countyscore
40.8
County Score
Schools 58.3Income & Jobs 47.6Disaster Risk 45.1

County Report Card

About Montague County, Texas

Montague County trails the national median

With a composite score of 40.8, Montague County sits below the national median of 50.0. This score puts it in the bottom half of U.S. counties for overall livability metrics.

Competing near the Texas average

Montague County performs closely to the Texas state average composite score of 41.9. It maintains a steady middle-of-the-pack standing among the state's 254 counties.

Solid schools and moderate incomes

The county earns its highest marks in education with a school score of 58.3. A median household income of $62,818 also helps bolster its local income score of 47.6.

Healthcare and water infrastructure needs

Healthcare access remains a significant challenge with a low health score of 22.5. Additionally, the water score of 34.9 indicates room for improvement in local utility reliability.

A balanced fit for rural families

Montague County suits families who value decent public schools and manageable housing costs, with rents averaging $957. It is ideal for those who prioritize rural stability over high-end healthcare proximity.

2040608010041.742.936.222.558.347.645.134.944.7Tax41.7Cost42.9Safety36.2Health22.5Schools58.3Income47.6Risk45.1Water34.9Weather44.740.8/100
This county
National avg
5 below average

Montague County DNA

Foverall

How Montague County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Montague County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Health (22.5/100), though Schools (58.3/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
41.7-10.299999999999997
Cost
42.9
Safety
36.2-18.799999999999997
Health
22.5-27.5
Schools
58.3
Income
47.6
Risk
45.1
Water
34.9-23.1
Weather
44.7-11.299999999999997
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Many homeowners in Montague County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$189,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$957/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$189,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$38,280/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $62,818/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

19.4

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

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Counties with similar scores

Delta County
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Logan County
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Greenville County
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Bedford County
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Median income: $62,197
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Knox County
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Upshur County
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Yavapai County
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Nearby counties

Jefferson County
Oklahoma
49.2
Clay County
Texas
39.4
Love County
Oklahoma
44.1
Cooke County
Texas
37.1
Wise County
Texas
36.7
Jack County
Texas
49.9
Carter County
Oklahoma
31.3
Cotton County
Oklahoma
42

Deep Dives

Montague County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Montague County

via TaxByCounty

Montague's rate below national median

Montague County's effective tax rate of 0.951% sits just below the national median of 1.048%, making it a tax-friendly jurisdiction by national standards. The median property tax of $1,802 falls well short of the national median of $2,690, reflecting both the moderate rate and median home value of $189,400.

Well below Texas average

Montague County's 0.951% effective rate is considerably lower than the Texas state average of 1.276%, offering meaningful tax savings to residents. The median property tax of $1,802 is about 18% less than the state median of $2,193.

Among region's most affordable

Montague County's 0.951% rate ranks in the lower tier regionally, exceeded only by Mills County (0.880%) and Milam County (1.059%). It undercuts Medina County (1.310%), Menard County (1.659%), and Mitchell County (1.960) by substantial margins.

Reasonable taxes on modest homes

On a typical $189,400 Montague County home, annual property taxes run approximately $1,802 before mortgage deductions. Homeowners with mortgages face an estimated $2,180 annual obligation, providing predictable and manageable tax exposure.

Still worth checking your value

Even in lower-tax counties like Montague, homeowners benefit from periodic assessment reviews to ensure property values reflect current market conditions. A formal appeal takes minimal effort and can catch valuation errors that unnecessarily inflate your tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Montague County

via CostByCounty

Montague balances modest income gracefully

Montague County's median household income of $62,818 is 16% below the national average, yet its rent-to-income ratio of 18.3% sits just 0.2 percentage points above the state average of 18.1%. At $957 monthly rent—nearly identical to the state median—Montague demonstrates how slightly-below-average incomes can sustain average housing burdens.

Reliable middle-ground affordability

Montague ranks in the mid-tier of Texas counties for affordability, offering neither exceptional deals nor alarming pressures. The median home value of $189,400 reflects stable North Texas commuter-belt positioning, drawing demand from Dallas-area workers seeking rural lifestyle.

North Texas gateway affordability

Montague's $957 rent and $62,818 income sit between rural poverty (Mitchell, McMullen) and prosperous energy/commuter markets (Midland, Medina). As a North Texas county within commuting distance of the DFW metroplex, it captures moderate rents without the premium prices of suburbs closer to Dallas.

Slight edge toward ownership

Renters spend 18.3% of income on $957 rent, while homeowners allocate roughly 16% to $820 monthly ownership costs. The ownership advantage reflects lower mortgage payments on moderately priced properties, encouraging household formation and community stability.

DFW commuters, take note

Montague offers rural Texas living with reasonable Dallas commute access, making it ideal for remote workers or those with flexible schedules. Homeownership here builds faster equity than renting, and the community attracts young families seeking affordable North Texas alternatives to suburban sprawl.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Montague County

via IncomeByCounty

Montague Lags Behind National Earnings

Montague County's median household income of $62,818 falls about $12,000 short of the national median of $74,755. This 16% gap reflects economic patterns common to rural Texas counties competing in a national job market.

Below Average for Texas Households

At $62,818, Montague County's median household income sits slightly below Texas's state average of $64,737. The county's per capita income of $30,689 also trails the state average of $33,197, suggesting smaller household sizes or lower individual earnings.

Montague's Income Ranks Mid-Range Locally

Montague County earns more than neighboring Morris ($55,082) and Navarro ($59,310) counties, but less than Montgomery County's exceptional $97,266. Among its peer rural counties, Montague holds a moderate position with stable employment foundations.

Housing Costs Remain Manageable Here

With a rent-to-income ratio of 18.3%, Montague County households spend less than one-fifth of income on housing—well within the 30% affordability threshold. Median home values of $189,400 pair with solid incomes to create reasonable housing access for the county.

Build Financial Security in Montague

Montague households have breathing room to invest beyond housing costs, with median incomes allowing for savings after basic expenses. Consider working with local financial advisors to develop retirement plans, emergency funds, and investment strategies that capitalize on your region's stable housing market.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Montague County

via CrimeByCounty

Montague County Outperforms National Safety Averages

Montague County maintains a high safety score of 97.7, significantly outperforming the national landscape. Its total crime rate of 1,480.4 per 100,000 residents is nearly 40% lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

A Top Performer in Texas Safety

With a total crime rate well below the Texas average of 2,052.5, Montague ranks among the safer regions in the state. Its 97.7 safety score comfortably exceeds the Texas state average of 96.8.

Safer than Regional Neighbors

Compared to nearby Montgomery County, Montague reports a lower total crime rate. While Montgomery sits at 1,624.3 incidents per 100,000, Montague offers a more tranquil environment at 1,480.4.

Low Violent Crime Defines Local Safety

Property crimes dominate the local landscape at 1,322.0 per 100,000, while violent crime remains very low at 158.4. Residents face a violent crime risk that is less than half the national average of 369.8.

Maintaining a Secure Montague Household

Low rates provide peace of mind, but home security remains a smart preventative measure. Simple upgrades like motion-sensor lighting can further deter property crime in this quiet county.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Montague County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Broad Network of Local Schools

Montague County features 13 public schools across seven different districts, serving a total of 3,411 students. This high number of districts per student creates a very localized education experience.

Superior Graduation Success Rates

The 93.7% graduation rate is a standout metric, beating both state and national benchmarks. Local schools maintain a solid score of 55.3, operating with a per-pupil expenditure of $6,935.

Bowie and Nocona Lead Enrollment

Bowie ISD is the largest provider with 1,644 students across four schools, followed by Nocona ISD with 804 students. The county relies entirely on traditional districts, with no charter schools currently available.

A Balance of Towns and Countryside

The county is evenly split with seven rural schools and six town-based campuses. Average school size is 262 students, with Bowie High School being the largest at 498 students.

Find Home Near Top-Performing Schools

With a wide variety of districts and high graduation rates, Montague County offers excellent stability for families. Explore homes in Bowie or Nocona to find the perfect fit for your student's needs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Montague County

via RiskByCounty

Montague's Risk: Below National Average

Montague County scores 54.87 on the national composite risk scale, placing it in the "Relatively Low" category and above Texas's state average of 49.00. This means residents face lower disaster exposure than the typical American county, though certain hazards still warrant preparation.

Mid-Range Risk Among Texas Counties

Among Texas's 254 counties, Montague ranks in the middle tier for natural disaster risk. While the county scores higher than several rural neighbors, it remains well below the highest-risk counties in the state, particularly those along the coast and in tornado alley.

Lower Risk Than Surrounding Counties

Montague's composite score of 54.87 sits below neighboring Cooke County and well below the high-risk Dallas-Fort Worth corridor to its south. The county's risk profile is most similar to rural North Texas neighbors with comparable exposure to wildfire and tornado activity.

Wildfire and Tornado Are Top Threats

Montague faces wildfire risk at 89.76—among the highest in the county—and tornado risk at 77.58, creating significant springtime and summer hazards for residents. Flood risk remains moderate at 30.73, while earthquake and hurricane risks are substantially lower at 36.04 and 38.80 respectively.

Prepare for Wind and Fire Damage

Montague residents should prioritize homeowners insurance that covers windstorm damage from tornadoes and wildfire-related losses, particularly those in rural or forested areas. Consider a separate flood policy if your property sits in a flood-prone zone, and maintain defensible space around your home by clearing brush and dead trees.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Montague County

via WaterByCounty

Significant Room for Improvement in Montague Water

Montague County carries a failing water quality grade after recording 6 health violations over the last five years. Despite the grade, its violation rate of 47.2 per 100,000 residents is significantly lower than the Texas state average of 581.9. Local utilities are underperforming compared to national expectations for consistent Safe Drinking Water Act compliance.

Local Watershed Health Status Pending Assessment

Federal §303(d) assessments have not yet covered the water bodies within Montague County. Because this area is not currently included in the EPA ATTAINS reporting cycle, there is no official impairment percentage or cause list for local streams. Residents should watch for future state reporting to understand the health of their local basins.

Targeted Monitoring Efforts Focus on Physical Data

Water quality monitoring in the county relies on 4 active sites that have produced 1,714 measurements over the past 5 years. Scientists primarily track physical characteristics and inorganic chemicals to monitor the safety of the water supply. While site density is low, the focus on non-metals and nutrients provides a basic baseline for the county.

Primary Waterways Lack Real-Time Gauging Data

Montague County currently operates without a representative USGS streamgage in the federal National Water Information System. This lack of live data makes it difficult to track real-time discharge or volume changes in local creeks. Monitoring remains focused on periodic drinking water compliance rather than live river hydraulics.

Take Proactive Steps for Cleaner Drinking Water

A failing compliance grade suggests residents should stay informed by reviewing their annual Consumer Confidence Reports from local utilities. Consider using certified home filtration systems to address potential health violations mentioned in EPA records. Since live streamflow data is unavailable, local well-water users should monitor groundwater levels during dry periods.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Montague County

via WeatherByCounty

Subtropical Warmth on the North Border

Montague's annual average temperature of 63.3°F is about 10 degrees above the national median. The county receives 35.2 inches of rainfall, providing more moisture than many western peers.

Cooler and Wetter than Typical Texas

The county is slightly cooler than the 65.5°F state average but wetter than the 31.9-inch state rainfall mean. This reflects its position in the more temperate northern part of the state.

Consistent Heat Across North Texas

Montague averages 86 extreme heat days, which is slightly less than Mitchell County's 112 days. It receives more rainfall than its western neighbors, totaling 35.2 inches.

Chilly Winters and Hot July Days

July is the hottest month at 83.4°F, contributing to 86 days over 90°F annually. Winters are among the cooler in Texas, averaging 44.2°F with very little snow at 0.4 inches.

Handling Rain Bursts and Heat

Reliable gutter systems are important for the 35.2 inches of annual rain. Residents should also prepare for 86 days of extreme heat and cold 42.2°F January nights.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Montague County

via SoilByCounty

Near-Neutral Soils of the Red River Valley

Montague County features an average pH of 7.14, which is just slightly more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. This near-neutral level is ideal for a wide variety of plants, as most nutrients are readily available in this range. The taxonomic order for these soils is currently unclassified in the regional data.

Sandy Texture with Good Workability

The soil is dominated by 51.6% sand, with 26.6% silt and 21.8% clay making up the rest. This high sand content ensures the ground is easy to work and resists compaction. It allows for quick root penetration, though it may require more frequent watering than heavier soils.

Solid Fertility and Water Storage

Organic matter content is 1.70%, which is just above the Texas average of 1.66%. The available water capacity of 0.137 in/in also beats the state benchmark of 0.133. These metrics indicate a healthy soil environment capable of supporting productive farms and ranches.

High Runoff Potential Challenges

Despite the sandy texture, the county falls into Hydrologic Group D, suggesting low infiltration when the soil is fully saturated. This can lead to surprisingly high runoff during heavy rainfall events common to North Texas. Effective ground cover is essential to prevent the sandy surface from eroding away.

Abundant Growth in Zone 8a

Zone 8a allows Montague County gardeners to grow everything from wine grapes to summer squash. The sandy, neutral soil is particularly well-suited for melons and root vegetables that need room to expand. It is an excellent environment to start a hobby vineyard or a large vegetable patch.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Montague County

via LawnByCounty

A Moderate Challenge for Montague Lawns

Montague County earns a lawn difficulty score of 42.1, outperforming the Texas average of 31.7 but trailing the national median. Homeowners in this Zone 8a region must balance heat resilience with cold protection during the winter months.

Ample Rain Meets High Texas Heat

The county receives 35.2 inches of annual precipitation, which falls perfectly within the ideal range for turf grass. However, 86 extreme heat days and 5,753 growing degree days mean your mowing and watering schedules will be intense from May through September.

Balanced Soils Support Healthy Turf

The soil features a near-neutral pH of 7.14, requiring very little chemical adjustment for most grass types. With a high sand content of 51.6%, these lawns drain relatively well but may need extra organic matter to retain moisture during the summer.

Managing Water During Abnormally Dry Spells

While current severe drought is at 0%, the entire county is classified as abnormally dry, and residents faced 22 weeks of drought over the past year. Focus on deep, infrequent watering cycles to encourage deep root growth and survival.

Best Grasses for the Montague Climate

Heat-tolerant varieties like Bermuda and Zoysia are excellent choices for this 8a zone. You should aim to seed or sod after the final spring frost on March 27 to ensure a successful start.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Montague County's county score?
Montague County, Texas has a composite county score of 40.8 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Montague County rank among counties in Texas?
Montague County ranks #132 among all counties in Texas on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Montague County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Montague County is $1,802, with an effective tax rate of 0.95%. This earns Montague County a tax score of 41.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Montague County?
The median household income in Montague County, Texas is $62,818 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Montague County earns an income score of 47.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Montague County, Texas a good place to live?
Montague County scores 40.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #132 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Montague County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Montague County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.