South DakotaPop. 6,094Towns
Is Madison a Good Place to Live? Madison, South Dakota: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Madison ranks #662 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #107 of 234 towns and #9 of 20 in South Dakota. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (11.4 min, #11 of 234) and low living costs (86.7, #25 of 230), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.6%, #116 of 151).
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 86.7, 13% below the US level of 100 and #87 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $981/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $269,467, 16% below the typical South Dakota home ($321,574).
| Measure | Madison | South DakotaSD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 94.3 · US 100 | 86.7#87 of 1,308 | 88.6 | 94.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $325,401 · US $368,697 | $269,467#299 of 1,187 | $321,574 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $193,100#206 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $981/mo#195 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 2.9x#138 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 17.9%#231 of 1,309 | — | 19.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). South Dakota 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.
South Dakota housing market →Is Madison safe?
Madison recorded 99 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 70% below the US rate of 328 and 68% below South Dakota's 308. That ranks #127 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #26 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Madison Police Department. Property crime runs 890 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Madison | South DakotaSD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 99#127 of 1,085 | 308 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 890#172 of 1,085 | 1,312 | 1,379 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). South Dakota 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 $65,593, 21% below the US figure of $83,163 and 15% below South Dakota ($76,881). 9.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Madison | South DakotaSD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $65,593#915 of 1,312 | $76,881 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 9.5%#455 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | -0.6%#988 of 1,132 | +0.9% | 0% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). South Dakota 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 40.1 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 34.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #639 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 60.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Madison | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 40.1 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 34.3%#639 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 60.2% | 65.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Madison's schools and health?
Madison's 3 public schools graduate 92% of students in four years (South Dakota 82.1%), with 14.9 students per teacher and $10,867 spent per pupil. 31.8% of adults are obese and 10.3% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Madison | South DakotaSD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 92%#222 of 1,063 | 82.1% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 14.9#445 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $10,867#1074 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 31.8%#525 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 10.3%#460 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 15.2%#289 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 9%#519 of 1,311 | — | 8.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). South Dakota is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 1,178 students are enrolled in Madison's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Madison?
The average commute in Madison is 11.4 minutes (South Dakota 18.5); 1.6% of workers take transit and 8.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Madison scores 6.5 of 20 (below average walkable), #1277 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 69.7°F and winters 17.8°F, with 26.4 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Madison | South DakotaSD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 11.4 min#11 of 1,312 | 18.5 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 1%#14 of 1,312 | 4.4% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 77.4% | 78.1% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 1.6% | 0.2% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 4.9% | 3% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0% | 0.3% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 8.2% | 8% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 6.5#1277 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). South Dakota 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 | 23.7 | 5 | 0.5 |
| Feb | 28.5 | 9.5 | 0.7 |
| Mar | 41.2 | 21.5 | 1 |
| Apr | 55.6 | 33.4 | 2.7 |
| May | 68.1 | 45.9 | 3.7 |
| Jun | 78.2 | 56.6 | 4.2 |
| Jul | 83.3 | 60.9 | 3.3 |
| Aug | 80.9 | 58.4 | 3.4 |
| Sep | 73.1 | 49.6 | 3.2 |
| Oct | 58.7 | 35.7 | 2.2 |
| Nov | 42.2 | 22.6 | 0.9 |
| Dec | 28.7 | 11 | 0.6 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Madison 2se.
| Measure | Madison | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 44.7°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 69.7°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 17.8°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 26.4 in | 36.5 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Madison 2se.
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 Lake County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, winter weather, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 64% 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% | 0.13%#498 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Lake County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Lake County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Tornado | 0.029% | 97% of counties |
| Winter weather | 0.0024% | 95% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0027% | 80% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0044% | 71% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0039% | 64% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0011% | 59% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.072% | 39% 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 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #107 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 6,094.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madison, SDPop. 6,094 | #662 | 55.7 | $65,593 | $981/mo | 99 | 11.4 min |
| Caribou, MEPop. 7,382 | #615 | 56.5 | $53,709 | $757/mo | 82 | 14.7 min |
| Kingston, RIPop. 7,332 | #215 | 64.1 | $107,404 | — | no data | 18.4 min |
| Elsmere, DEPop. 6,203 | #971 | 50.6 | $67,944 | $1,339/mo | 144 | 24.4 min |
| Torrington, WYPop. 6,182 | #853 | 52.5 | $47,902 | $901/mo | 321 | 13.6 min |
| South Lakes, AKPop. 6,180 | #716 | 54.8 | $98,141 | $1,178/mo | no data | 27.8 min |
| Lewistown, MTPop. 6,087 | #1094 | 48.0 | $48,750 | $1,007/mo | 639 | 12.7 min |
| Watford City, NDPop. 6,039 | #333 | 61.3 | $102,260 | $1,336/mo | 387 | 20.8 min |
| St. Johnsbury, VTPop. 5,859 | #334 | 61.3 | $53,711 | $912/mo | 203 | 19.2 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 South Dakota?
Madison ranks #9 of the 20 South Dakota cities we track, with a score of 55.7 against South Dakota's statewide 79.3. Its households earn 15% below the South Dakota median. Violent crime is 68% below the statewide rate. Homes are 16% below the typical South Dakota home.
| City | Rank in SD | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brandon, SDPop. 10,996 | #1 | 70.0 | $110,806 | $976/mo | 46 |
| Tea, SDPop. 6,786 | #2 | 69.8 | $120,139 | $1,220/mo | 169 |
| Dakota Dunes, SDPop. 3,936 | #3 | 68.7 | $136,125 | $1,225/mo | no data |
| Harrisburg, SDPop. 8,519 | #4 | 62.7 | $108,724 | $1,362/mo | no data |
| Sioux Falls, SDPop. 201,469 | #5 | 61.9 | $75,970 | $1,035/mo | 364 |
| Aberdeen, SDPop. 28,189 | #6 | 59.8 | $64,405 | $762/mo | 425 |
| Brookings, SDPop. 23,948 | #7 | 56.9 | $63,493 | $889/mo | 113 |
| Watertown, SDPop. 23,044 | #8 | 55.7 | $69,600 | $942/mo | 181 |
| Madison, SDPop. 6,094 | #9 | 55.7 | $65,593 | $981/mo | 99 |
| Spearfish, SDPop. 12,930 | #10 | 55.1 | $65,688 | $963/mo | 232 |
| Rapid Valley, SDPop. 6,975 | #11 | 54.8 | $83,208 | $1,174/mo | no data |
| Yankton, SDPop. 15,540 | #12 | 53.9 | $67,804 | $790/mo | 191 |
| Pierre, SDPop. 13,948 | #13 | 53.5 | $77,672 | $983/mo | 561 |
| Mitchell, SDPop. 15,649 | #14 | 52.8 | $58,620 | $851/mo | 288 |
| Box Elder, SDPop. 12,902 | #15 | 52.7 | $73,008 | $1,491/mo | 312 |
| Rapid City, SDPop. 77,946 | #16 | 52.1 | $70,870 | $1,109/mo | 767 |
| Huron, SDPop. 14,385 | #17 | 49.4 | $61,452 | $888/mo | 281 |
| Belle Fourche, SDPop. 5,804 | #18 | 49.1 | $65,071 | $983/mo | 254 |
| Vermillion, SDPop. 11,878 | #19 | 48.4 | $50,456 | $764/mo | 185 |
| Sturgis, SDPop. 7,086 | #20 | 47.6 | $54,404 | $780/mo | 329 |
All 20 South Dakota cities we track, by overall score. South Dakota statewide: median income $76,881, violent crime 307.5 per 100,000.
How is Madison's score calculated?
Madison scores 55.7 out of 100, #662 of 1,312 (grade C+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with South Dakota'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, some inputs missing · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Madison. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
26.6 - 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 81.4.
94.1 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Madison. Similar-size median 56.5.
63.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Madison's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
58.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Madison's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
85.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Madison. Similar-size median 50.8.
51.3 - GrowthCity data, some inputs missing · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Madison. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 35.2.
20.0 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Madison. Similar-size median 48.3.
55.7 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Madison's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
28.9 - 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 59.2.
63.8 - 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 234 places under 25,000 people 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, SD a good place to live?
Madison ranks #662 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #107 of 234 towns and #9 of 20 in South Dakota. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (11.4 min, #11 of 234) and low living costs (86.7, #25 of 230), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.6%, #116 of 151).
What is the cost of living in Madison?
Madison's cost of living index is 86.7, 13% below the US level of 100 and #87 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $981/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $269,467, 16% below the typical South Dakota home ($321,574).
What is the crime rate in Madison?
Madison recorded 99 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 70% below the US rate of 328 and 68% below South Dakota's 308. That ranks #127 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #26 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Madison Police Department. Property crime runs 890 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Madison?
The median household in Madison earns $65,593, 21% below the US figure of $83,163 and 15% below South Dakota ($76,881). 9.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Madison?
Median rent in Madison is $981/mo (Census), #195 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 17.9% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Madison?
The typical home value in Madison is $269,467, up 1.1% in a year, against $321,574 for South Dakota and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $193,100.
How are the public schools in Madison?
Madison's 3 public schools graduate 92% of students in four years (South Dakota 82.1%), with 14.9 students per teacher and $10,867 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Madison?
The average commute is 11.4 minutes, #11 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 18.5 minutes across South Dakota. 1% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Madison?
Madison averages 44.7°F over the year, 69.7°F in summer and 17.8°F in winter, with 26.4 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Madison walkable?
Madison scores 6.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1277 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 Lake County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, winter weather, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 64% of US counties.
Who lives in Madison?
Madison has 6,094 residents. The median resident of Madison is 40.1 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 34.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #639 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 60.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Madison compare with the rest of South Dakota?
Madison ranks #9 of the 20 South Dakota cities we track, with a score of 55.7 against South Dakota's statewide 79.3. Its households earn 15% below the South Dakota median. Violent crime is 68% below the statewide rate. Homes are 16% below the typical South Dakota home.
What cities are similar in size to Madison?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Madison's population of 6,094 are Caribou, ME (#615 overall), Kingston, RI (#215 overall), Elsmere, DE (#971 overall), Torrington, WY (#853 overall), and South Lakes, AK (#716 overall). Madison is #662.