WisconsinPop. 278,001Big cities
Is Madison a Good Place to Live? Madison, Wisconsin: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Madison ranks #161 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #1 of 53 big cities and #5 of 20 in Wisconsin. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (2.5%, #3 of 53) and short commutes (19.4 min, #6 of 53), 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 97.3, 3% below the US level of 100 and #556 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,413/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $426,336, 26% above the typical Wisconsin home ($339,699).
| Measure | Madison | WisconsinWI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.9 · US 100 | 97.3#556 of 1,308 | 94.1 | 100.9 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $402,439 · US $368,697 | $426,336#684 of 1,187 | $339,699 | $402,439 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,742/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,616/mo#433 of 1,115 | — | $1,742/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $378,400 | $372,900#720 of 1,309 | — | $378,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,528/mo | $1,413/mo#649 of 1,309 | — | $1,528/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 4.8x#802 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.1% | 21.7%#647 of 1,309 | — | 23.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). Wisconsin 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 Madison, WI metro.
Wisconsin housing market →Is Madison safe?
Madison recorded 214 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 35% below the US rate of 328 and 11% below Wisconsin's 240. That ranks #378 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #6 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Madison Police Department. Property crime runs 1,882 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Madison | WisconsinWI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 492 · US 328 | 214#378 of 1,085 | 240 | 492 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,282 · US 1,548 | 1,882#656 of 1,085 | 1,017 | 2,282 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). Wisconsin 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 $78,050, 6% below the US figure of $83,163 and 1% above Wisconsin ($77,488). Unemployment is 2.5% (US 4.3%). 16.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.7% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Madison | WisconsinWI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $78,050 · US $83,163 | $78,050#654 of 1,312 | $77,488 | $78,050 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.1% · US 4.3% | 2.5%#27 of 1,058 | 3.2% | 4.1% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 14.8% | 16.4%#943 of 1,312 | — | 14.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.7%#317 of 1,132 | +0.3% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). Wisconsin 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 31.8 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 59.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #126 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 46% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Madison | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.3 | 31.8 | 35.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 39.5% | 59.9%#126 of 1,312 | 39.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 52.9% | 46% | 52.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Madison's schools and health?
Madison's 51 public schools graduate 84% of students in four years (Wisconsin 90.3%), with 13.1 students per teacher and $17,411 spent per pupil. 32.7% of adults are obese and 7.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.8% and 11.8%.
| Measure | Madison | WisconsinWI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 84.7% | 84%#746 of 1,063 | 90.3% | 84.7% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 15.9 | 13.1#178 of 1,188 | — | 15.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,888 | $17,411#379 of 1,188 | — | $14,888 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.8% | 32.7%#587 of 1,311 | — | 33.8% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.8% | 7.4%#67 of 1,311 | — | 11.8% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.4% | 16.5%#522 of 1,311 | — | 17.4% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 7.9%#358 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). Wisconsin is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 24,741 students are enrolled in Madison's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Madison?
The average commute in Madison is 19.4 minutes (Wisconsin 22.7); 5.3% of workers take transit and 20.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Madison scores 14.2 of 20 (above average walkable), #123 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 69.9°F and winters 22.6°F, with 37.1 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Madison | WisconsinWI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 23 min | 19.4 min#297 of 1,312 | 22.7 min | 23 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 2.2%#67 of 1,312 | 5.1% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 67.4% | 56.7% | 75.1% | 67.4% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 5.3% | 1.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.9% | 7.6% | 2.5% | 1.9% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.4% | 2.9% | 0.5% | 0.4% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 14.3% | 20.5% | 11.8% | 14.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 14.2#123 of 1,312 | — | 12.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). Wisconsin 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 | 27 | 11.8 | 1.5 |
| Feb | 31.2 | 14.9 | 1.5 |
| Mar | 43.6 | 25.1 | 2.3 |
| Apr | 56.9 | 35.8 | 3.8 |
| May | 69 | 47.1 | 4.1 |
| Jun | 78.6 | 57.4 | 5.3 |
| Jul | 82.1 | 61.6 | 4.5 |
| Aug | 79.9 | 59.5 | 4.2 |
| Sep | 72.9 | 51 | 3.4 |
| Oct | 59.6 | 39.8 | 2.8 |
| Nov | 44.8 | 28.7 | 2.2 |
| Dec | 32.3 | 18.2 | 1.6 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Madison Dane Co Rgnl Airport.
| Measure | Madison | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.2°F | 47°F | 61.2°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.8°F | 69.9°F | 76.8°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.8°F | 22.6°F | 43.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 33.3 in | 37.1 in | 33.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Madison Dane Co Rgnl Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Madison?
Dane County's air had a median air quality index of 41, and 67% of measured days were rated good; 6 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Dane County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, tornado, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.08% of building value, lower than 96% of US counties.
| Measure | Madison | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 48 | 41#404 of 1,138 | 48 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 6#761 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.08%#77 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Dane County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Dane County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hail | 0.0075% | 79% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0096% | 53% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.054% | 15% 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 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track and ranks #1 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 278,001.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madison, WIPop. 278,001 | #161 | 65.7 | $78,050 | $1,413/mo | 214 | 19.4 min |
| Anchorage, AKPop. 288,976 | #888 | 51.9 | $103,284 | $1,489/mo | 1,027 | 18.8 min |
| St. Louis, MOPop. 288,512 | #1200 | 45.0 | $56,160 | $997/mo | 1,230 | 22.1 min |
| Chandler, AZPop. 280,136 | #344 | 61.0 | $108,095 | $1,902/mo | 124 | 23.9 min |
| North Las Vegas, NVPop. 278,595 | #1042 | 49.1 | $79,542 | $1,705/mo | 362 | 26.7 min |
| Buffalo, NYPop. 276,854 | #1052 | 48.8 | $50,041 | $1,046/mo | 729 | 19.9 min |
| Chula Vista, CAPop. 276,375 | #718 | 54.7 | $108,032 | $2,229/mo | 365 | 28.6 min |
| Fort Wayne, INPop. 268,589 | #596 | 56.7 | $61,422 | $999/mo | 275 | 21.5 min |
| Toledo, OHPop. 267,463 | #1240 | 42.9 | $49,724 | $901/mo | 872 | 19.8 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 Wisconsin?
Madison ranks #5 of the 20 Wisconsin cities we track, with a score of 65.7 against Wisconsin's statewide 70.6. Its households earn 1% above the Wisconsin median. Violent crime is 11% below the statewide rate. Homes are 26% above the typical Wisconsin home.
| City | Rank in WI | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brookfield, WIPop. 41,273 | #1 | 71.8 | $129,548 | $1,886/mo | 63 |
| Menomonee Falls, WIPop. 39,539 | #2 | 68.6 | $100,238 | $1,313/mo | 90 |
| Wauwatosa, WIPop. 48,529 | #3 | 68.3 | $101,138 | $1,438/mo | 178 |
| New Berlin, WIPop. 40,270 | #4 | 66.1 | $101,091 | $1,426/mo | 47 |
| Madison, WIPop. 278,001 | #5 | 65.7 | $78,050 | $1,413/mo | 214 |
| Waukesha, WIPop. 71,233 | #6 | 64.5 | $83,837 | $1,219/mo | 115 |
| Appleton, WIPop. 75,023 | #7 | 63.0 | $80,483 | $1,030/mo | 189 |
| Greenfield, WIPop. 37,345 | #8 | 62.8 | $70,459 | $1,170/mo | 105 |
| West Allis, WIPop. 59,612 | #9 | 62.0 | $67,611 | $1,007/mo | 183 |
| Wausau, WIPop. 39,996 | #10 | 61.8 | $64,389 | $1,010/mo | 258 |
| Janesville, WIPop. 66,030 | #11 | 61.6 | $73,446 | $1,054/mo | 122 |
| Eau Claire, WIPop. 70,322 | #12 | 60.8 | $67,395 | $1,045/mo | 168 |
| Oshkosh, WIPop. 66,729 | #13 | 60.4 | $62,188 | $935/mo | 257 |
| Sheboygan, WIPop. 49,645 | #14 | 58.3 | $62,927 | $924/mo | 378 |
| La Crosse, WIPop. 51,356 | #15 | 57.2 | $55,866 | $1,010/mo | 428 |
| Kenosha, WIPop. 99,372 | #16 | 56.9 | $71,239 | $1,186/mo | 324 |
| Green Bay, WIPop. 106,253 | #17 | 56.8 | $66,206 | $932/mo | 450 |
| Fond du Lac, WIPop. 44,494 | #18 | 56.5 | $62,260 | $913/mo | 403 |
| Racine, WIPop. 77,633 | #19 | 53.2 | $57,740 | $1,033/mo | 418 |
| Milwaukee, WIPop. 566,973 | #20 | 45.0 | $54,234 | $1,059/mo | 1,145 |
All 20 Wisconsin cities we track, by overall score. Wisconsin statewide: median income $77,488, violent crime 240.3 per 100,000.
How is Madison's score calculated?
Madison scores 65.7 out of 100, #161 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 Wisconsin'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 53.8.
62.8 - 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 60.5.
79.6 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Madison. Similar-size median 54.8.
65.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Madison's public schools. Similar-size median 52.2.
65.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Madison's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 62.2.
66.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Madison. Similar-size median 47.2.
43.9 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Madison. Similar-size median 42.4.
53.5 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Madison. Similar-size median 53.7.
75.3 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Madison's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
69.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 48.1.
76.8 - 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 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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, WI a good place to live?
Madison ranks #161 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #1 of 53 big cities and #5 of 20 in Wisconsin. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (2.5%, #3 of 53) and short commutes (19.4 min, #6 of 53), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Madison?
Madison's cost of living index is 97.3, 3% below the US level of 100 and #556 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,413/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $426,336, 26% above the typical Wisconsin home ($339,699).
What is the crime rate in Madison?
Madison recorded 214 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 35% below the US rate of 328 and 11% below Wisconsin's 240. That ranks #378 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #6 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Madison Police Department. Property crime runs 1,882 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Madison?
The median household in Madison earns $78,050, 6% below the US figure of $83,163 and 1% above Wisconsin ($77,488). Unemployment is 2.5% (US 4.3%). 16.4% 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 $1,413/mo (Census), #649 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,616/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 21.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Madison?
The typical home value in Madison is $426,336, up 2.5% in a year, against $339,699 for Wisconsin and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $372,900.
How are the public schools in Madison?
Madison's 51 public schools graduate 84% of students in four years (Wisconsin 90.3%), with 13.1 students per teacher and $17,411 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Madison?
The average commute is 19.4 minutes, #297 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 22.7 minutes across Wisconsin. 2.2% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Madison?
Madison averages 47°F over the year, 69.9°F in summer and 22.6°F in winter, with 37.1 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Madison walkable?
Madison scores 14.2 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #123 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 Dane County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, tornado, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.08% of building value, lower than 96% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Madison?
Dane County's air had a median air quality index of 41, and 67% of measured days were rated good; 6 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Madison?
Madison has 278,001 residents. The median resident of Madison is 31.8 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 59.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #126 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 46% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Madison compare with the rest of Wisconsin?
Madison ranks #5 of the 20 Wisconsin cities we track, with a score of 65.7 against Wisconsin's statewide 70.6. Its households earn 1% above the Wisconsin median. Violent crime is 11% below the statewide rate. Homes are 26% above the typical Wisconsin home.
What cities are similar in size to Madison?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Madison's population of 278,001 are Anchorage, AK (#888 overall), St. Louis, MO (#1200 overall), Chandler, AZ (#344 overall), North Las Vegas, NV (#1042 overall), and Buffalo, NY (#1052 overall). Madison is #161.