countyscore
45.9
County Score
Soil Quality 75.7Cost of Living 70.3Lawn Care 62.8

County Report Card

About Montgomery County, Illinois

Affordable but Below National Median

Montgomery County carries a composite score of 45.9, trailing slightly behind the national median of 50.0. While it offers value, it lags behind the national average in several key metrics.

Searching for Parity in Illinois

The county's 45.9 score is below the Illinois state average of 52.8. Local leaders face challenges in matching the economic and safety profiles of neighboring regions.

High Value and Low Housing Costs

The standout feature is a cost score of 70.3, driven by a modest median home value of $102,200. It remains one of the more accessible markets in the state for first-time buyers.

Safety and Risk Management Needs

Safety scores are low at 32.0, and the risk score of 34.6 suggests vulnerability to environmental or economic shifts. Incomes are also lower than average, with a median of $61,863.

Best for Budget-Conscious Residents

Montgomery County suits individuals focused on homeownership and low monthly expenses. It offers a pathway to property ownership that is increasingly rare elsewhere.

Score breakdown

Tax6.6Cost70.3Safety32Health54.5Schools62.2Income44.7Risk34.6Water58.3Weather54
🏛6.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠70.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼44.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡32
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤54.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓62.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡34.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧58.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤54
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨75.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱62.8
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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Compare Montgomery County with Chilton County →Share on X

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Nearby counties

Bond County
Illinois
55.2
Christian County
Illinois
55.3
Macoupin County
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52.5
Fayette County
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Shelby County
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Sangamon County
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Madison County
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Deep Dives

Montgomery County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Montgomery County

via TaxByCounty

Montgomery County offers well-below-average tax rates

Montgomery County's 1.720% effective tax rate sits comfortably below the national median of 1.831%. On a home valued at the national median of $281,900, this rate generates approximately $4,849 in taxes—well below the national average.

Montgomery ranks among Illinois's most affordable counties

Montgomery County's 1.720% effective rate undercuts Illinois's state average of 1.831% by over one-tenth of a point. With a median home value of just $102,200 and a median tax of $1,758, Montgomery offers some of the state's lowest property tax burdens.

Montgomery taxes significantly undercut surrounding areas

Montgomery's $1,758 median tax is among the lowest in the region, nearly 40% less than Menard County's $2,936. Homeowners moving from Mercer or Ogle counties to Montgomery see dramatic tax savings.

Median Montgomery home costs just $1,758 annually

The typical $102,200 home in Montgomery County generates only $1,758 in annual property taxes. Even with mortgage-related charges included, the total remains a modest $2,016, making Montgomery highly affordable for property owners.

Even low-tax counties reward assessment reviews

Montgomery County homeowners should still verify their assessments remain accurate, as overvaluation can occur even in lower-tax jurisdictions. A free reassessment request can confirm whether your property is fairly valued.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Montgomery County

via CostByCounty

Montgomery stretches tight household budgets

Montgomery County's median household income of $61,863 falls 17.3% below the national median, and while its 13.9% rent-to-income ratio edges below the national norm of roughly 15%, residents have little margin for error. Housing affordability here depends critically on keeping costs low.

Montgomery faces statewide affordability pressure

Montgomery County's 13.9% rent-to-income ratio nearly matches Illinois's 14.7% state average, though rents of $715/month undercut the state's $837 median. Limited incomes make even below-average rents a meaningful household burden.

Montgomery offers lowest regional costs

Montgomery's $715 median rent ranks lowest in its comparison group, and the median home value of $102,200 is the region's cheapest. For households with modest incomes, Montgomery's low absolute costs provide essential relief.

Housing dominates Montgomery budgets

At 13.9% for rent and 15.1% for owner costs, Montgomery households dedicate roughly one-third of income to housing—a higher proportion than wealthier neighbors. A $780/month mortgage on a $102,200 home represents significant expense for the county's below-average earners.

Montgomery for cost-conscious movers

If your household income is below state average, Montgomery County offers Illinois's lowest absolute housing costs without excessive rent burdens. Weigh Montgomery's economic constraints against its affordability advantage before relocating.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Montgomery County

via IncomeByCounty

Montgomery faces income challenges

Montgomery County's median household income of $61,863 trails the national median of $74,755 by $12,892, or 17.2%. This significant gap reflects lower earning power compared to the typical American household.

Below Illinois state average

At $61,863, Montgomery County falls $6,717 short of Illinois's state average of $68,580, a deficit of 9.8%. The county ranks among Illinois's lower-income regions.

Montgomery trails most peer counties

Montgomery's $61,863 is the lowest income among the eight counties, falling well below Morgan County ($65,175), Moultrie County ($71,676), and significantly behind Monroe County ($101,635). Only concentrated effort on economic development can narrow this gap.

Housing costs press Montgomery budgets

Montgomery's 13.9% rent-to-income ratio is the highest in the county cluster, signaling moderate cost burden. With lower median income and modest median home values of $102,200, households have limited cushion for unexpected expenses.

Every dollar counts for Montgomery families

Lower incomes make disciplined budgeting essential for Montgomery households. Prioritize building small emergency savings first, then explore employer-sponsored retirement plans and low-cost investment options to begin wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Montgomery County

via CrimeByCounty

Montgomery County stays below national crime rates

Montgomery County maintains a safety score of 97.5, reflecting a total crime rate of 1,604.8 per 100,000 residents. This figure remains notably lower than the national average of 2,385.5 per 100,000.

Falling behind the Illinois state average

While national numbers look good, the county's crime rate of 1,604.8 is roughly double the Illinois state average of 835.0. Its safety score also trails slightly behind the state average of 98.7.

Local comparisons show mixed results

Montgomery County faces higher crime rates than its neighbor Moultrie County, which reports only 419.7 incidents per 100,000. However, it remains significantly safer than Ogle County further north.

Property crime drives local statistics

Property crime accounts for the bulk of local incidents at 1,424.9 per 100,000, while the violent crime rate sits at 179.9. These numbers suggest that while residents are generally safe, theft and burglary are the primary concerns.

Secure your local property

Investing in a home security system can specifically address the property crime trends seen in Montgomery County. Simple steps like securing entry points and using motion sensors provide an extra layer of protection.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Montgomery County

via HealthByCounty

Montgomery faces significant health challenges

Life expectancy in Montgomery County is just 74.1 years, more than two years below the U.S. average of 76.4 years. Nearly one-fifth (19.2%) of residents report poor or fair health, indicating widespread health struggles.

Below state average on all measures

Montgomery's 74.1-year life expectancy falls 1.9 years below Illinois' state average of 76.0 years. The county ranks among the lowest-performing in the state for both longevity and self-reported health status.

Struggling compared to nearby counties

Montgomery lags all neighboring counties, with life expectancy 3.6 years below Monroe County and 4.2 years below Menard County. The county faces the highest poor/fair health rate (19.2%) in this eight-county comparison.

Higher uninsured rates, limited access

At 6.7% uninsured, Montgomery exceeds both the state average (6.3%) and most neighbors, leaving more residents without coverage. While primary care providers (39 per 100K) are adequate, gaps in mental health capacity (83 per 100K) and broader health infrastructure challenge residents seeking care.

Coverage is your lifeline

With higher uninsured rates and lower life expectancy, ensuring your family has comprehensive insurance is critical. Visit healthcare.gov today to explore plans and enroll—don't let affordability concerns stop you from getting covered.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Montgomery County

via SchoolsByCounty

Broad School Access in Montgomery

Montgomery County provides 18 public schools for its 3,983 students, distributed across 4 school districts. The system includes seven elementary, four middle, and five high schools, plus two specialized alternative facilities.

Investing Above the State Average

Education is a priority here, with per-pupil spending at $9,915, notably higher than the Illinois average of $9,250. The graduation rate of 87.9% surpasses the national benchmark of 87.0%.

Hillsboro and Litchfield District Hubs

Hillsboro CUSD 3 is the largest district by enrollment with 1,626 students, while Litchfield CUSD 12 manages the most individual campuses with 6 schools. Traditional public education remains the standard, with 0% charter school presence.

Town-Centered Educational Life

Two-thirds of the county's schools are located in town settings, anchored by large campuses like Beckemeyer Elementary with 656 students. The average school size is 249, offering a comfortable middle ground between small rural classes and large urban centers.

Discover Value in Montgomery Schools

With per-pupil investment exceeding the state average, Montgomery County offers a robust educational environment for your children. Look for homes near Hillsboro or Litchfield to take advantage of these well-funded school systems.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Montgomery County

via RiskByCounty

Montgomery County faces relatively elevated risk

Montgomery County's composite risk score of 65.39 exceeds the national average, earning a relatively low risk rating that reflects above-typical exposure to natural disasters. The county experiences more hazard threats than most U.S. counties.

Among Illinois's higher-risk counties

Montgomery County's composite score of 65.39 significantly exceeds Illinois's 54.46 average, ranking it in the higher-risk portion of the state. Residents face notably more natural disaster exposure than the typical Illinois county.

One of south-central Illinois's riskiest counties

Montgomery County (65.39) carries substantially higher risk than nearby Mercer (8.78) and Monroe (41.86) counties, and matches the risk level of Ogle County (71.09). Only Morgan County (71.12) among nearby areas faces comparable hazard exposure.

Four major hazards converge here

Earthquakes (90.39), tornadoes (71.47), floods (58.75), and hurricanes (42.14) all pose significant threats to Montgomery County residents. This convergence of multiple hazard types makes comprehensive preparedness especially important.

Layered insurance strategy essential

Montgomery County homeowners need earthquake insurance, flood insurance, and comprehensive homeowners coverage protecting against tornadoes and wind damage. Consider bundling policies and reviewing coverage limits annually given the multiplicity of hazard threats.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Montgomery County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer and WETTER than Average

Montgomery’s average annual temperature of 55.5°F sits above the national median for temperate zones. It pairs this warmth with 42.1 inches of precipitation, creating a lush but humid environment.

Warmer Than Most of Illinois

At 55.5°F, the county is notably warmer than the Illinois state average of 52.8°F. This temperature gap reflects its position in the warmer southern-central tier of the state.

Higher Heat Than Nearby Morgan

Montgomery experiences 42 days of extreme heat annually, significantly more than the 32 days recorded in Morgan County to the northwest. It serves as a transition point into the hotter southern Illinois climate.

Intense Summers and Mild Winters

July brings an average of 77.6°F and contributes to 42 days per year where temperatures exceed 90°F. Winters stay relatively mild with a January average of 29.9°F and a winter mean of 33.1°F.

Prepare for Prolonged Heat Waves

With 42 days of extreme heat annually, high-efficiency air conditioning and adequate insulation are essential for comfort. Residents should also plan outdoor activities around the high humidity of the 42.1-inch rain cycle.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Montgomery County

via SoilByCounty

Perfectly Average Illinois pH

Montgomery County features an average soil pH of 6.39, which perfectly aligns with the Illinois state average. This level is slightly more acidic than the national median, providing a familiar environment for standard regional agriculture.

Silt-Heavy Ground for Nutrient Retention

The soil composition is 68.6% silt and 21.7% clay, with a minimal sand component of 9.7%. This high silt ratio makes the soil feel floury when dry and promotes excellent nutrient retention for various plant types.

High-Capacity Moisture Reserves

With 2.31% organic matter, the soil is richer than the national 2.0% average. The available water capacity is a standout at 0.214 in/in, which is significantly higher than the state average of 0.204 in/in, offering great drought resilience.

Mindful Management of Water

Data regarding the dominant drainage class and hydrologic group is currently unavailable. Because the water capacity is so high, gardeners should be mindful of potential moisture retention in low-lying spots after heavy rainfall.

Resilient Growing in Zone 6b

This county sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b, where the climate supports a wide array of fruits and vegetables. The exceptional water capacity means your garden will be more resilient during dry spells, making this a great time to dig in.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Montgomery County

via LawnByCounty

Montgomery County Faces Higher Hurdles

A lawn difficulty score of 62.8 indicates that maintaining a perfect yard here is more challenging than the Illinois average of 69.8. Gardeners in this Zone 6b region must work harder to overcome environmental stressors compared to their northern neighbors.

Intense Summer Heat Peaks

Lawns here must endure 42 extreme heat days annually, which is significantly higher than the state average of 27. High temperatures combined with 4,156 growing degree days mean grass grows fast but can quickly wither without significant irrigation.

Acidic Leanings in the Soil

The soil pH of 6.39 is healthy, though it leans slightly more acidic than other counties in the region. With only 9.7% sand and 21.7% clay, the soil is dense and may drain slowly during heavy spring rains.

Severe Drought Challenges Turf

With 100% of the county under severe drought (D2+), lawns have faced 31 weeks of water stress in the last year. It is vital to let grass grow taller—around 3.5 to 4 inches—to shade the soil and protect the crown from the relentless heat.

Heat-Tolerant Varieties Work Best

Tall fescue is the top recommendation for Montgomery County due to its deep root system and heat tolerance. Start your projects early after the April 13 spring frost to ensure the lawn is ready for the intense 42-day heat season.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Montgomery County's county score?
Montgomery County, Illinois has a composite county score of 45.9 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 Illinois?
Montgomery County ranks #80 among all counties in Illinois 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, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Montgomery County is $1,758, with an effective tax rate of 1.72%. This earns Montgomery County a tax score of 6.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Montgomery County?
The median household income in Montgomery County, Illinois is $61,863 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Montgomery County earns an income score of 44.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Montgomery County, Illinois a good place to live?
Montgomery County scores 45.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #80 in Illinois. 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.