What to know when moving to Madison, VA
TL;DR: Madison at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 28.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and 26.8% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- The median household income is $70,694, offering a solid financial base for residents.
- The Reality Check:
- Only 1.1% of residents use public transit, making it a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Prepare for 44.8 inches of rain annually, with 113 rainy days, so invest in good rain gear.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,074, while the median owner-occupied home value is $350,800.
- With 8.9% of the population living below the poverty line, the community has a mix of income levels.
- Only 1.1% of residents use public transit, so budget for a car.
- Homeownership is relatively high, with 73.2% of residents owning their homes.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Virginia's crime rates show a trend of decreasing violence and property crime over recent years.
- Violent crime: The state annual rate is 203.3 per 100k, which is 37.5% lower than the national rate.
- Property crime: The state annual rate is 1,346.3 per 100k, 13% below the national average.
- Notable trend: The homicide rate has dropped 43.2% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Virginia).
Weather & Getting Outside
Madison County experiences an annual precipitation of 44.8 inches and about 113 rainy days each year. Snowfall is minimal, averaging only 1.1 inches annually.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Shenandoah National Park (4.8 stars, 18,543 reviews)
- Hoover Ridge Park (4.7 stars, 132 reviews)
- Graves Mountain Farm & Lodges (4.5 stars, 603 reviews)
- Early Mountain Vineyards (4.5 stars, 485 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.