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Norfolk, NE

Cost of living in Madison County, NE

Estimated monthly cost
$2,704/mo
for a single person, all categories combined

Population 35,535 · Last updated May 21, 2026

Cost breakdown

Single person, by category, per month.

Rent $707 26%
Federal tax $500 18%
Healthcare $480 18%
Groceries $320 12%
Transport $320 12%
Energy $185 7%
State tax $142 5%
Water $50 2%

Rent in Madison County

Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Studio
$636
per month
1 bedroom
$707
per month
2 bedroom
$928
per month
3 bedroom
$1,192
per month
4 bedroom
$1,452
per month

Source: HUD FMR FY2025

Income and earnings in Madison County

Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.

Household income
$64,637
per year
Individual earnings
$40,648
per year
Per capita
$35,734
per year

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.

Home values in Madison County

Average values reported by homeowners.

Average home value
$196,000
Annual property tax
$2,619

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year

Energy costs in Madison County

Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.

Electricity
$124
per month · 13.1¢/kWh
Natural gas
$61
per month
Annual total
$2,220
per year

Source: EIA

Healthcare in Madison County

Insurance premiums and coverage rates.

Individual premium
$480
per month
Family premium
$1,350
per month
Uninsured rate
8.2%

Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.

Taxes in Madison County

State and local tax rates for Nebraska.

State income tax
5.8%
Top marginal rate
State sales tax
5.5%
Combined sales tax
7.0%
incl. average local

Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.

Transportation in Madison County

Commute patterns and estimated costs.

Average commute
14.0 min
Drive alone
80.2%
Public transit
0.3%
Work from home
5.4%

Source: ACS

Monthly cost estimates for Madison County

What it costs to live in Madison County each month.

Single person
$2,704
per month
  • Rent $707
  • Energy $185
  • Water $50
  • Groceries $320
  • Transport $320
  • Healthcare $480
  • Federal tax $500
  • State tax $142
Couple
$4,011
per month
  • Rent $928
  • Energy $222
  • Water $60
  • Groceries $530
  • Transport $420
  • Healthcare $864
  • Federal tax $728
  • State tax $259
Family
$6,402
per month
  • Rent $1,192
  • Energy $278
  • Water $70
  • Groceries $805
  • Transport $520
  • Healthcare $1,350
  • Childcare $1,200
  • Federal tax $728
  • State tax $259

Frequently asked questions about Madison County

Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.

What is the average rent in Madison County?

In Madison County, NE, a one-bedroom apartment averages $707 per month, a two-bedroom averages $928 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,192 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.

What is the average salary in Madison County?

In Madison County, NE, the average household income is $64,637 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $40,648 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

What is the cost of living in Madison County?

The estimated cost of living in Madison County, NE is approximately $2,704 per month for a single person, $4,011 for a couple, $6,402 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.

What is the sales tax rate in Madison County?

The combined sales tax rate in Madison County, NE is 7.00%, which includes the Nebraska state rate of 5.50% plus an average local rate of 1.50%.

Is Madison County an affordable place to live?

Based on the data, a single person in Madison County, NE would need approximately $2,704 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $64,637 per year ($5,386 per month). Madison County has a moderate cost of living relative to local earnings.

How much does healthcare cost in Madison County?

The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Madison County, NE is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 8.2% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.

What are house prices in Madison County?

The average home value in Madison County, NE is $196,000, with average annual property taxes of $2,619, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

How does Madison County compare to other areas?

You can compare Madison County, NE with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Madison County is in the Norfolk, NE metro area.

Other counties in Nebraska

Browse the full list of counties in Nebraska, ranked by cost of living.

See all counties in Nebraska

Compare Madison County with another area

Put two counties side by side to see how rent, taxes and everyday costs stack up.

About this data

All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.

  • HUD FMR FY2025
  • ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
  • EIA
  • ACS + national avg
  • ACS
  • USDA + BEA RPP
Methodology All data sources