Madison
Alabama

What stands out

Against every county in America, Madison County is unusual in three ways: home internet speed is in the top 5% of American counties (297 Mbps), the property tax rate is in the bottom 6% of American counties (0.41%), and population growth is in the top 6% of American counties (+2.2% a year). Within Alabama it ranks 7th of 67 counties for home internet speed.

Where you are

You live in Madison County, Alabama. 389,781 people live here with you. The population grew 2.2% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +7,340).

Alabama's property taxes are among the lowest in the country because assessments are capped at a fraction of market value, but the state makes it up with one of the highest combined sales-tax rates, and groceries are taxed. Huntsville's aerospace and defense payroll sets it apart from the rest of the state; the Gulf coast around Mobile and Baldwin County carries real hurricane exposure and insurance costs to match.

Money

The typical household here brings in $78,058 a year, higher than 86% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $77,051. Unemployment runs 2.1%, lower than 93% of American counties. 11% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 19 minutes each way.

Alabama takes 4.9% of that median income in state income tax, about $3,863 a year.

Home

The median home costs $315K, pricier than 72% of American counties, about 2.4 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $1,000 a month. Property tax is 0.41% of home value, roughly $990 a year on that median home, lower than 94% of American counties. 68% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.5 per 1,000 residents, lower than 72% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 19 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 76.7 years, longer than 60% of American counties. There are 1,270 active physicians in the county, about 32.6 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 3.0 of 5 stars. 8.3% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.07 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 53% of American counties. 92% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 8 points. 70% of eligible voters turned out. Under Alabama law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is banned with narrow exceptions, and marijuana is medical only.

Weather and risk

The year averages 62°F, highs near 72 and lows near 51, warmer than 72% of American counties. About 54 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 91 out of 100, riskier than 91% of American counties; the county has had 21 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 297 Mbps down, faster than 95% of American counties. There are 11 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.6 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 8 breweries, 3 museums.