countyscore
56.6
County Score
Property Tax 99.5Cost of Living 95.3Disaster Risk 67.6

County Report Card

About Madison Parish, Louisiana

Beating the National Median

Madison Parish earns a composite score of 56.6, placing it comfortably above the national median of 50.0. This score indicates a higher overall quality of life relative to the typical American county. It suggests a balance of factors that outperform the national average across several key metrics.

A Leader in Louisiana

With a composite score of 56.6, Madison Parish outperforms the Louisiana state average of 53.0. It ranks as one of the more competitive parishes in the state for overall livability. This performance highlights its relative strength within the local region.

Unmatched Affordability and Low Taxes

The parish boasts an exceptional tax score of 99.5, driven by a very low effective tax rate of 0.230%. Housing is also highly accessible, with a cost score of 95.3 and a median gross rent of only $625. These scores make it one of the most budget-friendly locations for residents.

Economic and Infrastructure Hurdles

Madison Parish faces a significant challenge in income, with a dimension score of just 1.8 reflecting a median household income of $37,267. Additionally, the water score sits at 14.0, indicating infrastructure needs. Public health also remains an area for growth with a score of 28.0.

Ideal for Budget-Conscious Living

This parish is best suited for retirees or remote workers who want to maximize their purchasing power. The combination of extremely low taxes and affordable housing offers a financial advantage that few other places can match. Those who prioritize low cost of living over high local wages will find it most appealing.

Score breakdown

Tax99.5Cost95.3Safety35.6Health28Schools47.6Income1.8Risk67.6Water14Weather32
🏛99.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠95.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼1.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡35.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤28
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓47.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡67.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧14
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤32
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨53.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱44.5
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

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68.6
Claiborne County
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West Carroll Parish
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Tensas Parish
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Richland Parish
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Deep Dives

Madison Parish across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Madison Parish

via TaxByCounty

Madison Parish taxes far below national norm

At 0.230%, Madison Parish's effective tax rate ranks in the bottom 5% nationally—meaning homeowners here pay significantly less than the typical American county. The national median property tax is $2,690 annually; Madison Parish homeowners pay just $208, placing the parish well below even the lowest-tax regions across the country.

Lowest tax burden in Louisiana

Madison Parish has the lowest effective tax rate among Louisiana's 64 parishes at 0.230%, compared to the state average of 0.421%. Homeowners here pay $208 in median annual taxes versus $732 statewide, saving over $500 per year on a typical property.

Significantly lower than nearby parishes

Madison Parish's 0.230% rate stands well below neighboring Morehouse Parish (0.430%) and Ouachita Parish (0.555%). Even compared to other rural Louisiana parishes, Madison Parish residents enjoy the state's most favorable tax environment.

Median home costs just $208 yearly

With a median home value of $90,600 and an effective rate of 0.230%, a typical Madison Parish homeowner pays about $208 annually in property taxes. For those with a mortgage, escrow accounts typically collect $384 to cover insurance and other costs alongside the property tax bill.

Still worth checking your assessment

Even in Louisiana's lowest-tax parish, homeowners should verify their property assessment is accurate—overassessments can happen anywhere. If your home's assessed value seems high compared to recent sales in your neighborhood, filing an appeal costs nothing and could lower your tax bill further.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Madison Parish

via CostByCounty

Madison Parish rents bite harder than average

Renters in Madison Parish spend 20.1% of their income on housing, slightly above the national norm but reflecting a median income of just $37,267—roughly half the U.S. average of $74,755. At $625 per month, the median rent is substantially lower than the national typical, yet it consumes a disproportionate share of local earnings.

Better than average for Louisiana

Madison Parish's 20.1% rent-to-income ratio edges out Louisiana's state average of 19.5%, placing it in the middle tier of the state's 64 parishes. The median rent of $625 undercuts the state average of $873, offering relative affordability within Louisiana's context.

More affordable than nearby Morehouse

Madison Parish renters enjoy a $170 monthly advantage over nearby Morehouse Parish, where rent runs $795—a difference that saves roughly $2,040 annually. Despite lower median incomes across both parishes, Madison's rent burden sits noticeably lighter than its struggling neighbor to the east.

Housing costs by the numbers

Renters spend $625 monthly while homeowners pay $477, meaning housing takes 20.1% of the typical household's $37,267 annual income. The median home value of $90,600 remains accessible, though earning power here lags significantly behind state and national averages.

Considering Madison Parish? Know the trade-off

Madison Parish offers genuine rental affordability—among Louisiana's lowest—but comes with lower median incomes that offset the cost advantage. Compare this to nearby parishes and state alternatives to weigh whether lower housing costs align with available local employment and income opportunities.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Madison Parish

via IncomeByCounty

Madison Parish trails national income average

Madison Parish households earn a median of $37,267 annually, roughly 50% less than the U.S. median of $74,755. This significant gap reflects economic challenges that many rural Louisiana parishes face compared to the nation's broader economic growth.

Below-average income within Louisiana

At $37,267, Madison Parish ranks among Louisiana's lowest-income parishes, falling 32% below the state median of $55,250. The parish's per capita income of $19,086 also trails the state average of $29,702 by 36%.

Lowest-earning parish in its region

Madison Parish's median household income of $37,267 lags neighboring Morehouse Parish ($36,981) and significantly trails Natchitoches Parish ($46,798). The parish faces greater income constraints than most surrounding areas in northeastern Louisiana.

Rent remains affordable despite low wages

At 20.1%, Madison Parish's rent-to-income ratio sits within healthy territory—well below the 30% affordability threshold. However, the low baseline income means households still face tight budgets even with relatively affordable housing costs.

Build financial stability from the ground up

Residents should prioritize establishing emergency savings accounts covering 3–6 months of expenses, crucial when household incomes are tight. Consider low-cost investment options like employer 401(k) plans or IRA accounts to compound wealth over time, even with modest contributions.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Madison Parish

via CrimeByCounty

Madison Parish Safety Score

Madison Parish earns a high safety score of 97.6, indicating a generally secure environment. Its total crime rate of 1495.8 is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Safer than the Louisiana Average

The parish's 97.6 safety score exceeds the Louisiana state average of 97.1. It also reports a lower total crime rate than the state average of 1853.7.

Regional Safety Leader

Madison Parish is significantly safer than neighboring Lincoln Parish, which has a rate of 2710.9. Its total crime volume of 1495.8 per 100K is one of the lowest in the area.

High Violent Crime Rate

Despite low total crime, violent crime is very high at 977.3 per 100K, nearly triple the national average. Conversely, property crime is exceptionally low at 518.5 per 100K.

Focusing on Personal Safety

High violent crime rates mean personal security and home entry protection are essential. Quality locks and well-lit entryways can help mitigate these local risks.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Madison Parish

via HealthByCounty

Madison Parish life expectancy lags nation

At 70.3 years, Madison Parish residents live roughly 6 years less than the U.S. average of 76.4 years. Nearly one in three residents (32.5%) report poor or fair health, well above the national rate of 18%. This health gap reflects deeper economic and healthcare access challenges facing the parish.

Below Louisiana's own health average

Madison Parish's 70.3-year life expectancy falls 2.2 years short of Louisiana's 72.5-year state average. The parish ranks in the lower half of Louisiana counties on health outcomes, though its uninsured rate of 6.9% is better than the state average of 8.1%.

Healthier than Morehouse, behind Natchitoches

Madison Parish outperforms neighboring Morehouse Parish (68.2 years life expectancy) but trails Natchitoches Parish (70.4 years). With 20 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Madison has fewer doctors than Natchitoches (54 per 100K), though better mental health provider access at 876 per 100K.

Few primary doctors, mental health support strong

Just 20 primary care providers per 100,000 residents means patients often travel far for routine care or preventive checkups. However, mental health providers are abundant at 876 per 100,000—one of the state's highest rates—reflecting significant investment in behavioral health services.

Check your health insurance options today

With 6.9% of residents uninsured, many Madison Parish families qualify for coverage they don't know about. Visit your local community health center or Louisiana's health insurance marketplace to explore Medicaid, marketplace plans, and employer options that fit your budget.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Madison Parish

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small-Scale Educational Network in Madison

Madison Parish operates a focused educational infrastructure with 5 total public schools, including two elementary campuses and two high schools. A single school district manages the education of 1,379 students across the parish.

Evaluating Graduation Rates and Investment

The parish reports a graduation rate of 77.0%, which trails both the state average of 85.4% and the national benchmark of 87%. While per-pupil expenditure of $10,227 exceeds the state average, the composite school score of 53.7 remains close to the state median.

Centralized Learning in the Madison Parish District

All 1,379 students are served by the Madison Parish school district, which maintains a traditional public school model with no charter schools. The district includes one alternative campus, Christian Acres, which serves 116 students in grades 6–12.

Quiet Town and Rural Learning Environments

Schools here offer an intimate setting with an average size of 276 students per campus. Madison High School is the largest facility with 364 students, while the mix of town and rural locales provides a small-town feel for local families.

Establish Roots Near Local Schools

For families looking to join a tight-knit community, Madison Parish offers focused educational centers. Consider how proximity to central campuses like Tallulah Elementary can simplify your daily routine when searching for a home.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Madison Parish

via RiskByCounty

Madison Parish: Well Below National Risk

Madison Parish scores 32.44 on the composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating and sitting far below the national average. This places the parish among the lowest-risk counties in the country, meaning residents face significantly fewer natural disaster threats than most Americans.

Safest Parish in Louisiana

With a score of 32.44, Madison Parish is the lowest-risk county in Louisiana, well below the state average of 62.37. No other Louisiana parish comes close to this level of natural disaster protection.

Isolated Advantage in Northeast

Madison Parish's 32.44 score stands apart from nearby Morehouse Parish (55.28) and Ouachita Parish (87.50), making it an exceptional pocket of low risk in northeast Louisiana. Neighboring counties face substantially higher tornado, earthquake, and hurricane threats.

Tornado and Hurricane Remain Top Concerns

Even in low-risk Madison Parish, tornado risk scores 71.91 and hurricane risk reaches 69.63—modest compared to other parishes but still meaningful for residents. Flood risk remains minimal at 17.97, and wildfire risk is negligible at 4.90.

Basic Coverage Sufficient for Madison Parish

While tornado and hurricane risks exist, Madison Parish's overall low-risk profile means standard homeowners insurance typically provides adequate protection. Residents should still verify windstorm coverage for the tornado and hurricane threats that do exist in the parish.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Madison Parish

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer than the national median

Madison Parish maintains an annual average temperature of 66.8°F, placing it well above the national median. This humid subtropical climate experiences consistent warmth throughout the year.

Typical for Louisiana weather

The parish average of 66.8°F sits just below the Louisiana state average of 67.0°F. It represents the standard climatic profile for the northeastern portion of the state.

Drier than neighboring parishes

Madison's 55.6 inches of annual precipitation is notably drier than the state average of 60.8 inches. Nearby Morehouse Parish receives more rainfall, averaging 58.3 inches annually.

Persistent heat and mild winters

July temperatures average 83.4°F, contributing to 87 extreme heat days over 90°F each year. Winter remains gentle with an average of 50.3°F and a mere 0.3 inches of annual snowfall.

Plan for long cooling seasons

Residents should prioritize high-efficiency HVAC systems to manage the 87 days of extreme heat. With 55.6 inches of rain, standard southern drainage solutions are essential for property maintenance.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Madison Parish

via SoilByCounty

Neutral Soils in a Delta Landscape

Madison Parish features an average soil pH of 6.41, which sits comfortably near the national median of 6.5. This is significantly less acidic than the Louisiana state average of 5.74, providing a versatile chemical foundation for local agriculture.

A Silty, Clay-Rich Foundation

The soil contains 41.7% silt and 36.0% clay, creating a heavy texture that holds onto nutrients effectively. With only 22.3% sand, these fields require careful management to maintain workability and prevent compaction.

Modest Organic Matter Levels

The organic matter content stands at 1.88%, trailing both the national average of 2.0% and the state average of 6.38%. The available water capacity of 0.155 in/in indicates a moderate ability to sustain crops through dry spells.

Managing the Water Table

While specific drainage class data is limited for this area, the heavy clay content typically suggests slower water movement. Farmers and builders should monitor localized runoff patterns during the intense Louisiana rainy season.

Thriving in Hardiness Zone 8b

In USDA Zone 8b, these soils are ideal for cotton, corn, and soybeans. Home gardeners can take advantage of the near-neutral pH to grow a wide variety of vegetables with minimal soil amendments.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Madison Parish

via LawnByCounty

A Manageable Challenge in Madison Parish

Madison Parish earns a lawn difficulty score of 44.5, which is significantly higher than the Louisiana average of 33.8. While this is easier than much of the state, it still falls below the national median score of 50.0 for Hardiness Zone 8b.

High Heat and Heavy Rainfall

Lawns here must withstand 87 extreme heat days annually and 55.6 inches of precipitation, which is above the ideal 50-inch limit. With 6,604 growing degree days, the warm climate forces a rapid mowing schedule throughout the long summer.

Stable Soil with High Clay

The soil pH of 6.41 is nearly perfect for most turfgrasses, falling right within the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range. However, the 36.0% clay content can lead to compaction, meaning regular aeration is necessary to maintain healthy roots.

Navigating Periodic Dry Spells

Over the past year, the parish experienced 11 weeks of drought, and currently, 100.0% of the area is abnormally dry. Homeowners should prioritize deep, infrequent watering to help lawns survive the 15.3% of the parish currently in severe drought.

Start Your Zone 8b Lawn

Warm-season grasses like Bermuda or St. Augustine are excellent choices for this climate. You should aim to seed or sod after the last spring frost on March 3 to take full advantage of the long growing season.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Madison Parish's county score?
Madison Parish, Louisiana has a composite county score of 56.6 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 Parish rank among counties in Louisiana?
Madison Parish ranks #28 among all counties in Louisiana 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 Parish, Louisiana?
The median annual property tax in Madison Parish is $208, with an effective tax rate of 0.23%. This earns Madison Parish a tax score of 99.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Madison Parish?
The median household income in Madison Parish, Louisiana is $37,267 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Madison Parish earns an income score of 1.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Madison Parish, Louisiana a good place to live?
Madison Parish scores 56.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #28 in Louisiana. The best way to evaluate Madison Parish 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 Parish with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛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.