Cost of Living in Madison County, New York
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Madison County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Madison County ranks #1,802 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 43%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Madison County, New York
Madison County punches above affordability average
Renters spend just 14.6% of income on housing, roughly 3 percentage points better than New York's state average of 17.6% and well below national norms. Median rent of $891 per month undercuts the state average by 21%, creating meaningful budget relief for working households.
Upper tier of New York affordability
Madison County ranks solidly among New York's most affordable counties for renters and owners alike, with a rent-to-income ratio that beats the statewide average convincingly. The county's combination of reasonable incomes and modest housing costs keeps it competitive statewide.
Affordable but not the cheapest option
Madison County's $891 rent sits between Lewis County's bargain $821 and Livingston County's $912, though Madison homeowners face slightly steeper costs at $1,124 monthly. The median home value of $176,800 reflects the slightly higher property costs compared to its immediate neighbors.
Income-to-housing ratio works in residents' favor
With median household income of $73,141, residents spend about $10,692 yearly on rent (14.6%) and $13,488 on ownership costs if mortgaged. This leaves a substantial portion of household income for food, transportation, healthcare, and savings—a luxury in many New York markets.
Madison County: affordability meets community
If you're weighing a move within New York, Madison County delivers 21% lower rent than the state average alongside homes priced near $177,000. Compare its 14.6% rent-to-income ratio to your current situation and discover whether this upstate haven aligns with your relocation goals.
Cost of Living Advisory: Madison County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Madison County is affordable. The median rent is $891/month against a median household income of $73,141, putting rent at 14.6% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $891/month rent versus $1,124/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $233/month cheaper — a 21% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $35,640/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $48,171/year. With a median household income of $73,141, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Madison County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Madison County sits 5% less expensive than Otsego County ($942/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Madison County
Rent Burden
14.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,707
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.4%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Madison County
Median home value is $176,800. Estimated monthly cost: $1,411 vs. your max of $1,707.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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