NEW: Times-Tribune names Madison County #1 place to live in Alabama

Aerial shot of Huntsville, AL in Madison County — Madison Co. just named the best place to live in Alabama. (City of Huntsville / Facebook)

Madison County and the Rocket City continue to receive national—and well-deserved—recognition. Last year, the U.S. News and World Report ranked Huntsville as the top place to live in the U.S. This year, Times-Tribune has named Madison County the best place to live in Alabama.

Read on for all the details and why Madison County took home the prize.

What does it take to be the best county in each state?

Pond in front of downtown Huntsville — There’s nothing like living in the premier county in the state. (City of Huntsville / Facebook)

Times-Tribune used Niche’s methodologies to determine the best county to live in for every state. Niche grades each county on its vibrancy, health and efficiency in the following categories:

Education rate (15%)
Cost of living (12.5%)
Housing (10%)
Public schools (10%)
Diversity (7.5%)
Crime and safety (5%)
Family (5%)
Health and fitness (5%)
Jobs (5%)
Nightlife (5%)
Outdoor activities (5%)
Shortest commute (5%)
Weather (5%)

The percentage level listed beside the category indicates how much it factors into a county’s overall Niche scoring.

What are the numbers for Madison County?

Women stand in front of mural for International Women's Day in Huntsville in Madison County — Madison Co. continues to wow the country with its outstanding numbers. (City of Huntsville / Facebook)

By using Niche’s metrics, Times-Tribune determined that Madison County is the best place to live in the state of Alabama.

Times-Tribune celebrates the county’s innovative work in the space, military, biotechnology and telecommunications spheres. Times-Tribune also cites a study conducted by U.S. News and World Report in which Madison Co. schools received top marks.

Here are some quick Madison Co. stats:

Population: 404,155
Median home value: $202,500 (67% own)
Median rent: $936 (33% rent)
Median household income: $71,153
High school graduate or higher: 92%
Bachelor’s degree or higher: 44.3%
Average commute: 21.9 minutes
Unemployment rate: 1.8%

Additionally, compared to the other counties who made the list for their state, Madison has a much lower cost of living. So congratulations Madison County residents—we get to live in one of the best regions in the country at an affordable rate!

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