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Madison, Alabama

USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence

80
Overall Score

Madison, Alabama, is a rapidly growing city in North Alabama, renowned for its dynamic economy, exceptional school systems, and welcoming, family-oriented atmosphere. Strategically located near Huntsville, it benefits significantly from its proximity to major employment hubs such as the Redstone Arsenal and Cummings Research Park, which have propelled its growth in the technology, aerospace, and defense sectors. The city offers a desirable blend of suburban tranquility and access to diverse metropolitan amenities, making it an attractive destination for professionals and families seeking a high quality of life in the Southern United States. Madison consistently ranks among the top places to live, reflecting its strong community and robust opportunities.

About Alabama

Alabama, located in the southeastern United States, is characterized by its Southern charm, rich history, and diverse natural beauty, ranging from the Appalachian foothills to Gulf Coast beaches. The state's economy has diversified beyond its agricultural roots, with major industries now including automotive manufacturing, aerospace, healthcare, banking, and steel production. Living in Alabama generally offers a low cost of living, particularly for housing, which is significantly below the national average. The climate is humid subtropical, featuring hot, humid summers and mild winters with ample sunshine for much of the year, supporting an outdoor-oriented lifestyle.

64,029
Population
$56K
Avg Salary
96
Cost Index
80.5
Quality Score
How this 81/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
Component Readings used Points Weight Contributes
Safety Safety score: 85 / 100 85.0 30% 25.5
Affordability Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 96.0 48.8 25% 12.2
Economy & jobs Median household income: $134,655 Income needed to live here: $55,000 Unemployment rate: 2% 100.0 20% 20.0
Growth Population growth rate: 4.4% Job growth rate: 7.19% 100.0 15% 15.0
Business climate assessment Business climate assessment: 78 / 100 78.0 10% 7.8
Overall score 80.5

Provenance. These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as Gemini (Tier 3 (deep think), q=89), last refreshed 2 July 2026. They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.

Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.

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Quality Scores

Business
78
Livability
76
Affordability
70
Growth
85

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Madison is generally considered affordable when compared to the national average, with a cost of living index of 96 as of July 2024, indicating it is slightly below the national benchmark. Housing expenses are a significant component of the overall cost, with the median home price reaching approximately $420,000 in mid-2024. While this figure is higher than the Alabama state average, it still represents good value compared to many major U.S. cities. Utility costs in Madison are slightly below the national average, and grocery prices are comparable to national figures. Healthcare expenses are notably more affordable, contributing to the city's overall financial appeal.

Average Rent
$1,358/mo
Groceries
$450/mo
Transport
$150/mo
Utilities
$223/mo
Healthcare
$200/mo
Gym membership (monthly)
$45.00
Cinema ticket
$14.00
Restaurant meal (mid-range)
$22.00
Monthly groceries
$450.00
Doctor visit (without insurance)
$120.00

Salary Insights

Madison boasts a robust and expanding job market, largely fueled by its strategic location adjacent to Huntsville's prominent employment centers, including the Redstone Arsenal and Cummings Research Park. The city's economy is primarily driven by key industries such as aerospace, defense, technology, and professional, scientific, and technical services. Additionally, Madison has significant employment in manufacturing, public administration, education, and healthcare sectors. The job market demonstrates strong vitality, with employment in Madison growing at an impressive rate of 7.19% from 2023 to 2024, underscoring its dynamic and expanding economic landscape.

The average salary in Madison is $56,185 per year. You would need approximately $55,000 to live comfortably.

Top Industries

Manufacturing +5.00% Education +4.00% Healthcare +4.50% Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services +6.50% Aerospace & Defense +7.00%

Climate

🌡️
Avg Temp
☀️
Summer High
❄️
Winter Low
🌧️
"
Annual Rain
💧
70.00%
Humidity
🌤️
Sunny Days

Transport

Transportation within Madison primarily necessitates the use of a personal vehicle, as the city exhibits a low walkability score of 17 and offers very limited public transit options. The average commute time for residents is approximately 20.2 minutes. Despite the high car dependency, transportation expenses, including the cost of gasoline, are generally lower than the national average, making daily commuting more manageable for most residents.

20 min
Avg Commute
10.00/10
Transit Score
17.00/10
Walkability
High
Car Dependency

Pros & Cons

Advantages
Madison was ranked as the #9 Best Place to Live in the U.S. by Niche in 2025.
The city's overall crime rate is estimated to be 39% below the national average as of 2026, indicating a high level of safety.
The median household income of $134,655 in 2024 is significantly higher than the national average.
Madison's job market is robust, with employment growing by 7.19% from 2023-2024, particularly in the aerospace and technology sectors.
The city is known for its excellent school systems and a highly family-friendly environment.
Drawbacks
Madison exhibits high car dependency with a low walkability score of 17 and very limited public transit options.
Summers in Madison are characterized as long, muggy, and hot, with high humidity levels.
While overall healthcare costs are below the national average, they are slightly above the Alabama state average.
Some southeastern neighborhoods of Madison report higher crime rates compared to the safer central areas.
The median home price of approximately $420,000 in mid-2024 is higher than the average for the state of Alabama.

Questions about Madison

What people ask about living in and moving to Madison, Alabama.

How does the cost of living in Madison compare to the national average? Cost of Living 1 answer

Madison’s cost‑of‑living index is 96, which means it is slightly below the national average of 100. Basic expenses such as groceries, utilities, and transportation tend to be a few percent cheaper than in many larger metros. Because the index is close to the national norm, you won’t see dramatic savings, but you also won’t face the higher price pressures found in big‑city markets. To get a more precise picture, you c...

How are the public schools rated in Madison? Schools & Education 1 answer

Madison is served by a well‑regarded public school district that consistently receives above‑average ratings in state assessments. The district offers elementary, middle, and high schools with a range of academic and extracurricular programs. For detailed performance data, visit the state department of education’s website or the district’s own portal, where you can view school report cards, enrollment numbers, and in...

Is Madison considered a safe place to live? Safety 1 answer

Madison has a safety score of 85 out of 100, indicating a relatively low crime rate compared to many U.S. cities. The community benefits from active local law‑enforcement partnerships and neighborhood watch programs. For the most current crime statistics, you can consult the city’s public safety reports or the state’s crime data portal, which break down incidents by type and area, helping you choose a neighborhood th...

What are the main industries hiring in Madison? Jobs & Economy 1 answer

Madison’s job market is anchored by technology firms, education institutions, and health‑care providers. The city’s proximity to larger research and development centers also creates opportunities in engineering and software development. Education jobs are available through the local school system and nearby colleges. For current openings, check the city’s employment resources, regional job boards, and the state’s lab...

What public transportation options are available in Madison? Getting Around 1 answer

Madison is served by a regional transit authority that operates bus routes connecting residential areas with major employment centers and neighboring cities. Service schedules and route maps are posted on the transit authority’s website, and you can download a mobile app for real‑time bus tracking. For longer trips, the nearby intercity rail and bus stations provide connections to larger metropolitan areas. Consider...

Where can I find hospitals and clinics in Madison? Healthcare 1 answer

Madison has several healthcare facilities, including a major hospital offering emergency, surgical, and specialty services, as well as community clinics for primary care. The city’s health department website lists providers by specialty and location, and most insurers have searchable provider directories that include Madison’s options. When selecting a doctor, verify that they accept your insurance and check patient...

What recreational activities are popular in Madison? Things to Do 1 answer

Madison offers a variety of outdoor and cultural activities. The city maintains parks with walking trails, playgrounds, and sports fields, which are ideal for family outings. There are also community centers that host events such as concerts, art exhibits, and seasonal festivals. For organized sports or hobby groups, the city’s recreation department publishes a calendar of programs and leagues on its website. Explori...

What should I know about utilities and services when moving to Madison? Moving Here 1 answer

When you move to Madison, you’ll need to set up accounts for electricity, water, natural gas (if applicable), and waste collection through the city’s utility providers. The city’s official website provides contact information and online portals for new‑service requests. For internet and cable, several regional providers operate in the area; you can compare plans and speeds on their websites or through third‑party com...

What is the typical rent for a one‑bedroom apartment in Madison? Housing 1 answer

The average rent in Madison is $1,358 per month. One‑bedroom units in the central area generally fall near that figure, though exact prices vary by size, age of the building, and amenities. Rental listings on regional housing websites or the city’s housing portal will let you filter by price range, square footage, and proximity to schools or shopping. When budgeting, also consider utilities, which are often billed se...

What’s the average salary in Madison and how does it relate to rent prices? General 1 answer

The average annual salary in Madison is $56,185, while the average monthly rent is $1,358. Using the common guideline that housing costs should not exceed 30 % of gross income, a salary at the city’s average would comfortably cover rent, leaving room for other expenses. However, individual budgets vary based on debt, family size, and lifestyle. To evaluate affordability, calculate your net monthly income, subtract es...

Some answers here were drafted as a starting point and may be out of date. Live in Madison? Add your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Urblytica benchmarks its Cost of Living Index against a United States national average baseline of 100. A score of 115 means a city is approximately 15% more expensive than the national average, while a score of 85 indicates it is 15% more affordable. This composite calculation is weighted across six primary expenditure categories: housing, utilities, grocery items, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods.

Urblytica aggregates housing data from multiple authoritative sources, including Multiple Listing Service (MLS) feeds, municipal property tax registries, the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS), and verified historical deed transactions. This multi-tier aggregation ensures precision in tracking median home values and rental rates.

A municipality must meet minimum data-density thresholds—including consistent reporting population samples from the U.S. Census and active residential or commercial real estate transaction feeds—to ensure statistical significance before a complete scoring profile is published.

When primary agencies (such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics or U.S. Census Bureau) issue historical data revisions or benchmark corrections, Urblytica's data pipeline automatically re-indexes affected historical archives to maintain longitudinal trend accuracy.

U.S. affordability calculations incorporate federal income tax brackets, state-specific income tax rates, and local municipal tax variations to evaluate the true net tax drag on median household earnings across different states and cities.

Local county and municipal property tax millage rates are factored directly into the housing component of the cost-of-living index to reflect recurring annual tax burdens for homeowners.

The platform aggregates state sales taxes alongside county and city surtaxes to measure consumer basket purchasing power parity accurately across different retail jurisdictions.

Utility calculations apply regional seasonal consumption weightings, incorporating high summer air conditioning loads in southern states and heavy winter heating demands in northern states.

The index tracks average out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, routine outpatient visit costs, and regional health insurance premium benchmarks published by federal health agencies.

Educational metrics aggregate state standardized testing benchmarks, student-to-teacher ratios, high school graduation rates, and per-pupil expenditure data published by state departments of education.
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