Madison, South Dakota is a small-sized city with a population of 7,489 residents. If we look at the most recent Census, Madison is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are American Indian and Alaskan and Black. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Madison will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 12 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.
Are you trying to decide if living in Madison is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a great experience before relocating to any new city in South Dakota, 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. The best areas in Madison and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from cost of living, education, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the South Dakota and national averages.
Using data and statistics Madison has received a livability score of 76 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 88th percentile when compared to all other cities. Based on this score, Madison would be considered a very livable city! Based on the scores for each individual category, Madison has received high marks for crime (A+), education (B-) and housing (A+). Regrettably for Madison, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: amenities (F).
Low rates of violent crime, encompassing offenses such as murder, rape, robbery and assault, contribute significantly to a safer living environment. This reduction in crime minimizes the chances of personal harm, property theft, or violent incidents. Furthermore, low crime rates can have a positive impact on property values and the overall desirability of an area. There were 148 crimes per 100,000 residents, which signifies that Madison boasts an impressively low violent crime rate that falls well below the national average.
A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Madison excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Madison is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Madison come in at $223,964, which is 14% lower than the South Dakota average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Madison, the home price to income ratio is 2.8, which is 15.2% lower than the South Dakota average.
| Statistic | Madison | South Dakota | National |
| Average one way commute | 12min | 17min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 79.8% | 79.6% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 8.8% | 9.1% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 1.0% | 0.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 3.7% | 3.8% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 4.3% | 5.5% | 4.6% |
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