countyscore
46.8
County Score
Disaster Risk 65.1Schools 63.6Cost of Living 60.3

County Report Card

About Madison County, Texas

Madison County Nears National Median Performance

Madison County earns a composite score of 46.7, sitting just below the national median of 50.0. It maintains a balanced profile that keeps it competitive with many mid-tier counties across the country.

Outperforming the Texas State Average

At 46.7, Madison County comfortably exceeds the Texas state average score of 41.9. This makes it an attractive option within the state for those seeking a reliable quality of life.

Strong Schools and Solid Incomes

The county boasts a school score of 63.6 and an income score of 59.3, supported by a median household income of $67,128. These metrics indicate a healthy economic environment for working families.

Improving Local Health Outcomes

The county’s lowest score is in health, which sits at 15.7. While taxes are moderate at a 1.155% effective rate, the tax score of 27.8 suggests there is still a notable burden on local residents.

Ideal for Growth-Oriented Families

Madison County is a strong fit for families who value educational quality and consistent household earnings. It offers a stable Texas lifestyle with better-than-average state performance.

Score breakdown

Tax27.8Cost60.3Safety57.3Health15.7Schools63.6Income59.3Risk65.1Water25.7Weather28.1
🏛27.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠60.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼59.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡57.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤15.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓63.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡65.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧25.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤28.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨30.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱44.7
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

Walker County
Texas
25.1
Leon County
Texas
48.5
Grimes County
Texas
37
Brazos County
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22.8
Houston County
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Robertson County
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Trinity County
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San Jacinto 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 run below national norm

At 1.155% effective rate, Madison County sits below the national median rate and ranks in the lower-tax half of U.S. counties. The median annual tax of $1,722 falls well short of the national median of $2,690.

Slightly below Texas state average

Madison County's 1.155% rate edges below Texas's state average of 1.276%, positioning it as a modestly lower-tax option within the state. The median tax of $1,722 trails the state median of $2,193 by about $471 annually.

Favorable rates among Central Texas peers

Madison County's 1.155% rate sits between Limestone County's 1.187% and Liberty County's 1.251%, offering competitive tax terms in the region. It ranks among the more tax-friendly options in this dataset.

What Madison County homeowners pay yearly

On a median home valued at $149,100, Madison County residents pay approximately $1,722 in annual property taxes. Including mortgage taxes, the total reaches roughly $2,513 per year.

Even low taxes benefit from verification

Madison County residents enjoy below-average tax burdens, but that doesn't mean assessments are always accurate. Check your appraisal against neighboring sales to ensure you're not paying more than your home's fair market value warrants.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Madison County

via CostByCounty

Madison's rents stay below national norms

Madison County residents spend 14.9% of their income on rent, well below the national affordability threshold and significantly better than the Texas state average of 18.1%. This positions Madison as one of Texas's more affordable rental markets, even as the county's median income of $67,128 trails the national median by about $7,600.

Among Texas's most affordable counties

Madison County ranks in the upper tier of Texas affordability, with a rent-to-income ratio of 14.9% that beats 80% of its peer counties statewide. The median rent of $832 per month is about 14% lower than the Texas average, making it an outlier in a state where housing costs have climbed steadily.

Cheaper than most surrounding areas

Madison's $832 median rent undercuts neighboring Marion County ($854) and significantly beats Martin County ($1,175), though it trails Mason County's exceptionally low rents. When looking at ownership, Madison's $728 monthly cost sits near the regional average, making it competitive for both renters and homebuyers.

Where your housing dollars go

A typical Madison household earning $67,128 annually devotes about $995 to housing (rent and utilities), leaving roughly $5,594 monthly for other expenses. Homeowners fare similarly, with median monthly costs of $728 consuming just 13% of household income—a healthy ratio that reflects the county's $149,100 median home value.

Consider Madison for balanced living costs

If affordable housing is your priority, Madison County delivers solid value without the density or higher costs of urban Texas counties. Compare Madison's 14.9% rent-to-income ratio against counties like Marion (21.6%) or Matagorda (21.7%) to see the real savings potential for relocating families.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Madison County

via IncomeByCounty

Madison County holds steady against U.S. average

At $67,128, Madison County's median household income is 10% below the national median of $74,755, reflecting a solid position within the American middle class. The county ranks above many peers nationwide while remaining below the wealthiest U.S. communities.

Exceeds Texas average by 4%

Madison County earns $67,128 versus the state average of $64,737, placing it in the upper-middle range of Texas counties. The per capita income of $26,453 runs notably below state average, suggesting wealth concentrated in fewer households.

Mid-range income in regional comparison

Madison County ($67,128) sits between Lynn County ($57,411) and Mason County ($68,750), occupying the moderate-income tier of the region. The county performs better than Matagorda ($55,174) and Maverick ($51,270) but trails Martin County's energy-driven prosperity.

Housing costs are highly affordable

Madison County's 14.9% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the best in the comparison group, well below the 20% affordability threshold. A median home value of $149,100 is very accessible to households earning the county median, freeing income for savings and investments.

Strong foundation for wealth building

Madison County's favorable housing costs create real opportunity to invest surplus income into retirement accounts and diversified portfolios. Residents should capitalize on this advantage by directing 10-15% of household income toward long-term wealth strategies.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Madison County

via CrimeByCounty

Madison County Boasts Exceptional Safety Scores

Madison County features a safety score of 98.5, placing it among the more secure regions in the country. The total crime rate of 981.1 per 100,000 is less than half the national benchmark of 2,385.5.

Leading the Way in Texas Safety

Madison County's 98.5 safety score exceeds the Texas state average of 96.8. Five different reporting agencies work together to maintain a crime rate that is nearly 50% lower than the state average.

Superior Safety Performance Near the Brazos

At 981.1 crimes per 100,000 people, Madison County is significantly safer than the average Texas county which sits at 2,052.5. This data reflects a consistent commitment to public safety across the local area.

Analyzing the Madison County Crime Mix

Violent crime occurs at a rate of 221.3 per 100,000, which is lower than the state average of 341.3. Property crime accounts for 759.8 per 100,000, showing that most local incidents are non-violent in nature.

Keep Your Property Secure

While the numbers are low, property crime remains the most common threat in the county. Visible security cameras and secure locks provide an effective secondary layer of protection for Madison County homeowners.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Madison County

via HealthByCounty

Madison County lags on life expectancy

Madison County residents average 72.8 years of life—well below the U.S. average of 74.0 years. With 23.5% reporting poor or fair health, the county exceeds the national benchmark of 17%, pointing to persistent chronic illness and lifestyle factors driving early mortality.

Uninsured rate outpaces Texas average

Madison County's life expectancy of 72.8 years falls short of Texas's 74.3-year average, while its uninsured rate of 24.3% significantly exceeds the state average of 19.8%. This combination suggests both healthcare access and affordability challenges across the county.

Severely limited provider infrastructure

Madison County has just 22 primary care providers and 22 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—among the lowest in its region. Residents often travel to neighboring counties for specialist care, creating delays and barriers that likely contribute to the elevated poor/fair health rate.

Provider shortage compounds uninsured crisis

Nearly one in four Madison County residents lack insurance, and those who are insured often struggle to find local providers willing to accept their coverage. The thin provider network means that getting timely care—even with insurance—requires patience, transportation, and often traveling out of county.

Coverage expands your care options

Madison County residents should explore Medicaid, CHIP, and marketplace insurance at healthcare.gov to reduce the uninsured rate and strengthen access to available local providers. Even with limited infrastructure, insurance opens doors to specialists and preventive services that can improve long-term health.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Madison County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Focused Network for Madison Students

Madison County supports a concentrated infrastructure of five public schools across two districts, serving a total of 2,783 students. This network includes two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school to cover the county's educational needs.

High Graduation Rates Lead the Way

The county achieves an impressive 96.0% graduation rate, significantly outperforming both the state average of 91.6% and the national 87.0% benchmark. While per-pupil expenditure is lower than the state average at $6,873, the composite school score of 56.4 remains above the state's 55.3 average.

Madisonville CISD Anchors the Community

Madisonville CISD is the primary provider, managing four schools and 2,431 students. North Zulch ISD serves the remaining 352 students in a single PK-12 facility, and there are currently no charter schools in the county.

Small-Town Feel with Mid-Sized Campus Enrollment

Four of the five county schools are located in town settings, while one remains rural. The average school size is 557 students, ranging from the 700-student Madisonville Elementary to the 352-student North Zulch Elementary/Secondary.

Find Your Home Near Top-Performing Schools

Families prioritize education when choosing a home, and Madison County’s high graduation rates make it a compelling choice. Explore local real estate to find a residence near these successful districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Madison County

via RiskByCounty

Madison County risks remain safely below national average

Madison County's composite risk score of 34.89 places it well below the national average, earning a "Very Low" rating despite some elevated specific hazards. The county's overall disaster risk profile is favorable compared to typical U.S. counties. However, certain individual hazards—particularly hurricane and tornado risk—deserve specific attention.

Madison ranks in the safer half of Texas counties

At 34.89, Madison County scores notably below Texas' state average of 49.00, placing it in the lower-risk tier of counties statewide. The county benefits from a position that avoids the worst tornado alleys and wildfire zones that plague other Texas regions. However, its proximity to the Gulf makes hurricane risk a meaningful factor.

Comparable risk to Marion County, higher than Mason

Madison County's risk profile (34.89) closely mirrors Marion County (29.17) while exceeding safer neighbors like Mason County (10.97) and McCulloch County (10.05). The county sits in the middle range for the East Texas region, with moderately elevated hurricane and tornado exposure. Its inland position moderates coastal flooding threats that impact Gulf-facing counties.

Hurricane and tornado threats dominate Madison's hazards

Hurricane risk reaches 79.10 in Madison County—exceptionally high and a major concern for coastal-adjacent East Texas residents. Tornado risk follows at 55.44, representing a significant severe weather threat during spring months. Wildfire (47.84) and flood (23.82) risks remain secondary but warrant baseline preparedness.

Prioritize hurricane and tornado coverage now

Madison County residents must secure comprehensive homeowners insurance with explicit windstorm and hail coverage to address hurricane and tornado threats. Consider a separate windstorm policy if standard coverage limits are insufficient, given the county's elevated hurricane exposure of 79.10. Safe room construction or basement reinforcement should be evaluated for family safety during severe weather events.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Madison County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm and Humid Piney Woods

Madison County records an annual average temperature of 67.1°F, making it significantly warmer than the national median. It sits in a humid subtropical zone that receives substantial moisture from the Gulf.

A Typical East Texas Profile

The county's 67.1°F average is slightly higher than the state average of 65.5°F. Notably, its 45.5 inches of annual rain far exceeds the state average of 31.9 inches, making it one of the wetter parts of Texas.

Wetter Than Central Texas Neighbors

Madison is much wetter than counties just to the west, receiving 45.5 inches of rain compared to the state's drier interior. Its temperature profile is very similar to Walker and Leon counties, sharing the same 107 days of extreme heat.

Rainy Springs and Steamy Summers

The county faces 107 days of heat at or above 90°F, with a summer average of 82.3°F. Winters are mild and damp, averaging 51.1°F with negligible snowfall of only 0.3 inches per year.

Manage Humidity and Rainfall

Residents must plan for 45.5 inches of rain by maintaining clear gutters and proper yard drainage. Dehumidifiers are often necessary to stay comfortable during the long 82.3°F summer season.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Madison County

via SoilByCounty

Fine sandy loams and Alfisols

Madison County is dominated by Alfisols with a fine sandy loam texture. The average pH of 6.12 is slightly acidic, falling just below the national median of 6.5 but remaining very productive.

Sand-heavy for easy drainage

This soil is 58.0% sand, which is quite high and ensures the ground stays loose and workable. The 18.7% clay content provides a decent base for nutrient storage without making the soil too compact.

Lower organic matter reserves

The organic matter level of 1.24% is lower than the Texas average of 1.66%, so focus on soil building. Available water capacity is also slightly low at 0.129 in/in, meaning plants will need consistent watering.

Moderately well-drained ground

These soils are moderately well-drained but belong to hydrologic group D, which indicates a risk for runoff on slopes. This combination means you should watch for quick drying on the surface while subsoils may stay damp.

Blueberries love zone 9a

The slightly acidic soil in hardiness zone 9a is perfect for blueberries and blackberries. Start a garden today and enjoy the benefits of a soil that is exceptionally easy to dig and plant!

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Madison County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable Conditions in East Texas

Madison County earns a lawn difficulty score of 44.7, which is much better than the Texas average of 31.7. This Zone 9a region approaches the national median of 50.0, suggesting a relatively manageable environment for green space. Growing a lush lawn here is significantly easier than in the drier western parts of the state.

Plentiful Rain Meets Intense Heat

The county receives 45.5 inches of annual precipitation, which sits perfectly within the ideal 30-50 inch range for lawn health. However, 107 days of extreme heat and 6,636 growing degree days mean grass grows rapidly and needs frequent maintenance. Proper mowing height is essential to protect turf during the long, hot summers.

Acidic and Sandy Loam Foundation

The soil pH of 6.12 is nearly perfect for turfgrass, falling within the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range. Classified as fine sandy loam and moderately well-drained, this soil offers a solid balance of 58.0% sand and 18.7% clay. Most homeowners find their soil is naturally hospitable to standard Texas lawn varieties.

Navigating Periodic Dry Spells

Despite good annual rainfall, the county endured 18 weeks of drought last year, with 88.3% of the area currently in severe drought. Effective water management remains critical to ensure deep root growth before the peak summer heat. Implementing smart irrigation controllers can help manage the transition between rainy spells and dry weeks.

Harnessing the Long Growing Season

St. Augustine and Zoysia thrive in this Zone 9a climate, especially with the favorable local soil. Your growing window opens after the March 16 frost and stays active until mid-November. The high annual temperatures and ample rainfall provide an excellent head start for spring seeding.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Madison County's county score?
Madison County, Texas has a composite county score of 46.8 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 Texas?
Madison County ranks #90 among all counties in Texas 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, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Madison County is $1,722, with an effective tax rate of 1.15%. This earns Madison County a tax score of 27.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Madison County?
The median household income in Madison County, Texas is $67,128 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Madison County earns an income score of 59.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Madison County, Texas a good place to live?
Madison County scores 46.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #90 in Texas. 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.

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🏛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.