Demographics

As of 2023, Madison County, Florida, has an estimated population of 17,285. The age distribution skews older, with a median age of about 41 years; 21% are under 18, and 20% are 65 or older. The population is roughly 50% female and 50% male. Racially, the county is 57% White, 36% Black or African American, 5% Hispanic or Latino, 1% Native American, and 1% identifying as two or more races.

Elections

Madison County, FL, has approximately 11,000 registered voters as of 2024, with a roughly even split between Democrats (about 45%) and Republicans (44%), and the remainder NPA/other. The county conducts elections for local, state, and federal offices, with turnout in recent general elections exceeding 65%. Polling locations include the Supervisor of Elections Office in Madison and precincts in Greenville, Lee, and Pinetta. Key issues center on agriculture and economic development. Elections are managed by the Madison County Supervisor of Elections, and results are posted online. Party competition is strong, reflecting the county’s closely divided electorate.

Education, Employment and Housing

Madison County, FL has five public schools, including one high school—Madison County High—with about 730 students and a graduation rate of 86%. The district’s average reading and math proficiency scores are 35% and 37% respectively, below state averages. Approximately 11% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety measures include security officers and controlled campus access. The county offers vocational and adult education programs through the North Florida College. Specialized programs in STEM and arts are limited but available via partnerships.

As of 2023, Madison County, FL, had an employment rate of approximately 50.7%. Major industries include education and health services (23%), retail trade (14%), and agriculture (13%). Occupation types are led by management, business, and financial operations (22%), followed by sales and office roles (20%). Most residents (76%) commute by car, with a mean travel time of 24 minutes; 75% work within the county, while others travel to neighboring areas such as Tallahassee. The unemployment rate was recorded at 3.5%.

Madison County, FL, has a homeownership rate of around 75%, with median home values near $155,000 as of 2023. Median gross rent is about $760 monthly. The housing market remains relatively stable, with modest growth in property values at 3-4% annually. Housing types include single-family homes, mobile homes, and rural properties. Key neighborhoods include Madison city, Greenville, and Lee. Property taxes average approximately 0.93% of assessed value, translating to a median annual property tax of around $1,400. The area offers affordable living compared to Florida’s state averages.

County Crime & Safety

Madison County, FL, has a crime rate lower than the national average, with a total crime rate of approximately 1,883 incidents per 100,000 residents in 2023. Violent crime, including assault and robbery, occurs at about 302 per 100,000, while property crime is around 1,581 per 100,000. The Madison County Sheriff's Office encourages community involvement and timely crime reporting, contributing to effective law enforcement. Recent data shows an overall crime decrease of 4% compared to previous years, reflecting ongoing safety efforts and enhanced public awareness programs throughout the county.