is currently unavailable, leaving gaps in the full livability picture.

Best for cost-conscious middle-class families

Madison County suits families seeking a balance of low taxes, affordable housing, and reasonable incomes without chasing urban centers. It's an underrated option for those prioritizing financial stability and community stability over rapid career advancement.

Score breakdown

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

Tax72.6Cost72.4SafetyComing SoonHealth70.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome37.7Risk75.1WaterComing Soon
🏛72.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠72.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼37.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤70.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡75.1
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 →

Counties with similar scores

Sierra County
California
69.2
Median income: $60,000
Teller County
Colorado
69.2
Median income: $80,666
Haralson County
Georgia
69.2
Median income: $65,016
White County
Georgia
69.2
Median income: $69,747
Stark County
Illinois
69.2
Median income: $62,284

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 rank below national norm

At 1.053%, Madison County's effective tax rate sits comfortably below the national median of 1.3%, placing it in the lower third of U.S. counties. Homeowners here pay $2,437 annually on a median home valued at $231,400, compared to the national median tax bill of $2,690.

Madison ranks middle of Ohio's 88 counties

Madison County's 1.053% effective rate falls slightly below Ohio's state average of 1.148%, putting it in the mid-range statewide. The county's median tax of $2,437 exceeds the state median of $2,145, reflecting its above-average home values.

More affordable than nearby Medina County

Madison County's 1.053% rate compares favorably to Medina County's 1.287%, saving homeowners roughly $600 annually on similar properties. However, Marion County next door offers even lower rates at 0.980%, making it the most tax-friendly option in the region.

Median home = $2,437 annual tax bill

On Madison County's median home value of $231,400, the effective tax rate of 1.053% translates to $2,437 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay slightly more due to escrow arrangements, while those without mortgages pay closer to $2,207.

Overassessed? You can appeal your tax

Many Madison County homeowners are paying taxes on properties valued higher than market reality, especially following recent market shifts. If your assessment seems out of line with comparable homes in your neighborhood, filing an appeal during the official challenge period could lower your bill substantially.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Madison County

via CostByCounty

Madison County rents beat national trends

Madison County renters spend 13.6% of their income on housing—below the national comfort threshold of 15%—and earn $8,474 more annually than the U.S. median. This county outperforms most of America on housing affordability for renters.

Among Ohio's most affordable counties

Madison County's 13.6% rent-to-income ratio ranks well below Ohio's 15.6% state average, placing it in the top tier for rental affordability across the state. Median rent of $944 exceeds the state average by $71, but wages here are strong enough to make it manageable.

Rent advantage over surrounding areas

Madison County's $944 median rent is competitive with neighboring Miami County ($942) but higher than more rural Mercer County ($812). Still, Madison residents earn significantly more than most peers, stretching their affordability advantage further.

Where Madison paychecks go

The typical Madison County household earning $83,229 annually allocates $944 to rent or $1,247 to mortgage payments monthly. Renters spend about 13.6% of income on housing while homeowners spend 18% on mortgage costs, both reasonable by national standards.

Madison County welcomes budget-conscious relocators

If you're considering a move to Ohio, Madison County offers solid affordability paired with above-average incomes—a rare combination. Compare its rental rates and home values against neighboring counties to find your best fit in the region.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Madison County

via IncomeByCounty

Madison earns above the national average

Madison County's median household income of $83,229 sits $8,474 above the U.S. median of $74,755, placing the county in the upper tier nationally. This stronger-than-average income reflects Madison's economic health compared to most American counties.

Madison ranks in Ohio's top tier

With a median household income of $83,229, Madison County significantly outpaces Ohio's state average of $68,101, marking it as one of the state's more affluent counties. The county's per capita income of $36,265 also edges past the state average of $35,642.

Madison outpaces most nearby counties

Madison's $83,229 median household income exceeds Mercer County ($78,036) and Miami County ($74,175), though it falls short of neighboring Medina County ($92,660). Among its peer group, Madison remains solidly in the upper-middle tier of regional earners.

Housing costs stay manageable here

Madison County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.6% keeps housing affordability in the healthy range—well below the problematic 30% threshold where renters struggle. With a median home value of $231,400 and solid incomes backing it, homeownership remains within reach for most households.

Build on Madison's economic advantage

Madison's above-average incomes create real opportunity to invest in retirement accounts, diversified portfolios, and long-term wealth. Consider consulting a financial advisor to maximize the earning power your county's strong economy provides.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Madison County

via HealthByCounty

Madison County lives longer than most

At 76.2 years, Madison County residents live 3.8 years longer than the U.S. average of 72.4 years, placing them well above the national median. Only 20.4% report poor or fair health, compared to the national average of 21%, signaling strong overall wellness. This county outperforms most of America on longevity.

Outpacing Ohio's health average

Madison County's 76.2-year life expectancy exceeds Ohio's state average of 74.8 years by 1.4 years, ranking it among the healthier counties statewide. The uninsured rate of 7.1% is slightly below Ohio's 7.5%, showing better insurance coverage than the state norm. Residents benefit from above-average health outcomes across the board.

Middle of the pack regionally

Madison County's life expectancy of 76.2 years places it ahead of Marion County (73.7) and Mahoning County (73.4), but behind nearby Medina County (79.0). Its 20.4% poor/fair health rate matches Mahoning's exactly, though Madison residents live measurably longer. Compared to struggling Meigs County at 70.8 years, Madison is a relative health haven.

Moderate access, limited primary care

Madison County has 32 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—well below the national adequacy threshold—but compensates with 126 mental health providers per 100,000, exceeding many peers. The 7.1% uninsured rate means roughly 2,800 adults lack coverage, creating gaps in routine preventive care. Access to family doctors remains a challenge for residents seeking regular checkups.

Check your health coverage today

With 7.1% of Madison County residents uninsured, exploring options through Ohio's health marketplace or Medicaid could improve access to preventive care and mental health services. Visit healthcare.gov or contact a local health department to learn about enrollment periods and subsidies. Coverage opens doors to the primary care and mental health providers your community offers.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Madison County

via RiskByCounty

Madison County's natural disaster risk

Madison County scores 24.90 on the composite natural disaster risk scale, earning a Very Low risk rating—well below Ohio's 55.03 state average and the national baseline. This puts the county in the lower tier for hazard exposure across all major disaster types. Residents here face substantially less overall risk than most of their state neighbors.

One of Ohio's safest counties

Madison County ranks among the lowest-risk counties in Ohio, with its 24.90 composite score placing it well beneath the 55.03 state average. Only a handful of Ohio counties experience lower composite risk profiles. This favorable position reflects both geographic advantages and reduced exposure to the state's most common hazards.

Safer than surrounding counties

Madison County's 24.90 risk score outperforms most adjacent counties, particularly Marion County (61.10) and Mercer County (31.65) to the north. Even when compared to Meigs County (52.96) to the east, Madison County maintains a significantly lower risk profile. Its geography provides natural protection that neighboring regions don't share.

Earthquakes and tornadoes pose most threat

Earthquake risk (55.57) and tornado risk (43.92) represent Madison County's most significant hazards, though both remain below state averages. Flood risk scores 41.48, while wildfire risk remains minimal at 2.86. The county's modest hazard exposure means most residents can focus on standard weather preparedness rather than specialized disaster planning.

Basic coverage meets Madison County needs

Standard homeowners insurance covering wind and hail damage addresses Madison County's primary weather threats from tornadoes and severe storms. While earthquake insurance is optional, the 55.57 earthquake risk score suggests it's worth evaluating with your agent. Flood insurance is generally affordable here given the 41.48 flood risk, making it a practical addition to any policy.

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.