MississippiPop. 27,946Small cities
Is Madison a Good Place to Live? Madison, Mississippi: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Madison ranks #86 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #17 of 208 small cities and #1 of 20 in Mississippi. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (21 per 100,000, #1 of 174) and low unemployment (2.6%, #11 of 184), and trails on high rents ($1,853/mo, #188 of 208).
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 89, 11% below the US level of 100 and #166 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,853/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $414,316, 2.1 times the typical Mississippi home ($197,606).
| Measure | Madison | MississippiMS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 89#166 of 1,308 | 87 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $414,316#656 of 1,187 | $197,606 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,348/mo#855 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $352,900#661 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $1,853/mo#1004 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 3x#182 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 18.6%#298 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Mississippi 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 Jackson, MS metro.
Mississippi housing market →Is Madison safe?
Madison recorded 21 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 94% below the US rate of 328 and 91% below Mississippi's 227. That ranks #4 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #1 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Madison Police Department. Property crime runs 410 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Madison | MississippiMS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 21#4 of 1,085 | 227 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 410#9 of 1,085 | 1,264 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Mississippi 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 $119,338, 43% above the US figure of $83,163 and 2 times Mississippi ($59,127). Unemployment is 2.6% (US 4.3%). 4.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.7% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Madison | MississippiMS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $119,338#164 of 1,312 | $59,127 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 2.6%#33 of 1,058 | 3.8% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 4.8%#95 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.7%#317 of 1,132 | +0.1% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Mississippi 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 41.7 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 64.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #93 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 94.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Madison | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 41.7 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 64.2%#93 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 94.3% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Madison's schools and health?
Madison's 6 public schools graduate 92% of students in four years (Mississippi 88.9%), with 13.1 students per teacher and $12,248 spent per pupil. 30.7% of adults are obese and 10.3% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Madison | MississippiMS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 92%#222 of 1,063 | 88.9% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 13.1#178 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $12,248#907 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 30.7%#436 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 10.3%#460 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 12.3%#25 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 5.4%#99 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Mississippi is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 4,712 students are enrolled in Madison's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Madison?
The average commute in Madison is 24.2 minutes (Mississippi 26.4); 0% of workers take transit and 13.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Madison scores 7.2 of 20 (below average walkable), #1216 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 81.8°F and winters 49.4°F, with 51.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Madison | MississippiMS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 24.2 min#711 of 1,312 | 26.4 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 3.8%#342 of 1,312 | 7.7% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 79.2% | 81.2% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0% | 0.3% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 0.4% | 1.3% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.1% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 13.9% | 6.2% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 7.2#1216 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Mississippi 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 | 57.4 | 37.5 | 5.1 |
| Feb | 62 | 40.8 | 4.4 |
| Mar | 69.7 | 47.8 | 4.8 |
| Apr | 76.6 | 54.6 | 5.3 |
| May | 83.9 | 63.3 | 3.9 |
| Jun | 90 | 70.6 | 3.9 |
| Jul | 92.1 | 73 | 4.7 |
| Aug | 92.4 | 72.6 | 3.4 |
| Sep | 87.7 | 67.6 | 3.3 |
| Oct | 78.5 | 55.6 | 3.6 |
| Nov | 67.2 | 44.5 | 4.2 |
| Dec | 59.5 | 39.5 | 4.7 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Jackson Hawkins Fld.
| Measure | Madison | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 66°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 81.8°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 49.4°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 51.3 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Jackson Hawkins Fld.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Madison?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Madison's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Madison County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, ice storm, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.15% of building value, higher than 51% of US counties.
| Measure | Madison | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.15%#686 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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 | 0.033% | 99% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0026% | 80% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0055% | 72% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.006% | 68% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0034% | 64% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0041% | 61% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.079% | 48% 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 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #17 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 27,946.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madison, MSPop. 27,946 | #86 | 68.8 | $119,338 | $1,853/mo | 21 | 24.2 min |
| Aberdeen, SDPop. 28,189 | #415 | 59.8 | $64,405 | $762/mo | 425 | 11.9 min |
| Williston, NDPop. 28,056 | #380 | 60.4 | $79,381 | $1,122/mo | 432 | 17.6 min |
| Henderson, KYPop. 27,852 | #1029 | 49.6 | $48,186 | $771/mo | 278 | 19.8 min |
| Garden City, KSPop. 27,819 | #613 | 56.5 | $72,865 | $1,052/mo | 486 | 14 min |
| Mililani Town, HIPop. 27,668 | #255 | 63.1 | $127,363 | $2,384/mo | no data | 29.9 min |
| Marshalltown, IAPop. 27,626 | #761 | 54.0 | $69,068 | $891/mo | 283 | 17.2 min |
| New Iberia, LAPop. 27,571 | #1298 | 36.8 | $47,087 | $894/mo | 1,088 | 19.7 min |
| Fremont, NEPop. 27,567 | #560 | 57.2 | $71,152 | $1,080/mo | 200 | 17.4 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 Mississippi?
Madison ranks #1 of the 20 Mississippi cities we track, with a score of 68.8 against Mississippi's statewide 41.9. Its households earn 2 times the Mississippi median. Violent crime is 91% below the statewide rate. Homes are 2.1 times the typical Mississippi home.
| City | Rank in MS | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madison, MSPop. 27,946 | #1 | 68.8 | $119,338 | $1,853/mo | 21 |
| Brandon, MSPop. 25,542 | #2 | 63.2 | $92,783 | $1,382/mo | 50 |
| Olive Branch, MSPop. 47,019 | #3 | 60.3 | $100,606 | $1,829/mo | 175 |
| Pearl, MSPop. 27,737 | #4 | 58.9 | $61,695 | $1,175/mo | 83 |
| Clinton, MSPop. 27,195 | #5 | 57.8 | $74,745 | $1,118/mo | 95 |
| Oxford, MSPop. 26,411 | #6 | 57.3 | $64,451 | $1,071/mo | 140 |
| Southaven, MSPop. 56,226 | #7 | 56.0 | $78,483 | $1,445/mo | 266 |
| Tupelo, MSPop. 37,791 | #8 | 55.5 | $66,257 | $976/mo | 310 |
| Ridgeland, MSPop. 24,587 | #9 | 52.6 | $66,038 | $1,336/mo | 320 |
| Biloxi, MSPop. 48,861 | #10 | 52.2 | $57,204 | $1,089/mo | 351 |
| Starkville, MSPop. 25,721 | #11 | 52.0 | $42,125 | $916/mo | 58 |
| Horn Lake, MSPop. 26,647 | #12 | 50.6 | $53,311 | $1,435/mo | 79 |
| Hattiesburg, MSPop. 48,619 | #13 | 49.3 | $46,342 | $1,005/mo | 256 |
| Gulfport, MSPop. 73,003 | #14 | 47.2 | $49,919 | $1,086/mo | 569 |
| Columbus, MSPop. 23,348 | #15 | 46.5 | $42,235 | $897/mo | 470 |
| Jackson, MSPop. 146,631 | #16 | 45.4 | $42,071 | $1,055/mo | 400 |
| Pascagoula, MSPop. 21,710 | #17 | 44.7 | $52,222 | $894/mo | 431 |
| Meridian, MSPop. 34,137 | #18 | 44.3 | $36,562 | $910/mo | 554 |
| Vicksburg, MSPop. 20,589 | #19 | 40.6 | $45,781 | $820/mo | 681 |
| Greenville, MSPop. 28,166 | #20 | 37.6 | $40,083 | $872/mo | part year |
All 20 Mississippi cities we track, by overall score. Mississippi statewide: median income $59,127, violent crime 226.9 per 100,000.
How is Madison's score calculated?
Madison scores 68.8 out of 100, #86 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 Mississippi'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 52.9.
80.2 - 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 78.4.
100.0 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Madison. Similar-size median 52.2.
70.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Madison's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
64.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Madison's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
66.9 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Madison. Similar-size median 46.7.
83.3 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Madison. Similar-size median 44.2.
53.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Madison. Similar-size median 47.3.
45.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Madison's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
32.6 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 54.8.
48.7 - 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 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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, MS a good place to live?
Madison ranks #86 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #17 of 208 small cities and #1 of 20 in Mississippi. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (21 per 100,000, #1 of 174) and low unemployment (2.6%, #11 of 184), and trails on high rents ($1,853/mo, #188 of 208).
What is the cost of living in Madison?
Madison's cost of living index is 89, 11% below the US level of 100 and #166 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,853/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $414,316, 2.1 times the typical Mississippi home ($197,606).
What is the crime rate in Madison?
Madison recorded 21 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 94% below the US rate of 328 and 91% below Mississippi's 227. That ranks #4 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #1 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Madison Police Department. Property crime runs 410 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Madison?
The median household in Madison earns $119,338, 43% above the US figure of $83,163 and 2 times Mississippi ($59,127). Unemployment is 2.6% (US 4.3%). 4.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.7% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Madison?
Median rent in Madison is $1,853/mo (Census), #1004 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,348/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 18.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Madison?
The typical home value in Madison is $414,316, up 0.6% in a year, against $197,606 for Mississippi and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $352,900.
How are the public schools in Madison?
Madison's 6 public schools graduate 92% of students in four years (Mississippi 88.9%), with 13.1 students per teacher and $12,248 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Madison?
The average commute is 24.2 minutes, #711 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.4 minutes across Mississippi. 3.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Madison?
Madison averages 66°F over the year, 81.8°F in summer and 49.4°F in winter, with 51.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Madison walkable?
Madison scores 7.2 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1216 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, ice storm, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.15% of building value, higher than 51% of US counties.
Who lives in Madison?
Madison has 27,946 residents. The median resident of Madison is 41.7 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 64.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #93 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 94.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Madison compare with the rest of Mississippi?
Madison ranks #1 of the 20 Mississippi cities we track, with a score of 68.8 against Mississippi's statewide 41.9. Its households earn 2 times the Mississippi median. Violent crime is 91% below the statewide rate. Homes are 2.1 times the typical Mississippi home.
What cities are similar in size to Madison?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Madison's population of 27,946 are Aberdeen, SD (#415 overall), Williston, ND (#380 overall), Henderson, KY (#1029 overall), Garden City, KS (#613 overall), and Mililani Town, HI (#255 overall). Madison is #86.