Madison is a town in Boone County, West Virginia, United States, and serves as the county seat. According to the United States Census Bureau, the town had a population of approximately 3,050 residents as of the 2020 census. Madison is situated in the southwestern part of the state, within the Appalachian Coalfield region, and lies along the Coal River.
Geography Madison is located at coordinates 37° 47′ N latitude and 81° 48′ W longitude. The town covers a total area of about 2.1 square miles (5.4 km²), of which 2.0 square miles (5.2 km²) is land and the remaining 0.1 square miles (0.2 km²) is water, primarily consisting of portions of the Coal River.
History The community was originally known as Boone Court House when it was established in the early 19th century. In 1845, the town was renamed Madison in honor of James Madison, the fourth President of the United States. Madison was incorporated as a town in 1869.
Economy Historically, the economy of Madison has been closely tied to coal mining, reflecting the broader economic patterns of the Appalachian region. In recent decades, the town has diversified its economic base to include services, retail, and light manufacturing, although coal remains a significant employer in the surrounding area.
Infrastructure Madison is accessible via West Virginia Route 16 and West Virginia Route 85, providing connections to neighboring towns and the broader state highway system. The town is served by the Madison Public Library, a branch of the West Virginia Public Library System, and has educational facilities that include Madison High School, part of the Boone County Schools district.
Demographics The 2020 census reported a racial composition of approximately 96 % White, 2 % African American, and 2 % of other races or multiracial individuals. The median household income was reported at around $34,000, with a portion of the population living below the poverty line.
Notable People
- Larry C. Price, Pulitzer Prize–winning photojournalist, was born in Madison.
- Marty Schottenheimer, former professional football coach, grew up in the Madison area.
References
- United States Census Bureau. "2020 Decennial Census".
- West Virginia Division of Culture and History, "Place Names of West Virginia".
- Boone County Commission records.