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Montgomery County, Mississippi — County Report Card

MS

#12 in Mississippi

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
58
County Score
Safety 97.5Disaster Risk 89.1Cost of Living 76.7

County Report Card

About Montgomery County, Mississippi

Beating the National Median

Montgomery County earns a composite score of 58.0, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This score indicates a quality of life that outpaces a large majority of rural American counties.

A Top Performer in Mississippi

With a score of 58.0, Montgomery significantly exceeds the Mississippi state average of 48.4. It stands as a regional leader in overall livability within the state's borders.

Exceptional Safety and Housing Value

The county boasts a near-perfect safety score of 97.5 and a high environmental resilience score of 89.1. Residents also enjoy high affordability with a cost score of 76.7 and median home values of $110,700.

Navigating Economic and Health Hurdles

A very low income score of 7.3 reflects a median household income of $45,057, which limits local economic power. Health outcomes also lag behind with a score of 6.3, suggesting a need for better access to care.

A Secure Haven for Budget-Conscious Living

Montgomery is ideal for retirees or remote workers who prioritize extreme safety and low housing costs. It offers peace of mind and financial flexibility in a quiet rural setting.

2040608010045.476.797.56.3577.389.131.665.3Tax45.4Cost76.7Safety97.5Health6.3Schools57Income7.3Risk89.1Water31.6Weather65.358/100
This county
National avg
3 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 Safety (97.5/100) but notably weak in Income (7.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
45.4
Cost
76.7+28.700000000000003
Safety
97.5+42.5
Health
6.3-43.7
Schools
57
Income
7.3-43.7
Risk
89.1+42.099999999999994
Water
31.6-26.4
Weather
65.3+9.299999999999997
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Think property taxes are too high in Montgomery County?

Many homeowners in Montgomery County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$110,700

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$682/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$110,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$27,280/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $45,057/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

10.3

per 100K

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

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Nearby counties

Carroll County
Mississippi
64.5
Choctaw County
Mississippi
62.7
Webster County
Mississippi
62.3
Grenada County
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34.8
Attala County
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Calhoun County
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Leflore County
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46.3
Oktibbeha County
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33.7

Deep Dives

Montgomery County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Montgomery County

via TaxByCounty

Montgomery taxes run lean nationally

Montgomery County's effective tax rate of 0.896% sits well below the national median, where homeowners typically pay 0.95% on their property values. This places the county in the lower half nationally—residents here pay significantly less as a share of home value than most Americans do.

Above average for Mississippi

At 0.896%, Montgomery's effective rate exceeds Mississippi's state average of 0.743% by about 20%. Among the state's 82 counties, Montgomery ranks in the upper tier for tax burden, though its median tax payment of $992 remains affordable relative to home values.

Higher than surrounding counties

Montgomery's rate of 0.896% outpaces most regional peers: Newton County (0.799%), Neshoba County (0.886%), and Panola County (0.769%) all tax at lower rates. Only Noxubee County, at 1.011%, carries a steeper burden in the immediate area.

Typical homeowner pays under $1,000

On Montgomery's median home value of $110,700, the effective rate translates to approximately $992 annually—or about $83 per month. Homeowners with mortgages typically see this bundled into escrow payments totaling around $1,215 per year.

Check if your assessment is fair

Many homeowners across Mississippi are overassessed relative to market value, and Montgomery County is no exception. If your property has declined in value or differs significantly from comparable homes, filing an appeal with the assessor's office could reduce your tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Montgomery County

via CostByCounty

Montgomery renters spend less than America

At 18.2%, Montgomery County's rent-to-income ratio sits well below the national average, meaning renters here dedicate a smaller share of their paychecks to housing. The county's median household income of $45,057 is about 40% lower than the U.S. median of $74,755, but rental costs are proportionally lower too.

Better affordability than most Mississippi counties

Montgomery's 18.2% rent-to-income ratio beats Mississippi's state average of 19.6%, placing it among the more affordable counties in the state. With median gross rent at just $682 per month—$100 below the state median—renters here catch a break.

Competitive with East Mississippi peers

Montgomery's $682 monthly rent is cheaper than most neighboring counties: Neshoba charges $759, Newton runs $722, and Oktibbeha is significantly higher at $873. Among this cluster of east-central Mississippi counties, Montgomery offers some of the most budget-friendly rents.

Where Montgomery's income goes

The typical household earns $45,057 annually while paying $682 in rent or $735 in mortgage costs, leaving substantial income for other expenses. Housing consumes 18.2% of renter income here—well within the 30% affordability threshold—making Montgomery relatively comfortable for cost-conscious residents.

Montgomery offers affordable renting options

If you're relocating within Mississippi and prioritize low rent, Montgomery's $682 median competes favorably against neighboring Oktibbeha ($873) and Panola ($859). The county's modest income levels and proportionally low housing costs create genuine affordability for renters earning typical regional wages.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Montgomery County

via IncomeByCounty

Montgomery trails national income mark

Montgomery County's median household income of $45,057 falls 40% below the national median of $74,755, placing it among lower-income counties nationwide. This gap reflects broader economic challenges in rural Mississippi compared to urban and suburban regions across the country.

Below Mississippi's county average

At $45,057, Montgomery County earns about 7% less than Mississippi's state average median household income of $48,514. The county ranks in the lower third among Mississippi's 82 counties in household earning power.

Lower income than surrounding peers

Montgomery County's median income trails nearby Newton County ($50,426) and Neshoba County ($53,087) by $5,000–$8,000 per household. However, it outpaces Noxubee County ($38,814), the lowest-earning county in this cluster.

Rent remains affordable here

With a rent-to-income ratio of 18.2%, Montgomery County residents spend less than one-fifth of earnings on housing, well below the national affordability threshold of 30%. The median home value of $110,700 is accessible to working families in the county.

Build savings despite modest income

Montgomery County's affordable housing costs create an opportunity to prioritize savings and retirement planning. Even modest households can benefit from employer 401(k) plans, IRAs, and emergency funds—consult local nonprofits or libraries for free financial literacy resources.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Montgomery County

via CrimeByCounty

Montgomery County Outpaces National Safety Averages

Montgomery County reports a perfect safety score of 100.0, significantly outpacing the national crime rate of 2,385.5 per 100K. While two agencies report data, the recorded total crime rate stands at 0.0 per 100K residents.

Montgomery Leads Mississippi in Safety Rankings

This perfect safety score exceeds the Mississippi state average of 98.4. Montgomery County currently ranks as one of the statistically safest jurisdictions in the state based on 2022 reporting.

Comparing Montgomery County to Nearby Regions

Compared to neighboring Oktibbeha's rate of 2,062.8, Montgomery shows virtually no recorded criminal activity. This suggests either a very quiet year or limited incident reporting from the local agencies.

Zero Reported Crimes in Montgomery County

With 0.0 violent and property crimes reported per 100K, the county remains well below the national property crime average of 2,015.7. Practical safety remains high, though resident awareness of these reporting trends is always encouraged.

Keeping Your Montgomery County Home Secure

Even in a statistically zero-crime area, proactive measures ensure continued security. Installing smart lighting or camera systems helps maintain this high standard of community safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Montgomery County

via SchoolsByCounty

Education Infrastructure in Montgomery County

Montgomery County operates a streamlined system of three public schools under a single consolidated district. A total of 1,144 students attend one elementary school and two high schools. This centralized structure focuses all county resources into one unified educational pathway.

Exceptional Graduation and Performance Scores

Montgomery County excels with a 97.0% graduation rate, one of the highest in the state and far above the 87.1% Mississippi average. The county's school score of 55.4 significantly outperforms the state average of 49.8. This high performance is backed by an above-average per-pupil expenditure of $6,151.

The Winona-Montgomery Consolidated Powerhouse

All 1,144 public students in the county are served by the Winona-Montgomery Consolidated School District. This single-district model allows for a high degree of coordination between the elementary and secondary levels. No charter schools exist in the county, as the consolidated district successfully manages all local enrollment.

Town-Centered Learning and Medium School Size

All three schools in the county are located in town settings, making them easily accessible central hubs for the community. The average school size is 572 students, with Winona Elementary being the largest at 627 students. This creates a cohesive, town-focused atmosphere where students and teachers often know each other well.

Buying a Home Near Winona Schools

With a near-perfect graduation rate, Montgomery County is a standout option for families prioritizing academic excellence. Buying a home in Winona puts you at the center of this high-performing, consolidated district. The strong school scores and concentrated investment make the area a stable choice for long-term residential value.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Montgomery County

via RiskByCounty

Montgomery ranks among safest U.S. counties

With a composite risk score of 10.91, Montgomery County sits well below the national average, earning a Very Low risk rating. Your county faces significantly lower overall natural disaster threat than most of America.

Safest county in Mississippi

Montgomery's 10.91 score ranks it lowest among all Mississippi counties, far below the state average of 50.94. You live in the state's most protected community from composite disaster risk.

Safer than all surrounding counties

Montgomery's 10.91 score dramatically outperforms neighbors like Noxubee (29.04), Newton (52.45), and Neshoba (58.27). Your county's risk profile is substantially lower than every adjacent jurisdiction.

Earthquake and hurricane pose distant threats

While your overall risk remains very low, earthquake (57.41) and hurricane (53.69) scores represent your highest hazard exposures. Tornado risk at 44.85 also warrants standard storm preparedness, though it remains well below state averages.

Maintain essential coverage despite low risk

Your very low risk profile doesn't eliminate the need for homeowners insurance—earthquakes and hurricanes still pose measurable threats. Standard homeowners insurance covers wind and hail; consider earthquake coverage given your 57.41 earthquake score.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Montgomery County

via WaterByCounty

Montgomery County Faces Steep Water Compliance Challenges

Montgomery County receives a grade of F for drinking water compliance, recording 8 health violations over the last five years. While its violation rate of 58.4 per 100,000 people is lower than the Mississippi state average of 92.1, the grade reflects significant Safe Drinking Water Act hurdles. Local utilities continue to work toward federal standards to ensure consistent safety for all residents.

Local Watershed Assessments Are Currently Pending

The water bodies within Montgomery County are not yet covered under the federal §303(d) assessment program. Because these streams have not been formally evaluated in the current ATTAINS reporting cycle, their impairment status remains unclassified. This data gap highlights the need for expanded ecological surveying across the county's local basins.

Four Active Monitoring Sites Track Water Quality

Technicians have recorded 184 measurements across 4 monitoring sites in Montgomery County over the past five years. Data collection focuses heavily on physical properties and inorganic substances, alongside metals and nutrients. This modest monitoring footprint provides a baseline for understanding local environmental water chemistry.

Limited Live Streamflow Data for Montgomery County

There is currently no representative USGS streamgage providing real-time discharge data for Montgomery County's primary waterways. Without live flow metrics, officials rely on regional trends and historic compliance records to manage water resources. This lack of a primary gauge makes it difficult to track immediate impacts from heavy rain or drought.

Prioritize Filtration Given Local Compliance History

With a Grade F for drinking water and eight health violations, residents should consider certified home filtration systems to mitigate potential contaminants. Since local streamflow is unmonitored, pay close attention to municipal water reports during extreme weather events. Frequent testing is recommended for those using private wells in the area.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Montgomery County

via WeatherByCounty

Moderate temperatures and high rainfall

Montgomery County averages 60.3°F, making it warmer than the majority of the United States. It receives a robust 59.0 inches of annual precipitation, nearly matching the state average.

Temperate for the Magnolia State

While Mississippi averages 63.9°F, Montgomery County stays cooler at 60.3°F. It serves as a middle ground between the hotter Delta region and the cooler northern hills.

Slightly cooler than Panola County

Montgomery's 60.3°F average is lower than Panola County's 62.5°F. Both counties share similar rainfall patterns, staying near the 58-59 inch mark annually.

Fifty days of extreme heat

Summer temperatures peak in July at 78.3°F, leading to 51 days of temperatures over 90°F. Winter is mild with a 43.0°F average and only 0.8 inches of annual snowfall.

Manage high annual precipitation

With 59.0 inches of annual rain, heavy-duty rain gear and reliable gutters are necessary. The 51 days of extreme heat require efficient indoor cooling from June through August.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Montgomery County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic and Silty Montgomery Soils

Montgomery’s soil sits at an acidic 5.21 pH, significantly lower than the national median of 6.5. This pH level trends slightly below the Mississippi state average of 5.30, though specific taxonomic data remains unspecified in current surveys.

A High-Silt Foundation

The ground is silt-heavy at 59.4%, balanced by 28.3% sand and 12.3% clay. This high silt content makes for easy workability, though the relatively low clay percentage reduces its natural nutrient-holding capacity.

Superior Water Retention Potential

Organic matter levels of 1.51% fall short of the state’s 1.81% average. However, the available water capacity of 0.195 in/in is superior to the state average, meaning these soils hold moisture well for plant roots.

Moderate Filtration with Limited Data

Local drainage and hydrologic groups are currently unclassified, requiring on-site testing for large projects. Generally, the silt-driven profile suggests moderate filtration compared to the sandier counties found further south.

Ready for a Heat-Tolerant Garden

In USDA zone 8a, gardeners can leverage the high water capacity to grow heat-tolerant vegetables like peppers and okra. With a bit of lime to correct the acidity, this soil provides a steady foundation for a productive backyard plot.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Montgomery County

via LawnByCounty

Montgomery County’s Moderate Lawn Care Challenge

With a lawn difficulty score of 32.4, Montgomery County is slightly easier for gardening than the Mississippi state average of 30.9. However, the region remains significantly more challenging than the national median of 50.0. Homeowners in this Zone 8a climate must manage high humidity and specific soil needs to keep turf healthy.

Abundant Rain and Manageable Summer Heat

The county receives 59.0 inches of annual precipitation, which is well above the national ideal range of 30-50 inches. While it experiences 51 extreme heat days—fewer than the state average of 73—the 4,798 growing degree days ensure a long, active season for warm-season grasses. Mowing schedules remain busy from April through October.

Amending Montgomery’s Highly Acidic Soil

The local soil pH of 5.21 is much lower than the 6.0-7.0 range preferred by most turfgrasses, requiring significant lime applications. With a composition of 28.3% sand and 12.3% clay, the soil provides a decent base but lacks the organic matter of prime loams. Proper soil testing is essential before spring fertilization.

Managing Nearly Six Months of Drought

Montgomery County spent 24 weeks in drought over the past year, currently leaving 41.4% of the area abnormally dry. To preserve turf during these stretches, homeowners should water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth. Avoid mowing during peak heat to reduce grass stress.

Start Your Montgomery Lawn This Spring

Warm-season varieties like Centipede or Bermuda are best suited for the local 8a hardiness zone. Aim to seed or sod after the last spring frost on April 7th to ensure young grass isn't damaged by a late chill. The long growing season provides a wide window for establishing a lush, green carpet.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Montgomery County's county score?
Montgomery County, Mississippi has a composite county score of 58 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 Mississippi?
Montgomery County ranks #12 among all counties in Mississippi 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, Mississippi?
The median annual property tax in Montgomery County is $992, with an effective tax rate of 0.90%. This earns Montgomery County a tax score of 45.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Montgomery County?
The median household income in Montgomery County, Mississippi is $45,057 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Montgomery County earns an income score of 7.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Montgomery County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Montgomery County scores 58/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #12 in Mississippi. 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

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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.