RANK #77 / 1001 NAT · #3 / 45 NY · POP 67,328
1YR FORECAST: +4.6%
5YR OUTLOOK: +37%
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.
Madison County is one of 145 U.S. counties in this market profile — stronger than typical on the BoomTown Index. Within this cohort, its recent home-price change of +5.6% runs above the profile's typical +4.9%.
See all 145 Heartland Steady Growth counties →Overvalued relative to economy
Below-average climate & terrain
Below national median (15x)
Housing looks overvalued at 10.3x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Bars show trailing 12-month growth. The dashed Forecast bars are the model's next-12-month projection; the whisker marks the ±1% range (cooling–accelerating).
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
| 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 1001 counties.
Madison County ranks #77 out of 1001 U.S. counties on the Boom Town Index with a score of 92/100, placing it in the top tier nationally. Median household income is $75,499 and the underlying growth metrics (housing, migration, income) hold up against peer counties.
By national standards, Madison County is quite affordable. Homes here have a median value of $184,600, and the income-to-home-value ratio of 0.41 is well above the U.S. average — especially with median rent at just $928/month. Residents can generally buy a home without being cost-burdened.
Population and employment in Madison County are both close to flat — population -0.4% YoY and jobs -0.4%. Home values shifted +5.6% over the past 12 months. A steady-state county, neither expanding quickly nor shrinking.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 3.78% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Madison County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.
Home values climbed +5.6% year-over-year, which is a solid pace of appreciation. The median home in Madison County is now valued at $184,600. That kind of growth typically reflects sustained demand rather than speculative frenzy.