countyscore
33.9
County Score
Water Quality 86Property Tax 73Weather & Climate 63

County Report Card

About Madison County, Tennessee

A challenging national ranking

Madison County's composite score of 33.9 falls significantly below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects serious challenges across several key liveability dimensions.

Well below the state average

At 33.9, Madison County trails the Tennessee state average of 51.3 by a wide margin. Higher-than-average costs and safety concerns are the primary drivers of this ranking.

Clean water and decent taxes

The county maintains high water quality with a score of 86.0 and a respectable tax score of 73.0. Median household incomes also stay competitive for the region at $58,189.

Safety and environmental risk

The most pressing issues are a safety score of 7.2 and a risk score of 7.9. These scores, combined with a cost score of 30.6, suggest high expenses paired with significant community hazards.

Best for urban-focused professionals

Madison County suits those who need to be near the regional economic hub of Jackson for work. Residents here must balance the convenience of a larger city against lower safety and high cost metrics.

Score breakdown

Tax73Cost30.6Safety7.2Health33.4Schools26.3Income33.3Risk7.9Water86Weather63
🏛73
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠30.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼33.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡7.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤33.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓26.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡7.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤63
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨33.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱35.1
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

Chester County
Tennessee
61.2
Henderson County
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53.1
Crockett County
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48.9
Haywood County
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Gibson County
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Hardeman County
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Carroll County
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McNairy 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 ranks among highest-tax counties

Madison County's effective tax rate of 0.612% nearly triples the national median of 0.22%, placing the county in the top 10% nationally. Homeowners here bear a substantial tax burden despite median values of $189,700—below the U.S. median of $281,900.

Second-highest in Tennessee

Madison County ranks second among Tennessee's 95 counties in effective tax rate, trailing only Lauderdale County. The 0.612% rate is 20% above the state average of 0.511%, imposing one of the steepest tax bills in the state.

Significantly higher than peer counties

Madison's 0.612% rate far exceeds nearby Loudon County (0.398%), Macon County (0.406%), and all adjacent jurisdictions. Madison residents face substantially higher tax burdens than those in surrounding communities.

Median tax bill over $1,100

Madison County homeowners with a median-value home of $189,700 pay $1,161 annually in property tax. This exceeds the state average tax bill of $1,016 despite below-average home values, reflecting the county's elevated rate.

Assessment appeals pay dividends here

With Madison's high tax rate, even modest overassessments cost homeowners significantly. Residents should absolutely request assessment reviews and file appeals if their homes are appraised above comparable market values.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Madison County

via CostByCounty

Madison's rental burden significantly exceeds peers

At 22.2% of income spent on rent, Madison County residents face a notably heavy housing burden—well above both the national average and Tennessee's 17.6% state benchmark. The median income of $58,189 combined with the state's highest sample rent of $1,076 monthly creates genuine affordability pressure for renters.

Least affordable county in Tennessee sample

Madison ranks last in affordability among these eight counties, with a rent-to-income ratio of 22.2% that exceeds the state average by 4.6 percentage points. This disparity suggests housing demand or supply constraints pushing rents higher than regional norms.

Rents spike despite modest home values

Madison's $1,076 monthly rent—$81 higher than Loudon's despite lower median income—paired with a modest median home value of $189,700 creates an unusual market dynamic. This suggests strong rental demand but weaker ownership fundamentals, likely reflecting proximity to employment centers or housing shortage.

Renters squeezed more than homeowners

Renters bear a 22.2% housing burden at $1,076 monthly, while homeowners pay only 15.8% at $913—a stark 6.4 percentage point gap favoring ownership. This disparity suggests Madison's rental shortage creates inflated rents while property ownership remains moderately priced.

Consider homeownership if Madison calls

Madison County's high rents make it the least affordable for renters in this sample, but homeownership offers relief with much lower monthly burdens. If relocating to Madison, budget aggressively for rent or prioritize saving for a down payment to unlock the ownership advantage.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Madison County

via IncomeByCounty

Madison County income below national median

Madison County's median household income of $58,189 trails the national median of $74,755 by $16,566, placing it in the bottom 40% of U.S. counties. The county's per capita income of $32,221 reflects a mix of agricultural, service, and light manufacturing employment.

Slightly below Tennessee's state average

At $58,189, Madison County's median household income is essentially aligned with Tennessee's state average of $58,994, making it representative of the typical Tennessee county. The county ranks near the statewide middle, with balanced economic conditions across the region.

Mid-tier earnings in this county group

Madison County's $58,189 median ranks in the middle of this eight-county grouping, exceeding western counties but trailing Lincoln ($63,115) and Loudon ($80,296). The county's position reflects a moderately diversified local economy with stable employment.

Rising housing costs strain affordability

Madison County's 22.2% rent-to-income ratio is the highest among these eight counties, indicating housing costs consume over one-fifth of household income—above the recommended 20% threshold. The median home value of $189,700 creates affordability pressure despite moderate county-level incomes.

Prioritize housing stability before investing

Madison County households earning $58,189 should first stabilize housing costs, as the elevated rent-to-income ratio limits discretionary savings. Once housing is secured, even modest investments of $75–$150 monthly can build meaningful retirement and education funds over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Madison County

via CrimeByCounty

Madison County Crime Above National Average

Madison County reports a total crime rate of 3,076.7 per 100,000, which is about 29% higher than the national average of 2,385.5. Despite the higher volume of reports, the county maintains a safety score of 95.1. This score reflects the complexity of managing crime in a more populated Tennessee hub.

Higher Crime Frequency Than State Average

Madison's safety score of 95.1 is lower than the Tennessee average of 97.2. Its total crime rate of 3,076.7 is significantly higher than the state average of 1,785.6. Four reporting agencies coordinate safety efforts to address this elevated crime volume.

Comparing Madison to Regional Averages

Madison County's crime rate of 3,076.7 is higher than neighboring Lauderdale County's 2,673.7. This makes Madison one of the more active areas for reported crime in the region. Local law enforcement must manage a higher number of incidents per capita than most nearby counties.

Violent and Property Crime Trends

Violent crime in Madison stands at 732.9 per 100,000, which is nearly double the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also high at 2,343.8 per 100,000, exceeding the national benchmark of 2,015.7. Both categories show higher activity than national and state norms.

Enhanced Vigilance for Homeowners

With property crime rates above 2,300 per 100,000, comprehensive home security is a priority for Madison residents. High-quality cameras, alarm systems, and neighborhood watches can help mitigate these risks. Four local reporting agencies provide data to help you understand which areas require the most attention.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Madison County

via HealthByCounty

Above-average life expectancy for region

Madison County residents live an average of 73.2 years, approaching the U.S. life expectancy of 76.4 years and exceeding most peers in this cluster. Just 21.6% of adults report poor or fair health, notably better than the national average of about 18%. Strong healthcare infrastructure directly supports this comparative health advantage.

Exceeds Tennessee's state average significantly

Madison County's life expectancy of 73.2 years exceeds Tennessee's 72.4-year state average by 0.8 years and ranks among the best in the state. The 21.6% poor/fair health rate reflects effective population health management. Madison County demonstrates the impact of robust healthcare institutions and provider availability on community health.

Highest provider density in the region

Madison County leads all eight counties with 139 primary care providers and 316 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—levels typically found in major urban areas. This exceptional density reflects the presence of Jackson-Madison County General Hospital and regional medical institutions. Residents enjoy unprecedented access to both physical and behavioral health specialists.

Low uninsured rate plus abundant providers

Madison County's uninsured rate of 10.8% is the lowest in this eight-county sample and below Tennessee's 11.9% state average. Combined with the region's highest provider density, this means most residents can readily access needed care without financial barriers. The county's healthcare ecosystem is unusually well-resourced compared to rural peers.

Stay covered in Madison County's strong system

Madison County's health advantage depends on residents staying engaged with healthcare and maintaining insurance coverage year-round. If you're uninsured, Healthcare.gov offers affordable plans that connect you to the county's robust provider network. Consistent coverage maximizes the benefit of living in a well-resourced healthcare community.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Madison County

via SchoolsByCounty

The Diverse Schools of Madison County

Madison County hosts a large educational infrastructure with 27 public schools serving 12,491 students. This includes 13 elementary, five middle, and six high schools, plus three specialized facilities. Most students attend schools within the primary county district, centered around the city of Jackson.

Academic Outcomes and Funding Efficiency

The county maintains an 88.0% graduation rate, outperforming the national benchmark of 87.0%. Spending is lean at $5,968 per pupil compared to the state average of $6,215, resulting in a school score of 50.2. While academic metrics are consistent, the county is looking to improve its standing relative to state averages.

Large District with Specialized Options

The Madison County district is the primary provider, serving 12,463 students across 26 schools. The county also hosts the West Tennessee School for the Deaf, a specialized single-school district for 28 students. There are no charter schools, as the large county district provides various magnet and traditional options.

City Schooling with a Rural Edge

With 20 schools located in city locales, the county has a predominantly urban feel, though seven schools remain in rural settings. North Side High School is the largest campus with 886 students, while the average school size across the county is 480 students. This variety allows families to choose between larger high schools and smaller elementary campuses.

Locating Your Home Near Jackson Schools

Madison County offers the most diverse range of public school options in the region, making it a hub for families. Buying a home in the city of Jackson provides easy access to a large network of elementary and middle schools. Consider school proximity as a long-term investment in both your family's future and your property's value.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Madison County

via RiskByCounty

Madison County faces above-average risk

Madison County scores 92.08 on the composite risk index with a Relatively Moderate rating, far exceeding Tennessee's average of 52.45. This is the highest-risk county among the eight profiled, driven by exceptionally high tornado and earthquake exposure.

Top-tier risk in Tennessee

Madison County ranks among the highest-risk counties in Tennessee for natural disasters. Its 92.08 score places it in the upper 10% statewide for composite natural disaster exposure.

Significantly riskier than peers

Madison County's risk profile far exceeds adjacent Lauderdale (71.56), Lawrence (69.66), and all other neighboring counties in the region. It stands apart as the most hazard-exposed county in west-central Tennessee.

Tornadoes and earthquakes dominate

Tornadoes represent an exceptional threat at 97.20—among the highest in the nation—while earthquakes at 98.19 create equally severe seismic risk. Flood exposure of 72.65 adds a third critical hazard, making Madison uniquely vulnerable.

Comprehensive coverage is essential

Madison County residents need a comprehensive insurance portfolio: earthquake insurance (98.19 risk), flood insurance (72.65), and enhanced windstorm/hail coverage (97.20 tornado risk). Review your policies annually to ensure limits match your property's replacement cost.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Madison County

via WeatherByCounty

High Heat Days in West Tennessee

Madison County averages 59.7°F annually, significantly exceeding the national median temperature. With 60 days of extreme heat reaching 90°F or higher, this region experiences a longer summer season than much of the country.

Leading the State in Summer Intensity

Madison's 59.7°F annual average is warmer than the state average of 58.1°F. Its 60 extreme heat days represent a significant jump over the state norm, marking it as one of the warmer spots in Tennessee.

Wetter and Warmer than Eastern Peers

Compared to Loudon's 43 heat days, Madison's 60 days of extreme heat highlight the intensified summer of West Tennessee. It maintains a similar precipitation level to the state average but faces higher humidity and peak temperatures.

Intense Summers and Mild Winters

July is the peak of the heat with an average of 79.7°F and a high frequency of 90-degree days. Winters provide relief with a January average of 38.2°F and a modest 3.6 inches of snowfall annually.

Prioritizing Cooling and Storm Prep

With two full months of extreme heat, efficient air conditioning is a non-negotiable for Madison residents. Outdoor activities should be planned for the early morning or evening to avoid the 60 days of peak summer temperatures.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Madison County

via SoilByCounty

Young Entisols with High Acidity

Madison County is defined by Entisols with a pH of 5.15, placing it among the more acidic regions of the state. This level is far below the national median of 6.5, requiring soil testing and lime adjustments for most traditional gardening.

Dense Silt for Moisture Holding

With a high silt content of 67.4% and only 16.8% sand, these silt loam soils have a very fine, smooth texture. The 14.6% clay content is relatively low, but the dominance of silt can still lead to compaction if the soil is overworked.

Impressive Water Storage Potential

The Available Water Capacity is an impressive 0.194 in/in, far exceeding the state average of 0.171. However, fertility is hampered by a low organic matter level of 1.39%, which is nearly half the Tennessee average.

Managing Poorly Drained Landscapes

Classified as poorly drained and belonging to Hydrologic Group B/D, this soil often stays saturated for long periods. Gardeners and builders should use raised beds or drainage systems to prevent water from pooling on the surface.

Wet-Weather Favorites for Zone 7b

In Zone 7b, the combination of high water storage and poor drainage makes this area great for moisture-loving plants like pecans or elderberries. Focus on adding organic matter to improve the soil's structure and drainage for a diverse garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Madison County

via LawnByCounty

Tennessee's Toughest Lawn Terrain

Madison County presents a significant challenge with a lawn difficulty score of 35.1, the lowest in this group. This Zone 7b region is much more difficult for lawn care than the state average of 48.0 or the national median of 50.0. Homeowners must work hard to overcome poor drainage and extreme summer heat.

Dealing with Persistent Summer Heat

The county suffers through 60 extreme heat days each year, far exceeding the state average of 36. Combined with 55.3 inches of annual rain, this creates a high-pressure environment for turf diseases and heat stress. The high 4849 growing degree days require a strict and frequent mowing schedule to keep up.

Poor Drainage and Acidic Soil

The soil foundation is particularly difficult, characterized as poorly drained silt loam with a low pH of 5.15. This acidity and lack of drainage can drown roots and lock out essential nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. You must focus on drainage solutions and regular lime treatments to give your grass a fighting chance.

Water Management in Dry Spells

Despite the high annual rainfall, the county saw 19 weeks of drought last year and is currently 100% abnormally dry. This oscillation between poor drainage and drought makes water management a constant struggle for Madison County residents. Focus on improving soil organic matter to help the ground act like a sponge during these cycles.

Heat-Tolerant Varieties are Essential

Bermuda grass is highly recommended for Madison County because it can survive the 60 days of extreme heat. Aim to seed or sod after the last frost on April 4 for the best results in this Zone 7b climate. Be aware that the first fall frost on October 29 marks the end of the active growing season.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Madison County's county score?
Madison County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 33.9 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 Tennessee?
Madison County ranks #93 among all counties in Tennessee 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, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in Madison County is $1,161, with an effective tax rate of 0.61%. This earns Madison County a tax score of 73/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Madison County?
The median household income in Madison County, Tennessee is $58,189 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Madison County earns an income score of 33.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Madison County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Madison County scores 33.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #93 in Tennessee. 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

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