Madison County, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
21,867
1.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$58,531/yr
-0.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
11,356
1.4% year-over-year change

Madison County population

How many people live in Madison County

Madison County is home to 21,867 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.8% of Madison County locals are male, and 50.2% are female.

Total population
21,867
1.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.8%
10,895
Female
50.2%
10,972
Value Percent YoY change
Male 10,895 49.8% 1.4%
Female 10,972 50.2% 0.7%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Madison County is 44, with the population distributed as follows: about 13.5% are children under 15, then 13.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.6% of the population, while another 26.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 23.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
44.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
13.5%
15 to 24
13.6%
25 to 44
23.6%
45 to 64
26.2%
Over 65
23.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,944 13.5% -0.7%
15 to 24 2,977 13.6% 1.6%
25 to 44 5,149 23.6% 2.7%
45 to 64 5,718 26.2% -0.2%
Over 65 5,079 23.2% 1.5%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Madison County, 97.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 91.6% of locals are Caucasian, 1.1% are African American and 0.5% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 5.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.2%
Non-citizens
0.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 21,304 97.4% 0.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 471 2.2% 29.0%
Non-citizens 92 0.4% -32.4%
Racial breakdown
White
91.6%
Black or African American
1.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
0.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.7%
Other
1%
Value Percent
White 20,036 91.6%
Black or African American 239 1.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 21 0.1%
Asian 107 0.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 8 0%
Two or more races 1,242 5.7%
Other 214 1%

Households in Madison County

A peek inside Madison County households

Madison County has 8,342 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 65% are families, while the remaining 35% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
8,342
-0.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,924
Family households
5,418
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,924 35% 0.4%
Family households 5,418 65% -1.2%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Madison County

The housing landscape of Madison County

Madison County's housing consists of 11,356 units, with 71.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.4% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 21.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
11,356
1.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 8,139 71.7%
1 unit, attached 41 0.4%
2 units 177 1.6%
3 or 4 units 296 2.6%
5 to 9 units 90 0.8%
10 to 19 units 97 0.8%
20 to 49 units 54 0.5%
50 or more units 23 0.2%
Mobile home 2,432 21.4%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 7 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
374
183.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Madison County

In Madison County, the median construction year is 1987. About 8.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 15.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 10.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 3.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 938 8.3% -9.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 220 1.9% -24.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 957 8.4% 6.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 733 6.4% 2.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,620 14.3% 11.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,806 15.9% -8.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,718 15.1% -8.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,768 15.6% -2.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,222 10.8% 20.8%
Built in 2020 or later 374 3.3% 183.3%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Madison County occupancy rates

Out of the 8,342 occupied housing units in Madison County, 77.4% are owner-occupied, while 22.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 26.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
8,342
-0.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,881
Owner occupied
6,461
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,881 22.6% 1.5%
Owner occupied 6,461 77.4% -1.3%
Unoccupied housing units
26.5%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Madison County housing costs

Housing costs in Madison County come to a median of $747 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $780.

Median housing costs per month
$747/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Madison County
$780/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Madison County

Madison County education at a glance

About 36.2% of the population in Madison County went to high school, while 23% pursued college studies. Another 8.7% earned an associate degree and 19.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 9.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 521 2.9% 4.4%
High school diploma 6,548 36.2% -2.7%
College diploma 4,161 23% 2.6%
Associate degree 1,576 8.7% 11.8%
Bachelor's degree 3,522 19.5% -0.0%
Graduate degree 1,766 9.8% 8.5%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Madison County

How much people earn in Madison County

The average annual household income in Madison County was $84,172 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $58,531, reflecting a -0.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Madison County
$84,172/year
4.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Madison County
$58,531/year
-0.2% year-over-year change

Madison County income by age

In Madison County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $83,713. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $70,977 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $29,632, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $36,167 in earnings. Overall, 87.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $29,632 N/A
25 - 44 $83,713 -2.6%
45 - 64 $70,977 11.8%
Over 65 $36,167 -13.7%
Above poverty level
18,263
Below poverty level
2,506
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 18,263 87.9% 0.1%
Below poverty level 2,506 12.1% 6.5%

Employment in Madison County

Workforce and job types in Madison County

The job market in Madison County is powered by 10,077 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 71.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 28.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 12.1% run their own businesses, 63.2% are employed by private companies, and 18.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
10,077
1.3% year-over-year change
White collar
7,210
Blue collar
2,867
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 7,210 71.6% 2.5%
Blue collar 2,867 28.4% -1.7%
Employer type
Self employees
12.1%
Private companies
63.2%
Governmental workers
18.3%
Not for profit companies
6.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,223 12.1% 4.1%
Private companies 6,364 63.2% 4.2%
Governmental workers 1,846 18.3% -8.5%
Not for profit companies 644 6.4% -1.1%
Unemployment rate
3.1%
24.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Madison County stands at 3.1%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Madison County

How people get around in Madison County

Commuting methods vary: 86.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.3% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 8,323 86.2% 2.2%
Bus or trolleybus 14 0.2% 7.7%
Bicycle 4 0% 300.0%
Walk 222 2.3% -2.2%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Madison County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
28743 2,211 925 $58,011 $67,520
28753 10,389 4,136 $52,304 $87,936
28754 9,682 3,306 $68,750 $84,058

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FAQs about Madison County demographics 

What is the total population of Madison County?

Madison County has a total population of 21,867 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +1.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Madison County?

The gender ratio in Madison County is as follows:
  • 49.8% males (10,895 residents)
  • 50.2% females (10,972 residents)

What is the median age in Madison County?

The median age in Madison County is 44.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Madison County?

The age distribution in Madison County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 13.5% (2,944 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.6% (2,977 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.6% (5,149 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.2% (5,718 residents)
  • Over 65: 23.2% (5,079 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Madison County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Madison County is as follows:
  • White: 91.6% (20,036 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.1% (239 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (21 residents)
  • Asian: 0.5% (107 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (8 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.7% (1,242 residents)
  • Other: 1% (214 residents)

What percentage of the population in Madison County are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.4% of the population in Madison County.

How many housing units are there in Madison County?

There are 11,356 housing units in Madison County, reflecting a +1.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Madison County and what is the average household size?

Madison County has a total of 8,342 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Madison County?

Madison County has a median household income of $58,531, representing a -0.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Madison County?

The employment rate is 96.9% in Madison County, with a workforce of 10,077 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 71.6% (7,210 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 28.4% (2,867 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 12.1% (1,223 residents)
  • Private companies: 63.2% (6,364 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 18.3% (1,846 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.4% (644 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025