Madison, NC
Population 2,198 · North Carolina
About Madison, NC
Madison is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 2,198 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $49,964 per year, which is 34% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 50.2 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Madison features a median home value of $144,900, which is 41% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Madison one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $730, 37% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,174 total housing units, 61% are owner-occupied (645 units) and 39% are renter-occupied (410 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Madison shows an unemployment rate of 8.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 9.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Madison have an average one-way commute time of 19.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
17.5% of Madison residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 2.7% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.8% Asian residents, with 2.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Madison, NC
Compared to national averages, Madison has a median household income of $49,964 (34% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $144,900, which is 41% below the national median. Monthly rent at $730 is 37% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Madison's income is 22% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 37% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Madison, NC?
Madison offers affordable housing with a median home value of $144,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $730/month, and a low poverty rate of 9.4%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 19.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($49,964) that falls below the national average. However, Madison’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Madison has a population of 2,198 with a median age of 50.2 years. Compare Madison with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Madison
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bladenboro | 2,181 | $55,517 | $89,800 | Compare |
| Badin | 2,163 | $43,068 | $130,500 | Compare |
| Governors Village | 2,148 | $124,857 | $565,500 | Compare |
| Navassa | 2,148 | $57,571 | $196,300 | Compare |
| Burnsville | 2,143 | $47,576 | $223,800 | Compare |
| Biscoe | 2,259 | $43,773 | $112,800 | Compare |
| Mulberry | 2,134 | $52,416 | $164,000 | Compare |
| Icard | 2,291 | $47,825 | $136,600 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in North Carolina
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Madison With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Madison
What is the population of Madison, NC?
The population of Madison, NC is 2,198 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in Madison?
The median household income in Madison, NC is $49,964 per year, which is 34% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Madison?
The median home value in Madison, NC is $144,900, which is 41% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Madison?
The median monthly rent in Madison, NC is $730, which is 37% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Madison?
The unemployment rate in Madison, NC is 8.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Madison, NC a good place to live?
Madison offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,198 and a median age of 50.2, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Madison, NC?
17.5% of residents in Madison aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Madison?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Madison, NC: median home value is $144,900 (41% below national), median rent is $730/month, and median household income is $49,964. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Madison?
The poverty rate in Madison, NC is 9.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Madison, NC?
Madison's population is 2.7% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.8% Asian, and 29.3% two or more races. 2.3% of residents are foreign-born.