CountyScore

Montgomery County

Arkansas · AR

#8 in Arkansas
73.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Montgomery County, Arkansas

Well above the national average

Montgomery County scores 73.7 on the CountyScore composite index, nearly 48% higher than the national median of 50.0. This places the county in the top tier of U.S. counties for overall livability, outperforming the vast majority of American communities.

Among Arkansas's stronger performers

With a score of 73.7, Montgomery County ranks above the Arkansas state average of 70.3, positioning it as one of the more livable counties in the state. The county demonstrates solid fundamentals across multiple dimensions compared to its peers.

Tax-friendly with affordable housing

Montgomery County excels at keeping costs low, with a tax score of 91.5 and cost score of 87.8—among the highest in the state. Median home values of $136,000 and rents under $750/month make this county highly accessible for budget-conscious families and retirees.

Income growth and health need attention

The county's income score of 15.4 reflects median household earnings of $49,015, well below state and national averages, limiting wealth-building potential. Health outcomes also lag at 58.1, suggesting residents may face barriers to quality healthcare or preventive wellness resources.

Ideal for cost-conscious, settled residents

Montgomery County suits retirees, fixed-income households, and those prioritizing affordability over rapid income growth. The low tax burden and housing costs create a stable, predictable living environment for people seeking to stretch their dollars in rural Arkansas.

Score breakdown

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

Tax91.5Cost87.8SafetyComing SoonHealth58.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome15.4Risk69.3WaterComing Soon
🏛91.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠87.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼15.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤58.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡69.3
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 Montgomery County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Pickens County
Alabama
73.7
Median income: $47,014
Pike County
Arkansas
73.7
Median income: $51,000
Union County
Florida
73.7
Median income: $64,922
Valley County
Idaho
73.7
Median income: $76,125
Wabash County
Indiana
73.7
Median income: $68,414

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's taxes rank well nationally

Montgomery County's effective tax rate of 0.384% sits well below the national median property tax of $2,690 on a $281,900 home, placing it in the lowest quartile of U.S. counties. Residents here pay roughly one-seventh what the typical American pays in annual property tax, even after accounting for lower home values in the region.

Among Arkansas's lowest-taxed counties

Montgomery County ranks in the bottom tier statewide, with an effective rate of 0.384% compared to Arkansas's 0.532% average. The county's median property tax of $522 falls $183 below the state average of $705, signaling relatively modest tax burden.

Lower taxes than surrounding counties

Montgomery County's 0.384% rate beats Newton County (0.408%), Perry County (0.520%), and Pike County (0.559%) in the Ouachita Mountains region. Only Nevada County's 0.539% rate in the southern part of the state comes close to offering comparable savings.

Median homeowner pays $522 yearly

A typical Montgomery County home valued at $136,000 generates about $522 in annual property tax at the current effective rate. With a mortgage, that rises to $723 after assessments; without one, it's $396—still well below state and national norms.

Review your assessment for savings

Even in lower-tax counties, many homeowners are overassessed relative to market value. Filing a property tax appeal in Montgomery County could reduce your annual bill further if your home's assessed value exceeds its actual market worth.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Montgomery County

via CostByCounty

Montgomery's rent squeeze vs. America

Montgomery County residents spend 18.0% of their income on rent, nearly matching the national average but on a median household income of just $49,015—35% below the U.S. average of $74,755. This affordability edge masks an underlying income challenge: locals earn less but pay roughly the same share of their paycheck for housing.

Middle of the Arkansas pack

Montgomery ranks near the state median for affordability, with a rent-to-income ratio of 18.0% compared to Arkansas's 18.1% average. The county's $734 median rent sits slightly below the state's $760 average, positioning it as a modestly affordable option within Arkansas.

How Montgomery stacks up locally

Montgomery's $734 rent falls between Perry County ($734) to the north and Newton County ($629) to the northeast. On income, Montgomery ($49,015) trails Perry ($60,078) but outpaces Nevada ($41,761), making it a middle ground for renters seeking balance in the region.

Where Montgomery's money goes

Renters pay $734 monthly while homeowners spend $492, but both groups spend roughly similar percentages of their $49,015 annual income on housing. Together, these costs consume about 17–18% of household earnings, leaving money for other essentials.

Consider Montgomery if affordability matters

Montgomery offers near-state-average affordability for renters and below-average homeownership costs ($492/month). If you're relocating from a pricier region or seeking modest living expenses in rural Arkansas, Montgomery deserves a closer look.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Montgomery County

via IncomeByCounty

Montgomery's income gap with America

Montgomery County's median household income of $49,015 trails the national median of $74,755 by $25,740, or 34%. This places Montgomery in the lower tier of U.S. counties by household earnings, reflecting economic challenges many rural Arkansas communities face.

Middle of the road in Arkansas

At $49,015, Montgomery ranks in the mid-range of Arkansas counties, slightly below the state average of $51,156. The county's per capita income of $28,786 outpaces the state average of $28,096, suggesting more concentrated wealth in some households.

Competitive with surrounding counties

Montgomery's $49,015 median sits above Phillips County ($38,874) and Nevada County ($41,761), but below Pike County ($51,000) and Perry County ($60,078). Among its regional peers, Montgomery holds a modest but stable middle position.

Rent is manageable here

With a rent-to-income ratio of 18%, Montgomery households spend a reasonable share of earnings on housing—well below the 30% affordability threshold. The median home value of $136,000 is accessible to the local median household income, supporting homeownership prospects.

Build financial stability in Montgomery

Montgomery residents earning $49,015 annually have room to invest in long-term wealth through retirement accounts and modest stock portfolios. Starting early with even small monthly contributions can compound significantly over time, offsetting the regional income gap.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Montgomery County

via HealthByCounty

Montgomery County's health lags nation

Montgomery County residents live an average of 71.9 years—nearly 5 years less than the U.S. average of 76.1 years. More than 1 in 5 residents (23.5%) report poor or fair health, compared to the national average of 18%. This gap reflects broader health challenges across rural Arkansas counties.

Below Arkansas average on lifespan

Montgomery County's life expectancy of 71.9 years trails Arkansas's state average of 72.3 years, placing it among the state's lower-performing counties. The county's poor/fair health rate of 23.5% exceeds the state norm, signaling concentrated health challenges in this community.

Struggling compared to nearby counties

Montgomery County has the shortest life expectancy (71.9 years) among its regional peers—only Newton County (73.6 years) and Perry County (74.1 years) nearby offer longer lifespans. The county's 13.2% uninsured rate is the highest in the region and nearly 3 times the state average of 9.9%.

Healthcare access gaps fuel health crisis

Montgomery County has just 23 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, leaving many residents without adequate local medical support. Mental health providers are similarly scarce at 23 per 100,000, while 13.2% of residents lack health insurance entirely—a burden that delays care and worsens outcomes.

Explore coverage options today

If you're among Montgomery County's uninsured, coverage is more accessible than ever through Arkansas Medicaid and marketplace plans. Visit healthcare.gov or call 211 to find subsidized insurance, free clinics, and community health centers that serve families regardless of ability to pay.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Montgomery County

via RiskByCounty

Montgomery County's low national risk profile

Montgomery County scores 30.69 on the composite risk scale, placing it well below the national average and in the Very Low risk category. This score reflects relatively modest exposure to major natural hazards compared to counties across the United States.

Safest counties in Arkansas

At 30.69, Montgomery County ranks among Arkansas's lowest-risk counties, scoring 45% below the state average of 55.51. This position makes it one of the more resilient counties in the state when it comes to natural disaster exposure.

Lower risk than surrounding areas

Montgomery County's risk score of 30.69 compares favorably to nearby Perry County (28.05) and Newton County (18.45), though it sits slightly higher than Pike County (26.56). Across this region, all counties maintain very low overall risk levels.

Wildfire and tornado watch areas

Wildfire risk at 61.45 and tornado risk at 49.71 represent Montgomery County's primary natural hazard concerns, though both remain moderate in absolute terms. Flood risk (48.66) and earthquake risk (46.22) round out the county's hazard profile with relatively lower exposure.

Cover your bases with comprehensive insurance

While Montgomery County's overall risk is very low, standard homeowners insurance should be supplemented with wildfire and flood coverage given local exposure levels. Renters and business owners should also verify their policies include adequate protection for tornado and weather-related damages.

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.