Montgomery County

Indiana · IN

#43 in Indiana
71.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Montgomery County, Indiana

Competitive Livability Near State Standard

Montgomery County scores 71.9 on the composite index—well above the national median of 50.0 and marginally above Indiana's state average of 71.2, placing it at approximately the 72nd percentile nationally. This strong showing reflects a county that delivers solid, balanced livability.

Just Above Indiana's Average Performance

Montgomery County edges out Indiana's state average composite score by 0.7 points, ranking in the upper-middle tier of Indiana counties. This competitive positioning suggests a county meeting or slightly exceeding typical state livability standards.

Strong Balance of Taxes, Costs, and Income

Montgomery County excels with an 84.6 tax score (0.630% effective rate), 79.1 cost score, and 26.8 income score anchored by $66,571 median household income. This balanced strength across financial dimensions provides residents with reasonable tax burdens, affordable housing, and solid earning potential.

Risk and Data Gaps Warrant Monitoring

The county's 59.0 risk score suggests moderate exposure to economic or environmental variables, while limited data on schools and safety leaves some livability factors unmeasured. These gaps make comprehensive assessment difficult.

Perfect for Balanced, Mainstream Family Living

Montgomery County appeals to families seeking a well-rounded Midwest county with low taxes, affordable housing, and respectable incomes—without urban premium prices. The strong balance across financial dimensions makes it ideal for those seeking stability and moderate cost of living with earning potential.

Score breakdown

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

Tax84.6Cost79.1SafetyComing SoonHealth69SchoolsComing SoonIncome26.8Risk59WaterComing Soon
🏛84.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠79.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼26.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
69
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
59
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

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 below national tax median

Montgomery County's 0.630% effective tax rate sits well below the 1.1% national median, keeping homeowners in the lower-tax range. The median property tax of $1,047 is 61% lower than the national median of $2,690.

Montgomery slightly below state average

Montgomery County's 0.630% effective rate ranks just below Indiana's 0.671% average, placing it among the state's more affordable counties. The $1,047 median tax bill is well below the state median of $1,199.

Montgomery moderately taxed locally

Montgomery County's 0.630% rate falls between Miami (0.578%) and Marshall (0.683%), positioning it as a moderate option in central Indiana. Compared to higher-taxed Marion and Newton counties, Montgomery offers better value.

Affordable taxes on typical home

A Montgomery County homeowner with a median-valued property of $166,300 pays roughly $1,047 per year in property taxes. This consistent rate applies equally to mortgaged and free-and-clear properties.

Contest your assessment if inflated

Many Montgomery County homeowners are overassessed and eligible to appeal their valuations. A successful assessment challenge is free to pursue and could trim your annual tax bill further.

Cost of Living in Montgomery County

via CostByCounty

Montgomery County beats national affordability

Montgomery County renters spend 14.9% of income on housing, below both the national threshold and Indiana's 15.6% state average. With a median household income of $66,571—just shy of the national median—the county delivers strong affordability relative to earnings.

Better than Indiana average

At 14.9%, Montgomery County's rent-to-income ratio outperforms the state average of 15.6%, marking it as one of Indiana's more affordable counties. The $827 median rent runs $56 below state average, contributing to this advantage.

Solid affordability in a regional range

Montgomery County's $827 rent sits between Martin County's unbeatable $643 and Monroe County's steep $1,151, occupying the lower-middle range. The county offers better affordability than Marion, Monroe, and Newton Counties while remaining slightly more expensive than Martin County.

Montgomery's efficient housing spending

Renters earning Montgomery County's $66,571 median income pay $827 monthly, dedicating just 14.9% to housing. Homeowners with a median home value of $166,300 face $951 in monthly costs—a manageable burden in context of county incomes.

Smart affordability in central Indiana

Montgomery County offers genuine affordability advantages for families earning middle-range Indiana incomes without requiring relocation to rural areas. It balances housing costs with community access, making it an attractive option for those seeking Indiana value.

Income & Jobs in Montgomery County

via IncomeByCounty

Montgomery County income below national median

Montgomery County's median household income of $66,571 falls $8,184 short of the national median of $74,755, a 10.9% gap. This modest shortfall places the county near the national middle, with income patterns typical of small Midwestern manufacturing and agricultural communities.

Slightly below Indiana's state average

Montgomery County's $66,571 trails Indiana's state median of $68,681 by just $2,110, placing it near the state average. The county's per capita income of $34,462 aligns closely with the state average of $34,773.

Mid-range income among peers

Montgomery County's $66,571 income ranks above Marion ($63,450), Miami ($61,130), Martin ($65,345), and Monroe ($63,372), but below Marshall ($68,041), Newton ($68,596), and Morgan ($79,088). The county represents solid middle-ground earnings in the region.

Housing costs remain manageable

Montgomery County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.9% is well below the 30% affordability threshold, among the healthiest in the region. With a median home value of $166,300, homeownership is affordable for households earning the county median.

Take advantage of housing stability

Montgomery County households earning $66,571 enjoy low housing burden—just 14.9% of income—freeing resources for wealth-building. Redirect savings into employer retirement plans and consider opening a Roth IRA to compound tax-free growth over decades.

Health in Montgomery County

via HealthByCounty

Montgomery County near national averages

Montgomery County residents live to 75.6 years, within 2.5 years of the U.S. average of 78.1 years. At 19.8% reporting poor or fair health, the county slightly exceeds the national average of 16%, suggesting room for improvement. The 8.3% uninsured rate sits just below the national average, indicating fairly stable coverage.

Slightly above Indiana's health median

Montgomery County's 75.6-year life expectancy exceeds Indiana's 75.1-year average by 0.5 years, placing it solidly in the middle of this county group. The 19.8% poor or fair health rate falls between state median and top performers. At 8.3% uninsured, the county aligns with Indiana's 8.4% average.

Mid-range outcomes, limited specialists

Montgomery County's 75.6-year life expectancy and 19.8% health status rate place it firmly middle-tier among neighbors. Primary care access at 29 providers per 100K trails most peers, and at 112 mental health providers per 100K, specialist availability is below state leadership counties like Monroe (365 per 100K).

Moderate coverage, constrained provider base

Montgomery County's 8.3% uninsured rate affects approximately 1,400 residents who navigate healthcare without insurance. With only 29 primary care providers per 100K and 112 mental health providers per 100K, even insured residents may face wait times or travel for specialty care—common challenges in rural Indiana.

Montgomery County: complete your coverage

At 8.3% uninsured, most Montgomery County residents have coverage—but ensure you're among them. Visit healthcare.gov or call 211 to explore Medicaid, Marketplace plans, or employer coverage. Coverage removes barriers and lets you focus on staying healthy.

Disaster Risk in Montgomery County

via RiskByCounty

Montgomery County maintains low overall risk

Montgomery County's composite risk score of 41.00 falls just below Indiana's state average of 45.52, placing it in the very low risk category. While earthquake risk reaches 70.52, this largely reflects seismic sensitivity rather than active hazards, and other categories remain quite modest. Nationally, Montgomery County's profile suggests manageable natural disaster exposure.

Among Indiana's safer communities

Montgomery County ranks in the lower-risk tier statewide with a composite score of 41.00, marginally better than the state average of 45.52. It compares favorably to high-risk areas like Marion County (97.49) and Monroe County (75.99), reflecting more moderate hazard exposure across the board. Most Indiana residents live in counties with similar or higher risk levels.

Comparable to nearby Marshall County

Montgomery County's 41.00 score closely mirrors neighboring Marshall County (41.60), reflecting consistent risk patterns in the region. Both substantially exceed Miami County (52.80) and trail Monroe County (75.99), establishing a moderate risk corridor in west-central Indiana. Adjacent areas share similar preparedness priorities and insurance needs.

Tornado risk leads a modest profile

Tornado risk at 48.35 represents Montgomery County's primary natural disaster concern, though it remains below state and national averages. Earthquake sensitivity at 70.52 reflects geological factors rather than active hazards, while flood and wildfire risks stay low. Tornado preparedness is the main household priority.

Standard coverage with tornado focus

Montgomery County residents should maintain current homeowners insurance and develop a tornado plan—identifying safe rooms and practicing drills costs nothing but saves lives. Given lower flood and earthquake risks, standard policies provide adequate protection for most properties. Annual coverage reviews ensure household insurance remains current without requiring extensive add-ons.

ByCounty Network

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