Median Income
$52,750
30% lower than US avg
Home Value
$48,600
83% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
22.3%
34% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$590
49% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.6%
20% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.2%
39% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.0%
11% lower than US avg
How Madison Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population943
Median Age36.3 yrs
Density1,626/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans12.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$52,750
Per Capita$42,280
Unemployment2.2%
Poverty11.0%
County GDP$1,975M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$48,600
Rent$590
Ownership75.5%
Zillow$129,596
Housing Units522
Rent Burden13.9%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Health
Obesity38.6%
Uninsured8.6%
Smoking15.5%
Depression22.6%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (13°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain34.8 in/yr
Sunny Days302/yr
Elevation1,143 ft (348 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+22.3%
High School+89.4%
Graduate+7.4%
School Score5.57
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 42%
Commute23 min
Broadband78.3%
EV Stations6
Libraries5
Is Madison a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Madison receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Madison offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Madison is $52,750, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.2%. 11.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Madison is $48,600, 83% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $590 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 0.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Madison is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000, 100% below the national average.
Education
22.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Madison enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 302 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 34.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Madison has a population of 943 with a density of 1,626 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 36.3 years, 7% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.7% female and 47.3% male. The city is predominantly White (90.9%), with 4.3% Hispanic, 1.7% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.6% of residents. 12.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 20.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.3yrs
Median Age
7% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.6%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.4%
90% below US avg
The median household income in Madison is $52,750, which is 30% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $42,280. The average weekly wage is $913, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 11.0% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 878 business establishments, including 106 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 1.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $52,750 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $42,280 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $913 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $58,606 |
| Gini Index | 0.434 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.2% |
| 39% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.0% |
| 11% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 878 |
| County GDP | $1,975M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 106 |
| Healthcare | 111 |
| Retail | 126 |
| Manufacturing | 33 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,833 |
| 38% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 9.94% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.8% |
The median home value in Madison is $48,600, 83% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $129,596, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $590 (49% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 75.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 522 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1943. The average annual property tax is $4,833 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 13.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $48,600 |
| 83% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $129,596 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $590 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 13.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 75.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 75.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 24.5% |
| Housing Units | 522 |
| Median Year Built | 1943 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,833 |
| 38% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 9.94% |
In Madison, 38.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 30.7% have high blood pressure. 15.5% are current smokers. 18.9% report binge drinking. 24.0% are physically inactive. 22.6% report depression. 17.9% experience frequent mental distress. 8.6% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,684. The dentist ratio is 1:1,595. 74.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Madison vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.6% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.7% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.5% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.0% |
| Depression | 22.6% |
| Mental Distress | 17.9% |
| Physical Distress | 11.8% |
| Short Sleep | 37.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.9% |
| Uninsured | 8.6% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,684 |
| Dentists | 1:1,595 |
| Mental Health | 1:255 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.3% |
| Dental Visits | 60.1% |
| Premature Death | 7,547/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 111 |
Madison has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 10 fatal traffic crashes.
Crime Rates: Madison vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
Madison enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 302 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 34.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 1,143 feet.
Temperature
31°F Jan (-1°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 55.7°F |
| 3% above US avg |
| January Average | 31°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 302 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,143 ft (348 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,626/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.1336°N, 96.1372°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Lyon County County |
| Nearest Airport | Topeka Regional (FOE)
62 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.8"
8% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.63"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 47.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 20.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 66.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
92 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M3.3 on Aug 4, 2025.
| Sep 16, 2019 |
15 km NW of Elmdale, Kansas |
M3.8 |
66 km |
| May 15, 2025 |
5 km NNW of Herington, Kansas |
M3.5 |
97 km |
| Mar 12, 2020 |
6 km NNE of Hope, Kansas |
M3.5 |
104 km |
| Mar 14, 2021 |
5 km NE of Eastborough, Kansas |
M3.5 |
106 km |
| Mar 14, 2021 |
3 km NE of Eastborough, Kansas |
M3.5 |
107 km |
| Oct 10, 2024 |
6 km WSW of Woodbine, Kansas |
M3.5 |
106 km |
| Mar 14, 2021 |
3 km NE of Eastborough, Kansas |
M3.4 |
107 km |
| Aug 2, 2025 |
6 km ENE of Assaria, Kansas |
M3.4 |
138 km |
| Mar 24, 2020 |
8 km NNE of Hope, Kansas |
M3.3 |
106 km |
| Aug 3, 2025 |
7 km ENE of Assaria, Kansas |
M3.3 |
136 km |
| Aug 4, 2025 |
5 km E of Assaria, Kansas |
M3.3 |
136 km |
| Jul 30, 2019 |
5 km NNE of Kipp, Kansas |
M3.2 |
136 km |
| Sep 16, 2019 |
11 km E of Marion, Kansas |
M3.2 |
70 km |
| May 8, 2021 |
2 km E of Hope, Kansas |
M3.2 |
101 km |
| Jun 27, 2018 |
5 km NW of Wellington, Kansas |
M3.2 |
146 km |
| Jun 4, 2023 |
13 km SE of Lincolnville, Kansas |
M3.2 |
69 km |
| May 8, 2021 |
4 km ENE of Hope, Kansas |
M3.2 |
101 km |
| Mar 15, 2021 |
4 km NE of Eastborough, Kansas |
M3.2 |
107 km |
| Jul 4, 2020 |
5 km W of Kipp, Kansas |
M3.1 |
141 km |
| Jan 10, 2022 |
4 km ESE of Assaria, Kansas |
M3.1 |
137 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
530 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 105 fatalities, 989 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 8, 1966 |
EF5 |
90 km |
16 |
| May 20, 1957 |
EF5 |
66 km |
44 |
| Feb 28, 2007 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1974 |
EF4 |
33 km |
6 |
| Apr 12, 1964 |
EF4 |
73 km |
3 |
| Jun 10, 1958 |
EF4 |
84 km |
15 |
| Jun 26, 2018 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 2016 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2011 |
EF3 |
43 km |
1 |
| May 8, 2003 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2003 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
78 km |
1 |
| Aug 17, 1985 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1983 |
EF3 |
88 km |
1 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1971 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1964 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1960 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 1958 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: RD 80 (63,061 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
RD 80 |
63,061 |
23 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
60,976 |
52 km |
| 1998 |
ANNUAL BUR |
60,039 |
52 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
26,655 |
42 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
20,760 |
74 km |
| 2000 |
WEST SIDE MVD |
18,701 |
57 km |
| 2023 |
WAGSTAFF |
16,111 |
81 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
15,512 |
72 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
15,100 |
46 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
14,832 |
32 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
14,661 |
24 km |
| 2018 |
18-85 |
14,632 |
48 km |
| 2016 |
FERGUSON RANCH |
13,625 |
80 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
13,265 |
75 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
13,063 |
43 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
12,241 |
46 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
12,063 |
31 km |
| 2002 |
WEST UNIT |
11,187 |
23 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
11,123 |
22 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
10,911 |
31 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
34°F (1°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| March |
45°F (7°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| April |
56°F (13°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
65°F (18°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
5.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (26°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| October |
58°F (15°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| December |
34°F (1°C) |
1.4 in |
|
Madison has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 31°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.6") and January the driest (1.0").
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) |
$225 ($135–$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721–$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135–$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360–$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135–$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604–$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360–$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956–$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451–$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505–$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802–$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721–$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901–$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60–$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081–$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541–$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451–$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360–$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505–$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $414 |
| Toddler | $423 |
| Preschool | $423 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $426 |
| Toddler | $361 |
| Preschool | $361 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Madison
What is the population of Madison?
Madison has a population of 943 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 1,626 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.7% female and 47.3% male.
Is Madison expensive to live in?
Madison is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $52,750, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $48,600 (83% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $590 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Madison safe?
Madison is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000 (below the national average).
What is the weather like in Madison?
Madison enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 31°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 302 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 34.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Madison?
The job market in Madison is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $913. There are 878 business establishments in the area, including 106 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 1.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Madison?
The median home value in Madison is $48,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $129,596. For renters, the median monthly rent is $590. Fair market rent is $753 for a 1-bedroom and $947 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 75.5%. The average annual property tax is $4,833.
How are the schools in Madison?
Schools in Madison score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 22.3% of adults in Madison hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.4% have completed high school. 7.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Madison?
The obesity rate in Madison is 38.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.5% of adults are smokers. 24.0% are physically inactive. 22.6% of residents report depression. 8.6% lack health insurance. 74.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,684.
What is transportation like in Madison?
The average commute in Madison is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 82.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Madison?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Madison is 90.9% White, 1.7% Black or African American, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino. 98.6% of residents speak only English at home. 12.0% of the population are military veterans. 20.1% of residents have a disability. 93.9% have health insurance coverage.
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