countyscore
53.4
County Score
Lawn Care 74.4Soil Quality 69.2Cost of Living 68.2

County Report Card

About Montgomery County, Missouri

Holding Steady Above National Median

Montgomery County earns a composite score of 53.4, surpassing the national median of 50.0. This indicates a quality of life that is slightly above the typical American experience.

Above Average for Missouri Residents

At 53.4, the county sits comfortably above the Missouri state average of 50.3. It maintains a competitive edge through its mix of safety and moderate living costs.

A Balanced Mix of Safety and Value

Housing remains accessible with a cost score of 68.2 and a median home value of $171,300. Combined with a safety score of 62.5 and a risk score of 61.7, the county offers a reliable and secure environment.

Lags in Health and Education

The health score of 34.1 and school score of 39.6 are the primary areas where Montgomery County could improve. These numbers suggest that residents may travel elsewhere for healthcare or specialized education.

A Reliable Choice for Quiet Living

Montgomery County suits middle-income families who want a safe place to live within a reasonable budget. It offers a predictable, low-risk lifestyle for those working in the central Missouri corridor.

2040608010057.968.262.534.139.642.161.74256.8Tax57.9Cost68.2Safety62.5Health34.1Schools39.6Income42.1Risk61.7Water42Weather56.853.4/100
This county
National avg
2 above average3 below average

Montgomery County DNA

Foverall

How Montgomery County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Montgomery County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (68.2/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (42/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
57.9
Cost
68.2+20.200000000000003
Safety
62.5
Health
34.1-15.899999999999999
Schools
39.6-14.399999999999999
Income
42.1-8.899999999999999
Risk
61.7+14.700000000000003
Water
42-16
Weather
56.8
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$171,300

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$767/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$171,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$30,680/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $61,042/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

35.0

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

Liberty County
Florida
Median income: $53,824
53.4
Oglethorpe County
Georgia
Median income: $69,784
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Jersey County
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Median income: $79,104
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Henry County
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Median income: $79,267
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Highland County
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Median income: $62,008
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Adams County
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Median income: $81,071
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Blount County
Tennessee
Median income: $74,607
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Hemphill County
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Median income: $72,052
53.4

Nearby counties

Warren County
Missouri
43.2
Lincoln County
Missouri
45
Callaway County
Missouri
39.7
Audrain County
Missouri
51.2
Gasconade County
Missouri
59.2
Franklin County
Missouri
42.5
Pike County
Missouri
54.6
Osage County
Missouri
67.2

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 taxes exceed US average

Montgomery County's effective tax rate of 0.748% sits above the national median of approximately 0.82%, placing it among moderately higher-taxed American counties. While the median home value of $171,300 falls well short of the national median of $281,900, the rate pushes the overall burden higher.

Slightly above Missouri standard

At 0.748%, Montgomery County's effective rate exceeds Missouri's average of 0.733% by roughly 2%, positioning it among the state's moderately taxed counties. The median tax bill of $1,282 tops the state median of $1,199, making it a noticeably pricier jurisdiction within Missouri.

Highest tax rate among peers

Montgomery County's 0.748% rate stands as the highest in this rural Missouri region except for Mercer (0.950%) and Mississippi (0.877%), outpacing Morgan, Miller, Monroe, Moniteau, and New Madrid. This makes it one of the steeper-taxing counties among its competitors.

Median tax reaches $1,282 annually

A median-value home in Montgomery County worth $171,300 generates roughly $1,282 in yearly property taxes, or $1,387 with mortgage escrow included. At approximately $107 per month, this represents one of the region's higher monthly tax burdens.

Assessment challenges worth exploring

Given Montgomery County's above-average tax rate, homeowners should seriously consider requesting a formal assessment review or appeal. Overassessments are common, and successful appeals can result in substantial annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Montgomery County

via CostByCounty

Montgomery keeps rents in check

Montgomery County renters spend 15.1% of their income on rent, just slightly above the comfortable 12-15% national range. This remains manageable for most households with modest income cushions.

Slightly above Missouri average

Montgomery's rent-to-income ratio of 15.1% edges above Missouri's state average of 15.6%, ranking it near the middle of statewide affordability. The county tracks closely with typical Missouri housing costs.

Standard central Missouri pricing

Montgomery's median rent of $767/month essentially matches the state average of $768 and sits in the middle of the regional range. The county reflects typical housing costs for central Missouri.

Montgomery's stable housing equation

With a median household income of $61,042, Montgomery residents pay $767/month in rent or $733/month for mortgages on homes valued at $171,300. Housing absorbs roughly 15% of income for renters, leaving reasonable resources for other expenses.

Montgomery offers reliable value

If you're relocating and prefer standard housing costs with solid incomes, Montgomery County delivers predictable affordability near the state average. The county's balanced approach makes it a safe choice for typical Missouri households.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Montgomery County

via IncomeByCounty

Montgomery's income moderately trails nation

Montgomery County's median household income of $61,042 falls about $13,700 short of the U.S. median of $74,755. The county performs slightly above Missouri's state average of $59,503, placing it in the middle-upper tier regionally.

Slightly above Missouri average

With a median household income of $61,042, Montgomery County exceeds Missouri's state average of $59,503 by roughly $1,500. Among the eight surveyed counties, Montgomery ranks third-highest, reflecting a solid but not exceptional local economy.

Competitive with nearby counties

Montgomery County's $61,042 income ranks third in its region, behind only Moniteau ($65,161) and Mercer ($60,357). The county outearns Miller ($55,172), Monroe ($48,299), and Mississippi ($46,258), placing it comfortably in the upper half of the cluster.

Housing remains achievable

Montgomery's 15.1% rent-to-income ratio sits in the mid-range, indicating housing costs are present but manageable. With a median home value of $171,300 and steady incomes, homeownership is accessible to disciplined savers.

Build systematic investment habits

Montgomery households have adequate income to establish automatic transfers to savings and retirement accounts. Starting with employer 401(k) matches and IRAs creates a foundation for long-term wealth accumulation and retirement security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Montgomery County

via CrimeByCounty

High National Safety Ranking

Montgomery County achieves a safety score of 98.6, indicating a very safe environment compared to the rest of the U.S. Its total crime rate of 866.8 per 100K is well below the national average of 2,385.5.

Comprehensive Reporting, Low Crime

This score puts Montgomery well above the Missouri average safety score of 97.0. Seven different agencies report data here, ensuring a comprehensive view of a crime rate that is roughly half the state average.

Reliable Safety Along the I-70 Corridor

Montgomery's rate of 866.8 per 100K is lower than several adjacent counties along the I-70 corridor. This indicates that local law enforcement is effectively managing the challenges associated with being a transit-heavy region.

Significant Gaps Below National Rates

The breakdown shows 131.3 violent crimes and 735.5 property crimes per 100K residents. Both metrics are significantly lower than national averages, with property crime sitting at roughly one-third of the U.S. rate.

Community Vigilance and Home Safety

Visible security measures can further reduce the 735.5 property crimes reported per 100K residents. Montgomery homeowners benefit from a strong culture of community vigilance and neighborly support.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Montgomery County

via SchoolsByCounty

Public Education in Montgomery County

Montgomery County features seven public schools that serve a total of 1,458 students. The county’s infrastructure includes three elementary schools, one middle school, and three high schools, plus a specialized education facility.

Graduation Rates Outpace National Average

The county achieves a 91.7% graduation rate, comfortably exceeding the national benchmark of 87%. While per-pupil spending of $6,107 is slightly below the state average, the county maintains a 52.5 school score, nearly matching the Missouri state mean.

Montgomery County R-II Dominates

Montgomery County R-II is the primary district, enrolling 1,147 students across four different campuses. Traditional public schools are the sole providers of education in the county, as there are no charter options available.

Predominantly Rural Learning Environments

Six of the county's seven schools are in rural settings, with an average school size of 243 students. Montgomery County High is the largest school with 363 students, providing a medium-sized community feel for older students.

Relocate Near Montgomery Schools

Homebuyers in Montgomery County can benefit from a stable education system with graduation rates that lead the nation. Look for homes in Montgomery City or Jonesburg to be close to the county's primary educational hubs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Montgomery County

via RiskByCounty

Montgomery carries moderate national risk

Montgomery County's composite risk score of 38.33 places it in the "Very Low" category but above the national median. This score reflects moderate exposure to natural disasters compared to the typical American county.

Lower-risk county in Missouri

Montgomery's score of 38.33 falls 24% below Missouri's state average of 50.56, positioning it firmly in the safer half of the state. This places Montgomery among Missouri's more resilient counties against natural disaster threats.

Safer than most nearby regions

Montgomery's 38.33 exceeds only Monroe (21.18) and Mercer (12.28) among its neighbors, but significantly undercuts Miller (55.09). Compared to regional peers, Montgomery offers better-than-average safety.

Earthquake and flood warrant attention

Earthquake risk scores 69.12 and flood risk 47.93—Montgomery's two most significant threats, though neither reaches truly dangerous levels. Tornado risk at 32.67 remains below state average, while wildfire poses minimal concern.

Evaluate earthquake and flood coverage

Montgomery residents should assess earthquake insurance given the county's elevated seismic exposure at 69.12. Flood insurance warrants evaluation for properties in vulnerable areas, though broader flood risk remains moderate.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Montgomery County

via WaterByCounty

Montgomery Outperforms State Compliance Average

Montgomery County earns a D grade with 2 health violations recorded over the last five years. Its violation rate of 28.6 per 100,000 residents is much lower than the state average of 81.5.

Local Watershed Assessments Unavailable

Federal ATTAINS data for Montgomery County is currently N/A, as local water bodies have not yet been evaluated for §303(d) impairments. Until these assessments occur, the share of healthy vs. impaired streams remains unquantified.

Massive Data Collection Effort Underway

Despite having only four monitoring sites, the county has recorded 14,205 measurements in five years. This high density of data focuses largely on organics and pesticides, providing a detailed look at chemical runoff.

Missouri River Flow Remains Stable

The Missouri River at Hermann is currently flowing at 82,100 cfs, representing 92% of its long-term mean. This near-typical flow indicates stable source water availability for the surrounding region.

Watch for Pesticide and Organic Signals

Because monitoring focus is high on organics and pesticides, residents near agricultural areas should monitor for seasonal runoff impacts. Stable river flows and low violation rates suggest that current water treatment processes are largely effective.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Soil Quality in Montgomery County

via SoilByCounty

Versatile and Balanced Soil Profile

The soil here features a pH of 6.38, which is one of the closest in the state to the 6.5 national median. This neutral profile makes it highly versatile for both ornamental gardening and large-scale agriculture.

Fine Texture and Nutrient Retention

The mix includes 61.7% silt and 20.5% clay, creating a heavy but nutrient-rich medium. With only 16.5% sand, the soil has a fine texture that holds onto fertilizers and minerals very effectively.

Superior Water Capacity for Plants

The available water capacity of 0.193 in/in is superior to the state average, providing a reliable safety net during dry months. Organic matter at 2.44% beats the national average, though it remains below the state benchmark.

Managing Heavier Silt Soils

Official drainage classifications are currently unlisted for Montgomery County. Given the high silt and clay content, local gardeners should monitor for slow water movement and consider raised beds for sensitive plants.

A Garden-Ready Climate in Zone 6b

Hardiness zone 6b allows for a generous growing window for staples like corn, beans, and berries. With a soil score of 69.2, your land is better equipped for gardening than the average Missouri county.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Montgomery County

via LawnByCounty

High Success Rates for Montgomery Lawns

Montgomery County earns a high lawn difficulty score of 74.4, indicating it is one of the easier places in the state to maintain a lawn. This outperforms the Missouri average of 63.7 and sits far above the national baseline of 50.0. In Hardiness Zone 6b, you have a wide variety of grass types that can thrive in your yard.

Standard Missouri Climate for Grass

The county averages 41.5 inches of precipitation annually, providing a solid natural water supply for your turf. You can expect about 31 days of extreme heat over 90°F, which is less intense than the state average of 37 days. While some growing data is unavailable, the temperature profile suggests a classic midwestern growing season.

Excellent pH Levels for Nutrient Access

Your soil pH of 6.38 is near the center of the ideal range, ensuring your lawn gets the most out of every fertilizer application. The soil contains 20.5% clay and 16.5% sand, providing a stable structure for root development. This mix helps retain moisture during the summer while preventing the soil from becoming overly compacted.

Resilient Through Seasonal Dry Spells

Over the past year, Montgomery County has seen 18 weeks of drought, which is relatively moderate for the region. Currently, 100.0% of the county is considered abnormally dry, but there is no severe drought currently threatening your grass. Consistent monitoring and deep watering will keep your lawn healthy during these dry intervals.

Ready for a Robust Growing Season

With a high difficulty score and favorable soil, you can confidently plant Tall Fescue or Zoysia in this zone. Since frost dates vary, monitor local conditions closely in April and October to time your seeding perfectly. Your county's environment is naturally geared for lawn success with minimal intervention.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Montgomery County's county score?
Montgomery County, Missouri has a composite county score of 53.4 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 Missouri?
Montgomery County ranks #49 among all counties in Missouri 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, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Montgomery County is $1,282, with an effective tax rate of 0.75%. This earns Montgomery County a tax score of 57.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Montgomery County?
The median household income in Montgomery County, Missouri is $61,042 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Montgomery County earns an income score of 42.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Montgomery County, Missouri a good place to live?
Montgomery County scores 53.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #49 in Missouri. 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 Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.