countyscore
34.1
County Score
Disaster Risk 92.2Cost of Living 77Property Tax 40.8

County Report Card

About Montgomery County, Georgia

Significant gaps compared to U.S. median

Montgomery County's composite score of 34.0 is well below the national median of 50.0. This indicates that the county lags behind much of the country in key livability metrics.

Below the Georgia state average

With a score of 34.0, Montgomery County trails the Georgia average of 46.7 significantly. It ranks among the most challenged counties in the state.

Resilience and affordable housing

The county is remarkably safe from natural disasters with a risk score of 92.2. Housing is also quite affordable, evidenced by a cost score of 77.0 and median rent of $732.

Severe safety and water issues

The safety score of 0.8 is a critical concern that impacts the overall profile. Furthermore, the water score of 12.4 and health score of 15.1 indicate substantial infrastructure needs.

Suited for environmental stability seekers

Montgomery is best for those who want a location naturally protected from disasters and need low-cost housing. It is a tough sell for those who prioritize community safety or public infrastructure.

Score breakdown

Tax40.8Cost77Safety0.8Health15.1Schools27.5Income17.1Risk92.2Water12.4Weather35.8
🏛40.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠77
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼17.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡0.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤15.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓27.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡92.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧12.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤35.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱31.7
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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34

Nearby counties

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Georgia
60.9
Toombs County
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58.3
Treutlen County
Georgia
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Jeff Davis County
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Laurens County
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Telfair County
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Deep Dives

Montgomery County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Montgomery County

via TaxByCounty

Montgomery taxes: slightly elevated nationwide

Montgomery County's effective tax rate of 0.965% sits slightly above the national median, though residents pay just $1,140 annually due to modest home values. This moderate rate puts Montgomery among mid-range tax jurisdictions nationally.

Above Georgia's state average

At 0.965%, Montgomery's rate exceeds Georgia's state average of 0.898%, placing it in the upper half of Georgia's county tax rankings. The median property tax of $1,140 runs nearly $400 below the state median, reflecting lower home values.

Mid-range among regional counties

Montgomery's 0.965% rate sits between McIntosh (0.753%) and Meriwether (0.931%), positioning it as a moderate-tax county regionally. The modest absolute tax burden reflects the county's lower-valued homes.

What a $118k home costs annually

The median Montgomery County home valued at $118,200 generates approximately $1,140 in annual property taxes. Including mortgage-related fees, homeowners pay $1,398 yearly; those without mortgages pay around $810.

Challenge assessments to lower costs

Montgomery County homeowners should review their assessments annually—even modest overvaluations add up over time. If your home's assessed value exceeds comparable recent sales, Montgomery County's assessor welcomes appeals that can reduce your annual tax.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Montgomery County

via CostByCounty

Montgomery achieves strong affordability

Montgomery's 17.2% rent-to-income ratio beats the national average while the median income of $51,188 trails the U.S. figure by 32%, showing residents stretch modest earnings efficiently. This efficiency-to-income ratio makes Montgomery a value-conscious choice.

Above Georgia's affordability average

At 17.2%, Montgomery's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below Georgia's 18.6% state average, ranking it among the state's more affordable counties. This position suggests Montgomery residents enjoy better housing value than most Georgians.

Near-lowest rents in the region

Montgomery's median rent of $732 is the third-lowest across the eight counties, bested only by Miller ($699) and Mitchell ($776) by thin margins. At $195 below Georgia's state average, Montgomery delivers strong regional value.

Balanced costs for renters and buyers

Renters pay $732 monthly while homeowners spend $666 on median properties worth $118,200—the second-lowest home value in the group. Both pathways consume roughly 17% of the $51,188 median income, offering reasonable choices for households at any stage.

Montgomery offers solid middle-ground value

Relocating on a tight budget should compare Montgomery's $732 rent and $118,200 median home value to nearby Miller and Mitchell counties. Its balanced affordability and ownership costs make it a reliable option for families transitioning between renting and buying.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Montgomery County

via IncomeByCounty

Montgomery trails national income benchmark

Montgomery County's median household income of $51,188 falls $23,567 short of the U.S. median of $74,755. Residents earn approximately 68% of typical American household income.

Significantly below Georgia's state average

Montgomery County ranks well below Georgia's state median household income of $60,488, falling short by $9,300. The county's per capita income of $27,633 also lags the state average of $31,115.

Lowest income among regional peers

Montgomery County's $51,188 median household income ties with Mitchell County ($51,908) for the lowest in the region. The county trails all other neighbors, including McIntosh ($50,348), McDuffie ($54,058), and Meriwether ($56,458).

Good rental affordability despite limited income

Montgomery County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.2% is favorable, with renters spending well below the 28% affordability threshold. The median home value of $118,200 is relatively affordable, though household income constraints limit savings and investment capacity.

Financial strategies for Montgomery County households

Montgomery County residents should focus on stabilizing household budgets and eliminating high-interest debt before pursuing major purchases. Investing in workforce development, pursuing higher-wage employment, and exploring supplemental income sources can help increase long-term earning potential and wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Montgomery County

via CrimeByCounty

Montgomery County Faces High Crime Rates

Montgomery County reports a total crime rate of 7,574.5 per 100K, which is over three times the national average of 2,385.5. This high rate results in a safety score of 88.0. Data from four reporting agencies highlights a significant challenge for local public safety compared to the rest of the country.

Safety Challenges Relative to the State

The county's safety score of 88.0 is considerably lower than the Georgia state average of 97.8. Its total crime rate of 7,574.5 per 100K also far exceeds the state's average of 1,412.9. These statistics indicate that Montgomery County is currently an outlier in terms of reported crime within Georgia.

High Crime Compared to Regional Peers

Montgomery County’s crime rate is significantly higher than Mitchell County (1,825.8) and McIntosh County (1,815.2). While those counties struggle with their own safety goals, Montgomery’s rate is nearly four times higher. This contrast highlights the urgent need for focused community safety initiatives in the area.

Violent and Property Crime are Elevated

The violent crime rate is 943.9 per 100K, nearly triple the national average. Property crime is even more widespread, with a rate of 6,630.6 per 100K, compared to the national average of 2,015.7. Residents face a much higher statistical risk of both property loss and personal safety concerns.

Maximize Your Home Security Efforts

Given the elevated property crime rates, professional home security monitoring and robust physical barriers are highly recommended. Always secure valuables and use smart technology to monitor your property in real-time. Active participation in neighborhood watch programs can also help deter crime and improve local safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Montgomery County

via HealthByCounty

Montgomery's life expectancy trails national average

At 71.4 years, Montgomery County residents live 5 years below the U.S. average of 76.4 years. One in four residents report poor or fair health at 25.3%, placing Montgomery among the county cohort's most challenged in terms of population health.

Below Georgia average despite reasonable coverage

Montgomery's 71.4-year life expectancy lags Georgia's 73.3-year average by 1.9 years, signaling health challenges persist despite coverage efforts. The county's 14.2% uninsured rate is slightly below the state average of 15.0%, suggesting that access to care alone doesn't explain Montgomery's health outcomes gap.

Moderate health outcomes, limited provider data

Montgomery's 71.4-year life expectancy falls in the lower-middle range of this region, ahead of Meriwether (70.8 years) and Miller (67.3 years) but well behind Monroe (74.5 years) and Morgan (75.8 years). Primary care provider data is unavailable, making full assessment difficult, though 69 mental health providers per 100K suggests behavioral health capacity exists.

Coverage gaps in primary care access remain

Montgomery's 14.2% uninsured rate is reasonable, but primary care provider data is not available—limiting visibility into whether residents can actually access doctors. With 69 mental health providers per 100K and 25.3% reporting poor health, the county likely faces untreated chronic disease and behavioral health challenges.

Secure coverage and prioritize preventive care

Montgomery residents should enroll in health coverage through healthcare.gov or Medicaid to ensure access to routine care and early disease detection. With 14.2% still uninsured and 25.3% reporting poor health, getting covered is essential to breaking the cycle of late-stage treatment.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Montgomery County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Focused Three-School Campus

Montgomery County operates a streamlined school system with three public schools: one elementary, one middle, and one high school. This centralized infrastructure serves 951 total students. The entire system is managed by the single Montgomery County School District.

Performance and Spending Benchmarks

The county's graduation rate is 84.0%, which is slightly lower than the Georgia state average of 88.1%. Montgomery County spends $6,864 per pupil, a figure below the state average of $7,405. Despite lower spending, the school score of 50.1 matches the national median exactly.

A Traditional County District System

The Montgomery County School District manages all education for the county's 951 students. There are no charter schools in the county, maintaining a classic public school structure. This unified system allows for a close-knit environment where students progress through the same three schools together.

100% Rural Learning Environments

All three schools in the county are located in rural areas, reflecting the local landscape. The average school size is 317 students, offering a personal and manageable scale for students. Montgomery County Elementary is the largest school with 453 students, while the middle school is the smallest with 222.

Rural Living Near Local Schools

For those seeking a rural lifestyle with a centralized school system, Montgomery County offers several attractive options. Most residential growth centers around the schools in Mt. Vernon and Uvalda. Consider the benefits of these smaller school sizes when evaluating homes for your family.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Montgomery County

via RiskByCounty

Montgomery is among the safest counties

Montgomery County scores 7.82 on the composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating and ranking as one of America's lowest-risk communities. Your county experiences dramatically fewer natural disaster threats than the national average.

Georgia's lowest-risk county by far

Montgomery's score of 7.82 is less than one-fifth of Georgia's state average of 39.49, making it the state's safest county by a significant margin. No other Georgia county comes close to Montgomery's exceptionally low risk profile.

Dramatically safer than surrounding area

Montgomery County (7.82) stands alone as a safety outlier—all neighboring counties score substantially higher, with Miller (20.80), Monroe (18.70), and Meriwether (19.21) representing your closest peers. Your exceptional safety status distinguishes Montgomery across the entire state.

Hurricane and wildfire risks minimal

Hurricane risk (70.55) represents your highest score, yet remains modest compared to most Georgia counties, while wildfire (37.12) and flood (14.82) risks stay low. Tornado (32.00) and earthquake (39.06) risks round out an exceptionally balanced, low-threat profile.

Basic coverage sufficient for safety

Standard homeowners insurance provides comprehensive protection for Montgomery's exceptional low-risk environment, with no additional specialized coverage necessary. Basic storm preparedness and annual insurance reviews remain prudent practices despite your county's outstanding safety record.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Montgomery County

via SoilByCounty

The Ground of Montgomery

Detailed taxonomic and pH data for Montgomery County is not currently available in the dataset. Local gardeners should assume an acidic profile typical of the region unless they test for the 6.5 national median. Knowing your pH is essential for nutrient uptake.

Determining Your Soil Type

We currently lack specific percentages for the county's sand, silt, and clay content. Understanding your specific soil texture is the first step toward successful local land management. Feel your soil—gritty means sand, while sticky means clay.

Improving Local Fertility

Information regarding organic matter and water capacity is currently missing. Aim for the state average of 1.83% organic matter when adding compost to improve your soil’s productivity. Healthy organic levels lead to better crops and flowers.

Assessing Local Drainage

There is no specific data on drainage classes or hydrologic groups for this area. Testing your site for drainage speed is essential before planning a garden or a new building project. Simple hole-tests can reveal how quickly your soil absorbs water.

Endless Growing in Zone 9a

Montgomery County is firmly in Zone 9a, which allows for an incredibly diverse range of heat-tolerant plants. Take advantage of the long season to grow sweet potatoes and peppers that love the South’s warmth. You have the perfect weather for a bountiful harvest.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Montgomery County

via LawnByCounty

Intense Heat in Montgomery County

Montgomery County has a lawn difficulty score of 31.7, placing it below the Georgia state average of 35.8. Situated in Hardiness Zone 9a, your lawn must survive some of the most intense heat in the entire state.

Extreme Temperatures Challenge Growth

With 83 extreme heat days annually, Montgomery exceeds the state average of 65 days by a wide margin. The county receives 50.9 inches of annual precipitation, which helps offset the heat, but high evaporation remains a constant threat. Your mowing height should be raised during these heat spikes to protect the grass crowns from scorching.

Building a Healthy Growing Base

There is currently no specific soil data available for Montgomery County, so starting with a professional soil test is highly recommended. This will clarify the pH levels and nutrient needs unique to your specific yard. Given the extreme heat, adding organic matter can help your soil retain much-needed moisture.

Total Drought Across the County

Currently, 100.0% of the county is in severe drought, and there have been 28 weeks of drought over the last year. This relentless dry weather makes supplemental irrigation vital for keeping a lawn alive. Focus on maximizing water efficiency and consider installing a rain sensor to avoid watering during the occasional heavy downpour.

Choose Heat-Tolerant Turf Varieties

Bermuda grass and Bahiagrass are the best options for Montgomery's 83-day heat cycles and Zone 9a climate. Since the soil stays warm for most of the year, you have a wide window for planting, but early spring is still the safest bet. Get started now to give your grass the best chance of surviving the next summer heatwave.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Montgomery County's county score?
Montgomery County, Georgia has a composite county score of 34.1 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 Georgia?
Montgomery County ranks #144 among all counties in Georgia 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, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Montgomery County is $1,140, with an effective tax rate of 0.96%. This earns Montgomery County a tax score of 40.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Montgomery County?
The median household income in Montgomery County, Georgia is $51,188 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Montgomery County earns an income score of 17.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Montgomery County, Georgia a good place to live?
Montgomery County scores 34.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #144 in Georgia. 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.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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