Madison 76 Excellent
Madison Livability #13 ranked city in Alabama#3,557 ranked city in the USARanks better than 87% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Madison

PROS
  • Crime Crime

    This area is characterized by a crime rate, per 100,000 individuals, that falls well below the national average, indicating its potential as a very safe place to live.

  • Employment Employment

    This area scores extremely well in the employment category. This is primarily due to the combination of low unemployment rates, higher median home income and income per capita.

  • Housing Housing

    The housing category in this area boasts higher than average scores, likely influenced by a positive home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Schools Schools

    A high score in the schools category could be the result of elements like top-notch test scores, high education levels and the convenient location of elementary and high schools in this area.

  • Ratings Ratings

    Local residents have positive feedback regarding the convenience of amenities, parks, public transit, the friendliness of neighbors, the strong sense of community, and the overall safety of the area.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    It appears that many amenities may not be conveniently situated within walking distance, potentially necessitating the use of a vehicle or public transit.

  • Commute Commute

    Commuters in this area may experience longer-than-average work commute times due to limited public transportation access.

What's it like Living in Madison?

Madison is a medium-sized city located in the state of Alabama. The city has a population of 52,584 people. If we look at the most recent Census, Madison is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Madison is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 20 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

Whether you’re relocating to a new town to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Madison could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Alabama if you know where to search. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, crime, health & safety, you can easily compare the best places to live in Madison and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Madison to Alabama and the national average.

Madison, AL receives 76 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #9 in Alabama and #2,951 in the USA. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Madison could be a great choice! Based on the rankings for each individual category, Madison has received high marks for crime (A), education (A), employment (A+) and housing (A+). Regrettably for Madison, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: amenities (F).

Unemployment rates can range pretty dramatically from one city to another. Knowing that Madison has an unemployment rate of 2.1% could mean increased job opportunities with a higher demand for workers. It could also lead to higher wages, as the demand for workers exceeds the availability of jobs. Most importantly, it could be a sign of a healthy and thriving local economy.

Test scores serve as a vital gauge of a school's academic prowess and the proficiency of its students. They play a pivotal role in assessing whether local schools can deliver a robust educational foundation for children. In Madison, the schools boast an impressive average test score of 74%, significantly higher than the national average. This outstanding academic achievement not only reflects the excellence of the local educational system, but also indicates the potential for students to thrive academically, making it an attractive destination for families seeking a high-quality education for their children.

Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Madison market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.

Madison real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Madison. The median home price for Madison homes is $475,547, which is 101.9% higher than the Alabama average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Madison, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.4, which is 5.6% lower than the Alabama average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Madison

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Madison?

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Compare Madison, AL Livability

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      Madison transportation information

      Statistic Madison Alabama National
      Average one way commute20min25min26min
      Workers who drive to work87.6%85.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool3.0%8.8%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%0.4%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.1%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.5%1.1%2.8%
      Working from home8.6%2.9%4.6%
      Source: The Madison, AL data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.