Cost of Living in Madison County, Texas
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 #1,924 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 39%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Madison County, Texas
Madison's rents stay below national norms
Madison County residents spend 14.9% of their income on rent, well below the national affordability threshold and significantly better than the Texas state average of 18.1%. This positions Madison as one of Texas's more affordable rental markets, even as the county's median income of $67,128 trails the national median by about $7,600.
Among Texas's most affordable counties
Madison County ranks in the upper tier of Texas affordability, with a rent-to-income ratio of 14.9% that beats 80% of its peer counties statewide. The median rent of $832 per month is about 14% lower than the Texas average, making it an outlier in a state where housing costs have climbed steadily.
Cheaper than most surrounding areas
Madison's $832 median rent undercuts neighboring Marion County ($854) and significantly beats Martin County ($1,175), though it trails Mason County's exceptionally low rents. When looking at ownership, Madison's $728 monthly cost sits near the regional average, making it competitive for both renters and homebuyers.
Where your housing dollars go
A typical Madison household earning $67,128 annually devotes about $995 to housing (rent and utilities), leaving roughly $5,594 monthly for other expenses. Homeowners fare similarly, with median monthly costs of $728 consuming just 13% of household income—a healthy ratio that reflects the county's $149,100 median home value.
Consider Madison for balanced living costs
If affordable housing is your priority, Madison County delivers solid value without the density or higher costs of urban Texas counties. Compare Madison's 14.9% rent-to-income ratio against counties like Marion (21.6%) or Matagorda (21.7%) to see the real savings potential for relocating families.
Cost of Living Advisory: Madison County
Affordability Verdict
Madison County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $832/month representing approximately 14.9% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 19.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Madison County is $832/month, while owner costs run $728/month. Owning saves approximately $104/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $33,280/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $31,200/year. With a median household income of $67,128, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 19.0% of renter households in Madison County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Texas, Madison County is less affordable than Crane County by roughly 6% ($832/mo vs $883/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Madison County
Rent Burden
14.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,566
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.0%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Madison County
Median home value is $149,100. Estimated monthly cost: $1,190 vs. your max of $1,566.
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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