• Unemployment rate: 3.2%
• Median Household Income: $16,838
• Per Capita Income: $13,478
• The area is also identified as an USDA Rural Advancement Community
• The county received designation by Florida as a state Enterprise Zone

Community Overview:

Madison County is sparsely populated with over one-quarter of its residents living in poverty. Although it is easily accessible by two major highways, I-10 and I-75, poverty remains an issue. On the contrary, because it is easily accessibility and land is relatively inexpensive, population growth continues. There is also a small airstrip and running railroad that services the area. Industry is varied and the largest employers consist of schools, transportation, health services, and industry work (such as a meat packing plant, a printing plant, and two petroleum distribution companies). A comprehensive needs assessment identified the following top issues to combat: teen pregnancy, drug abuse, adequate infrastructure to support growth, and adequate employment.

Strategic Plan Highlights:  

With the implementation of its strategic plan, the Madison County seeks to achieve a balance in economic and community development. The community will focus on the following issues:

• Health and Welfare - Provide prenatal care and teen pregnancy prevention courses and develop a new health department facility;
• Housing - Create more safe and affordable housing and educate potential homeowners on spending and credit; and,
• Education - Encourage reading programs, enhance school activities to help increase test scores that are below the national average, and create learning opportunities for adults. 

Partnerships developed include:

• District School Board of Madison County

• Board of County Commissioners

• Madison County Extension Service

• Madison County Chamber of Commerce

• Federal, state and local service

• Public and private agencies

Leveraging:

Madison County Development Council has begun creating partnerships with viable organizations at the federal, state, and local level for funds, technical assistance, and in-kind contributions. Various grants, matching funds, or loans have been tapped into to maximize project dollars. In 2001, the Council leveraged $3,932,000 in non USDA-Rural Development funds.

Community Involvement:

Community involvement is consistent throughout neighborhood planning groups and the participation of state and local government agencies, non-profit agencies, and advisory boards at planning sessions. Local experts give in-kind technical assistance to the Council. The County has developed a steering committee described as "Vision for the Future 2010". This committee meets regularly with the Council to review strategic goals and to strategize on alleviating un-met needs.

EZ/EC Communities . . . Feedback . . . EZ/EC Home Page