Madison
Kentucky

What stands out

Against every county in America, Madison County is unusual in three ways: rainfall is among the wettest in America (63 inches a year), home internet speed is in the top 4% of American counties (302 Mbps), and the overdose death rate is in the top 6% of American counties (39 per 100,000). Within Kentucky it ranks 17th of 120 counties for rainfall.

Where you are

You live in Madison County, Kentucky. 92,955 people live here with you. The population grew 1.7% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +1,407).

Kentucky moved to a flat income tax, 3.5% for 2026, and exempts the first $31,110 of pension and retirement income per person. It has an inheritance tax, but spouses, children, parents and siblings are exempt. Home prices are among the lowest in the country outside Louisville and Lexington, and the state has some of the cheapest electricity, much of it still coal-fired.

Money

The typical household here brings in $59,797 a year, lower than 52% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $53,794. Unemployment runs 3.6%, higher than 58% of American counties. 7% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 23 minutes each way.

Kentucky takes 3.5% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,093 a year.

Home

The median home costs $287K, pricier than 66% of American counties, about 2.6 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $792 a month. Property tax is 0.78% of home value, roughly $1,567 a year on that median home, lower than 57% of American counties. 61% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.3 per 1,000 residents, higher than 73% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 39 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 74.3 years, shorter than 67% of American counties. There are 124 active physicians in the county, about 13.3 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 4.0 of 5 stars. 7.4% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.96 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 66% of American counties. 91% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 27 points. 61% of eligible voters turned out. Under Kentucky 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 57°F, highs near 67 and lows near 46, warmer than 55% of American counties. About 63 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 68 out of 100, riskier than 68% of American counties; the county has had 27 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 302 Mbps down, faster than 96% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.5 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 1 brewery.