Madison County Nebraska 7
Madison County, Nebraska
Madison County is a thriving county in northeast Nebraska anchored by Norfolk, the region's largest city and commercial hub. With a population of approximately 35,226 (2020), Madison County stretches across rolling farmland and river valleys in the heart of the state's northeast corner. The county is home to Northeast Community College, Faith Regional Health Services, and a rich agricultural economy built on corn, soybeans, and cattle.
Named for President James Madison, the county was organized in 1867. The county seat of Madison sits at the crossroads of NE-32 and NE-121, while Norfolk — the county's largest city — anchors US-81 and US-275 as a regional center for commerce, healthcare, and culture. Norfolk is widely known as the hometown of television icon Johnny Carson, who grew up here before becoming one of America's most celebrated entertainers.
Madison County's northeast Nebraska setting gives it access to two major highway corridors. US-81 runs north-south through the heart of the county, connecting Norfolk to the Kansas border and beyond. US-275 runs east-west, linking Norfolk to Columbus and Omaha. The county's seven towns range from the regional hub of Norfolk to small villages like Enola and Meadow Grove that preserve the quiet character of rural Nebraska.
Towns in Madison County
Norfolk, Nebraska (68701)
The largest city in northeast Nebraska and Madison County's commercial, healthcare, and cultural hub. Birthplace of television icon Johnny Carson, with Northeast Community College and Faith Regional Health Services.
Pop: ~24,210 · Highways: US-81, US-275 · Designation: City
Madison, Nebraska (68748)
The county seat of Madison County, located at NE-32 and NE-121. Home of the Madison County Courthouse and Madison Public Schools (Vikings).
Pop: ~2,379 · Highways: NE-32, NE-121 · Designation: Village (County Seat)
Tilden, Nebraska (68781)
A village in western Madison County along NE-14 and NE-57, serving the agricultural community of the Elkhorn River region.
Pop: ~997 · Highways: NE-14, NE-57 · Designation: Village
Newman Grove, Nebraska (68758)
A village in southwest Madison County on US-275 and NE-23, with Czech and German heritage roots and a strong agricultural identity.
Pop: ~736 · Highways: US-275, NE-23 · Designation: Village
Battle Creek, Nebraska (68715)
A village in southeast Madison County approximately 8 miles east of Norfolk on NE-121, serving the Elkhorn River valley farming community.
Pop: ~1,224 · Highways: NE-121 · Designation: Village
Meadow Grove, Nebraska (68752)
A small village in northwest Madison County along NE-116, surrounded by farmland and serving the rural agricultural community.
Pop: ~357 · Highways: NE-116 · Designation: Village
Enola, Nebraska
A small unincorporated community in Madison County. Residents access services in nearby Norfolk.
Designation: Unincorporated Community
Madison County Cameras
View all Madison County cameras →
US-275 West of Norfolk
US-275 W of Norfolk: View 1
US-275 W of Norfolk: View 2
US-275 W of Norfolk: View 4
US-275 W of Norfolk: View 5
US-275 W of Norfolk: View 6
US-81 Near Norfolk
US-81 Near Norfolk: View 1
US-81 Near Norfolk: View 2
US-81 Near Norfolk: View 3
US-81 Near Norfolk: View 4
Travel Corridors
US-81 Corridor — North-south through Norfolk and Madison County
US-275 Corridor — East-west through Norfolk and Newman Grove
Directory
Browse Madison County Listings →
Region
Adjacent Counties
Pierce County (north) · Antelope County (northwest) · Boone County (southwest) · Platte County (south) · Stanton County (southeast) · Wayne County (east)
