Madison 66 Good
Madison Livability #306 ranked city in Indiana#12,102 ranked city in the USARanks better than 58% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Madison

PROS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    Residents in this area benefit from an affordable cost of living. This includes goods and services, transportation, housing, utilities, groceries and healthcare.

  • 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.

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?

Located in the state of Indiana, Madison is a moderately-sized city with a population of 12,030 residents. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (92% White). Given that fact, Madison could be considered less diverse than other cities. In Madison, only 47% of people over the age of fifteen are married. This city could be a good option for singles ready to mingle. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Madison will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 20 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.

Are you trying to figure out if living in Madison is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a great experience before relocating to any new city in Indiana, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. Finding the best places to live in Madison and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes crime, cost of living, health & safety, employment and other important metrics.

The livability score in Madison is 64 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 55th percentile of all cities across America. There are nine total categories that create the livability score. Madison ranks well for cost of living (A+) and housing (A+) Madison does not do well for the following: amenities (F) and employment (D). It might be a good idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.

Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Madison, the unemployment rate stands at 2.2%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.

For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Madison apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.

Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Madison is real estate affordability. The median home price for Madison homes is $260,265, which is 14.7% higher than the Indiana 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 4.2, which is 40% higher than the Indiana 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, IN Livability

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      Madison transportation information

      Statistic Madison Indiana National
      Average one way commute20min23min26min
      Workers who drive to work83.0%83.0%76.4%
      Workers who carpool9.5%8.9%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%1.1%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.5%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.0%2.1%2.8%
      Working from home5.3%3.5%4.6%
      Source: The Madison, IN 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.