[2] Madison County is part of the Asheville, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area.

It was named for James Madison, fourth president of the United States (1809–1817).

The Board selects its own chairman and holds scheduled meetings on the second Monday of each month.

[14] Madison County is a member of the Land-of-Sky Regional Council of governments.

The towns of Mars Hill, Hot Springs, and Marshall have municipal police departments.

Founded in 1856, Mars Hill is the oldest college or university in western North Carolina.

Madison County was historically a center for old-time folk music.

Among others, the folk song Rain and Snow likely originated there, in the late 19th century.