AlabamaPop. 60,106Smaller cities
Is Madison a Good Place to Live? Madison, Alabama: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Madison ranks #28 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #14 of 524 smaller cities and #1 of 20 in Alabama. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (2.2%, #3 of 476) and fast population growth (+6.5%, #3 of 468), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Madison by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Madison's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Madison?
Madison's cost of living index is 93.1, 7% below the US level of 100 and #382 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,453/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $376,375, 56% above the typical Alabama home ($241,613).
| Measure | Madison | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 93.1#382 of 1,308 | 88.8 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $376,375#574 of 1,187 | $241,613 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,411/mo#265 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $398,800#787 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,453/mo#687 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 3x#182 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 12.9%#16 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Alabama is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Madison housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Madison is in the Huntsville, AL metro.
Alabama housing market →Is Madison safe?
Madison recorded 152 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 54% below the US rate of 328 and 56% below Alabama's 348. That ranks #241 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #108 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Madison Police Department. Property crime runs 959 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Madison | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 152#241 of 1,085 | 348 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 959#198 of 1,085 | 1,462 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Alabama is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Madison?
The median household in Madison earns $134,655, 62% above the US figure of $83,163 and 2 times Alabama ($66,659). Unemployment is 2.2% (US 4.3%). 4.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 6.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Madison | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $134,655#89 of 1,312 | $66,659 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 2.2%#7 of 1,058 | 2.9% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 4.3%#63 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +6.5%#9 of 1,132 | +0.6% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Alabama is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Madison?
The median resident of Madison is 37.3 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 64.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #89 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 74% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Madison | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 37.3 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 64.5%#89 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 74% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Madison's schools and health?
Madison's 13 public schools graduate 96% of students in four years (Alabama 88.2%), with 17.2 students per teacher and $11,575 spent per pupil. 35.7% of adults are obese and 9.8% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Madison | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 96%#29 of 1,063 | 88.2% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 17.2#763 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $11,575#1010 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 35.7%#834 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 9.8%#359 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 13.7%#108 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 5.7%#126 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Alabama is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 12,736 students are enrolled in Madison's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Madison?
The average commute in Madison is 20.2 minutes (Alabama 26); 0% of workers take transit and 19.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Madison scores 7.7 of 20 (below average walkable), #1122 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 80.1°F and winters 45°F, with 54.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Madison | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 20.2 min#357 of 1,312 | 26 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 1.3%#19 of 1,312 | 7.2% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 73.9% | 80.8% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0% | 0.4% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1% | 1.2% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.1% | 0.1% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 19.2% | 8.3% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 7.7#1122 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Alabama is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 52.3 | 33.1 | 5 |
| Feb | 57.1 | 36.4 | 5.1 |
| Mar | 65.5 | 43 | 5.4 |
| Apr | 74.8 | 51 | 4.9 |
| May | 82.5 | 60.2 | 4.7 |
| Jun | 89.1 | 68 | 4.1 |
| Jul | 91.5 | 71.1 | 4.5 |
| Aug | 91.3 | 69.7 | 3.6 |
| Sep | 86.5 | 63.4 | 3.5 |
| Oct | 76 | 51.8 | 3.6 |
| Nov | 63.9 | 41.2 | 4.3 |
| Dec | 55 | 35.9 | 5.9 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Huntsville Intnl Airport.
| Measure | Madison | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 62.9°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 80.1°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 45°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 54.3 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Huntsville Intnl Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Madison?
Madison County's air had a median air quality index of 42, and 72% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Madison County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.17% of building value, higher than 62% of US counties.
| Measure | Madison | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 42#457 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.17%#810 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Madison County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Madison County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Tornado | 0.021% | 88% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.012% | 81% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.12% | 79% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0017% | 45% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Madison compare with similar-size cities?
Madison is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #14 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 60,106.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madison, ALPop. 60,106 | #28 | 72.1 | $134,655 | $1,453/mo | 152 | 20.2 min |
| North Miami, FLPop. 60,344 | #1156 | 46.5 | $57,188 | $1,702/mo | part year | 31.8 min |
| Wylie, TXPop. 60,334 | #278 | 62.6 | $119,522 | $2,189/mo | 81 | 31.4 min |
| Great Falls, MTPop. 60,329 | #997 | 50.1 | $63,373 | $900/mo | 631 | 14.9 min |
| Owensboro, KYPop. 60,302 | #908 | 51.6 | $56,357 | $905/mo | 413 | 17.1 min |
| Pico Rivera, CAPop. 60,272 | #1100 | 47.9 | $88,201 | $1,786/mo | 480 | 30.3 min |
| Revere, MAPop. 60,012 | #394 | 60.2 | $86,969 | $2,076/mo | 314 | 34.2 min |
| Blue Springs, MOPop. 59,965 | #348 | 61.0 | $88,920 | $1,277/mo | 228 | 25.7 min |
| Corvallis, ORPop. 59,960 | #600 | 56.7 | $65,012 | $1,391/mo | 173 | 16.1 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Madison compare with the rest of Alabama?
Madison ranks #1 of the 20 Alabama cities we track, with a score of 72.1 against Alabama's statewide 48.5. Its households earn 2 times the Alabama median. Violent crime is 56% below the statewide rate. Homes are 56% above the typical Alabama home.
| City | Rank in AL | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madison, ALPop. 60,106 | #1 | 72.1 | $134,655 | $1,453/mo | 152 |
| Vestavia Hills, ALPop. 38,616 | #2 | 70.9 | $134,369 | $1,515/mo | 69 |
| Hoover, ALPop. 92,642 | #3 | 67.9 | $109,253 | $1,457/mo | 66 |
| Alabaster, ALPop. 33,917 | #4 | 64.3 | $91,357 | $1,372/mo | 95 |
| Daphne, ALPop. 29,453 | #5 | 62.7 | $87,250 | $1,388/mo | 57 |
| Auburn, ALPop. 80,594 | #6 | 59.8 | $63,668 | $1,098/mo | 99 |
| Prattville, ALPop. 39,482 | #7 | 57.3 | $81,337 | $1,313/mo | 255 |
| Northport, ALPop. 31,218 | #8 | 57.0 | $80,913 | $982/mo | 387 |
| Huntsville, ALPop. 222,791 | #9 | 56.8 | $74,714 | $1,171/mo | 399 |
| Opelika, ALPop. 32,820 | #10 | 54.8 | $65,004 | $950/mo | 458 |
| Decatur, ALPop. 57,361 | #11 | 52.2 | $61,563 | $896/mo | 634 |
| Enterprise, ALPop. 29,505 | #12 | 51.7 | $73,125 | $1,098/mo | 753 |
| Florence, ALPop. 41,701 | #13 | 51.5 | $52,174 | $820/mo | 543 |
| Tuscaloosa, ALPop. 111,038 | #14 | 48.3 | $51,464 | $1,055/mo | 480 |
| Mobile, ALPop. 203,416 | #15 | 47.2 | $53,558 | $1,068/mo | 588 |
| Dothan, ALPop. 71,514 | #16 | 47.2 | $55,792 | $960/mo | 801 |
| Montgomery, ALPop. 197,494 | #17 | 46.5 | $56,811 | $1,089/mo | 645 |
| Phenix City, ALPop. 38,499 | #18 | 45.3 | $50,053 | $967/mo | 708 |
| Gadsden, ALPop. 33,374 | #19 | 44.4 | $40,345 | $808/mo | 398 |
| Birmingham, ALPop. 198,173 | #20 | 41.1 | $46,051 | $1,107/mo | 1,239 |
All 20 Alabama cities we track, by overall score. Alabama statewide: median income $66,659, violent crime 348.3 per 100,000.
How is Madison's score calculated?
Madison scores 72.1 out of 100, #28 of 1,312 (grade A+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Alabama's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Madison. Similar-size median 55.5.
89.2 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Madison's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
90.2 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Madison. Similar-size median 58.9.
62.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Madison's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
58.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Madison's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
67.3 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Madison. Similar-size median 56.1.
90.9 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Madison. Similar-size median 42.4.
97.5 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Madison. Similar-size median 50.0.
55.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Madison's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
35.3 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
47.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Madison's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Madison has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Madison
Is Madison, AL a good place to live?
Madison ranks #28 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #14 of 524 smaller cities and #1 of 20 in Alabama. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (2.2%, #3 of 476) and fast population growth (+6.5%, #3 of 468), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Madison?
Madison's cost of living index is 93.1, 7% below the US level of 100 and #382 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,453/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $376,375, 56% above the typical Alabama home ($241,613).
What is the crime rate in Madison?
Madison recorded 152 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 54% below the US rate of 328 and 56% below Alabama's 348. That ranks #241 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #108 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Madison Police Department. Property crime runs 959 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Madison?
The median household in Madison earns $134,655, 62% above the US figure of $83,163 and 2 times Alabama ($66,659). Unemployment is 2.2% (US 4.3%). 4.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 6.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Madison?
Median rent in Madison is $1,453/mo (Census), #687 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,411/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 12.9% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Madison?
The typical home value in Madison is $376,375, up 0.9% in a year, against $241,613 for Alabama and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $398,800.
How are the public schools in Madison?
Madison's 13 public schools graduate 96% of students in four years (Alabama 88.2%), with 17.2 students per teacher and $11,575 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Madison?
The average commute is 20.2 minutes, #357 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26 minutes across Alabama. 1.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Madison?
Madison averages 62.9°F over the year, 80.1°F in summer and 45°F in winter, with 54.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Madison walkable?
Madison scores 7.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1122 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Madison at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Madison County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.17% of building value, higher than 62% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Madison?
Madison County's air had a median air quality index of 42, and 72% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Madison?
Madison has 60,106 residents. The median resident of Madison is 37.3 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 64.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #89 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 74% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Madison compare with the rest of Alabama?
Madison ranks #1 of the 20 Alabama cities we track, with a score of 72.1 against Alabama's statewide 48.5. Its households earn 2 times the Alabama median. Violent crime is 56% below the statewide rate. Homes are 56% above the typical Alabama home.
What cities are similar in size to Madison?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Madison's population of 60,106 are North Miami, FL (#1156 overall), Wylie, TX (#278 overall), Great Falls, MT (#997 overall), Owensboro, KY (#908 overall), and Pico Rivera, CA (#1100 overall). Madison is #28.