Madison County, Nebraska

County Distress Index: Healthy · 34.8 | 35,627 people · 30th most distressed in Nebraska
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Madison County, NE ranks among the least distressed counties in the country at 34.8 — 2487th nationally out of 3144 counties. The primary driver is Legal Distress, where bankruptcy filings are moderately elevated. Within Nebraska, it ranks 30th of 93 counties. Among its 6 neighboring counties, 5 show less distress.

The Numbers Behind the Score

The CDI measures five statistically derived factors of household financial distress, PCA-weighted. Madison County's primary driver is Legal Distress at 52.5 — above the national median.

Legal Distress Primary driver 52.5
Bankruptcy Filing Rate 53
Housing Cost Burden 43.1
Rent-Burdened (30%+) 32
Severely Rent-Burdened (50%+) 32
Mortgage-Burdened (30%+) 65
Homeownership Rate 79
Economic Vitality 31.9
Wage-to-Rent Ratio 17
Rent-to-Income Ratio 15
Business Formation Rate 86
House Price Change (YoY) 55
Consumer Credit Distress 31.8
Debt in Collections 20
Medical Debt 47
Auto Loan Delinquency 19
Credit Card Delinquency 37
Uninsured Rate 51
Subprime Credit Population 34
Structural Poverty 24.0
Unemployment Rate 13
Poverty Rate 34
Income vs. State Median 39
Child Poverty Rate 14
Disability Rate 19
Transfer Income Dependency 19

Scores are percentile-based: 50 = national median, higher = more distressed.

Neighbors and Peers

Neighboring Counties

CountyScoreZonevs. Madison County
Madison County, NE 34.8 Healthy —
Stanton County, NE 36.9 Normal +2.1
Platte County, NE 32.7 Healthy -2.0
Wayne County, NE 31.6 Healthy -3.2
Antelope County, NE 25.8 Healthy -9.0
Pierce County, NE 24.5 Healthy -10.3
Boone County, NE 15.5 Healthy -19.3

Population Peers

CountyScoreZonevs. Madison County
Adams County, IN 34.8 Healthy +0.0
Langlade County, WI 34.8 Healthy -0.0
Alcona County, MI 34.7 Healthy -0.1
Saline County, NE 34.9 Healthy +0.1
Inyo County, CA 34.9 Healthy +0.1

Download Data

Export all distress indicators for Madison County as a CSV file.

Find Help in Madison County

Find an Attorney

Nebraska State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service offers a lawyer referral service for bankruptcy, foreclosure defense, and consumer rights.

Nebraska State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service 402-475-7091

Free Legal Aid

Legal aid organizations serving Madison County residents at no cost.

Legal Aid of Nebraska 1-877-250-2016

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the distress score for Madison County, Nebraska?

    Madison County has a County Distress Index score of 34.8 out of 100, placing it in the Healthy zone. It ranks 2,487th nationally out of 3,144 counties and 30th in Nebraska out of 93 counties.

  • What drives financial distress in Madison County?

    The primary driver of distress in Madison County is Legal Distress, where the county scores 52.5 out of 100. This domain is measured by indicators including Bankruptcy Filing Rate.

  • How does Madison County compare to neighboring counties?

    Madison County (34.8) can be compared to its 6 neighboring counties: Stanton County, NE (36.9); Platte County, NE (32.7); Wayne County, NE (31.6).

  • How is the County Distress Index calculated?

    The County Distress Index uses PCA-weighted percentile scoring across five statistically derived factors: Consumer Credit Distress (47.5%), Housing Cost Burden (22.3%), Structural Poverty (13.6%), Economic Vitality (9.2%), and Legal Distress (7.4%). Each county's indicators are ranked against all 3,144 U.S. counties. A score of 50 means the county is at the national median; higher scores indicate greater distress.

  • How often is the CDI updated?

    Annually, aligned to Census American Community Survey and Urban Institute Debt in America release windows — the slowest-moving source inputs. Between annual refreshes, faster-cadence indicators (BLS unemployment, QCEW wages) may drive light mid-year updates if a specific component moves meaningfully. Current data compiled April 14, 2026; next full refresh early 2027.

  • What does the Healthy zone mean?

    The CDI divides counties into five zones: Healthy (below 46), Normal (46–55), Elevated (55–71), Serious (71–86), and Crisis (86 and above). Madison County's score of 34.8 sits in the Healthy zone (below 46).

  • What data sources power Madison County's CDI score?

    Madison County's CDI score draws on Urban Institute Debt in America (Equifax credit-bureau panel), U.S. Census Bureau (American Community Survey 5-year, Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates), Bureau of Labor Statistics (LAUS, QCEW), U.S. Courts Administrative Office (F-5A bankruptcy filings), and HUD Fair Market Rents. Every number on this page traces to one of these public sources.

  • What is the population of Madison County?

    Madison County, Nebraska has a population of approximately 35,627 (2023 Census estimate), classified as a small county.