Madison
Arkansas

What stands out

Against every county in America, Madison County is unusual in three ways: the property tax rate is in the bottom 5% of American counties (0.40%), population growth is in the top 9% of American counties (+1.8% a year), and violent crime is in the top 10% of American counties (4.8 per 1,000). Within Arkansas it ranks 3rd of 75 counties for the property tax rate, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Madison County, Arkansas. 16,737 people live here with you. The population grew 1.8% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +331).

Arkansas has been cutting its income tax rates every legislative session since 2015, and the top rate is now well under 4%. Home prices remain among the lowest in the country, especially outside Northwest Arkansas, where Walmart, Tyson and J.B. Hunt have built a fast-growing corporate corridor around Bentonville and Fayetteville. Tornado season is real across the whole state.

Money

The typical household here brings in $51,514 a year, lower than 76% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $44,603. Unemployment runs 2.5%, lower than 84% of American counties. 8% of workers work from home.

Arkansas takes 3.5% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,826 a year.

Home

The median home costs $275K, pricier than 63% of American counties, about 2.5 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $619 a month. Property tax is 0.40% of home value, roughly $587 a year on that median home, lower than 95% of American counties. 80% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.8 per 1,000 residents, higher than 90% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 12 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 76.0 years, longer than 52% of American counties. There are 5 active physicians in the county, about 3.0 per 10,000 people. 12.9% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.69 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 77% of American counties. 85% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 56 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 59% of eligible voters turned out. Under Arkansas 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 59°F, highs near 70 and lows near 48, warmer than 64% of American counties. About 51 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 62 out of 100, riskier than 62% of American counties; the county has had 30 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 197 Mbps down, slower than 51% of American counties. There are 4 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.5 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.