CountyScore

Montague County

Texas · TX

#94 in Texas
64.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Montague County, Texas

Montague beats the national average

Montague County's composite score of 70.7 significantly outpaces the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 40% of U.S. counties. This score reflects a county that delivers measurably better livability than most of the nation, driven by strong fundamentals in affordability and tax burden.

Above-average across Texas

Montague ranks above Texas's state average composite score of 66.8, putting it in the upper tier of the state's 254 counties. This position reflects its ability to compete favorably with other Texas communities on core livability measures.

Tax and housing affordability shine

Montague excels in cost (78.6) and tax burden (75.5), with an effective tax rate of just 0.951% and a median home value of $189,400. Renters benefit similarly, with median gross rent at $957 per month—well below state averages.

Income growth lags behind

The county's income score of 24.4 reveals a notable weak point, with median household income at $62,818 trailing many peers. Data on safety, health, schools, and natural hazards remains unavailable, limiting a complete livability picture.

Ideal for cost-conscious families

Montague suits families and retirees prioritizing low taxes and affordable housing over maximum earning potential. It offers rural Texas living with genuine financial advantages and room to build equity without the cost burden of faster-growing regions.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax75.5Cost78.6SafetyComing SoonHealth54.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome24.4Risk45.1WaterComing Soon
🏛75.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠78.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼24.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤54.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡45.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Montague County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Gila County
Arizona
64.5
Median income: $59,089
Washington County
Arkansas
64.5
Median income: $66,426
Del Norte County
California
64.5
Median income: $66,780
Elkhart County
Indiana
64.5
Median income: $65,617
Dallas County
Iowa
64.5
Median income: $102,349

Deep Dives

Montague County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Health in Montague County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy lags behind national pace

At 71.7 years, Montague County residents live nearly 6 years shorter than the U.S. average of 76.4 years. One in five residents report poor or fair health, a rate near the national median of 18%, suggesting chronic health challenges across the county.

Ranking near the bottom in Texas

Montague County's 71.7-year life expectancy falls 2.6 years below Texas's state average of 74.3 years. The county ranks among the lower-performing counties statewide on health outcomes and longevity.

Healthier outcomes in nearby counties

Montague residents live nearly 3 years less than those in neighboring Montgomery County (78.2 years) and about 3 years less than Navarro County (73.8 years). The gap reflects differences in provider density and healthcare access across the region.

Healthcare gaps add up for residents

One in five Montague residents (20.9%) lack health insurance, slightly above Texas's 19.8% average. With only 25 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, getting an appointment requires patience and planning.

Find coverage that fits your situation

Whether you're self-employed, between jobs, or looking for affordable options, Texas offers ACA marketplace plans, Medicaid, and local health programs. Visit healthcare.gov or contact your county health department to explore plans—one may save you hundreds monthly.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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