Montgomery County

Alabama · AL

#65 in Alabama
65
County Score

County Report Card

About Montgomery County, Alabama

Montgomery outperforms the national baseline

Montgomery County's composite score of 65.0 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 30%, reflecting better-than-average livability across the United States. The county maintains steady performance across multiple dimensions, though with more modest advantages than top-tier peers.

Competitive but below Alabama's median

Montgomery County scores 65.0 against Alabama's county average of 70.8, placing it slightly below the state middle. The county remains solid on national terms but faces stiff competition from higher-scoring Alabama peers.

Strong tax and income performance

Montgomery County scores 91.8 on taxes with an effective tax rate of 0.373%, while posting one of the highest median household incomes at $58,153. Health outcomes are solid at 59.5, supporting strong quality of life across multiple fronts.

Risk score and cost moderate appeal

The county's cost score of 74.0 reflects higher housing expenses, with median rent of $1,061/month and home values of $160,100. Its risk score of 8.2 is among the lowest in the group, suggesting economic or environmental exposures requiring monitoring.

Suits balanced, tax-conscious households

Montgomery County works well for middle-income families and professionals valuing tax efficiency and solid health infrastructure without requiring ultra-affordable housing. It appeals to those seeking a balance between amenities and fiscal responsibility.

Score breakdown

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

Tax91.8Cost74SafetyComing SoonHealth59.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome21.4Risk8.2WaterComing Soon
🏛91.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠74
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼21.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
59.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
8.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Montgomery County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Montgomery County

via TaxByCounty

Montgomery taxes remain nationally low

Montgomery County's effective tax rate of 0.373% sits well below the national median of roughly 0.9%, placing it in the lowest 20% nationwide. The median tax bill of $598 represents just 22% of the national median property tax of $2,690.

Middle-of-the-pack in Alabama

Montgomery County's 0.373% effective rate places it roughly at Alabama's state average of 0.339%, with a median tax of $598 exceeding the state median of $511. The county ranks 28th among Alabama's 67 counties in tax burden.

Higher than Monroe, lower than Mobile

Montgomery County's $598 bill falls between Monroe County ($362) to the south and Mobile County ($849) to the southwest. On a median home value of $160,100, the tax rate aligns with the broader region's modest burden.

Your annual Montgomery County bill

On a median home valued at $160,100, Montgomery County homeowners pay approximately $598 per year in property taxes. With a mortgage, escrow payments typically bring the total to around $671 annually.

Assessment appeal could save you money

Nearly one-quarter of property owners nationwide discover their assessments are inflated during appeals. Montgomery County residents can file a free appeal with the county assessor to verify their home's assessed value is accurate.

Cost of Living in Montgomery County

via CostByCounty

Montgomery's rents strain state capital families

Montgomery County renters dedicate 21.9% of income to housing—the highest ratio in this survey and above national norms—while earning $58,153, nearly $17,000 less than the national median. The state capital's housing burden rivals major metropolitan areas despite modest incomes.

Montgomery leads state in affordability strain

Montgomery's 21.9% rent-to-income ratio is the worst among Alabama counties, with median rent of $1,061 exceeding the state average by $262 monthly. This combination makes Montgomery the state's most housing-burdened county for renters.

Most expensive rent in survey region

Montgomery's $1,061 median rent tops nearby Mobile ($1,021) and dwarfs rural counties like Perry ($610) and Pickens ($600). This premium reflects Montgomery's status as Alabama's capital and largest inland city, concentrating demand and pricing out lower-income residents.

Housing dominates Montgomery household priorities

Monthly rent of $1,061 consumes 21.9% of Montgomery households' $58,153 annual income, totaling over $12,730 yearly just for rental housing. Homeowners pay $991 monthly on properties valued at $160,100, indicating ownership remains difficult for average earners.

Montgomery rewards high earners, challenges others

Montgomery offers state government jobs, military presence (Fort Rucker nearby), and cultural amenities, but rent requires substantial income to avoid financial strain. Relocators earning below $70,000 annually should explore surrounding rural counties or negotiate remote-work flexibility before moving.

Income & Jobs in Montgomery County

via IncomeByCounty

Montgomery earns 22% less nationally

Montgomery County's median household income of $58,153 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by approximately $16,600 annually. This gap mirrors broader regional challenges across the South, though Montgomery's per capita income of $33,404 suggests stronger earnings potential than some peers.

Slightly above Alabama's average

Montgomery's median household income exceeds Alabama's state median of $54,196 by about $4,000, positioning it in Alabama's upper-middle band. The county's per capita income of $33,404 also surpasses the state average of $29,701, reflecting a more robust earning base.

Montgomery matches Mobile's income

Montgomery's $58,153 income essentially ties Mobile County at $58,119, making them economic equivalents in the region. Both counties exceed Pickens ($47,014) and Pike ($47,961) but fall short of Morgan County's $64,858, the area's income leader.

Housing costs claim more here

Montgomery's rent-to-income ratio of 21.9% is the highest in this peer group, meaning the typical household dedicates nearly one-quarter of income to housing. With median home values at $160,100, families should budget carefully to avoid overextending on mortgages.

Invest after stabilizing housing

Montgomery households earning $58,000+ have opportunity to invest beyond housing, but should first ensure mortgage or rent is sustainable at under 28% of income. Once housing is locked down, directing even 5-10% of income to retirement accounts and diversified investments builds generational wealth.

Health in Montgomery County

via HealthByCounty

Montgomery's life expectancy edges ahead

Montgomery County residents live to 72.7 years, outpacing the U.S. average of 71.5 years by more than a year—a meaningful advantage reflective of Alabama's state capital. Nearly one in four (24.8%) report poor or fair health, slightly below the national prevalence, indicating better-than-average population health management. With 97 primary care providers per 100,000, Montgomery significantly exceeds the national median, and its 228 mental health providers per 100,000 rank among the nation's strongest concentrations.

Montgomery leads Alabama healthcare infrastructure

At 72.7 years, Montgomery County's life expectancy tops Alabama's 72.1 state average, placing it among the healthiest in the state. The county's 24.8% poor/fair health rate edges below the state median, reflecting stronger disease prevention and management. Montgomery's exceptional provider density—97 primary care and 228 mental health providers per 100K—far exceeds most Alabama counties, powered by the state capital's medical institutions and public health infrastructure.

Montgomery dominates regional health rankings

Montgomery's 72.7-year life expectancy surpasses all surveyed neighbors, with only Mobile County (72.6) coming close. The county's 24.8% poor/fair health rate ranks second-best in the peer group, beaten only by Morgan County's 21.9%. Montgomery's 97 primary care providers per 100K and 228 mental health providers per 100K dwarf neighboring counties like Morgan (51 and 173, respectively), reflecting the concentration of healthcare in Alabama's capital.

Capital advantage: robust care for most

Montgomery's 97 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 228 mental health specialists create the strongest provider network among surveyed counties, enabling routine and specialist care access. The 11.3% uninsured rate leaves roughly 30,000 residents without coverage, yet the county's scale and infrastructure mean free or low-cost clinics are more accessible than in rural peers. The 24.8% poor/fair health rate, while lower than state average, still signals significant preventable chronic disease affecting nearly 265,000 residents.

Montgomery: coverage unlocks premier access

For Montgomery's 30,000 uninsured residents, the county's concentration of healthcare providers makes coverage especially valuable—visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to enroll. As Alabama's capital, Montgomery hosts multiple federally qualified health centers and safety-net providers offering care regardless of insurance, yet coverage ensures choice and continuity. With 228 mental health providers per 100K, insured residents can access specialization rarely available elsewhere in the state.

Disaster Risk in Montgomery County

via RiskByCounty

Montgomery faces above-average national risk

Montgomery County's 91.83 composite score ranks it as 'Relatively Moderate' nationally but still 30 points above Alabama's state average of 61.54. This places Montgomery among the nation's more hazard-prone counties.

Second-riskiest county in Alabama

Montgomery County ranks second only to Mobile County within Alabama, scoring 91.83 versus the state average of 61.54. This elevation reflects a dangerous cocktail of tornado, flood, earthquake, and hurricane exposure.

Vastly riskier than surrounding counties

Montgomery's 91.83 score far exceeds nearby Morgan County (88.84) and dwarfs Pickens, Pike, Randolph, and Perry counties, all of which score below 50. Montgomery stands out as an island of high risk in its region.

Tornadoes and floods lead the danger

Tornado risk peaks at 96.60—among the highest in the nation—followed by flood risk (94.05) and earthquake risk (92.46). Combined, these three hazards create a severe and unpredictable threat landscape for the county.

Comprehensive insurance is critical here

Montgomery County residents should secure flood insurance and a robust homeowner policy with high coverage limits given the 94.05 flood and 96.60 tornado scores. Earthquake coverage, though less common, is prudent given the 92.46 earthquake risk score in this region.

ByCounty Network

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