countyscore
52.2
County Score
Soil Quality 82.1Property Tax 71Lawn Care 68.9

County Report Card

About Montgomery County, Indiana

Steady Performance Near National Median

Montgomery County earns a composite score of 52.2, placing it slightly above the national median of 50.0. This suggests a balanced quality of life that aligns well with the typical American experience. It offers a stable environment that avoids the extremes of the national rankings.

Mirroring the Indiana Average

The county's 52.2 score is just below the Indiana state average of 55.9. It represents the quintessential Indiana experience, providing a mix of affordability and local stability. It maintains a middle-of-the-pack standing among its Hoosier peers.

Low Tax Burden and Moderate Risk

A tax score of 71.0 is the county's strongest feature, driven by an effective rate of 0.630%. The environmental risk score of 59.0 also indicates a relatively safe and stable local climate. These factors support a predictable and affordable lifestyle for long-term residents.

Focusing on Water and Schools

Water quality and school performance score at 40.0 and 40.6 respectively, marking them as areas for development. While not critical failures, these metrics suggest there is room for community-level improvement. Boosting these scores would move the county toward the top of the state rankings.

A Choice for Balanced Living

Montgomery County suits people looking for a reliable, middle-ground lifestyle without extreme costs or risks. It is a solid option for those who want a low-tax environment while remaining close to central Indiana's amenities. It offers a dependable, standard Hoosier quality of life.

Score breakdown

Tax71Cost45.8Safety51.6Health51.9Schools40.6Income58.2Risk59Water40Weather56.6
🏛71
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠45.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼58.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡51.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤51.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓40.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡59
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧40
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤56.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨82.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱68.9
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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Nearby counties

Fountain County
Indiana
62
Parke County
Indiana
64
Boone County
Indiana
55.4
Tippecanoe County
Indiana
42.9
Hendricks County
Indiana
47.5
Warren County
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70.7
Putnam County
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Vermillion County
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60.4

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 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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Montgomery County

via CrimeByCounty

Montgomery County Maintains Strong Safety

Montgomery County records a safety score of 98.3, well above the national median. Its total crime rate of 1,086.3 per 100,000 is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

Tracking Against State Benchmarks

The county's crime rate is higher than the Indiana state average of 693.8, but it maintains a respectable 98.3 safety score. It currently sits just below the state average safety score of 98.9.

Moderate Crime Levels Locally

Montgomery shows moderate crime levels compared to its more rural neighbors but remains much safer than national urban centers. Two reporting agencies provide the data for these local safety trends.

Understanding Local Crime Categories

Property crime accounts for 894.3 incidents per 100,000, while violent crime is 192.0. Both categories track significantly lower than the national rates of 2,015.7 and 369.8.

Enhancing Home and Property Security

Focusing on property security can help bring the county's crime rate closer to the state average. Consistent use of home alarms and community watch programs supports local law enforcement efforts.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Montgomery County

via SchoolsByCounty

Montgomery County's Education Infrastructure

Montgomery County supports 6,013 students through a network of 16 public schools and 3 districts. The county's schools include 9 elementary buildings, 3 middle schools, and 3 high schools to serve the growing community.

Beating State Academic Benchmarks

A strong 93.5% graduation rate puts Montgomery County ahead of the 92.6% state average and the 87.0% national benchmark. While per-pupil spending at $5,194 is below the national average, the 51.5 composite school score remains competitive.

Crawfordsville and North Montgomery Leaders

Crawfordsville Community Schools is the largest district, serving 2,531 students across six schools. The county maintains a traditional public system with zero charter schools, ensuring all 6,000 students attend district-run campuses.

Small Schools in Rural Settings

Education here is primarily rural, with 11 schools in the countryside and 5 in town locales. The average school size is 376 students, with Crawfordsville Sr High being the largest campus at 692 students.

Find Your Home in Montgomery County

Families value the small-town feel and high graduation rates found in Montgomery County districts. Take a look at available properties to find a home that fits your lifestyle and educational goals.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Montgomery County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler Temperatures Below the National Median

Montgomery County stays cooler than the national median with an annual average temperature of 50.4°F. This reflects its position in the transition zone between the central and northern Midwest.

Below the Indiana State Average

The county's 50.4°F average falls nearly two degrees below the Indiana state average of 52.2°F. It ranks as one of the cooler central counties, experiencing traditional cold-weather patterns.

More Snow and Less Heat Than Parke

Montgomery is notably cooler than neighboring Parke County, which averages 52.0°F annually. It also sees more winter snow, totaling 21.7 inches compared to just 16.7 inches in nearby Morgan County.

Cold Winters and Mild Summer Heat

Winters are harsh with a January average of 25.1°F and significant snowfall reaching 21.7 inches. Summers remain relatively mild, featuring only 12 days of extreme heat above 90°F.

Winter Readiness Is Essential Here

Given the 21.7 inches of annual snow, residents should prioritize reliable snow removal equipment and winter-rated tires. The modest 12 extreme heat days mean energy bills for cooling are often lower than in southern Indiana.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Montgomery County

via SoilByCounty

Elite soil quality and Histosols

Montgomery County boasts an impressive soil score of 82.1, far exceeding the state average of 71.4. The dominant taxonomic order is Histosols, featuring an average pH of 6.24 which is very close to the state average. This indicates some of the most productive and valuable land in the entire state of Indiana.

Muck soils rich in organic matter

The dominant texture here is muck, a unique composition that handles very differently than standard mineral soils. It consists of 56.0% silt, 23.0% sand, and 17.3% clay, creating a dark and spongy environment. This mix is highly prized for certain types of high-value agriculture due to its unique physical properties.

Top-tier organic richness and water storage

The county's organic matter content is 5.18%, beating the state average of 4.90% and the national average of 2.0%. It also features a superior available water capacity of 0.215 in/in, one of the highest in the region. These factors combine to create a powerhouse of fertility that can support intensive growing.

Managing very poorly drained land

Because these soils are classified as very poorly drained and fall into hydrologic group C/D, water management is the primary challenge. Historically, many of these areas required drainage tiles to become the productive agricultural lands they are today. Gardeners may need raised beds to prevent plant roots from becoming waterlogged.

A Zone 6a agricultural powerhouse

This county is world-class for growing corn, soybeans, and heavy-feeding garden vegetables. The 82.1 soil score means you are working with some of the best earth in the Midwest. With a little attention to drainage, your Montgomery County garden will be the envy of the neighborhood.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Montgomery County

via LawnByCounty

Complex Soil Challenges in Montgomery

A lawn difficulty score of 68.9 reflects a environment that is tougher than the Indiana average of 71.0. Homeowners in this 6a zone must contend with unique soil profiles and significant recent drought.

Temperate Climate but Shorter Seasons

With only 12 extreme heat days and 44.2 inches of precipitation, the climate is generally lawn-friendly. However, the first fall frost arrives early on October 12, creating a tighter window for end-of-season recovery and seeding.

Muck Soil and Drainage Hurdles

The soil is classified as 'very poorly drained' muck, which can drown roots if not managed with proper grading or aeration. Despite the drainage issues, the pH of 6.24 is excellent for nutrient uptake, helping grass stay green.

Severe Drought Risks Currently High

Montgomery County is struggling with drought, as 78.1% of the area is currently in a severe drought (D2+) state. After 30 weeks of drought in the past year, homeowners should prioritize water conservation and avoid heavy lawn traffic.

Target Spring for Best Establishment

Because of the early October frost, spring seeding after April 27 is often safer for new lawns. Use water-hardy seeds like tall fescue to survive the severe dry spells common to this region.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Montgomery County's county score?
Montgomery County, Indiana has a composite county score of 52.2 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 Indiana?
Montgomery County ranks #65 among all counties in Indiana 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, Indiana?
The median annual property tax in Montgomery County is $1,047, with an effective tax rate of 0.63%. This earns Montgomery County a tax score of 71/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Montgomery County?
The median household income in Montgomery County, Indiana is $66,571 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Montgomery County earns an income score of 58.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Montgomery County, Indiana a good place to live?
Montgomery County scores 52.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #65 in Indiana. 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.