RANK #2 / 996 · POP 68,020 · NY
PROJECTED GROWTH: +5.4%
Madison County, New York, distinguishes itself with a blend of rural charm and historical significance, notably as a former hub for hop production and a key location on the Underground Railroad. Situated in central New York, east of Syracuse, the county offers a quieter pace of life. Commuting to Syracuse takes approximately 30-40 minutes. The landscape features rolling hills, wooded areas, and several lakes and creeks, providing opportunities for outdoor recreation like hiking, boating, and fishing. Chittenango Falls State Park, with its notable waterfall, is a local landmark.
Life in Madison County often appeals to those seeking a rural lifestyle with access to larger cities. The community includes families, with public schools generally performing above average. The economy is rooted in agriculture, including dairy and value-added agricultural products. There is also a focus on renewable energy, with investments in solar and wind power projects contributing to the economic landscape. Educational institutions like Colgate University and SUNY Morrisville also play a role in the local economy and community life.
Below national median (4.7x)
Well below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Housing is fairly valued at 4.6x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Oxbow Hill Solar
Cypress Creek Renewables
|
$140M | Planned |
|
Hoffman Falls Wind
Liberty Renewables, Inc.
|
$63M | Planned |
|
Rolling Upland Wind Farm
EDP Renewables
|
$50M | Proposed |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Madison County has a Boom Town Index score of 100/100, ranking #2 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +1.4% and a median household income of $68,869, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Madison County is $162,800 with median rent at $867/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.423, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: -0.7% year-over-year. Job growth: +1.4%. Home values changed +3.8% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 4.19% of Madison County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.