CountyScore

Montgomery County

New York · NY

#46 in New York
56
County Score

County Report Card

About Montgomery County, New York

Montgomery County slightly above national norm

Montgomery County's composite score of 52.6 marginally exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it just above average nationally. This modest advantage reflects decent housing affordability despite income limitations.

Slightly below New York's average

Montgomery County's score of 52.6 trails New York's state average of 54.7, placing it in the mid-to-lower tier of the state's counties. This positions it as a slightly constrained option within New York's competitive landscape.

Strong housing affordability with low rents

Montgomery County boasts a cost score of 76.5, featuring median home values of $141,600 and rents of $921 monthly—among the most affordable in this group. This makes it genuinely accessible for budget-conscious households.

Low incomes and moderate tax burden

The income score of 24.5 reflects a median household income of $62,923—the lowest in this group—limiting purchasing power. An effective tax rate of 2.564% adds moderate pressure, and safety, school, and health data remains unavailable.

Best for retirees and modest-income families

Montgomery County suits retirees and lower-income families who prioritize housing affordability and rural living. Limited job opportunities make this less ideal for working professionals seeking career growth or wage advancement.

Score breakdown

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

Tax30.2Cost76.5SafetyComing SoonHealth72.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome24.5Risk34.8WaterComing Soon
🏛30.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠76.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼24.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤72.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡34.8
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

Napa County
California
56
Median income: $108,970
Peoria County
Illinois
56
Median income: $64,938
Bastrop County
Texas
56
Median income: $82,730
Anchorage Municipality
Alaska
55.9
Median income: $98,152
Santa Cruz County
California
56.1
Median income: $109,266

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 above the national average

Montgomery County's effective tax rate of 2.564% surpasses the national median of 2.1% by roughly 460 basis points, placing it solidly in the upper-middle tier of American counties. The typical homeowner here pays $3,630 annually—35% above the national median of $2,690.

Above-average New York tax rate

At 2.564%, Montgomery County's rate exceeds the state average of 2.046% by 520 basis points, making it a higher-tax county statewide. The median property tax of $3,630 falls below the state average of $4,709, reflecting Montgomery's notably lower median home value of $141,600.

Higher taxes than most upstate neighbors

Montgomery County's 2.564% rate tops Lewis County (1.698%), Madison County (2.295%), and Niagara County (2.284%), though it runs slightly below Livingston County (2.466%) and Monroe County (2.788%). It represents a moderate-to-high-tax option in the region.

What a typical Montgomery County home costs to own

On the county's median home value of $141,600, you'll pay roughly $3,630 in annual property taxes at the current effective rate. That figure rises to $3,990 if you finance through a mortgage, and drops to $3,274 for homeowners with no mortgage.

You may be overassessed—here's what to do

Across New York, many homeowners discover their assessed values exceed fair market value, opening the door to successful tax appeals. If you believe your Montgomery County property is overvalued relative to recent comparable sales in your area, filing a grievance during the assessment review period could lower your annual bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Montgomery County

via CostByCounty

Montgomery County matches state affordability

Renters spend exactly 17.6% of income on housing, matching New York's state average precisely, though household incomes are notably lower at $62,923. Median rent of $921 per month sits just below the state average of $1,133, but the lower income base makes the burden feel heavier for working families.

Middle tier affordability with lower incomes

Montgomery County's rent-to-income ratio mirrors the state average, but the county's lower-than-average median household income places it at a disadvantage compared to wealthier regions. At $62,923, the median household income trails the state's general profile, making housing feel less affordable on real terms.

Rent comparable, income lagging behind

Montgomery's $921 rent falls in the middle range of neighbors, but its $62,923 median income is the lowest among nearby counties—Lewis ($68,329), Livingston ($72,464), and Madison ($73,141) all earn more. This income disadvantage makes housing more burdensome, despite rent costs remaining reasonable.

Tight margins on modest incomes

With median household income of $62,923, residents spend roughly $11,052 yearly on rent (17.6%) and $12,012 on ownership costs if mortgaged. The lower income base means less discretionary spending available after housing costs compared to neighbors, creating tighter household budgets overall.

Montgomery County: affordable but income-conscious

Montgomery offers reasonable rents and homes near $141,600, but the lower median income of $62,923 suggests tight household budgets even at these moderate costs. Relocators should verify job prospects and wage levels carefully before moving; affordability here hinges heavily on finding well-compensated work.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Montgomery County

via IncomeByCounty

Montgomery County significantly lags nationally

Montgomery County's median household income of $62,923 falls $11,832 short of the national median of $74,755—a 15.8% gap that marks it as one of the nation's lower-earning counties. This reflects limited job diversity and population decline in this Hudson Valley region.

Among New York's poorest counties

At $62,923, Montgomery County ranks in the bottom quartile of New York's 62 counties, lagging the state average of $76,433 by $13,510. The county struggles with manufacturing losses and limited connection to higher-wage metros.

Struggling within the region

Montgomery County's $62,923 trails every surveyed neighbor, falling $5,406 below Lewis County ($68,329) and $9,230 below Madison County ($73,141). Isolation from major job centers and economic decline distinguish Montgomery from stronger regional peers.

Housing costs bite harder here

Montgomery County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.6% approaches the affordability danger zone, and median home values of $141,600 remain a stretch for families earning the county median. Housing absorbs a larger share of income, leaving less for savings and emergencies.

Prioritize financial resilience

Montgomery County families face tighter budgets than most New Yorkers, making financial planning essential—start with a robust emergency fund covering 6 months of expenses. Consider education and skill-building investments to access higher-wage work in nearby metros, and seek out employer retirement programs to build security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Montgomery County

via HealthByCounty

Montgomery County faces serious health challenges

At 75.2 years, Montgomery County's life expectancy is significantly below the U.S. average of 76.4 years—a gap suggesting systemic health barriers. With 19.4% reporting poor or fair health, the county faces the highest health distress rate in this analysis.

Lowest life expectancy in New York's mid-tier

Montgomery County's 75.2-year life expectancy ranks among the lowest in New York State, trailing the state average of 77.9 years by 2.7 years. This gap points to chronic disease burden, limited preventive care, or socioeconomic pressures affecting health outcomes.

Health crisis in an otherwise stable region

Montgomery County's 75.2-year life expectancy and 19.4% poor/fair health rate are severe outliers; neighboring counties like Madison (78.4 years, 14.4% poor/fair) and Livingston (79.4 years, 15.3% poor/fair) show markedly better outcomes. Primary care access is also constrained at 53 per 100K and mental health support limited at 103 per 100K.

Insurance gaps complicate access to care

Montgomery County's 5.0% uninsured rate is near the state average, yet provider scarcity—just 53 primary care and 103 mental health providers per 100K—means many insured residents still struggle to access timely care. Economic hardship may limit residents' ability to afford deductibles or travel to distant providers.

Health coverage is critical in Montgomery

Montgomery County residents face real health challenges, making insurance coverage essential—don't let a gap leave you vulnerable during medical emergencies. Use New York State of Health to find affordable plans, and explore community health centers for cost-effective primary and mental health services.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Montgomery County

via RiskByCounty

Montgomery County's risk moderately above national average

At 65.17, Montgomery County's composite risk score sits slightly below the U.S. average, earning a Relatively Low rating. The county experiences meaningful multi-hazard exposure but remains in the safer half of American counties.

Below-average risk within New York State

Montgomery County's 65.17 score falls just below New York's state average of 69.42, placing it slightly into the safer half statewide. However, it ranks as the highest-risk county among its immediate Upstate rural neighbors.

Riskier than Lewis, comparable to Madison and Livingston

Montgomery County (65.17) carries substantially more exposure than Lewis County (24.71) but less than regions closer to New York City. Its risk profile sits between rural safety and urban vulnerability, reflecting the Mohawk Valley's transitional geography.

Flooding drives Montgomery County's exposure

Flood risk (80.47) and hurricane risk (67.96) substantially outpace other hazards, while tornadoes (41.67) and earthquakes (51.84) pose secondary threats. Wildfire risk (27.74) remains notably low compared to western regions.

Prioritize flood and wind coverage now

A standalone flood insurance policy is essential in Montgomery County, particularly for homes in the Mohawk River corridor and tributaries. Ensure your standard policy includes comprehensive wind and hail coverage, and verify earthquake protection if you're in a higher-risk micro-zone.

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.