countyscore
33.5
County Score
Cost of Living 67.4Soil Quality 61Lawn Care 58.7

County Report Card

About Montgomery County, Kansas

Montgomery County Faces Significant Hurdles

Montgomery County struggles with a composite score of 33.5, well below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects pervasive challenges across safety, income, and environmental risk. It ranks in the lower percentiles for overall livability nationwide.

Trailing Behind the Rest of Kansas

The county's score of 33.5 is nearly 16 points below the Kansas state average of 49.5. This significant gap suggests that Montgomery County faces localized hardships that many other parts of the state have overcome. Improving local conditions is a high priority for regional development.

Affordable Living and Solid Schools

Affordability remains a bright spot with a cost score of 67.4 and median home values of only $92,100. The school system also performs respectably with a score of 54.3, slightly above the national average. These factors offer some relief to residents in an otherwise difficult landscape.

Critical Safety and Economic Gaps

The safety score is alarmingly low at 8.1, which is the county's most pressing challenge. Economic metrics are also low, with an income score of 21.2 and a tax score of 7.2. These combined factors create a difficult environment for wealth building and personal security.

Suitable for Low-Cost Entry Living

Montgomery County is best suited for those who need extremely low housing costs and are comfortable with a higher-risk environment. The $759 median rent provides a very low barrier to entry for housing. It requires a resilient resident who values affordability above all other metrics.

Score breakdown

Tax7.2Cost67.4Safety8.1Health32.1Schools54.3Income21.2Risk26.6Water15.2Weather58.2
🏛7.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠67.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼21.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡8.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤32.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓54.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡26.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧15.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤58.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨61
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱58.7
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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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 taxes above national median

Montgomery County's effective tax rate of 1.696% exceeds the national median of 1.29%, placing it in the upper-middle range nationally. The median property tax of $1,562 is about 42% lower than the national median of $2,690, reflecting Kansas's lower property values.

Elevated rate for a rural county

Montgomery's 1.696% effective rate ranks above the Kansas state average of 1.549%, making it one of the higher-taxed counties. The median tax of $1,562 is below the state median of $1,943 because Montgomery homes are valued lower.

Mid-to-high taxes regionally

Montgomery's 1.696% rate sits between the lower-taxed Marshall (1.280%) and the higher-taxed Mitchell (1.901%). The median home value of $92,100 is among the lowest in the region, yet taxes remain relatively high due to the rate itself.

What Montgomery homeowners actually pay

The median Montgomery home valued at $92,100 generates roughly $1,562 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, expect $1,980; without one, closer to $1,215 due to homestead exemptions.

You may be overassessed

Even lower-value properties deserve accurate assessments—Montgomery residents should verify their county assessments against recent neighborhood sales. An appeal could provide meaningful relief on what's already a relatively high tax rate.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Montgomery County

via CostByCounty

Montgomery County faces affordability pressures

At 17.1%, Montgomery County's rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds the national average, meaning residents here dedicate nearly one-fifth of their earnings to rent alone. With median household income at just $53,242—nearly $22,000 below the national median—and rent at $759, housing costs create genuine financial strain for renters.

Montgomery County struggles with Kansas affordability

Montgomery County's 17.1% rent-to-income ratio ranks as the poorest in this survey, substantially exceeding Kansas's 14.7% state average. The combination of the state's lowest median income and mid-range rents creates a affordability crisis that requires careful household budgeting.

Montgomery faces the region's steepest rent burden

Despite charging moderate rent at $759, Montgomery County's extremely low income of $53,242 creates the region's worst rent-to-income ratio at 17.1%—considerably worse than Marion (13.8%), Marshall (11.3%), or any neighbor. This income-to-cost mismatch distinguishes Montgomery as the region's most financially stretched county.

Housing costs stretch Montgomery incomes thin

Renters earning Montgomery County's median of $53,242 annually pay $759 monthly for rent—nearly 17% of their gross income—leaving limited funds for other necessities. Homeowners face slightly lower costs at $752 monthly on median homes worth just $92,100, but both groups experience financial tightness compared to neighboring counties.

Montgomery County: proceed with caution

Montgomery County's combination of low incomes and moderate housing costs creates the region's toughest affordability challenge—avoid this county unless employment opportunities significantly exceed current wage levels. If you're relocating for work, verify that new job income substantially exceeds the county median; otherwise, Marshall, Mitchell, or Marion offer far superior housing affordability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Montgomery County

via IncomeByCounty

Montgomery County significantly trails national income

Montgomery County's median household income of $53,242 falls substantially below the national median of $74,755 by about 29%, placing it among America's lower-income counties. This significant gap indicates economic challenges that require focused attention to employment and opportunity development.

Kansas's lowest earners live here

Montgomery County ranks at the bottom of Kansas counties with a $53,242 median household income, falling nearly $11,200 below the state average of $64,428. This substantial gap represents the most economically challenged county in this sample and reflects Montgomery's struggling economic base.

Montgomery faces the region's toughest income situation

Montgomery County's $53,242 income substantially trails all comparison counties, including Morris County ($56,716) and Mitchell County ($58,233) nearby, and falls more than $34,000 behind Miami County. This wide gap underscores Montgomery's economic isolation within the region and suggests limited local employment opportunities.

Housing affordability crisis in Montgomery

Montgomery County's 17.1% rent-to-income ratio—the highest among all eight counties—indicates severe housing cost burden on residents already earning significantly less than state and national averages. With per capita income of only $28,959, the lowest in this sample, household finances face genuine strain in meeting basic housing and living costs.

Montgomery County: building from foundation

With median household income at $53,242, Montgomery County families face real financial constraints but can still build stability through careful budgeting, utilizing community assistance programs, and starting small with accessible savings tools. Even setting aside $500–$1,000 annually toward an emergency fund or low-cost savings account creates a crucial financial cushion for unexpected expenses.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Montgomery County

via CrimeByCounty

Crime Rates Near National Averages

Montgomery County’s total crime rate of 2,979.6 per 100,000 is higher than the national average of 2,385.5. This leads to a safety score of 95.3, which is lower than many of its Kansas peers. Local focus on crime prevention is a top priority.

Room for Improvement in Montgomery

The county falls below the Kansas state average safety score of 98.0 and the state average total crime rate of 1,282.2. Five reporting agencies monitor the area to address these higher-than-average figures. Law enforcement efforts are active in improving these safety metrics.

Comparing Regional Crime Trends

Compared to nearby Marion or McPherson counties, Montgomery faces a significantly higher volume of both violent and property crimes. Local officials are working to bring these numbers closer to the state's typical performance. The county is a regional outlier for crime rates.

Property and Violent Crime Breakdown

Property crime is a major factor at 2,499.4 per 100,000, exceeding the national average of 2,015.7. Violent crime also sits above the national norm at 480.2, suggesting a need for increased local vigilance. These rates impact daily life more than in neighboring counties.

Enhance Your Home Security Today

With property crime being more frequent here, home security systems are a vital investment for local residents. Implementing alarms and reinforced locks can significantly reduce your risk in Montgomery County. Vigilance and proactive measures are essential for homeowners.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Montgomery County

via HealthByCounty

Montgomery faces severe health crisis

Montgomery County's 72.2-year life expectancy falls 3.9 years short of the U.S. average of 76.1 years, marking one of America's most dramatic lifespan gaps. The 20.3% poor/fair health rate—the highest in this eight-county cohort—far exceeds the national average of 17%, signaling severe population health challenges.

Montgomery's lifespan crisis in Kansas

At 72.2 years, Montgomery County's life expectancy lags Kansas's 75.4-year state average by 3.2 years, ranking it among the state's lowest-performing counties. The 11.3% uninsured rate sits just below the state average, suggesting that affordability alone does not explain Montgomery's health burden.

Montgomery ranks last in health outcomes

Montgomery County's 72.2-year life expectancy and 20.3% poor/fair health rate represent the worst performance in this entire eight-county comparison. Even Meade County's 74.1-year lifespan exceeds Montgomery by nearly 2 years, indicating Montgomery faces a distinct and urgent health emergency.

Few primary care doctors, mental health access

Montgomery County has only 23 primary care providers per 100K—one of the lowest densities—creating significant barriers to preventive and routine care. The county's 232 mental health providers per 100K is the highest in the region, but this concentration suggests underlying behavioral health and substance use crises drive Montgomery's poor health outcomes.

Montgomery residents: urgent action needed

Montgomery County faces a severe health crisis—your life expectancy trails the state by 3.2 years. If you're uninsured, visit healthcare.gov immediately, and speak with a doctor about preventive screening; if you're struggling with mental health or substance use, call SAMHSA's 24/7 helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for free, confidential support.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Montgomery County

via SchoolsByCounty

Large Town Schools in Southeast Kansas

Montgomery County supports a significant student body of 4,930 across 14 public schools and four districts. The educational infrastructure is well-balanced, featuring five elementary schools, two middle schools, and seven high schools. This network serves several major towns, providing varied educational paths for residents.

Consistent Performance and Efficient Spending

The county achieves a graduation rate of 88.9%, which aligns perfectly with the Kansas state average. Per-pupil spending is efficient at $8,081, though it sits below the state average of $9,009. These metrics support a solid composite school score of 55.3.

Independence and Coffeyville Lead the Way

Independence is the largest district with 1,811 students, followed closely by Coffeyville with 1,764 students. One charter school operates in the county, making up about 7% of total schools. Caney Valley also serves a notable portion of the population with 784 students across three schools.

Diverse Sizes in a Town Landscape

Nine schools are located in town settings, while five serve the surrounding rural areas. Community Elementary is a major hub with 1,010 students, whereas other schools like Independence Middle are more moderately sized with 433 students. The average campus size of 352 students creates a lively school culture.

Root Your Family in Independence or Coffeyville

If you are looking for a school system with scale and diversity, Montgomery County's larger districts offer excellent opportunities. Homes in Independence or Caney Valley provide proximity to schools that meet state graduation benchmarks consistently. School quality remains a primary driver for real estate value in this thriving region.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Montgomery County

via RiskByCounty

Montgomery County's elevated exposure

Montgomery County scores 73.38 on the composite risk scale, earning a Relatively Low rating and nearly tripling Kansas's state average of 29.89. This places the county among the nation's higher-risk communities for natural disasters.

Kansas's highest-risk county

Montgomery County ranks as the riskiest county in Kansas based on composite scores, with exposure to nearly every hazard type at elevated levels. Its Relatively Low rating reflects the inherent baseline safety of Kansas overall despite exceptional local risk.

Far exceeds regional counterparts

Montgomery County's 73.38 score dwarfs all neighboring counties by a massive margin, with the next-highest peer at Marion's 37.98. This exceptional risk profile makes Montgomery a clear regional outlier.

Tornado crisis-level threat

Tornado risk soars to 88.55, the highest in Kansas and representing an exceptional threat requiring serious preparedness. Flooding ranks second at 70.48, with wildfire and earthquake risks also elevated at 70.23 and 48.03 respectively.

Comprehensive multi-hazard coverage critical

Montgomery County residents must maintain storm shelters and ensure homeowners policies cover tornado, hail, wind, and flood damage with low deductibles. Flood insurance is essential, and consultation with an agent about bundled coverage addressing all four major hazards is strongly advised.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Montgomery County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm and Rainy Southern Living

Montgomery County is significantly warmer than the national median, averaging 58.1°F annually. It is also quite wet, with 44.0 inches of precipitation every year.

The Warmest and Wettest in the Region

This county exceeds the Kansas average temperature by 3.3 degrees and the state rain average by 13.7 inches. It represents the warmer, more humid southeastern corner of the state.

Heavier Rainfall than Western Counties

Montgomery receives 44.0 inches of rain, nearly double the 23.0 inches found in Meade County. Its winter average of 37.0°F is the warmest among its peers.

Mild Winters and Humid Summers

July averages a hot 80.6°F with 57 days of extreme heat annually. Winters are remarkably mild for Kansas, with only 10.7 inches of snow and a 34.4°F January.

Prepare for Rain and Humidity

Investing in powerful dehumidifiers and high-capacity drainage is vital for the 44-inch rainfall. Lightweight, breathable clothing is best for the humid 80.6°F July summers.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Montgomery County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Soils of the Southeast

Montgomery County has a soil pH of 6.18, which is more acidic than the state average of 6.80. This acidity is common in the more humid southeast and is favorable for plants like azaleas and blueberries.

Balanced Silt and Clay

The soil contains 53.0% silt and 27.5% clay, creating a heavy but productive growing medium. A sand content of 18.8% provides just enough texture to help with internal water movement compared to pure clay soils.

Healthy Organic Foundations

With 2.63% organic matter, these soils are richer in carbon than the state average of 2.22%. The available water capacity of 0.183 in/in is also slightly above the state mean, ensuring reliable moisture availability.

Slower Moisture Infiltration

Specific drainage class data is currently unavailable, but the high silt and clay percentages often lead to slower drainage. Homeowners and farmers should be mindful of water management during the wetter spring months.

Long Growing Seasons in Zone 7a

Montgomery County enjoys a warmer 7a hardiness zone, allowing for a longer growing season than most of Kansas. The soil score of 61.0 supports everything from traditional row crops to specialized market gardens.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Montgomery County

via LawnByCounty

Warm-Season Success in Southeast Kansas

Montgomery County sits in Zone 7a, the warmest hardiness zone in this group, with a lawn difficulty score of 58.7. This score nearly matches the state average, indicating a typical but manageable experience for Kansas growers. The warmer winters and higher humidity create a distinct environment for southern-leaning turf varieties.

Highest Precipitation in the Region

With 44.0 inches of annual precipitation, Montgomery County is the wettest in this group and well within the ideal range for lawns. However, the 4,606 growing degree days—the highest among these counties—mean that grass grows rapidly and demands frequent attention. The frost-free season is long, stretching from early April to late October.

Acidic Soils Require Careful Monitoring

The soil pH here is 6.18, which is on the lower end of the ideal range but still very productive for most grasses. A clay content of 27.5% and sand at 18.8% provide a balanced texture that supports the county's high rainfall. Periodic soil testing is wise to ensure the pH doesn't drop too far into the acidic range.

Total Drought Coverage Despite High Rain

Surprisingly, 100% of the county is currently classified as abnormally dry, following 19 weeks of drought in the past year. This illustrates how quickly the high heat and 4,606 GDD can deplete even the 44.0 inches of annual rain. Mulching and maintaining a consistent watering schedule are essential during these dry transitions.

The Best Zone for Warm-Season Grass

Zone 7a is perfect for Bermuda, Zoysia, or even St. Augustine grass, which thrive in the heat and high precipitation. Start your planting projects after the last frost on April 6 to take full advantage of the long growing year. Your lawn will benefit from the extra moisture as long as you stay ahead of the rapid growth.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Montgomery County's county score?
Montgomery County, Kansas has a composite county score of 33.5 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 Kansas?
Montgomery County ranks #100 among all counties in Kansas 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, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Montgomery County is $1,562, with an effective tax rate of 1.70%. This earns Montgomery County a tax score of 7.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Montgomery County?
The median household income in Montgomery County, Kansas is $53,242 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Montgomery County earns an income score of 21.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Montgomery County, Kansas a good place to live?
Montgomery County scores 33.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #100 in Kansas. 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.

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