Madison County
FL · Pop. 18,113 · Suburban County
Madison County is a suburban county in Florida, spanning 697 square miles with 18,113 residents at a density of 26 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on hay, peanuts, corn. A median home price of $106,000 and an effective property tax rate of 0.88% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 9a with a 252-day growing season, average summer highs of 91°F and average winter lows of 40.1°F. Annual rainfall averages 52.5 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Madison County Memorial Hospital is 3.5 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 91.7% of homes. On the hazard side, wildfire risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 252-day growing season in USDA zone 9a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.88% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $106,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Broadband reaches 91.7% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- Madison County Memorial Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 3.5 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
- A poverty rate of 20.9% reflects a constrained local economy with limited off-farm income options.
At a glance
Madison County, FL is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 100/100
- Median home price
- $106k
- Property tax
- 0.88%
- Growing season
- 252 days (zone 9a)
- Annual rainfall
- 52.5"
- Broadband
- 91.7%
- Nearest hospital
- Madison County Memorial Hospital, 3.5 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Madison County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Madison County?
- Madison County is in USDA hardiness zone 9a with a 252-day growing season, average summer highs of 91°F, and average winter lows of 40.1°F. The established crops are hay, peanuts, corn.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $106,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.88%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 91.7% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Madison County Memorial Hospital is 3.5 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore Florida Resources
Partner links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
LandWatch
Browse rural land, farms, and ranches for sale across every state.
Lands of America
The largest listing site for rural property — farms, ranches, hunting land, and timberland.
AcreTrader
Invest in farmland online — vetted properties with passive income potential.
More counties in Florida
All Florida countiesNearby counties
The closest counties to Madison County by distance, including across state lines.
Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
Your brand here — Reach our audience of professional directory owners and boost your sales.