Demographics
Madison County, Idaho, had an estimated 2023 population of about 54,400. The median age is young at approximately 24, reflecting the presence of BYU-Idaho. Around 48.7% are male and 51.3% female. The racial makeup is predominantly White (about 91.1%), with Hispanic or Latino residents comprising 8%, and smaller proportions of Asian (1.3%), Black (0.7%), and Native American (0.6%). The county is characterized by a large young adult demographic thanks to university enrollment.
Elections
Madison County, Idaho, had 24,007 registered voters as of 2022. The county, a Republican stronghold (79% GOP in 2020 presidential election), conducts partisan primaries, general, and local elections. Polling locations include Madison Junior High and Burton Elementary. Recent election issues focus on property taxes and education funding. Voter turnout was 67% in 2020. The Madison County Clerk’s office administers elections, ensuring compliance and security. Major parties are Republican and Democrat, though GOP dominates registrations and results.
Education, Employment and Housing
Madison County, ID features strong educational attainment, with nearly 96% of adults holding a high school diploma and about 46% possessing a bachelor’s degree or higher. The county has 14 public and private schools, including Madison High School, known for above-average graduation rates and state test scores. School safety is well-rated, with low reported incidents and robust safety programs. Adult education is supported by nearby Brigham Young University-Idaho, enrolling over 20,000 students. Schools in the area offer diverse academic and enrichment programs, with average proficiency scores of 70% in math and 75% in reading.
As of 2022, Madison County, ID, had an employment rate of about 65%. Major industries include educational services (41.3%, largely driven by Brigham Young University-Idaho), retail trade (10%), and healthcare (9%). Leading occupations are in education, sales, and office/administrative roles. The median commute time is 13.7 minutes, with 74% of workers commuting by car and about 82% working within the county. Key employment locations are Rexburg and Sugar City, with Rexburg serving as the central employment hub.
Madison County, ID, features a homeownership rate of around 43%, with the median home value at approximately $325,000 in 2023, up 7% year-over-year. Median rent is about $950 per month. Housing consists primarily of single-family homes, student apartments, and a growing number of townhouses, especially near Rexburg and BYU-Idaho. Neighborhoods like Hibbard and Burton are popular for families. Property tax rates average 1.02%, lower than the national average, attracting first-time buyers. The area’s strong rental demand and rising property values reflect the influence of the local university population and ongoing regional growth.
County Crime & Safety
Madison County, ID, is known for its low crime rates compared to state and national averages. In 2023, the violent crime rate was about 0.6 per 1,000 residents, and property crime stood at 5.2 per 1,000, both significantly lower than Idaho’s averages. Local law enforcement actively reports and addresses incidents, with most crimes being minor theft or vandalism. Annual safety reports indicate consistent or declining trends, making Madison County one of the safer areas in Idaho. Residents generally report a strong sense of community safety and effective police response times.
Popular names
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