Median Income
$31,025
59% lower than US avg
Home Value
$84,400
70% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
1,361/100K
258% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.0%
58% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$849
27% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.4%
35% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.8%
50% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
31.1%
151% higher than US avg
How Madison Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,960
Median Age31.4 yrs
Density1,121/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 43%
Veterans8.9%
Economy
C
Median Income$31,025
Per Capita$19,280
Unemployment1.8%
Poverty31.1%
County GDP$748M
Commute33 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$84,400
Rent$849
Ownership43.6%
Zillow$186,133
Housing Units1,447
Rent Burden41.1%
Crime
F
Violent1,361/100K
Property6,499/100K
Murder34.0/100K
Assault987/100K
Burglary2,076/100K
Health
Obesity43.4%
Uninsured20.1%
Smoking23.2%
Depression19.9%
Heart Disease7.6%
Climate
Avg Temp68°F (20°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain52.8 in/yr
Sunny Days306/yr
Elevation194 ft (59 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.0%
High School+80.2%
Graduate+5.6%
School Score4.35
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 35%
Commute33 min
Broadband66.6%
EV Stations2
Libraries3
Is Madison a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Madison receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Madison has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Madison is $31,025, 59% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.8%. The poverty rate of 31.1% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Madison is $84,400, 70% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $849 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 1,361 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 6,499 per 100,000, 232% above the national average.
Education
14.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Madison enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 68°F. Winters average 52°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. With 306 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 52.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Madison has a population of 2,960 with a density of 1,121 people per square mile, spread across 2.6 square miles. The median age is 31.4 years, 19% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.4% female and 46.6% male. The city is predominantly Black (47.2%), with 42.6% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.4% of residents. 8.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 12.4% of residents have a disability. 88.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
31.4yrs
Median Age
19% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.4%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.6%
73% below US avg
The median household income in Madison is $31,025, which is 59% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $19,280 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $851, 41% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 31.1% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 448 business establishments, including 28 restaurants. The cost of living index is 103.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 1.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $31,025 |
| 59% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $19,280 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $851 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $55,551 |
| Gini Index | 0.474 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.8% |
| 50% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 31.1% |
| 151% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 448 |
| County GDP | $748M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 28 |
| Healthcare | 50 |
| Retail | 63 |
| Manufacturing | 10 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,267 |
| 79% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 103.40 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 7.43% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 32.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.2% |
The median home value in Madison is $84,400, 70% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $186,133, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $849 (27% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $969 for a one-bedroom to $1,086 for a two-bedroom apartment. 43.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,447 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1964. The average annual property tax is $6,267 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 41.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $84,400 |
| 70% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $186,133 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $849 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 41.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $873 |
| 1 Bedroom | $969 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,086 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,400 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,543 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 43.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 43.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 56.4% |
| Housing Units | 1,447 |
| Median Year Built | 1964 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,267 |
| 79% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 7.43% |
In Madison, 43.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 16.8% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.6% of residents, above the national average. 42.9% have high blood pressure. 23.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 12.5% report binge drinking. 37.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 19.9% report depression. 23.2% experience frequent mental distress. 20.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:9,144. The dentist ratio is 1:4,549. 46.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Madison vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.4% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 16.8% |
| Heart Disease | 7.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 42.9% |
| Asthma | 12.8% |
| COPD | 10.9% |
| Cancer | 5.9% |
| Stroke | 5.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 23.2% |
| 66% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 12.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 37.7% |
| Depression | 19.9% |
| Mental Distress | 23.2% |
| Physical Distress | 18.6% |
| Short Sleep | 48.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.4% |
| Uninsured | 20.1% |
| 134% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:9,144 |
| Dentists | 1:4,549 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,323 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.9% |
| Dental Visits | 40.7% |
| Premature Death | 11,824/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 46.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 50 |
Madison has a violent crime rate of 1,361 per 100,000 residents, 258% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 986.7 per 100,000, robbery at 272.2, rape at 68.1. The murder rate is 34.0 per 100,000 (above the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 6,499 per 100,000, 232% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 4,321, burglary at 2,076, vehicle theft at 102 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Madison receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Madison vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 1,361.0/100K |
| 258% above US avg |
| Murder | 34.0/100K |
| 440% above US avg |
| Rape | 68.1/100K |
| Robbery | 272.2/100K |
| Assault | 986.7/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 6,498.8/100K |
| 232% above US avg |
| Burglary | 2,075.5/100K |
| Theft | 4,321.2/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 102.1/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 492 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Madison enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 68°F (20°C). Winters average 52°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. The area gets 306 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 52.8 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 194 feet.
Temperature
52°F Jan (11°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 67.7°F |
| 25% above US avg |
| January Average | 52°F (11°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 306 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 194 ft (59 m) |
| Area | 2.6 sq mi (6.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,121/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 30.4715°N, 83.4135°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Madison County County |
| Nearest Airport | Valdosta Regional (VLD)
23 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
52.8"
39% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
6.65"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 47.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 80.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 22.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Hurricane History
14 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 5. Most recent: Helene (2024, Cat 4).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Helene |
Category 4 |
38 km |
| 2024 |
Debby |
Category 1 |
64 km |
| 2023 |
Idalia |
Category 4 |
53 km |
| 2018 |
Michael |
Category 5 |
154 km |
| 2017 |
Irma |
Category 1 |
279 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 3 |
262 km |
| 2016 |
Hermine |
Category 1 |
59 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
254 km |
| 2000 |
Gordon |
Category 1 |
277 km |
| 1998 |
Earl |
Category 1 |
223 km |
| 1995 |
Erin |
Category 1 |
224 km |
| 1985 |
Elena |
Category 3 |
190 km |
| 1985 |
Kate |
Category 2 |
101 km |
| 1985 |
Bob |
Category 1 |
279 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
333 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 28 fatalities, 178 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 3, 2019 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jan 22, 2017 |
EF3 |
61 km |
11 |
| Mar 3, 2012 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Feb 19, 2009 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Feb 13, 2000 |
EF3 |
97 km |
7 |
| Apr 19, 1988 |
EF3 |
3 km |
4 |
| Feb 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Feb 25, 1960 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Feb 4, 2024 |
EF2 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jan 22, 2023 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Mar 3, 2019 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jan 22, 2017 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Dec 29, 2014 |
EF2 |
40 km |
0 |
| Feb 18, 2009 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Feb 18, 2009 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Mar 7, 2008 |
EF2 |
80 km |
1 |
| Mar 7, 2008 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Dec 5, 2005 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 2001 |
EF2 |
39 km |
0 |
| Feb 14, 2000 |
EF2 |
97 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: FRIENDLY (75,089 ac, 1999).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1999 |
FRIENDLY |
75,089 |
98 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
59,179 |
70 km |
| 2012 |
COUNTY LINE |
35,440 |
92 km |
| 2004 |
IMPASSABLE ONE |
29,836 |
98 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
25,845 |
19 km |
| 1998 |
OAK |
21,478 |
89 km |
| 1990 |
SHORTS |
21,413 |
98 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
18,577 |
88 km |
| 1989 |
PIN HOOK |
16,471 |
97 km |
| 2011 |
IMPASSABLE BAY |
11,889 |
92 km |
| 2011 |
ARABIA BAY |
10,971 |
90 km |
| 2020 |
CPT 3 ALBERT/CPT 119 HANCOCK |
10,724 |
98 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
10,098 |
74 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
9,117 |
72 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
8,334 |
84 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
8,190 |
87 km |
| 2011 |
UNNAMED |
6,941 |
100 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
6,926 |
89 km |
| 2000 |
BENTON |
6,719 |
84 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
6,603 |
59 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
52°F (11°C) |
5.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
55°F (13°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| March |
61°F (16°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| April |
67°F (19°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
74°F (23°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| June |
79°F (26°C) |
5.8 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
6.7 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
81°F (27°C) |
6.1 in |
|
| September |
78°F (25°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| October |
69°F (20°C) |
2.8 in |
Driest |
| November |
61°F (16°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| December |
54°F (12°C) |
3.9 in |
|
Madison has a seasonal temperature swing of 30°F / from 52°F in January to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 53.7 inches, with July being the wettest month (6.7") and October the driest (2.8").
Average costs for common services in Madison. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$259 ($155–$414) |
| Specialist Visit |
$362 ($207–$569) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$207 ($103–$362) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,275 ($827–$5,170) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$134 ($78–$207) |
| Dental Filling |
$259 ($155–$414) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$47 ($26–$78) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$78 ($52–$124) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$310 ($155–$517) |
| Tire Rotation |
$41 ($21–$78) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$620 ($414–$1,034) |
| Battery Replacement |
$207 ($103–$362) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$103 ($62–$155) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$93 ($52–$145) |
| HVAC Repair |
$414 ($155–$827) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,238 ($4,136–$12,408) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,034 ($414–$2,068) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,306 ($5,687–$15,510) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,551 ($517–$3,619) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,510 ($5,170–$31,020) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,170 ($2,068–$10,340) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,551 ($827–$3,102) |
| Will Preparation |
$517 ($207–$1,034) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,585 ($1,034–$5,170) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$26 ($16–$47) |
| Women's Haircut |
$57 ($31–$103) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$155 ($78–$259) |
| Manicure |
$26 ($16–$47) |
| Pedicure |
$41 ($26–$67) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$83 ($52–$134) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.24 ($3.10–$5.69) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.62 ($2.59–$5.17) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.93 ($2.59–$5.69) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.65 ($3.10–$6.72) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.69 ($4.14–$7.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.03 ($0.62–$1.86) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$145 ($83–$259) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$155) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$124) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$103) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$67 ($31–$103) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$88 ($52–$155) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$207 ($78–$517) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,068 ($1,241–$3,619) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$134) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.27–$26) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$103 ($31–$259) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$31 ($16–$78) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,241 ($620–$2,585) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,034 ($517–$2,068) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$414 ($207–$724) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$52 ($26–$103) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,034 ($414–$2,585) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,925 ($5,170–$31,020) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$62 ($31–$103) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$103 ($52–$207) |
| Dog Grooming |
$62 ($31–$103) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$41 ($21–$78) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$310 ($155–$517) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$207 ($103–$414) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $606 |
| Toddler | $520 |
| Preschool | $520 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $541 |
| Toddler | $498 |
| Preschool | $498 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Madison
What is the population of Madison?
Madison has a population of 2,960 residents and is located in Florida. The population density is 1,121 people per square mile, spread across 2.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 31.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.4% female and 46.6% male.
Is Madison expensive to live in?
Madison has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 103.4 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $31,025, 59% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $84,400 (70% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $849 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Madison safe?
Public safety is a concern in Madison, with a violent crime rate of 1,361 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 6,499 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Madison receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Madison?
Madison enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 68°F (20°C). Winter temperatures average 52°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. The area receives 306 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 52.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Madison?
The job market in Madison is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $851. There are 448 business establishments in the area, including 28 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 33 minutes, and 1.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Madison?
The median home value in Madison is $84,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $186,133. For renters, the median monthly rent is $849. Fair market rent is $969 for a 1-bedroom and $1,086 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 43.6%. The average annual property tax is $6,267.
How are the schools in Madison?
Schools in Madison have an average test score of 4.4 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 14.0% of adults in Madison hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.2% have completed high school. 5.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Madison?
The obesity rate in Madison is 43.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 23.2% of adults are smokers. 37.7% are physically inactive. 19.9% of residents report depression. 20.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 46.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:9,144.
What is transportation like in Madison?
The average commute in Madison is 33 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 77.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Madison?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Madison is 42.6% White, 47.2% Black or African American. 96.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.6% speak Spanish. 8.9% of the population are military veterans. 12.4% of residents have a disability. 88.4% have health insurance coverage.
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