Madison
Nebraska

What stands out

Against every county in America, Madison County is unusual in two ways: the average commute is in the bottom 3% of American counties (14 minutes) and unemployment is in the bottom 7% of American counties (2.1%). Within Nebraska it ranks 5th of 33 counties for the average commute, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Madison County, Nebraska. 35,538 people live here with you. The population grew 0.6% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +80).

Nebraska stopped taxing Social Security in 2025 and is cutting its top income-tax rate toward 3.99%. Property taxes are among the highest in the country as a share of home value, which is the state's longest-running political fight. Omaha and Lincoln hold most of the population and jobs; the state has the country's only unicameral legislature and publicly owned electric utilities.

Money

The typical household here brings in $61,139 a year, higher than 52% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $55,267. Unemployment runs 2.1%, lower than 93% of American counties. 5% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 14 minutes each way.

Nebraska takes 4.1% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,481 a year.

Home

The median home costs $259K, pricier than 59% of American counties, about 2.2 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $846 a month. Property tax is 1.36% of home value, roughly $2,549 a year on that median home, higher than 80% of American counties. 67% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.3 per 1,000 residents, lower than 81% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 8 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 78.6 years, longer than 81% of American counties. There are 77 active physicians in the county, about 21.7 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 3.25 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 77% of American counties. 93% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

64% of eligible voters turned out. Under Nebraska law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is legal with limits, and marijuana is medical only.

Weather and risk

The year averages 51°F, highs near 62 and lows near 39, colder than 71% of American counties. About 28 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 67 out of 100, riskier than 67% of American counties; the county has had 19 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 241 Mbps down, faster than 70% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.8 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 1 brewery.