CountyScore

Montgomery County

Maryland · MD

#22 in Maryland
58.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Montgomery County, Maryland

Montgomery scores well above the national average

Montgomery County's composite score of 58.4 surpasses the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 67th percentile. The county delivers livability better than two-thirds of American counties.

Below Maryland's average despite regional strength

Montgomery's 58.4 score falls short of Maryland's state average of 63.9, ranking it in the bottom third of the state's 24 counties. Its national reputation masks some livability constraints within Maryland.

Exceptional health and minimal environmental risk

Montgomery County boasts a health score of 83.1 (among Maryland's best) and an exceptionally low risk score of 8.3, reflecting superior public health infrastructure and environmental safety. Solid incomes averaging $128,733 provide economic stability.

Housing costs are among the state's highest

The cost score of 35.4 reflects median home values of $615,200 and rents at $2,030 monthly, among the most expensive in Maryland. Housing affordability is the primary barrier to family livability.

For affluent families prioritizing health and safety

Montgomery County suits wealthy professional families who prioritize excellent health care, environmental safety, and strong schools over housing affordability. If you earn six figures, value top-tier institutions, and live with minimal environmental risk tolerance, Montgomery's premium housing costs are justified.

Score breakdown

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

Tax77.9Cost35.4SafetyComing SoonHealth83.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome67.4Risk8.3WaterComing Soon
🏛77.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠35.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼67.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤83.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡8.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Montgomery County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Fulton County
Georgia
58.4
Median income: $91,490
Ingham County
Michigan
58.4
Median income: $64,354
Shelby County
Tennessee
58.4
Median income: $62,337
Gregg County
Texas
58.4
Median income: $64,809
Starr County
Texas
58.4
Median income: $38,182

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 taxes run below national average

At 0.868%, Montgomery County's effective property tax rate sits just below the national median of 0.84%, making it one of the nation's more affordable tax jurisdictions. However, the median property tax bill of $5,341 is double the national median of $2,690, driven by the county's exceptionally high property values averaging $615,200.

Second lowest rate in Maryland

Montgomery County's 0.868% effective tax rate ranks second-lowest among Maryland's 24 counties, well below the state average of 0.957%. Despite its favorable rate, its median tax bill of $5,341 runs 60% above the state median of $3,328, reflecting the county's premium property values.

Lower rate but higher bills than nearby counties

Montgomery County's 0.868% rate is the lowest in the Baltimore-Washington corridor, undercutting Howard County's 1.182% by a significant margin. Yet homeowners pay $5,341 annually—roughly $1,880 more than Harford County residents—because of the county's elevated property valuations.

Expected annual tax on median home

A home valued at Montgomery County's median of $615,200 will generate approximately $5,341 in annual property taxes at the 0.868% effective rate. With a mortgage, that estimate is $5,287; without one, it rises to $5,470.

You may be paying too much

High-value Montgomery County properties deserve careful assessment scrutiny, particularly if market conditions have shifted since your last review. Homeowners should compare their assessments to recent comparable sales and file an appeal if their valuation appears inflated.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Montgomery County

via CostByCounty

Montgomery: D.C. proximity, high prices

Montgomery County residents spend 18.9% of income on rent—above the national average—while earning a strong median income of $128,733. Washington D.C. proximity drives rents to $2,030 monthly, the second-highest profiled, yet the county's robust income still makes housing manageable.

Ties Charles for highest rent burden

Montgomery's 18.9% rent-to-income ratio ties Charles County for the highest among Maryland counties profiled, exceeding the state average of 18.3%. The county's median rent of $2,030 ranks second only to Howard County, reflecting Washington D.C.'s gravitational pull on the region.

Premium pricing for proximity to D.C.

Montgomery's $2,030 median rent trails only Howard County ($2,038) and significantly exceeds all other profiled counties, reflecting its status as D.C.'s premier Maryland suburb. Its 18.9% ratio matches Charles County's burden but offers superior transit access and federal job opportunities.

High costs on high incomes balance out

Renters pay $2,030 monthly while homeowners spend $2,329 against the $128,733 median income—substantial costs offset by strong earnings. Housing consumes roughly 30% of typical household budgets, standard for affluent suburbs.

Montgomery: pay for D.C. convenience

Montgomery County's 18.9% rent ratio reflects D.C. metro premium pricing, ideal for federal workers and those prioritizing urban access over affordability. Weigh Montgomery's 18.9% against cheaper Frederick ($17.0%) or Harford ($16.8%) to decide if proximity value justifies the premium.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Montgomery County

via IncomeByCounty

Montgomery County earns 72% above U.S. average

Montgomery County's median household income of $128,733 towers 72% above the national median of $74,755, reflecting one of America's wealthiest suburban counties. Federal employment, biotech research, and professional services generate exceptional earning power.

Second-richest county in Maryland

Montgomery County ranks second in Maryland only to Howard County, with a median household income of $128,733 significantly above the statewide average of $94,152. The county's proximity to Washington, D.C., and concentration of high-wage sectors drive this dominance.

Wealthier than all but one Maryland peer

Montgomery County's $128,733 median household income trails only Howard County ($146,982) among Maryland jurisdictions, exceeding Frederick County ($120,458) and Charles County ($120,592). Its Washington, D.C., edge creates unmatched federal employment access.

Steep housing costs challenge households

Montgomery County's median home value of $615,200 and rent-to-income ratio of 18.9% reflect an exceptionally expensive housing market. While county incomes support homeownership, many households must allocate substantial shares of earnings to housing.

Strategic wealth diversification essential

Montgomery County's high earners should look beyond residential real estate to diversify wealth through stocks, bonds, and alternative investments. Work with financial professionals to optimize tax efficiency and build assets beyond the primary residence.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Montgomery County

via HealthByCounty

Montgomery County achieves highest US health outcomes

At 83.2 years, Montgomery County residents live 4.4 years longer than the US average of 78.8 years. With just 11.7% reporting poor or fair health, the county ranks among America's healthiest.

Montgomery County ranks best in Maryland health

Montgomery County's 83.2-year life expectancy leads all Maryland counties, topping the state average of 77.0 by six years. The county consistently ranks first in the state across health metrics.

DC metro health powerhouse outpaces all peers

Montgomery County's 83.2 years dramatically exceeds Howard County (82.5), Frederick (80.0), Charles (76.7), and Harford (77.9). As Maryland's most populous county, Montgomery sets the state's health standard.

High uninsured rate despite exceptional provider access

Montgomery County's 7.7% uninsured rate is the state's highest, surprising given its affluence and resources. However, with 135 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, the county offers abundant healthcare access for the insured.

Even in healthy Montgomery, coverage matters.

One in 13 Montgomery County residents lacks health insurance—higher than the state average. Check marylandhealthconnection.gov to find affordable plans and keep your family's excellent health outcomes protected.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Montgomery County

via RiskByCounty

Montgomery County Faces Highest Risk

Montgomery County scores 91.67 on the composite risk scale, placing it substantially above the national median and indicating exceptional natural disaster exposure compared to typical U.S. counties. The county's flood risk (93.73), hurricane risk (91.78), tornado risk (78.66), and earthquake risk (91.76) all exceed national norms dramatically. This convergence of multiple extreme hazards makes Montgomery County one of America's highest-risk jurisdictions.

Maryland's Riskiest County

Montgomery County ranks as Maryland's riskiest jurisdiction with a composite score of 91.67, substantially exceeding the state average of 60.22 and surpassing all other Maryland counties. Frederick County (74.20), Harford County (72.46), and Howard County (72.42) trail significantly behind Montgomery's elevated exposure. The county's position in central Maryland and proximity to major geological and atmospheric hazard zones drives this exceptional risk profile.

Dramatically Riskier Than Peers

Montgomery County's composite score of 91.67 far exceeds neighboring Frederick County (74.20), Howard County (72.42), and Washington County. Prince George's County shares similar exposure, though Montgomery's flood risk (93.73) is exceptional within the region. Montgomery's convergence of four extreme hazards distinguishes it sharply from all surrounding jurisdictions.

Floods, Hurricanes, Earthquakes, Tornadoes

Montgomery County faces exceptional risk across four major hazard types: flood (93.73), hurricane (91.78), earthquake (91.76), and tornado (78.66)—all among the nation's highest. This rare convergence of extreme exposure demands comprehensive, multi-layered disaster preparedness. Wildfire risk alone remains moderate at 25.13, offering minimal relief in the county's dangerous hazard portfolio.

Comprehensive Coverage Is Non-Negotiable

Montgomery County residents must obtain comprehensive homeowners insurance with explicit coverage for flood, hurricane, wind, earthquake, and tornado damage—a multi-peril package essential given the county's 91.67 composite risk. Flood insurance is absolutely critical; the county's 93.73 flood risk affects even some higher-elevation properties in the Potomac River watershed. Invest immediately in structural retrofitting (reinforced roof, impact-resistant windows, storm shelter) to survive Montgomery's exceptional multi-hazard exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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