countyscore
33.4
County Score
Disaster Risk 92.2Cost of Living 80.5Weather & Climate 35.8

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.

2040608010032.480.50.815.127.515.492.212.435.8Tax32.4Cost80.5Safety0.8Health15.1Schools27.5Income15.4Risk92.2Water12.4Weather35.833.4/100
This county
National avg
2 above average7 below average

Montgomery County DNA

Foverall

How Montgomery County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Montgomery County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (92.2/100) but notably weak in Safety (0.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
32.4-19.6
Cost
80.5+32.5
Safety
0.8-54.2
Health
15.1-34.9
Schools
27.5-26.5
Income
15.4-35.6
Risk
92.2+45.2
Water
12.4-45.6
Weather
35.8-20.200000000000003
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Montgomery County?

Many homeowners in Montgomery County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$115,500

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$760/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$115,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$30,400/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $51,941/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

11.5

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
Compare Montgomery County with San Bernardino County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

San Bernardino County
California
Median income: $85,478
33.4
Cascade County
Montana
Median income: $67,690
33.4
Mecklenburg County
North Carolina
Median income: $87,005
33.4
Pitt County
North Carolina
Median income: $58,188
33.4
Umatilla County
Oregon
Median income: $67,728
33.4
Sumter County
Georgia
Median income: $42,653
33.5
Thomas County
Georgia
Median income: $60,736
33.3
Sangamon County
Illinois
Median income: $75,357
33.3

Nearby counties

Wheeler County
Georgia
62.4
Toombs County
Georgia
58
Treutlen County
Georgia
48.5
Jeff Davis County
Georgia
46.8
Laurens County
Georgia
51.3
Telfair County
Georgia
54.1
Emanuel County
Georgia
43.5
Candler County
Georgia
36

Deep Dives

Montgomery County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 8 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

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

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 33.4 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 #146 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 $1,204, with an effective tax rate of 1.04%. This earns Montgomery County a tax score of 32.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Montgomery County?
The median household income in Montgomery County, Georgia is $51,941 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Montgomery County earns an income score of 15.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Montgomery County, Georgia a good place to live?
Montgomery County scores 33.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #146 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.