CountyScore

Montgomery County

Illinois · IL

#53 in Illinois
63.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Montgomery County, Illinois

Montgomery leads this county cohort

Montgomery County scores 65.1—the highest composite score in this group and 30 points above the national median of 50.0. This strong showing places Montgomery among the most livable counties nationally.

Above Illinois state average

Montgomery's 65.1 score exceeds Illinois's statewide average of 62.1, ranking it among the stronger performers across the state. The county outperforms most of its peer counties in the central region.

Outstanding housing affordability

Montgomery excels with a cost score of 83.8—the highest among these eight counties—featuring a median home value of just $102,200 and rent of only $715 per month. This exceptional affordability removes a major burden from household budgets.

Modest household incomes

The income score of 23.8 and median household income of $61,863 represent the lowest earnings profile in this cohort, limiting purchasing power despite low housing costs. Complete data on safety, health, and schools would help clarify the full livability picture.

Perfect for budget-first living

Montgomery County is ideal for retirees, fixed-income households, and families maximizing housing value over income potential. It delivers exceptional affordability that amplifies the real wealth of modest earnings.

Score breakdown

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

Tax53.9Cost83.8SafetyComing SoonHealth69.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome23.8Risk34.6WaterComing Soon
🏛53.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠83.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼23.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤69.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡34.6
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

Jefferson County
Alabama
63.7
Median income: $64,589
Clay County
Florida
63.7
Median income: $86,094
Putnam County
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63.7
Median income: $47,256
Decatur County
Georgia
63.7
Median income: $50,485
Lowndes County
Georgia
63.7
Median income: $55,887

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 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

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

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

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.