countyscore
44.2
County Score
Lawn Care 74.3Disaster Risk 65.7Soil Quality 64.8

County Report Card

About Montgomery County, Kentucky

Montgomery County Trailing National Medians

With a composite score of 44.2, Montgomery County falls below the national median of 50.0. This score indicates a need for targeted improvements across several livability metrics.

Below the Kentucky State Average

The county’s 44.2 score is significantly lower than the Kentucky state average of 58.6. It faces more systemic challenges than many of its counterparts within the Commonwealth.

Low Natural Risk and Fair Taxes

Montgomery County’s strongest asset is its environmental risk score of 65.7. It also maintains a moderate tax score of 58.1, backed by a 0.746% effective tax rate.

Urgent Needs in Public Safety

The safety score of 27.1 is a primary area of concern for the community. Low scores in income (31.5) and water quality (18.4) further highlight the need for infrastructure and economic investment.

A Community in a Transition Phase

Montgomery County best suits those who work in neighboring hubs but seek the lower 0.746% tax rate. It offers a $57,468 median income, providing a base for future development and community building.

Score breakdown

Tax58.1Cost56.2Safety27.1Health37.9Schools44.8Income31.5Risk65.7Water18.4Weather56.2
🏛58.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠56.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼31.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡27.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤37.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓44.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡65.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧18.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤56.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨64.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱74.3
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

Bath County
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56.2
Powell County
Kentucky
60.1
Clark County
Kentucky
47.5
Menifee County
Kentucky
68.8
Nicholas County
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Bourbon County
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Fleming County
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Estill 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's rate is moderately higher

Montgomery County's effective tax rate of 0.746% runs 5% above the national median of 0.71%, placing it in the upper tier nationally. Median property taxes here are $1,222 annually—45% of the national median of $2,690—due to lower median home values than the U.S. average.

Slightly above Kentucky average

Montgomery County's rate of 0.746% exceeds Kentucky's state average of 0.719%, putting it in the higher half of the state's tax burden distribution. The median annual tax of $1,222 is 12% above the state median of $1,093, reflecting Montgomery's higher median home value of $163,800.

Fourth-highest rate in the region

Montgomery County's 0.746% rate ranks fourth among the eight counties, behind Mercer County (0.819%), Monroe County (0.767%), and Morgan County (0.757%). Its median tax bill of $1,222 is in the mid-range for the region.

Median home assessment yields $1,222 tax

A home valued at Montgomery County's median of $163,800 generates approximately $1,222 in annual property taxes. For mortgaged properties, accounting for insurance and related costs brings that to roughly $1,393 annually.

Assess your property's true value

Montgomery County homeowners paying above-average taxes should compare their assessment against recent sales of similar homes in the area. Filing an appeal is free and could lower your tax burden if your property is valued above current market conditions.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Montgomery County

via CostByCounty

Montgomery County near state average

Montgomery County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.6% sits just below Kentucky's state average of 17.0%, reflecting typical housing pressures across the state. Renters pay $796 monthly on a median household income of $57,468, placing housing costs squarely in the state's middle range.

Typical Kentucky housing costs

At 16.6%, Montgomery County's rent-to-income ratio nearly matches the state average of 17.0%, positioning it as representative of Kentucky's broader housing challenges. It's neither an outlier for affordability nor a burden.

Montgomery near regional middle

Montgomery's 16.6% rent-to-income ratio sits between Mercer's 15.3% and Morgan's 16.9%, with monthly rent at $796 placing it mid-range among nearby counties. Home values of $163,800 reflect moderate demand and economic activity.

Housing costs: rent vs. ownership

Renters in Montgomery pay $796 monthly (16.6% of income), while homeowners spend $846 monthly with a median home value of $163,800. Both pathways require similar monthly commitments, with ownership slightly higher but offering long-term equity.

Montgomery: standard Kentucky option

Montgomery County reflects typical Kentucky housing costs and economics—neither a bargain nor a burden, but stable and representative. If you're relocating to the region and value consistency over exceptional savings, Montgomery is a solid baseline choice.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Montgomery County

via IncomeByCounty

Montgomery trails national median

Montgomery County's median household income of $57,468 falls $17,287 short of the U.S. median of $74,755—a 23% gap. While below the national average, Montgomery's income level indicates a working economy with moderate stability, though significant room for improvement.

Montgomery slightly above state average

At $57,468, Montgomery County's median household income exceeds the Kentucky state median of $55,909 by $1,559. This modest 3% advantage shows Montgomery residents earn roughly in line with typical Kentuckians, reflecting an average county economy without pronounced strength or weakness.

Montgomery in the middle pack

Montgomery County's $57,468 median household income sits between wealthier Mercer County ($63,115) to the east and lower-income Morgan County ($47,493) to the north. The county's position reflects moderate economic conditions compared to more prosperous and more struggling neighbors.

Housing costs require attention

Montgomery County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.6% is elevated but manageable, consuming a notable share of household earnings. The median home value of $163,800 is moderate for the region, though renters and homebuyers should budget carefully given limited household income margins.

Montgomery can build gradually

Montgomery County residents should establish steady savings habits and take full advantage of employer retirement plans. Consider lower-cost index funds and long-term investment strategies to turn consistent earnings into meaningful wealth accumulation over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Montgomery County

via CrimeByCounty

Montgomery County is Safer than National Averages

Montgomery County maintains a total crime rate of 1,773.9 per 100,000, which is lower than the U.S. average of 2,385.5. The county earns a safety score of 97.2, indicating a secure environment for its citizens. While higher than some neighbors, it remains well within safe national bounds.

A Higher Crime Rate than State Average

The county's total crime rate of 1,773.9 exceeds the Kentucky state average of 786.2. Its safety score of 97.2 is also slightly below the state average of 98.8. Data from four reporting agencies provides a detailed look at the public safety challenges in the area.

Comparing Montgomery to Nearby Morgan County

Montgomery County has a significantly higher total crime rate than neighboring Morgan County, which sits at 368.5. However, Montgomery's violent crime rate of 71.0 is actually safer than the Kentucky state average of 78.1. The difference between neighbors is largely driven by property-related incidents.

Property Crime is the Main Factor

Property crime in Montgomery County is 1,702.9 per 100,000, which is the primary driver of the local crime rate. Violent crime is much lower at 71.0, which is well below the national average of 369.8. Most residents are far more likely to experience theft than personal harm.

Strengthening Home Security Measures

Because property crime is more prevalent here, residents should invest in visible security measures like cameras and alarm systems. Keeping vehicles locked and valuables out of sight can also reduce the risk of theft. These proactive habits are key to improving local safety metrics.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Montgomery County

via HealthByCounty

Montgomery's life expectancy trails nation

At 71.9 years, Montgomery County falls 2.1 years below the U.S. average (74.0), though it just misses exceeding Kentucky's state average (72.2) by a hair. One in four residents (24.2%) report poor or fair health, pointing to substantial chronic disease and health equity challenges in this northeast Kentucky county.

Lower-middle tier health outcomes

Montgomery ranks in Kentucky's lower half by life expectancy and self-reported health status, though it performs slightly better than the state median. The 6.6% uninsured rate beats the state average, suggesting insurance access isn't the primary barrier to better outcomes.

Strong provider access, modest outcomes

Montgomery's 71.9-year life expectancy trails McLean (74.5), Meade (75.1), and Mercer (73.4), despite having 50 primary care providers per 100,000—the second-highest in this group. Remarkably, Montgomery leads the region with 463 mental health providers per 100,000, yet health metrics remain below peers, suggesting barriers beyond provider availability.

Exceptional mental health capacity underused

Montgomery boasts 463 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—by far the densest concentration in Kentucky—yet 24.2% still report poor health, suggesting mental health services may be inaccessible due to cost, stigma, or other barriers. With 50 primary care providers per 100,000 and only 6.6% uninsured, coverage and supply exist; outcomes gaps likely reflect social determinants of health.

Use Montgomery's robust mental health resources

Montgomery's unprecedented mental health provider network is an asset for residents facing depression, anxiety, or substance use disorder. If you lack coverage, kynect.ky.gov connects you to Medicaid and other plans that unlock access to these services—many providers accept public insurance.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Montgomery County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Growing System in Mount Sterling

Montgomery County supports a large student body of 4,472 across 9 public schools. The infrastructure includes four elementary schools, one middle school, and four high school programs.

Competitive Graduation with Lean Funding

The county achieves a 94.0% graduation rate, outperforming both the state average of 93.8% and the national 87% mark. This success comes despite a lower per-pupil spending of $5,680 and a school score of 52.8.

Unified Montgomery County Leadership

The Montgomery County district oversees 8 major campuses and all 4,472 local students. There are no charter schools in the county, maintaining a traditional public school focus for all residents.

A Mix of Town and Rural Environments

The county features five town schools and four rural schools, with a larger average school size of 559 students. Montgomery County High School is a major regional hub with 1,279 students, while McNabb Middle also serves over 1,000 students.

Find Space and Community in Montgomery

Families looking for a mix of town amenities and rural space will appreciate Montgomery County's diverse school locales. The high school's substantial enrollment provides extensive resources and extracurricular options for residents.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Montgomery County

via RiskByCounty

Montgomery sits safely below average

At 34.32, Montgomery County's composite risk score falls below the national average with a Very Low rating. The county faces minimal to moderate exposure across most natural hazard categories.

Below Kentucky's typical risk

Montgomery's 34.32 scores below the state average of 44.21, placing it among Kentucky's safer counties. This modest advantage reflects balanced hazard exposure with no single dominant threat.

Moderate risk in regional context

Montgomery's 34.32 exceeds the exceptionally safe Menifee (6.20) and Morgan (22.07) but trails peers like Mercer (41.41). Wildfire risk (30.66) is notably higher here than in most surrounding areas.

Tornado and flood lead concerns

Tornado risk at 53.85 and flood exposure at 49.68 drive Montgomery's hazard profile, both near or slightly below state averages. Wildfire risk of 30.66 ranks second-highest in the immediate region, requiring awareness during dry seasons.

Comprehensive coverage recommended

Verify your homeowners policy includes full wind and hail coverage for tornado protection, and consider flood insurance if your property is in a floodplain or low-lying area. Wildfire risk warrants vegetation management around your home.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Montgomery County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler Conditions in the Bluegrass State

Montgomery County averages 53.8°F annually, which is cooler than the Kentucky state average of 56.2°F. The county receives 48.5 inches of precipitation, slightly below the state-wide norm.

One of Kentucky's Cooler Central Counties

Ranking 2.4 degrees below the state average temperature, Montgomery offers a break from the heat found further south. Its rainfall also stays slightly below the state average of 50.6 inches.

Lower Temperatures Than Nearby Mercer County

Montgomery is significantly cooler than Mercer County, which maintains an average temperature of 57.0°F. Residents here experience a more pronounced chill, particularly during the winter months.

Cold Winters and Moderate Summer Peaks

Winters are crisp with a January average of 31.7°F and 8.8 inches of snow. While July averages 74.8°F, the county still manages 28 days per year with temperatures reaching 90°F or more.

Winterize Pipes and Optimize Insulation

Because January averages drop below freezing, pipe insulation is a critical home maintenance task. Residents should also be prepared for a month of extreme heat by servicing their cooling systems in the spring.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Montgomery County

via SoilByCounty

Robust Soils of the Bluegrass

Montgomery County features a pH of 5.94, which is slightly more alkaline than the state average of 5.80. It still sits below the national median of 6.5, indicating a mild acidity common in the region.

Heavy Silt and Nutrient Rich

The soil is dominated by silt at 63.4%, balanced by 20.0% clay and a low 16.7% sand content. This silty composition creates a smooth texture that is easy to till and excellent at holding nutrients.

Superior Water Storage Capacity

This county boasts an Available Water Capacity of 0.205 in/in, surpassing the Kentucky average of 0.186 in/in. While the 2.34% organic matter is below the state average, the superior water storage supports high productivity.

A Strong Agricultural Foundation

The high silt concentration suggests the soil holds water effectively but may drain slowly after heavy rains. The soil score of 64.8, well above the state average of 56.2, reflects this strong natural capability.

Orchards and Roots in 6b

Located in Hardiness Zone 6b, the county is ideal for growing hearty root vegetables and orchard fruits. Take advantage of the high water capacity to start a thriving backyard orchard or a lush perennial garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Montgomery County

via LawnByCounty

Excellent Growing in Montgomery County

Montgomery County earns a high lawn difficulty score of 74.3, making it one of the most lawn-friendly areas in the state. Located in hardiness zone 6b, it offers a slightly cooler environment that many popular turfgrasses prefer.

Moderate Heat and Consistent Rain

The annual precipitation of 48.5 inches is near perfect for Kentucky lawns. With only 28 extreme heat days, turf here avoids the worst of the summer scorch seen in more southern counties, allowing for a more stable mowing schedule.

Near-Ideal Soil Characteristics

The soil pH of 5.94 is very close to the ideal 6.0-7.0 range, requiring only minor adjustments. The soil contains 20.0% clay and 16.7% sand, providing a stable foundation that holds nutrients well while maintaining decent structure.

Low Drought Risk

With only 2 weeks of drought in the past year, Montgomery County has one of the more stable moisture profiles in the region. There is currently no abnormal dryness, meaning standard maintenance should be sufficient for most yards.

Optimal Planting for Zone 6b

Cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass and Perennial Ryegrass thrive in this 6b zone. Seed after the final frost on April 24th, or wait for the fall cooling period before the first frost on October 18th.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Montgomery County's county score?
Montgomery County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 44.2 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 Kentucky?
Montgomery County ranks #115 among all counties in Kentucky 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, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Montgomery County is $1,222, with an effective tax rate of 0.75%. This earns Montgomery County a tax score of 58.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Montgomery County?
The median household income in Montgomery County, Kentucky is $57,468 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Montgomery County earns an income score of 31.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Montgomery County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Montgomery County scores 44.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #115 in Kentucky. 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.