countyscore

Montgomery County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#38 in North Carolina

Explore on ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
46.5
County Score
Cost of Living 76.3Weather & Climate 63.9Property Tax 63

County Report Card

About Montgomery County, North Carolina

Approaching National Benchmarks

Montgomery County scores 46.5, landing just slightly below the national median of 50.0. It provides a standard rural quality of life with high affordability but lower service scores.

Competitive Within the State

The county’s score of 46.5 puts it ahead of the North Carolina state average of 44.7. It serves as an attractive, low-cost alternative to the rapidly growing metropolitan areas nearby.

High Housing Value

Housing affordability is a major draw, reflected in a cost score of 76.3 and a median home value of $150,300. The tax score of 63.0 also remains competitive compared to urban neighbors.

Addressing Water and Safety

Water quality (11.5) and safety (23.5) are the primary factors weighing down the composite score. Local income levels (27.3) also lag behind state leaders, reflecting a median household income of $55,849.

Best for Rural Budgeters

Montgomery is best for people seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle without the high price tag of the city. It provides an accessible entry point for families prioritizing homeownership.

Score breakdown

Tax63Cost76.3Safety23.5Health25.6Schools50.6Income27.3Risk51.1Water11.5Weather63.9
🏛63
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠76.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼27.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡23.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤25.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓50.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡51.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧11.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤63.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨27.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱36
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
Sponsored

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.

Check My Assessment

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
Compare Montgomery County with Lafayette County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Lafayette County
Arkansas
Median income: $37,237
46.5
Placer County
California
Median income: $114,678
46.5
Benewah County
Idaho
Median income: $56,553
46.5
Clay County
Kansas
Median income: $63,136
46.5
Tuscola County
Michigan
Median income: $62,847
46.5
Roosevelt County
Montana
Median income: $53,125
46.5
Chenango County
New York
Median income: $62,093
46.5
Ashtabula County
Ohio
Median income: $55,507
46.5

Nearby counties

Stanly County
North Carolina
45.1
Anson County
North Carolina
34.8
Richmond County
North Carolina
32.8
Randolph County
North Carolina
39.8
Moore County
North Carolina
48.6
Davidson County
North Carolina
38.7
Cabarrus County
North Carolina
42.2
Rowan County
North Carolina
39.2

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 taxes cluster near national median

Montgomery County's effective tax rate of 0.703% sits just below the national median of 0.87%, placing it in the middle-ground nationally. The median property tax of $1,057 is far below the national median of $2,690, reflecting Montgomery's lower home values.

Montgomery tracks closely with state average

At 0.703%, Montgomery's effective rate nearly matches North Carolina's state average of 0.701%, making it representative of typical North Carolina tax burden. The median tax of $1,057 runs $376 below the state median, helping offset the slightly elevated rate.

Montgomery sits in the state's middle tier

Montgomery's 0.703% rate exceeds mountain counties like Madison (0.496%) but stays below Martin County's exceptional 1.070%. This positions Montgomery as a middle-ground option across the state's tax landscape.

On a Montgomery median home, here's the tax

A $150,300 home—Montgomery's median value—carries approximately $1,057 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with a mortgage see the total rise to $1,230 with added county fees.

Assessment review can uncover hidden savings

Montgomery homeowners should verify their assessments are accurate and explore any available tax exemptions they may have missed. A free appeal to the county assessor costs nothing and often reveals opportunities for reduction.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Montgomery County

via CostByCounty

Montgomery keeps housing costs within reach

Montgomery County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.2% sits below the national affordability strain threshold, with median households earning $55,849 and paying $753 monthly in rent. Housing remains a manageable expense relative to local incomes.

Montgomery ranks well below state average stress

At 16.2%, Montgomery County's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below North Carolina's average of 18.6%, placing it among the more affordable housing markets statewide. This advantage holds despite incomes running below both state and national medians.

Montgomery mirrors the piedmont affordability zone

Montgomery's $753 rent and $55,849 income closely match McDowell and Madison counties, though Montgomery sits in the piedmont rather than the mountains. The broader pattern shows that rural and small-town North Carolina consistently offers better affordability than Charlotte and the metro corridors.

Renters and owners both find reasonable costs

Montgomery County households earning $55,849 spend 16.2% of income on rent ($753) or roughly 13.8% on ownership ($645) for median homes valued at $150,300. Both housing pathways remain affordable for working families in this county.

Montgomery: piedmont affordability without mountains

If you want rural affordability without the mountains, Montgomery County offers $753 rents and $150,300 home values in a piedmont setting. Compare this to Moore County's $1,181 rent just an hour south, and you'll see why location within North Carolina matters enormously for housing costs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Montgomery County

via IncomeByCounty

Montgomery County falls short nationally

Montgomery County's median household income of $55,849 falls $18,906 short of the U.S. median of $74,755, ranking it among lower-income American counties. The 25% income gap reflects the county's rural character and limited economic diversification.

Below-average earnings within North Carolina

Montgomery County's $55,849 median household income ranks below North Carolina's state average of $61,072 by $5,223, placing it in the lower third of the state's counties. Per capita income of $30,192 is also below state average, indicating constrained individual earning potential.

Struggles among nearby counties

Montgomery County earns $55,849, trailing nearby Mitchell County ($58,089) and Madison County ($58,628) while slightly outpacing McDowell County ($55,527). The county's weak income reflects limited job diversity and rural isolation.

Affordable housing supports families

Montgomery County's 16.2% rent-to-income ratio demonstrates solid housing affordability, staying well below the 30% threshold for sustainable costs. The median home value of $150,300 is among the lowest profiled, offering strong housing security despite modest incomes.

Build wealth through disciplined saving

Montgomery County households earning $55,849 should prioritize an emergency fund and automated savings plans to ensure financial stability. Even small monthly investments in retirement or index funds, enabled by low housing costs, can build meaningful long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Montgomery County

via CrimeByCounty

Montgomery County stays below national crime averages

The county reports 1,938.9 total crimes per 100,000 residents, which is about 19% lower than the national average of 2,385.5. It holds a safety score of 96.9. Six local agencies work to maintain this level of security.

Slightly safer than the North Carolina average

Montgomery County's total crime rate of 1,938.9 is lower than the state average of 2,050.0. Its safety score of 96.9 is just above the North Carolina benchmark of 96.8. It reflects a standard level of safety for the state's rural and small-town regions.

Consistent safety performance in the Piedmont

Montgomery County's data shows a stable environment when compared to its neighbors in central North Carolina. The reporting from six different agencies indicates a consistent effort to keep crime below state averages. It remains a safe choice for residents in the Uwharrie region.

Property crime remains the primary concern

Violent crime occurs at a rate of 267.0 per 100,000, which is lower than the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also below the national average, sitting at 1,671.9 per 100,000 compared to 2,015.7. Most reported incidents involve theft rather than interpersonal conflict.

Encouraging proactive home security

With a safety score of 96.9, residents live in a generally secure area but should still guard against property theft. Simple measures like outdoor lighting and locked sheds can deter local property crimes. Six reporting agencies provide a solid network for community safety support.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Montgomery County

via HealthByCounty

Montgomery County health below national

At 72.3 years, Montgomery County's life expectancy is 2.2 years shorter than the U.S. average of 74.5 years, indicating significant health disadvantages. With 19.6% of residents in poor or fair health—below the national 21% but still elevated—the county faces chronic disease burdens that cut lives short.

Lowest life expectancy in state

Montgomery County's 72.3-year life expectancy is the lowest in North Carolina, trailing the state average of 74.4 years by 2.1 years. This gap signals compounding health challenges—poverty, limited healthcare access, and higher rates of preventable disease—that disproportionately affect this small rural county.

Worst health in this cluster

Montgomery County's 72.3-year life expectancy is significantly lower than Nash County (73.5 years), McDowell County (74.3 years), and Madison County (74.7 years). With just 27 primary care providers per 100K—the lowest of any county profiled—Montgomery residents face the steepest access barriers in the region.

Most uninsured county profiled

Montgomery County's 16.2% uninsured rate is the highest among all counties studied and well above the state average of 12.5%, meaning 1 in 6 residents lack coverage. Combined with the county's critical shortage of 27 primary care providers per 100K, uninsured residents have almost no pathway to preventive care, forcing reliance on emergency services.

Coverage is survival here

With 1 in 6 Montgomery County residents uninsured—the worst rate in this group—healthcare access is a crisis. Call your local health department or visit healthcare.gov immediately to explore Medicaid, CHIP, or marketplace plans; insurance is your lifeline in a county with scarce providers.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Montgomery County

via SchoolsByCounty

Comprehensive Rural Education in Montgomery

Montgomery County maintains 12 public schools serving a total of 3,827 students across two districts. The landscape includes seven elementary schools, two middle schools, and three high schools. This infrastructure provides a balanced educational journey for the county's growing student population.

Excellent Outcomes Through Efficient Spending

Montgomery County achieves a standout 92.0% graduation rate, which is five points higher than the national average. Despite spending slightly less than the state average at $6,845 per pupil, the county maintains a high school score of 54.2. These figures demonstrate a high return on investment for student achievement and success.

Traditional Districts and Growing Charter Options

Montgomery County Schools is the primary district, educating 3,663 students across 11 schools. Families also have access to the Tillery Charter Academy, which serves 164 students and adds a layer of choice to the local system. This mix allows parents to choose between a large, established district or a smaller charter environment.

Rural Roots with a Strong Community Heart

Education in Montgomery is primarily rural, with nine schools in the countryside and three in town settings. Montgomery Central High is the largest school with 893 students, while most elementary schools, like Green Ridge, average around 300 students. The average school size of 319 provides a comfortable balance between resources and personal attention.

Join a High-Achieving Community in Montgomery

Home buyers will find that Montgomery County offers impressive school performance in a beautiful rural setting. High graduation rates and a variety of school types make this an ideal location for families at any stage. Search for properties in Troy or Candor to take advantage of these top-rated local schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Montgomery County

via RiskByCounty

Montgomery County below-average risk overall

Montgomery County scores 48.95 on the composite risk scale with a "Relatively Low" rating, about 27% below North Carolina's 66.72 state average. However, the county carries notable vulnerability to hurricanes (83.65) and tornadoes (65.62), which offset its lower flood and wildfire risk to create a mixed hazard profile.

Lower-middle tier among North Carolina counties

Montgomery County ranks in the lower-middle range of North Carolina's 100 counties, with above-average tornado risk (65.62) and exceptional hurricane vulnerability (83.65) for an inland piedmont location. The county's composite score reflects this split between inland weather threats and tropical storm exposure from the Atlantic.

Safer than Moore and Nash counties

Montgomery County's 48.95 score significantly trails Moore County (75.64) and Nash County (80.60), but outperforms neither—placing it as a moderate-risk piedmont county. The county's inland position provides some hurricane protection compared to coastal Martin County (65.46), but its tornado exposure remains a key differentiator.

Hurricanes and tornadoes are major concerns

Hurricane risk (83.65) leads Montgomery County's hazard profile despite its piedmont location, reflecting Atlantic system reach inland and the county's low elevation vulnerability to tropical rainfall. Tornado risk (65.62) ranks second and poses significant spring and early-summer threats, while flood risk (55.60) completes the top-three hazards driven by storm systems.

Secure hurricane and flood insurance coverage

Montgomery County homeowners should carry comprehensive homeowners insurance with flood endorsement, as the county's elevated hurricane (83.65) and tornado (65.62) risks make weather events common. Develop a household tornado plan, install a weather radio, and maintain your property's drainage systems to mitigate both storm and flood damages.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Montgomery County

via WeatherByCounty

Sunny and Warm Central NC

Montgomery County's 61.5°F annual average is roughly eight degrees warmer than the national median. This area enjoys a long growing season and consistent southern warmth.

Warm Temperatures and Low Rain

The county is warmer than the state average of 59.3°F but receives less rain at 48.1 inches. This combination makes it one of the drier warm-weather counties in central North Carolina.

Matching the Urban Heat

Montgomery's temperature profiles nearly match Mecklenburg County, with both averaging around 61.5°F. However, Montgomery receives more rainfall, getting 48.1 inches compared to Mecklenburg's 43.6.

Steamy Summers and Brief Winters

Summer brings 44 days of temperatures at or above 90°F, centering around a 79.9°F July average. Winters are very manageable, seeing only 3.3 inches of annual snowfall.

Summer Comfort is Priority

Effective attic insulation and AC maintenance are key for the 44 annual days of extreme heat. With a winter average of 44.2°F, residents can enjoy outdoor recreation almost year-round.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Montgomery County

via SoilByCounty

Moderate Acidity in the Uwharries

Montgomery County has an average pH of 5.25, placing it slightly above the state average of 5.14 but below the national 6.5 median. Its overall soil score of 27.2 is typical for the Piedmont region.

A Silty Foundation with Substantial Clay

The soil is remarkably balanced with 41.2% sand, 42.3% silt, and 16.4% clay. The high silt content gives the soil a smooth texture and helps it hold nutrients better than sandier counties.

Lower Organic Matter, High Water Retention

Organic matter is relatively low at 1.77%, falling under the 2.0% national average. However, it excels in available water capacity at 0.149 in/in, significantly beating the state average of 0.134.

Stable Moisture for Growing Seasons

Specific drainage classes are not recorded, but the high water capacity and silt levels suggest the soil remains moist for long periods. This provides a buffer against drought but can lead to heavy conditions during wet winters.

Warm-Season Success in Zone 8a

Montgomery County's 8a zone is perfect for heat-loving crops like melons and peppers. Adding organic mulch will compensate for the naturally low organic matter and boost your garden's health.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Montgomery County

via LawnByCounty

A Demanding Environment in Montgomery

Montgomery County scores a 36.0 on the lawn difficulty scale, making it one of the more challenging areas in North Carolina for grass. This Hardiness Zone 8a region requires diligent maintenance to stay green compared to the national average of 50.0.

High Heat and Long Growing Seasons

The county faces 44 extreme heat days each year, which is well above the state average of 38. With 5,079 growing degree days, the grass grows rapidly, necessitating a frequent mowing schedule throughout the long, hot season.

Correcting Acidity in Loamy Soils

The soil pH of 5.25 is well below the ideal 6.0 range, which can lead to poor turf vigor if lime is not applied. The soil texture features 41.2% sand, providing a stable base that still needs organic matter to hold nutrients during the hot summer.

Navigating 30 Weeks of Annual Drought

Montgomery County currently sits under 100% severe drought conditions after enduring 30 weeks of drought in the past year. Use a smart irrigation controller to manage water use efficiently during the intense 90°F+ summer days.

Tough Grasses for the Piedmont Heat

Bermuda and Centipede grass are well-suited for Montgomery's Zone 8a climate and high heat index. You can begin establishment projects after March 25, once the risk of the last spring frost has largely passed.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Montgomery County's county score?
Montgomery County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 46.5 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 North Carolina?
Montgomery County ranks #38 among all counties in North Carolina 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, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Montgomery County is $1,057, with an effective tax rate of 0.70%. This earns Montgomery County a tax score of 63/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Montgomery County?
The median household income in Montgomery County, North Carolina is $55,849 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Montgomery County earns an income score of 27.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Montgomery County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Montgomery County scores 46.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #38 in North Carolina. 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.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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