countyscore
63.3
County Score
Property Tax 94.7Safety 90.9Cost of Living 87.1

County Report Card

About Montgomery County, Arkansas

Strong performer in rural Arkansas

Montgomery County's composite score of 63.3 outpaces the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper half of all U.S. counties. This 26% advantage over the national benchmark signals above-average livability for a rural Ozark community.

Among Arkansas's best overall

With a score of 63.3 versus Arkansas's state average of 47.9, Montgomery County ranks well above its peers across the state. This 32% advantage makes it one of the stronger-performing counties in Arkansas.

Tax relief and safe neighborhoods shine

Montgomery County excels where residents feel money in their pockets: a tax score of 94.7 with an effective tax rate of just 0.384%, and a safety score of 90.9 that reflects low crime. Housing affordability also ranks strong at 87.1, with median home values of $136,000 and rents around $734/month.

Health and income gaps need attention

The county struggles with a health score of 21.0 and income score of 12.5, indicating limited healthcare resources and lower median household income of $49,015. Water quality also rates critically low at 1.0, suggesting infrastructure challenges that warrant community focus.

Best for budget-conscious families seeking stability

Montgomery County suits retirees, remote workers, and families prioritizing low taxes and safe communities over urban amenities. The combination of affordability and safety makes it ideal for those willing to trade healthcare and income opportunities for financial stability and peace of mind.

2040608010094.787.190.92133.312.569.3163Tax94.7Cost87.1Safety90.9Health21Schools33.3Income12.5Risk69.3Water1Weather6363.3/100
This county
National avg
4 above average4 below average

Montgomery County DNA

D+overall

How Montgomery County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Montgomery County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (94.7/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
94.7+42.7
Cost
87.1+39.099999999999994
Safety
90.9+35.900000000000006
Health
21-29
Schools
33.3-20.700000000000003
Income
12.5-38.5
Risk
69.3+22.299999999999997
Water
1-57
Weather
63
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$136,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$734/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$136,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,360/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $49,015/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

11.7

per 100K

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

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Pike County
Arkansas
62.4
Garland County
Arkansas
38.6
Scott County
Arkansas
49.2
Polk County
Arkansas
51.5
Yell County
Arkansas
50.9
Hot Spring County
Arkansas
51
Howard County
Arkansas
53.6
Clark County
Arkansas
43.8

Deep Dives

Montgomery County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Safety in Montgomery County

via CrimeByCounty

Montgomery County Outperforms National Safety Benchmarks

Montgomery County reports a total crime rate of 163.7 per 100K residents, which is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. With a safety score of 99.7 out of 100, it stands as one of the most secure regions in the country.

A Leader in Arkansas Public Safety

The county's safety score of 99.7 easily surpasses the Arkansas state average of 96.3. This ranking places Montgomery County at the top tier of the state's 75 counties for overall resident protection.

Exceeding the Security of Surrounding Areas

Montgomery's crime rate of 163.7 is dramatically lower than neighboring Pike County, which reports 725.1 incidents per 100K. This creates a distinct pocket of safety compared to broader regional trends.

Low Rates Across All Crime Categories

Violent crime is rare here, occurring at a rate of 35.1 per 100K, while property crime sits at just 128.6. Both figures represent a fraction of the national averages of 369.8 and 2,015.7, respectively.

Maintaining a Secure Community Environment

While rates are exceptionally low, residents should remain proactive about home security to maintain these high safety standards. Simple steps like outdoor lighting can help preserve this county's peaceful character.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Montgomery County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small-Scale Rural Education Infrastructure

Montgomery County operates five public schools across two primary districts, serving a total of 1,200 students. The system includes two elementary schools, two high schools, and one specialized campus to support its local youth. This compact network provides a focused learning environment for the county's growing student population.

Exceeding National Graduation Benchmarks

The county achieves an 89.5% graduation rate, which surpasses the national average of 87% but slightly trails the Arkansas state average. Local investment remains efficient, with per-pupil spending at $6,239, slightly above the state average of $6,160. These efforts result in a composite school score of 51.6, nearly matching the state's median performance.

Caddo Hills and Mount Ida Lead Local Education

Caddo Hills School District stands as the largest provider with 589 students across its two campuses. One of its facilities, Caddo Hills High School, operates as a charter school, representing 20% of the county's total school inventory. Mount Ida School District follows closely, educating 447 students within its elementary and high school systems.

Intimate Rural Learning Environments

Every school in Montgomery County is classified as rural, creating a close-knit community feel for all 1,200 students. Schools maintain an intimate average size of 240 students, ranging from Caddo Hills Elementary with 337 children to the Oden Schools with 164. This smaller scale ensures that teachers and administrators can provide personalized attention to their students.

Discover a Home in a Tight-Knit School Community

Families seeking a personalized education for their children will find Montgomery County’s rural schools a welcoming environment. The high graduation rates and small school sizes make the area a compelling choice for home buyers prioritizing community connection. Explore local real estate options near these dedicated school districts today.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Water Quality in Montgomery County

via WaterByCounty

Severe Violations Challenge Montgomery County Water

Montgomery County carries a failing water quality grade due to 124 health violations over the last five years. The violation rate of 2,843.4 per 100,000 residents is more than 16 times the Arkansas state average. This signal indicates significant systemic challenges in meeting Safe Drinking Water Act standards.

Watershed Impairments Below State Average

In the 2022 reporting cycle, 15.3% of the 236 assessed water bodies fail to meet Clean Water Act standards. The primary concerns include pH levels and dissolved oxygen in critical habitats. While still significant, this impairment rate sits slightly below the state average of 17.8%.

Active Monitoring Tracks Inorganic Contaminants

Local water quality is tracked across 4 active monitoring sites which recorded 3,511 measurements over the last five years. Data collection focuses heavily on inorganics, metals, and nutrients. These records provide the evidentiary basis for local environmental management and policy.

Ouachita River Flow Drops Significantly

The Ouachita River near Mount Ida currently flows at 163 cfs, which is only 22% of its long-term mean. This 414-square-mile drainage area is experiencing much lower than typical volume. These low levels can impact both recreation and the concentration of existing pollutants.

Prioritize Filtration and Drought Awareness

With a high violation rate and low streamflow, residents should prioritize home water filtration to mitigate drinking water risks. During periods of low flow, be aware that dissolved oxygen levels may drop, affecting local aquatic health. Regularly check local health advisories regarding the high number of SDWIS violations.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Montgomery County

via WeatherByCounty

One of the region's wettest counties

Montgomery County is a moisture leader, receiving a massive 58.1 inches of annual precipitation. Its 60.5°F average temperature sits comfortably above the national median while staying slightly cooler than the state average.

Rainier than most of Arkansas

This county exceeds the state average rainfall by nearly 6 inches. Its temperature is slightly lower than the 61.0°F state average due to its higher elevations in the Ouachita Mountains.

Wetter and cooler than Logan

Montgomery receives nearly 10 inches more rain annually than Logan County. Despite the rain, it stays cooler than Nevada County, with 56 days of extreme heat compared to Nevada’s 69.

Manageable heat and high precipitation

Summers average 78.4°F with 56 days hitting 90°F, while winters are mild at 42.3°F. The county receives 3.0 inches of snow, which is just slightly above the regional average.

Prepare for heavy annual rainfall

High-quality rain gear and basement waterproofing are vital given the nearly 60 inches of annual rain. The 56 days of extreme heat are manageable, but the humidity from the high rainfall makes the heat feel more intense.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Montgomery County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic soils define the Ouachita foothills

Montgomery County soils are notably acidic with an average pH of 5.44, falling well below the national median of 6.5. While specific taxonomic data is limited for this area, the overall soil health score of 30.0 suggests a environment that requires careful management. Most local growers find that regular lime applications are essential to balance these levels for standard crops.

A sandy and silty profile

The soil composition is a mix of 45.9% sand and 36.6% silt, providing a gritty texture that is relatively easy to till. With clay making up only 15.1% of the profile, the soil lacks the heavy structure found in the Delta. This balance allows for decent root penetration but may struggle to retain fertilizers during heavy rains.

Lower water capacity than state averages

Organic matter sits at 2.35%, which is higher than the national average of 2.0% but far below the Arkansas state average of 4.15%. The available water capacity of 0.126 in/in also trails the state benchmark of 0.148 in/in. Gardeners should prioritize mulching and compost additions to improve these moisture-holding capabilities.

High runoff risks in Group D

The county falls into Hydrologic Group D, indicating soils that have a very slow infiltration rate when thoroughly wetted. While specific drainage class data is unavailable, this group designation suggests a high potential for surface runoff during the region's heavy spring storms. Site planning should include strategies for managing excess water to prevent erosion on sloped terrain.

Success in Hardiness Zone 8a

In USDA Zone 8a, Montgomery County provides a long growing season for heat-tolerant favorites like okra, sweet potatoes, and southern peas. Blueberries and azaleas thrive in the naturally acidic soil without the need for intensive pH adjustments. Local residents can start a productive garden by focusing on these acid-loving varieties and supplementing with organic matter.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Montgomery County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Montgomery County's Moderate Lawn Challenge

Montgomery County earns a lawn difficulty score of 39.6, making it slightly easier to manage than the Arkansas average of 37.3. While this Zone 8a climate is more forgiving than neighboring counties, it remains significantly tougher than the national median score of 50.0.

High Rainfall and Warm Growing Cycles

The county receives 58.1 inches of annual precipitation, which is well above the national ideal range of 30-50 inches. With 56 extreme heat days and 4,902 growing degree days, your mowing schedule stays active from the last frost in early April through late October.

Managing Acidic Soil and High Sand Content

Soil here is quite acidic with a pH of 5.44, requiring lime amendments to reach the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. The high sand content of 45.9% helps with drainage but may require more frequent nutrient supplementation to keep grass healthy.

Severe Droughts Demand Smart Watering

With 99.6% of the county currently experiencing Severe Drought (D2+) and 14 weeks of drought in the past year, water conservation is critical. Focus on deep, infrequent watering cycles to encourage deep root systems that can survive these harsh dry spells.

Early Spring Planting for Success

Zone 8a is perfect for warm-season grasses like Bermudagrass or Zoysia. Aim to seed or sod shortly after the April 8 frost date to give your lawn plenty of time to establish before the summer heat arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Montgomery County's county score?
Montgomery County, Arkansas has a composite county score of 63.3 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 Montgomery County rank among counties in Arkansas?
Montgomery County ranks #4 among all counties in Arkansas 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 Montgomery County, Arkansas?
The median annual property tax in Montgomery County is $522, with an effective tax rate of 0.38%. This earns Montgomery County a tax score of 94.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Montgomery County?
The median household income in Montgomery County, Arkansas is $49,015 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Montgomery County earns an income score of 12.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Montgomery County, Arkansas a good place to live?
Montgomery County scores 63.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #4 in Arkansas. The best way to evaluate Montgomery 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 Montgomery County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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.