Montgomery County scores 68.0 on the national livability scale, well above the national median of 50.0 and ranking in the 64th percentile nationwide. This places the county in the top third of U.S. counties overall, signaling genuine livability advantages for residents seeking stability and affordability.
2 / 5
Slightly Above Mississippi Average
Montgomery's score of 68.0 edges out Mississippi's average of 67.5, putting it in the middle-to-upper tier of the state's county rankings. This modest lead reflects competitive livability conditions within the state context.
3 / 5
Affordability and Tax Efficiency Win
Montgomery excels in cost (85.1) and risk management (89.1), with housing remarkably affordable—median rent of $682/month and homes valued at $110,700. The effective tax rate of 0.896% keeps financial burdens light, making this county attractive for budget-conscious households.
4 / 5
Income Growth Lags Behind Peers
Montgomery's income score of just 12.8 reflects a median household income of $45,057, noticeably below state and national averages. Health outcomes (47.4) also trail, suggesting opportunities for economic development and public health investment.
5 / 5
Best for Budget-First Families
Montgomery County suits households prioritizing low housing costs and tax efficiency over high wages and extensive amenities. Retirees on fixed incomes and young families stretching their dollars will find genuine value here.
Montgomery County scores 68.0 on the national livability scale, well above the national median of 50.0 and ranking in the 64th percentile nationwide. This places the county in the top third of U.S. counties overall, signaling genuine livability advantages for residents seeking stability and affordability.
Slightly Above Mississippi Average
Montgomery's score of 68.0 edges out Mississippi's average of 67.5, putting it in the middle-to-upper tier of the state's county rankings. This modest lead reflects competitive livability conditions within the state context.
Affordability and Tax Efficiency Win
Montgomery excels in cost (85.1) and risk management (89.1), with housing remarkably affordable—median rent of $682/month and homes valued at $110,700. The effective tax rate of 0.896% keeps financial burdens light, making this county attractive for budget-conscious households.
Income Growth Lags Behind Peers
Montgomery's income score of just 12.8 reflects a median household income of $45,057, noticeably below state and national averages. Health outcomes (47.4) also trail, suggesting opportunities for economic development and public health investment.
Best for Budget-First Families
Montgomery County suits households prioritizing low housing costs and tax efficiency over high wages and extensive amenities. Retirees on fixed incomes and young families stretching their dollars will find genuine value here.
Score breakdown
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🏛77.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
Montgomery County residents live to 68.8 years on average, falling 6.4 years short of the U.S. median of 76.1 years. Nearly 30% of the population reports fair or poor health, compared to the national average of 18%—a gap that reflects both chronic disease burden and barriers to preventive care.
Below state average on multiple fronts
At 68.8 years, Montgomery's life expectancy trails Mississippi's 70.9-year state average by 2.1 years. The county's 15.9% uninsured rate also outpaces the state average of 13.9%, leaving more residents vulnerable to delayed care and medical debt.
Struggling compared to regional peers
Montgomery's 68.8-year life expectancy ranks among the lowest in its region; neighboring Panola County reaches 70.5 years and Newton County hits 69.9 years. Its primary care provider rate of 51 per 100,000 is stronger than rural neighbors like Noxubee (10 per 100K), but mental health access remains limited at 31 providers per 100,000.
Healthcare access barriers compound daily
One in six Montgomery residents (15.9%) lack health insurance, forcing many to skip preventive visits or rely on emergency care. The county averages 51 primary care doctors per 100,000 residents—below national recommendations—making it harder for uninsured and underinsured families to find regular care.
Coverage options are within reach
If you're uninsured or underinsured, Mississippi's health marketplace and Medicaid programs may offer affordable options tailored to your income. Visit healthcare.gov or contact your local health department to explore plans that fit your family's needs and budget.
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.