countyscore
40.2
County Score
Lawn Care 64.4Health 63.3Soil Quality 58.2

County Report Card

About Montgomery County, New York

Lower Than the National Median

Montgomery County earns a composite score of 40.1, trailing the national median of 50.0. The county faces unique economic hurdles compared to many other regions across the country.

Below the New York Benchmark

With a score of 40.1, the county sits below the state average of 47.0. It struggles to compete with more affluent or environmentally secure counties in New York.

Reliable Health and Housing Availability

Health remains a strength with a score of 63.3, while a Cost Score of 34.6 reflects relatively lower home values. The median home value of $141,600 is significantly more accessible than state averages.

Tax Burdens and Water Issues

A Tax Score of 0.4 highlights the pressure of a 2.564% effective tax rate. Additionally, a low Water Score of 16.2 indicates room for improvement in local utility infrastructure.

Suited for Budget-Conscious Renters

This county is a practical choice for individuals seeking lower entry-level housing costs, with median rent at $921. It offers a modest lifestyle for those who prioritize regional proximity over high-end scores.

204060801000.434.749.263.353.447.934.816.251.3Tax0.4Cost34.7Safety49.2Health63.3Schools53.4Income47.9Risk34.8Water16.2Weather51.340.2/100
This county
National avg
1 above average4 below average

Montgomery County DNA

Foverall

How Montgomery County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Montgomery County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Property Tax (0.4/100), though Health (63.3/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
0.4-51.6
Cost
34.7-13.299999999999997
Safety
49.2
Health
63.3+13.299999999999997
Schools
53.4
Income
47.9
Risk
34.8-12.200000000000003
Water
16.2-41.8
Weather
51.3
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

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$157,500

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$940/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$157,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$37,600/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $64,943/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

70.8

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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Nearby counties

Fulton County
New York
43.6
Schenectady County
New York
34.2
Schoharie County
New York
54.3
Albany County
New York
35.5
Herkimer County
New York
47.2
Saratoga County
New York
50.9
Otsego County
New York
53.4
Rensselaer County
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40.1

Deep Dives

Montgomery County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 8 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

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

Safety in Montgomery County

via CrimeByCounty

Montgomery County Maintains Safety Advantage

Montgomery County achieves a safety score of 98.2, keeping residents well-protected compared to national trends. Its total crime rate of 1,140.5 is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

Tracking Close to State Averages

The county's safety score of 98.2 sits right at the New York state average of 98.3. Its total crime rate of 1,140.5 per 100K is just slightly higher than the state average of 1,074.4.

Competitive Safety in the Region

Montgomery County's rate of 1,140.5 is very similar to Madison County's 1,133.5. Both counties offer a similar safety profile, though they see more activity than rural Lewis County.

Very Low Violent Crime Statistics

Violent crime is notably low at 70.5 per 100K, which is much lower than the state average of 125.0 and the national 369.8. Property crime makes up 1,070.0 incidents per 100K, about half the national average.

Simple Habits for Home Safety

Because property crime is the primary concern here, keeping doors locked and valuables out of sight is effective. These simple actions maintain the county's strong standing as a safe New York community.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Soil Quality in Montgomery County

via SoilByCounty

Moderate Acidity in the Mohawk Valley

Montgomery County has a pH of 5.73, which is more acidic than the national median of 6.5. However, this value remains higher than the New York state average of 5.11, indicating a moderate acidity level.

Workable Silty Silt Mix

Silt is the primary component at 49.8%, paired with 31.2% sand and 17.2% clay. This silty texture provides excellent workability and creates a stable environment for sensitive root development.

Steady Organic Growth Potential

Organic matter levels stand at 6.70%, well above the national 2.0% benchmark. The available water capacity of 0.164 in/in is just below the state average of 0.182, requiring attentive moisture management during dry spells.

Predicting Soil Hydrology

Detailed drainage and hydrologic classifications are not available in this data set. Based on the 49.8% silt content, gardeners can expect soil that holds moisture well but may be prone to surface crusting.

Diverse Planting in Zone 5b

In hardiness zone 5b, you can successfully grow a wide range of hardy vegetables and beautiful ornamental shrubs. Your soil provides a solid foundation for a beautiful and productive home garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Montgomery County

via LawnByCounty

Reliable Results in Montgomery

Montgomery County offers a favorable lawn difficulty score of 64.4, outperforming the state average of 61.1. The county sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b, which is ideal for classic northern grasses that prefer cold winters and mild summers.

Navigating Data Gaps

While specific annual climate averages are not locally available for this county, the 5b zone classification suggests a standard upstate New York pattern. Residents should monitor local weather carefully, as the lack of extreme heat days typically seen in the region helps prevent lawn stress.

Slightly Acidic Soils

The soil pH of 5.73 is slightly below the ideal range, meaning grass may benefit from a light application of lime. The soil texture is balanced with 17.2% clay and 31.2% sand, providing good structure for moisture retention.

Minimal Water Stress

With only 11 weeks of drought over the last year and no current dry areas reported, water availability is generally not a concern. You can maintain a healthy lawn with standard rainfall and only occasional supplemental watering during the peak of summer.

Choosing the Right Turf

Kentucky Bluegrass is the gold standard for Montgomery County's Zone 5b climate. Since specific frost dates are unavailable in the current dataset, follow the regional tradition of seeding in late August to early September for best establishment.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Montgomery County's county score?
Montgomery County, New York has a composite county score of 40.2 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 New York?
Montgomery County ranks #51 among all counties in New York 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, New York?
The median annual property tax in Montgomery County is $3,872, with an effective tax rate of 2.46%. This earns Montgomery County a tax score of 0.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Montgomery County?
The median household income in Montgomery County, New York is $64,943 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Montgomery County earns an income score of 47.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Montgomery County, New York a good place to live?
Montgomery County scores 40.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #51 in New York. 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 Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.