Madison

Madison, Alabama Overview

Madison ranks #1 of 20 cities in Alabama, earning a A+ grade with a composite score of 69.4/100. The city stands out in Growth (96/100) and Safety (93/100), placing it among the state’s strongest performers across the metrics we track.

Income & Employment in Madison

Madison’s median household income of $131,436 is 120% above the Alabama median of $59,613, and its 2.4% unemployment rate undercuts the state’s 2.7%. That economic strength is drawing residents — the population grew 4.9% recently.

Safety in Madison

Madison’s violent crime rate of 117.9 per 100,000 is well below both the Alabama rate of 424 and national norms, making safety one of the city’s defining features. The property crime rate is 930.1 per 100,000.

Cost of Living in Madison

Madison has a cost of living index of 95.8 (where 100 equals the national average), slightly below the national benchmark. The median home value is $367,900. Median monthly rent is $1,375. Renters spend 12.6% of income on rent, well within the 30% affordability guideline.

Health & Wellness in Madison

The adult obesity rate in Madison is 35.7%, above the national average and a factor in the city’s health profile. The diabetes prevalence rate is 9.8%. Residents average 13.7 poor mental health days per month. Alabama ranks #46 nationally for overall health.

Education & Schools in Madison

Madison’s high school graduation rate of 95.4% is well above average, reflecting strong local school performance. The student-teacher ratio is 17.3:1. Per-pupil spending is $11,545. The city has 14 public schools serving 13,330 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.

Climate & Commute in Madison

Madison enjoys a moderate climate with an annual average of 63.4°F. Summers average 78.4°F. Winters average 49.3°F. Annual precipitation is 46.5 inches. 16.4% of workers in Madison work from home, well above the national average. The average commute of 16.9 minutes is notably short.

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