countyscore
59.1
County Score
Disaster Risk 91.6Income & Jobs 86.9Property Tax 75.2

County Report Card

About Madison County, Virginia

Madison County Above National Averages

Madison County achieves a strong composite score of 59.1, placing it well ahead of the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a high standard of living and financial stability.

Exceeding the Virginia State Average

At 59.1, Madison County outperforms the Virginia state average of 50.9. It ranks as a premier choice for those seeking a balance of safety and prosperity within the Commonwealth.

Wealth and Environmental Security

The county excels with a 91.6 risk score and an 86.9 income score, supported by a median household income of $82,972. Safety (70.8) and taxes (75.2) also rank very highly.

Housing Costs and Water Quality

Madison faces significant pressure in housing affordability with a low cost score of 21.4. Furthermore, the water quality score is notably low at 7.9, representing a key area for potential local investment.

A Haven for High-Income Professionals

Madison is a perfect match for affluent families who value safety and financial security. It is best for those who can manage higher home values in exchange for a peaceful, high-earning community.

2040608010075.221.470.867.361.786.991.67.960.8Tax75.2Cost21.4Safety70.8Health67.3Schools61.7Income86.9Risk91.6Water7.9Weather60.859.1/100
This county
National avg
5 above average2 below average

Madison County DNA

Foverall

How Madison County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Madison County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (91.6/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (7.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
75.2+23.200000000000003
Cost
21.4-26.6
Safety
70.8+15.799999999999997
Health
67.3+17.299999999999997
Schools
61.7
Income
86.9+35.900000000000006
Risk
91.6+44.599999999999994
Water
7.9-50.1
Weather
60.8
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$331,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,048/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$331,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$41,920/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $82,972/yr
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Economic & Education Snapshot

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

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50.6
Orange County
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Page County
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52.4
Rappahannock County
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Culpeper County
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Charlottesville city
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Albemarle County
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Harrisonburg city
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Deep Dives

Madison County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Madison County

via TaxByCounty

Madison's rate is below national standard

Madison County charges an effective tax rate of 0.594%, placing it in roughly the bottom 40% nationally. While the median U.S. home pays about $2,690 annually, Madison's modest rate means homeowners here pay far less on a percentage basis.

Moderate tax burden within Virginia

Madison's 0.594% effective rate sits below Virginia's statewide average of 0.671%, making it a relatively tax-friendly option. The county ranks in the lower half of Virginia's jurisdictions for property tax rates.

Balanced between low and high neighbors

Madison's 0.594% falls between Lunenburg County (0.436%) and Lynchburg city (0.840%), offering a middle ground. It's significantly lower than the northern urban centers like Manassas (1.096%) and Manassas Park (1.136%).

Median annual tax: $1,967

Madison County's median home value of $331,400 combined with its 0.594% rate results in annual property taxes of $1,967, or about $164 monthly. Homeowners with mortgages typically escrow slightly higher amounts.

Verify your home's assessed value

Even in counties with reasonable tax rates, overassessment is common and often goes unchallenged. Madison homeowners should review their assessment notices and consider appealing if the valuation doesn't match market conditions.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Madison County

via CostByCounty

Madison offers strong affordability to earners

With a rent-to-income ratio of 15.2%, Madison County households spend significantly less on rent relative to income than the national average, providing genuine breathing room in budgets. A median household income of $82,972 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by $8,217, positioning residents well above the national norm.

Virginia's most affordable for income earners

Madison's rent-to-income ratio of 15.2% ranks among the lowest in Virginia, well below the state average of 18.6%, reflecting both reasonable rents and strong household earnings. This combination makes Madison one of the state's standout affordability markets for those with above-average incomes.

Higher costs, higher incomes, better balance

Madison's $1,048 rent slightly exceeds some rural neighbors like Lunenburg ($780) but underbids Mathews County ($1,108); the real advantage is Madison's $82,972 median income, which outpaces all peer counties. This income-to-cost ratio is the county's true strength.

Madison's housing expense details

Renters allocate just 15.2% of their earnings to rent, while homeowners dedicate about 17.3% to mortgage payments on homes valued around $331,400. Both figures remain comfortably within national recommendations for housing cost burden.

Madison attracts high-income transplants

If you earn above $80,000 and seek a balanced housing market with strong incomes and manageable costs, Madison County delivers. Its combination of reasonable rents, substantial home values, and robust household earnings makes it ideal for professionals relocating from pricier metros.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Madison County

via IncomeByCounty

Madison exceeds national income benchmark

Madison County's median household income of $82,972 outpaces the national median of $74,755 by 11%. This rural Virginia county has cultivated a stronger economic base than the typical American community.

Upper third of Virginia counties

At $82,972, Madison County ranks solidly above Virginia's state median of $74,957, placing it in the upper tier of the Commonwealth's 133 counties and independent cities. The county's agricultural heritage and commuter access have supported above-average household earnings.

Wealthiest among rural peers

Madison's $82,972 income significantly exceeds nearby Lunenburg ($54,460) and Mecklenburg ($51,691) counties. Among rural Virginia communities, Madison's economic strength stands out and approaches some suburban areas around major metros.

Strong housing affordability remains

A 15.2% rent-to-income ratio—the lowest among these eight jurisdictions—demonstrates excellent housing affordability despite a median home value of $331,400. Madison residents enjoy comfortable housing costs while maintaining strong overall purchasing power.

Madison families positioned for growth

With above-average income and strong housing affordability, Madison County residents can aggressively fund retirement accounts and investment portfolios. This financial runway enables wealth-building strategies like real estate investment and diversified stock market participation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Madison County

via CrimeByCounty

Madison County Outperforms National Safety Trends

Madison County reports a total crime rate of 694.3 per 100,000 residents, which is nearly 71% lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This low frequency of incidents earns the county an impressive safety score of 98.9 out of 100.

A Leader in Virginia Public Safety

The county's safety score of 98.9 sits well above the Virginia state average of 97.3. With a total crime rate of just 694.3 per 100,000, Madison ranks among the safest jurisdictions in the Commonwealth.

Comparing Madison to Regional Averages

Madison's crime rate is significantly lower than the state average of 1,728.8 per 100,000 residents. Two reporting agencies provide comprehensive data that highlights a consistent trend of high safety relative to neighboring Virginia counties.

Property Crime Dominates Local Incidents

Violent crime remains rare at just 43.4 per 100,000 residents, far below the national average of 369.8. Property crime accounts for the majority of local incidents at 650.9 per 100,000, though this still represents a fraction of the national property crime rate.

Strengthening Madison County’s Residential Security

While Madison is statistically very safe, residents can further reduce property crime by installing motion-sensor lighting. Simple awareness and smart home monitoring help maintain the county's status as one of Virginia's safest communities.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Madison County

via SchoolsByCounty

Efficient Rural Education in Madison

Madison County operates a streamlined system of 4 public schools, including two elementary, one middle, and one high school. This single-district county serves a total student body of 1,680.

High Graduation Rates in a Rural Setting

The county boasts a 92.0% graduation rate, exceeding both the state average of 89.0% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. Madison's school score of 56.1 also outperforms the state average of 54.8, despite a lower per-pupil spend of $7,689.

Madison County Public Schools Focus

The Madison County Public Schools district manages all 4 schools and 1,680 students. With zero charter schools, the county remains committed to its centralized, traditional public school model.

Quiet Campuses with Personalized Attention

The county features a strictly rural locale mix, with an average school size of 420 students. Madison County High is the largest facility with 557 students, while Waverly Yowell Elementary is the smallest with 337.

Find Your Rural Retreat in Madison

With graduation rates that beat state and national averages, Madison County is an excellent choice for families seeking quality rural education. Explore homes in the area to find your perfect balance of academic success and country peace.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Madison County

via RiskByCounty

Madison has the lowest composite risk score

With a composite risk score of 8.43 and a Very Low rating, Madison County represents one of the safest communities in the nation for natural disasters. The county's score is far below both the national average and Virginia's state average of 33.27.

Virginia's safest county overall

Madison County ranks at or near the bottom of Virginia's disaster risk rankings, with the lowest composite score among the eight profiled communities. This Very Low rating reflects minimal exposure across nearly all major hazard categories.

Significantly safer than surrounding counties

Madison's risk score of 8.43 is substantially lower than Lunenburg County (19.85) and dramatically lower than Mecklenburg County (54.33). The county's protected status makes it among the most naturally secure areas in central Virginia.

Wildfire risk leads modest threat profile

Madison County's highest individual risk comes from wildfire at 39.76, though this remains below state average thresholds. Tornado (13.90), flood (19.53), and earthquake (44.27) risks are all relatively modest, making the county exceptionally safe overall.

Standard coverage sufficient for low-risk area

Madison County's very low disaster risk means standard homeowners insurance typically provides adequate protection for most residents. However, property owners in forested areas should ensure their policies cover wildfire damage, and all residents should maintain basic emergency preparedness regardless of low-risk status.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Madison County

via WaterByCounty

Drinking Water Safety Grade Falls to F

Madison County records 9 health violations over the last five years, resulting in a failing Grade F. Its violation rate of 440.1 per 100,000 residents is more than triple the Virginia state average.

E. Coli and Temperature Stress Local Streams

Roughly 39.4% of the county's 71 assessed water bodies fail to meet Clean Water Act standards according to the 2022 cycle. High E. coli levels and elevated water temperatures are the most frequent causes of these impairments.

Extensive Monitoring Network Tracks Water Quality

Madison County benefits from a robust network of 38 monitoring sites that have generated 11,288 measurements since 2019. This high density of data focuses on nutrients and physical inorganic markers to identify pollution sources.

Robinson River Running Below Half Capacity

The Robinson River gauge near Locust Dale shows a current discharge of 96 cfs, well below the long-term mean of 226 cfs. Flow levels currently sit at 43% of what is typical for this 179 square mile drainage area.

Prioritize Filtration and Health Violation Awareness

Given the county's F grade and high violation rate, residents should consider point-of-use water filtration and regular private well testing. Additionally, low flow in the Robinson River may concentrate pollutants, increasing the need for vigilance.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Madison County

via WeatherByCounty

Distinctly Cool Mountain Climate

Madison County is an outlier with an annual average of just 47.5°F, significantly colder than the national median. This cooler profile is driven by its high-elevation terrain near the Blue Ridge Mountains.

One of Virginia's Coldest Counties

The county's 47.5°F average is more than eight degrees lower than the Virginia state average of 55.9°F. It represents a much cooler climate than the rest of the Commonwealth.

A Sharp Contrast to Manassas

Madison is dramatically cooler than nearby Manassas city, which averages 55.5°F. While local precipitation data is limited, the temperature difference creates a completely different ecosystem from its eastern neighbors.

Winters Below Freezing, No Extreme Heat

Winter temperatures average a frigid 29.5°F, with January dipping to 27.3°F. Remarkably, the county records zero days of extreme heat above 90°F, with a mild July peak of only 67.1°F.

Prioritize Heating Over Cooling

High-capacity heating systems and heavy winter insulation are mandatory for the sub-freezing winter averages. Since the mercury never hits 90°F, residents can often bypass central air conditioning in favor of mountain breezes.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Madison County

via SoilByCounty

Highly Acidic Mountain Soils

Madison County soil is notably acidic with an average pH of 5.15, well below the national median of 6.5. This acidity is slightly lower than the Virginia state average of 5.23, reflecting the local mineral composition.

A Balanced Silt and Sand Mix

The soil contains a balanced blend of 42.8% sand and 37.0% silt, creating a texture that is generally easy to work. With 17.4% clay, the soil maintains enough structure to hold nutrients without becoming excessively heavy or compacted.

Strong Water Retention Despite Low Organic Matter

Organic matter levels sit at 1.71%, which is below the 2.90% state average. However, the available water capacity of 0.151 in/in exceeds the state average of 0.143, helping crops withstand short dry spells.

Naturally Permeable and Fast-Draining

While specific drainage classes are not recorded, the high sand and silt content suggest efficient permeability. This allows water to move through the soil profile quickly, which is beneficial for preventing root rot in wet weather.

Ideal for Hardy Fruits and Vegetables

Madison County's Hardiness Zone 7a supports a wide range of fruit trees and cool-weather crops. Adding lime and organic compost can neutralize the acidity and unlock the full potential of your garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Madison County

via LawnByCounty

Steep Challenges in Madison Lawns

Madison County is one of the more difficult places to grow grass, with a score of 43.6 compared to the state's 55.4. Located in Hardiness Zone 7a, the county faces cooler average temperatures and unique soil hurdles. Homeowners here must be more proactive than their neighbors to achieve a lush green yard.

Cooler Climates with Zero Heat Days

Madison stays surprisingly cool with an annual average temp of 47.5°F and zero recorded days over 90°F. While precipitation data is missing, the 2,121 growing degree days indicate a shorter, cooler window for grass development. This environment is ideal for cool-season grasses that struggle in Virginia's hotter regions.

Extreme Soil Acidity Management

The soil pH in Madison is a very low 5.15, which is far below the ideal 6.0 target. With 17.4% clay and 42.8% sand, the soil can become compacted, locking out nutrients in the acidic environment. Heavy liming is mandatory here to raise the pH and ensure your grass can actually use the fertilizer you apply.

A Year of Lingering Dryness

The county has endured 33 weeks in drought over the last year, with the entire area currently classified as abnormally dry. Fortunately, none of the county is in severe drought levels (D2+), offering a slight reprieve compared to other parts of the state. Use mulch-mowing to return moisture and nutrients to the thirsty soil.

Wait for the May Frost

The last spring frost typically hits around May 1, meaning you should wait longer than your coastal neighbors to begin spring projects. Fine fescues are excellent choices for Madison's cooler, shaded slopes. Target the first two weeks of September for fall seeding to ensure roots establish before the October 19 frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Madison County's county score?
Madison County, Virginia has a composite county score of 59.1 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 Virginia?
Madison County ranks #24 among all counties in Virginia 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, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Madison County is $1,967, with an effective tax rate of 0.59%. This earns Madison County a tax score of 75.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Madison County?
The median household income in Madison County, Virginia is $82,972 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Madison County earns an income score of 86.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Madison County, Virginia a good place to live?
Madison County scores 59.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #24 in Virginia. 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.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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