1st Advantage MortgageMadison County households have a median income of $74,596 and median rent of $851 a month (ACS 2020 to 2024). Whatever your own numbers, compare written offers on APR, fees and total cost, and verify the lender is licensed in Texas before sharing details.
On this page
- Getting oriented in Madison County
- What Madison County households earn
- Rent, home values and ownership in Madison County
- Employment and commuting in Madison County
- The communities that make up Madison County
- The counties around Madison County
- A Madison County household budget, worked through
- What the numbers mean for Madison County borrowers
- Madison County residents: age, schooling, coverage
- Four steps for Madison County borrowers
- Who licenses lenders for Madison County residents
- Nearby and statewide guides
- Frequently asked questions
Getting oriented in Madison County
Madison County is home to about 13,648 people, according to the Census Bureau's 2020 to 2024 American Community Survey, which makes it the 146th most populous of 254 county-level areas in Texas. Spread over 466 square miles, that works out to roughly 29.3 residents per square mile. No metropolitan area includes Madison County in the 2023 federal delineation, so its numbers stand on their own rather than as part of a metro. The Census Bureau counts 3 places in the county (3 incorporated, 0 census-designated); the largest is Madisonville, with about 4,552 residents, or 33% of the county.
What Madison County households earn
Half of Madison County households take in less than $74,596 a year and half take in more, 5% below the Texas median of $78,476.
| Household income | Madison County | vs Texas |
|---|---|---|
| Under $35,000 | 21.4% | 0.0 pts |
| $35,000 to $99,999 | 46.0% | +6.6 pts |
| $100,000 to $199,999 | 27.6% | +0.9 pts |
| $200,000 or more | 5.0% | -7.5 pts |
About 21% of households earn under $35,000, while 33% clear $100,000. The poverty rate is 10.9%, 3 points lower than the state's 13.8%. The Gini index of income inequality is 0.395 (0 is perfect equality). Income from any regular source can count, including Social Security, pensions and disability benefits, as long as you can document it.
Rent, home values and ownership in Madison County
Renters in Madison County pay a median of $851 a month, 39% below the Texas figure of $1,403. By the Census definition, 39% of Madison County renters are cost-burdened. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $176,200, about 2.4 times the median household income. The ownership rate is 75%. Median construction year: 1985.
| Housing | Madison County | Texas statewide | Typical U.S. county |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median gross rent | $851/mo | $1,403/mo | $877/mo |
| Median home value | $176,200 | $283,800 | $185,300 |
| Owners | 75% | 63% | 75% |
| Rent-burdened renters | 39% | 52% | 45% |
| Burdened owners | 22% | 29% | n/a |
| Mobile homes | 21.0% | 6.4% | n/a |
Because most Madison County households own, home repairs are a frequent reason to borrow. An unsecured personal loan leaves the house out of the deal, while a HELOC uses it as collateral.
Employment and commuting in Madison County
The biggest employer of Madison County residents, by industry, is education and health care at 25% of workers, followed by retail trade (12%). Agriculture, forestry and mining stands out: 11% of workers here, versus 2% statewide. Averaged over the five survey years, 7.1% of the labor force was out of work and looking. Long commutes are common here: 26% of workers spend 45 minutes or longer getting to work. Only 3.7% of homes here go without a vehicle.
| Industry (employed residents 16+) | Madison County | Gap to Texas |
|---|---|---|
| Education and health care | 24.8% | +3.1 pts |
| Retail trade | 12.4% | +1.4 pts |
| Agriculture, forestry and mining | 10.6% | +8.3 pts |
| Professional and administrative services | 8.6% | -4.2 pts |
| Transportation, warehousing and utilities | 8.6% | +1.9 pts |
| Construction | 7.9% | -0.7 pts |
A lender verifies what your own job pays. The county's industry mix tells you about the local economy, not about your application.
The communities that make up Madison County
The table lists the 3 largest of 3 Census places in Madison County, by population. Together all 3 hold about 5,635 people, so roughly 59% of residents live outside any named place. Live in one of these Madison County communities, or between them? This is your local guide.
| Place | Type | Population | Median income | Median rent | From county center |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madisonville | city | 4,552 | $67,175 | $1,014 | 2 mi |
| Normangee | town | 826 | $52,500 | $948 | 12 mi |
| Midway | city | 257 | $62,083 | $1,288 | 11 mi |
The counties around Madison County
Nearest neighbors first, measured between county centers (23 to 39 miles). None of the six report a higher median household income than Madison County; Robertson County is highest at $72,236 and Walker County lowest at $52,324.
| Neighbor | Distance | Income | Rent | Own |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madison County | - | $74,596 | $851/mo | 75% |
| Leon County, TX | 23 mi | $61,449 | $907/mo | 77% |
| Walker County, TX | 26 mi | $52,324 | $1,031/mo | 56% |
| Grimes County, TX | 29 mi | $69,803 | $1,069/mo | 80% |
| Brazos County, TX | 31 mi | $58,553 | $1,193/mo | 47% |
| Robertson County, TX | 35 mi | $72,236 | $779/mo | 72% |
| Houston County, TX | 39 mi | $56,531 | $887/mo | 71% |
A Madison County household budget, worked through
Here is the Madison County median household run through a simple DTI check. Your numbers will differ.
- $74,596 a year is $6,216 of gross monthly income
- 14% goes to median rent ($851)
- Under a 36% cap, $2,238 total minus rent leaves $1,387
Two-income households and single earners in Madison County land in very different places on this math, so run it for your own budget.
What the numbers mean for Madison County borrowers
The county's numbers point to a few situations that come up often for Madison County borrowers.
- Health costs. With 13% of the county uninsured, an interest-free hospital payment plan usually beats a loan (medical bills).
- Commuter costs. 26% drive 45 minutes or more. Compare shop financing with a loan, and keep a small repair fund.
- Repairs on manufactured housing. With 21% of homes here, compare a personal loan with any dealer or park repair program.
Madison County residents: age, schooling, coverage
Degree holders: 18% of adults over 25. About 13% go without health insurance.
| Measure | Madison County | Texas statewide | Typical U.S. county |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age | 36.8 | 35.6 | 41.5 |
| Bachelor's or higher | 18.4% | 33.8% | 22.2% |
| No high school diploma | 16.6% | 14.0% | n/a |
| No health insurance | 12.9% | 17.1% | 7.8% |
| No vehicle | 3.7% | 5.4% | 5.4% |
| Work from home | 11.3% | 14.4% | 8.7% |
| Poverty rate | 10.9% | 13.8% | 13.2% |
| Unemployment (ACS) | 7.1% | 5.3% | 4.4% |
| One-way commute | Share of Madison County workers |
|---|---|
| Under 15 min | 43.8% |
| 15 to 29 min | 16.8% |
| 30 to 44 min | 13.1% |
| 45 to 59 min | 11.3% |
| 60+ min | 15.0% |
Four steps for Madison County borrowers
Four checks before you sign anything:
- Get a written quote for whatever you are paying for in Madison County.
- Compare the total repaid on every offer, not just the payment.
- Verify the Texas license before giving out your Social Security number.
- Never pay a fee up front to get a loan.
Who licenses lenders for Madison County residents
Licensing happens at the state level, so a lender working with Madison County borrowers answers to the Texas Department of Banking. Texas also has the Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner for consumer credit. Problems with a lender can also go to the CFPB. The Texas guide covers state rules in more detail.
Nearby and statewide guides
For statewide rules and data, see the Texas guide.
Frequently asked questions
How much do households in Madison County earn?
The median is $74,596; 33% earn $100,000 or more and 21% under $35,000. A lender uses your own documented income, not this figure.
Is Madison County expensive for renters?
Median rent is $851 against $1,403 statewide, and 39% of renter households are cost-burdened.
I own my home in Madison County. Personal loan or HELOC?
A HELOC uses the house as collateral; a personal loan usually does not. With 75% of homes owner-occupied here, many readers can compare both in writing.
Does this page cover Madisonville?
Yes, along with the other 2 Census places in Madison County, such as Normangee, Midway.
Is the fit check different in Madison County?
No. It is identical everywhere, and it never looks at your neighborhood.