Sullivan
RANK #195 / 996 NAT · #9 / 45 NY · POP 68,020
1YR FORECAST: +4.4%
5YR OUTLOOK: +32%
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.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
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 996 counties.
Madison County ranks #195 out of 996 U.S. counties on the Boom Town Index with a score of 80/100, putting it in the top tier nationally. Job growth of +1.4% and a median household income of $68,869 point to a county with active economic momentum.
By national standards, Madison County is quite affordable. Homes here have a median value of $162,800, and the income-to-home-value ratio of 0.42 is well above the U.S. average — especially with median rent at just $867/month. Residents can generally buy a home without being cost-burdened.
It's a mixed picture in Madison County. The population is declining (-0.7% YoY), but employers are actually hiring — job growth is at +1.4%. Home values moved +3.8% in the last year. That tension between shrinking population and expanding employment often signals a county in transition.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 4.19% 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.