Cost of Living in Madison County, North Carolina
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 #227 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 7%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Madison County, North Carolina
Madison rents are well below national strain
At 15.6%, Madison County's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the national threshold where housing costs become unaffordable. The typical household here earns $58,628 annually while paying just $764 monthly in rent—meaning housing claims a smaller slice of paychecks than in most of America.
Among North Carolina's most affordable counties
Madison County ranks as one of the most affordable housing markets in North Carolina, with a rent-to-income ratio of 15.6% compared to the state average of 18.6%. This advantage stems from both modest rents ($764 vs. the state median of $938) and incomes that stretch further here.
Madison outperforms the mountain region
Madison's housing costs ($764 rent, $722 monthly ownership) are comparable to nearby McDowell ($741 rent, $605 ownership) and Mitchell ($744 rent, $595 ownership) counties, making it part of a genuinely affordable mountain corridor. However, renters in Nash County ($924 rent) and Martin County ($729 rent with lower incomes) face tighter affordability pressures.
Where your paycheck actually goes
Madison's median household income of $58,628 covers both rental and ownership options well: renters spend 15.6% of income on housing, while homeowners with a $263,500 median home value spend about 14.8% on monthly costs. This balance means residents have room for other expenses that higher-strain counties do not.
Considering Madison? Here's the real math
If affordable mountain living appeals to you, Madison County delivers genuine value—rents run $174 below North Carolina's average while incomes stay competitive at $58,628. Compare this to pricier neighbors like Moore County ($1,181 rent) or Mecklenburg ($1,521 rent) to see your savings potential.
Cost of Living Advisory: Madison County
Affordability Verdict
Madison County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $764/month — about 15.6% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $764/month rent versus $722/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $42/month cheaper — a 5% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,560/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $30,943/year. With a median household income of $58,628, 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
Within North Carolina, Madison County is less affordable than Duplin County by roughly 6% ($764/mo vs $815/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Madison County
Rent Burden
15.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,368
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.8%
of gross income
The median home in Madison County may be a stretch
Median home value is $263,500. Estimated monthly cost: $2,104 vs. your max of $1,368.
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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