countyscore
43.4
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.

2040608010056.555.127.137.944.824.265.718.456.2Tax56.5Cost55.1Safety27.1Health37.9Schools44.8Income24.2Risk65.7Water18.4Weather56.243.4/100
This county
National avg
1 above average4 below average

Montgomery County DNA

Foverall

How Montgomery County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Montgomery County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Water Quality (18.4/100), though Disaster Risk (65.7/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
56.5
Cost
55.1
Safety
27.1-27.9
Health
37.9-12.100000000000001
Schools
44.8-9.200000000000003
Income
24.2-26.8
Risk
65.7+18.700000000000003
Water
18.4-39.6
Weather
56.2
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Compare mortgage rates in Montgomery County

Whether buying or refinancing in Montgomery County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$172,200

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$830/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$172,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$33,200/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $56,396/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

10.6

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Counties with similar scores

Cross County
Arkansas
Median income: $50,863
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Montezuma County
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Clare County
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Torrance County
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Greene County
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Okmulgee County
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Nearby counties

Bath County
Kentucky
57
Powell County
Kentucky
59.1
Clark County
Kentucky
46.4
Menifee County
Kentucky
68.3
Nicholas County
Kentucky
64.7
Bourbon County
Kentucky
51
Fleming County
Kentucky
65.2
Estill County
Kentucky
58.7

Deep Dives

Montgomery County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 43.4 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 $1,265, with an effective tax rate of 0.73%. This earns Montgomery County a tax score of 56.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Montgomery County?
The median household income in Montgomery County, Kentucky is $56,396 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Montgomery County earns an income score of 24.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Montgomery County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Montgomery County scores 43.4/100 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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