Median Income
$62,180
17% lower than US avg
Home Value
$191,400
32% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
225/100K
41% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
35.7%
6% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$874
25% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.2%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.1%
42% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.9%
60% lower than US avg
How Madison Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population6,158
Median Age39.6 yrs
Density1,333/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans6.6%
Economy
A
Median Income$62,180
Per Capita$35,369
Unemployment2.1%
Poverty4.9%
County GDP$934M
Commute12 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$191,400
Rent$874
Ownership55.9%
Zillow$257,771
Housing Units2,816
Rent Burden28.1%
Crime
F
Violent225/100K
Property1,032/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault185/100K
Burglary212/100K
Health
Obesity34.2%
Uninsured9.0%
Smoking15.4%
Depression21.1%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain26.8 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,672 ft (510 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+35.7%
High School+93.3%
Graduate+9.8%
School Score6.16
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 33%
Commute12 min
Broadband87.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Madison a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Madison receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. 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 $62,180, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.1%. Only 4.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Madison is $191,400, 32% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $874 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.1x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Madison is below the national average at 225 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,032 per 100,000, 47% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 35.7% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 93.3% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Madison experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 26.8 inches, including 38.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Madison has a population of 6,158 with a density of 1,333 people per square mile, spread across 1.8 square miles. The median age is 39.6 years, 2% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.3% female and 51.7% male. The city is predominantly White (96.5%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.9% of residents. 6.6% of the population are veterans. 13.9% of residents have a disability. 95.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.6yrs
Median Age
2% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.9%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.1%
92% below US avg
The median household income in Madison is $62,180, which is 17% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,369. The average weekly wage is $1,092, 24% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 492 business establishments, including 36 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $62,180 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,369 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,092 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $85,103 |
| Gini Index | 0.484 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.1% |
| 42% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.9% |
| 60% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 492 |
| County GDP | $934M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 36 |
| Healthcare | 30 |
| Retail | 42 |
| Manufacturing | 27 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,037 |
| 72% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.15% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 11.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.5% |
| Public Transit | 2.3% |
| Work from Home | 5.9% |
The median home value in Madison is $191,400, 32% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $257,771, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $874 (25% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 55.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 2,816 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1966. The average annual property tax is $6,037 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $191,400 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $257,771 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $874 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 55.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 55.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 44.1% |
| Housing Units | 2,816 |
| Median Year Built | 1966 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,037 |
| 72% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.15% |
In Madison, 34.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 30.1% have high blood pressure. 15.4% are current smokers. 20.8% report binge drinking. 22.7% are physically inactive. 21.1% report depression. 15.7% experience frequent mental distress. 9.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,550. The dentist ratio is 1:2,194. 71.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Madison vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.2% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.1% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.4% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.7% |
| Depression | 21.1% |
| Mental Distress | 15.7% |
| Physical Distress | 11.8% |
| Short Sleep | 33.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.0% |
| Uninsured | 9.0% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,550 |
| Dentists | 1:2,194 |
| Mental Health | 1:649 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.1% |
| Dental Visits | 67.6% |
| Premature Death | 6,000/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 71.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 30 |
Madison has a violent crime rate of 225 per 100,000 residents, 41% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 185.2 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 39.7. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,032 per 100,000, 47% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 754, burglary at 212, vehicle theft at 66 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Madison receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Madison vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 224.9/100K |
| 41% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 39.7/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 185.2/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,032.0/100K |
| 47% below US avg |
| Burglary | 211.7/100K |
| Theft | 754.2/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 66.2/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Madison experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 276 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 26.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 38.1 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. The city sits at an elevation of 1,672 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.9°F |
| 15% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,672 ft (510 m) |
| Area | 1.8 sq mi (4.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,333/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.0062°N, 97.1085°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Lake County County |
| Nearest Airport | Brookings Regional (BKX)
25 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
26.8"
30% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.86"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 32.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 25.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 74.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.5 on Mar 6, 2024.
| Oct 25, 1990 |
8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
112 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 |
0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
97 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
123 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
107 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
147 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
584 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 11 fatalities, 301 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF5 |
90 km |
1 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF4 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1998 |
EF4 |
54 km |
6 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
20 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1965 |
EF4 |
94 km |
1 |
| Jul 7, 1955 |
EF4 |
90 km |
1 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
18 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
11 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1985 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1983 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1981 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
31°F (-0°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| December |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.7 in |
|
Madison has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 16°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 23.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.9") and January the driest (0.5").
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) |
$222 ($133–$354) |
| Specialist Visit |
$310 ($177–$487) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$177 ($89–$310) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,949 ($709–$4,430) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$115 ($66–$177) |
| Dental Filling |
$222 ($133–$354) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$106) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$266 ($133–$443) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$532 ($354–$886) |
| Battery Replacement |
$177 ($89–$310) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$89 ($53–$133) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$80 ($44–$124) |
| HVAC Repair |
$354 ($133–$709) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,202 ($3,544–$10,632) |
| Roof Repair |
$886 ($354–$1,772) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,974 ($4,873–$13,290) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,329 ($443–$3,101) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,290 ($4,430–$26,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,430 ($1,772–$8,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,329 ($709–$2,658) |
| Will Preparation |
$443 ($177–$886) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,215 ($886–$4,430) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27–$89) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$133 ($66–$222) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($44–$115) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.63 ($2.66–$4.87) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.10 ($2.22–$4.43) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.37 ($2.22–$4.87) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.99 ($2.66–$5.76) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.87 ($3.54–$6.65) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.89 ($0.53–$1.59) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$124 ($71–$222) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$133) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$106) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$89) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27–$89) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$133) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$177 ($66–$443) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,772 ($1,063–$3,101) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$115) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.09–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$89 ($27–$222) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,063 ($532–$2,215) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$886 ($443–$1,772) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$354 ($177–$620) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$89) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$886 ($354–$2,215) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,075 ($4,430–$26,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$89 ($44–$177) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$266 ($133–$443) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$177 ($89–$354) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $650 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $591 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $443 |
| Toddler | $443 |
| Preschool | $433 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Madison
What is the population of Madison?
Madison has a population of 6,158 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 1,333 people per square mile, spread across 1.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.6 years. The population is 48.3% female and 51.7% male.
Is Madison expensive to live in?
Madison is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.6 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $62,180, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $191,400 (32% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $874 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Madison safe?
Madison is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 225 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,032 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Madison receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Madison?
Madison has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 16°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 26.8 inches, with 38.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Madison?
The job market in Madison is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,092. There are 492 business establishments in the area, including 36 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 12 minutes, and 5.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Madison?
The median home value in Madison is $191,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $257,771. For renters, the median monthly rent is $874. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 55.9%. The average annual property tax is $6,037.
How are the schools in Madison?
Schools in Madison score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 35.7% of adults in Madison hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 93.3% have completed high school. 9.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Madison?
The obesity rate in Madison is 34.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.4% of adults are smokers. 22.7% are physically inactive. 21.1% of residents report depression. 9.0% lack health insurance. 71.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,550.
What is transportation like in Madison?
The average commute in Madison is 12 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 79.5% of workers drive alone to work, 2.3% use public transit, and 5.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Madison?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Madison is 96.5% White, 0.9% Black or African American, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino. 98.9% of residents speak only English at home. 6.6% of the population are military veterans. 13.9% of residents have a disability. 95.0% have health insurance coverage.
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