countyscore
29.3
County Score
Lawn Care 85.2Soil Quality 73.8Water Quality 69.8

County Report Card

About Montgomery County, Ohio

Falling Behind National Averages

Montgomery County posts a composite score of 29.3, trailing well behind the national median score of 50.0. This puts the county in the bottom third of locales nationwide for overall livability metrics.

Below the Ohio Baseline

The county's overall score of 29.3 sits significantly lower than the Ohio state average of 48.6. It struggles to match the performance of its peers across the state, primarily due to high local burdens.

Solid Water Quality and Income Levels

Water quality is a clear bright spot with a score of 69.8, indicating reliable infrastructure. Residents also benefit from a respectable median household income of $64,403, supporting a score of 51.8 in the income dimension.

High Taxes and Safety Concerns

The county faces significant hurdles with a tax score of 5.5, driven by a high effective tax rate of 1.777%. Safety and environmental risk also remain major concerns, with scores of 12.2 and 7.3 respectively.

Best for Urban Professionals

This county suits professionals who prioritize consistent income and infrastructure over tax savings. Those willing to navigate urban challenges in exchange for a median rent of $968 will find the most value here.

Score breakdown

Tax5.5Cost29.3Safety12.2Health45.5Schools44Income51.8Risk7.3Water69.8Weather58.6
🏛5.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠29.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼51.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡12.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤45.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓44
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡7.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧69.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤58.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨73.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱85.2
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 →
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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 run high nationally

Montgomery County's effective tax rate of 1.777% sits well above the national median of 1.08%, placing it in roughly the top 25% of U.S. counties. Homeowners here pay a median of $2,975 annually, compared to the national median of $2,690—about 10% more despite homes valued 41% lower than the national average of $281,900.

Highest-taxed county in Ohio

Montgomery County claims the highest effective tax rate in the state at 1.777%, compared to Ohio's average of 1.148%. Its median tax bill of $2,975 exceeds the state median of $2,145 by 39%, making it a clear outlier among Ohio's 88 counties.

Significantly higher than regional peers

Montgomery's 1.777% rate towers over neighboring counties: Morgan County pays 0.906%, Muskingum County 0.946%, and Perry County 0.929%. In concrete terms, Montgomery homeowners pay roughly $1,300–$1,800 more annually than their neighbors in adjacent counties with similar home values.

What Montgomery homeowners actually pay

On a median home valued at $167,400, the annual property tax bill runs $2,975—or about $248 monthly. Homeowners with a mortgage may see an additional escrow amount of $3,192, while those paying cash typically remit $2,668 to the county.

You might be overassessed

Many Montgomery County homeowners are paying more than they should; assessments sometimes lag market values or contain errors. If your home's assessed value seems out of line with recent sales nearby, filing an appeal with the county auditor's office could lower your tax bill at no cost.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Montgomery County

via CostByCounty

Montgomery: Above the National Affordability Line

Renters in Montgomery County spend 18.0% of their income on rent, slightly above the national benchmark of 15% but reflecting the county's median household income of $64,403—about 14% below the national average of $74,755. While housing costs are higher here than in many rural Ohio counties, they remain more accessible than in coastal metros where rent-to-income ratios often exceed 25%.

Montgomery Ranks Mid-Pack in Ohio

At 18.0%, Montgomery's rent-to-income ratio exceeds Ohio's state average of 15.6%, placing it in the less affordable half of the state's counties. The median rent of $968 per month also runs $95 above the state median, a difference driven by Montgomery's size and economic activity as a mid-sized urban county.

Pricier Than Rural Neighbors

Montgomery's $968 median rent substantially outpaces nearby rural counties like Morrow ($942) and Muskingum ($811), though homeownership costs are comparable—Montgomery's median owner cost of $1,064 sits between Morrow's $1,097 and Muskingum's $888. The trade-off reflects Montgomery's denser job market and urban amenities, drawing higher rental demand.

Housing Absorbs Nearly One-Fifth of Income

For renters, the $968 monthly rent consumes roughly 18% of the median household income, while homeowners allocate about 20% of income toward their $1,064 monthly owner cost. Together, these figures reveal that housing remains the largest single expense for most Montgomery County households, leaving limited discretionary income for other necessities.

Consider Montgomery for Urban Amenities

If you're relocating to Ohio, Montgomery offers more jobs and services than rural counties but at a measurable affordability cost. Renters prioritizing walkability and employment options should compare Montgomery's 18.0% rent-to-income ratio against more rural options like Paulding (13.2%) or Perry (13.5%), where housing is cheaper but opportunities are fewer.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Montgomery County

via IncomeByCounty

Montgomery trails national income benchmark

Montgomery County's median household income of $64,403 sits $10,352 below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it below the national average. However, the county's per capita income of $37,320 exceeds Ohio's state average of $35,642, showing solid individual earning power across the county.

Middle tier earner among Ohio counties

At $64,403, Montgomery County ranks in the middle range for Ohio household income, slightly below the state average of $68,101. The county's median income reflects a diverse economic base anchored by its urban center in Dayton.

Competitive within regional peers

Montgomery's $64,403 median income outpaces nearby Morgan County ($55,971) and Noble County ($55,360), but trails neighboring Morrow County ($71,047) and Paulding County ($68,167). The variation across the region reflects different economic structures and job availability in surrounding areas.

Rents consume modest portion of income

Montgomery County's rent-to-income ratio of 18% is reasonable, meaning renters spend roughly that share of earnings on housing. With a median home value of $167,400 and solid household incomes, homeownership remains accessible for many county residents.

Build long-term wealth in Montgomery

With a per capita income of $37,320 and manageable housing costs, Montgomery County residents have room to invest. Consider working with a local financial advisor to develop a retirement strategy and explore investment vehicles suited to your income level and goals.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Montgomery County

via CrimeByCounty

Crime Trends in Montgomery County

Montgomery County records a total crime rate of 2586.0 per 100,000 residents, which sits slightly above the national average of 2385.5. The county earns a safety score of 95.9 out of 100, indicating a higher volume of reported incidents than many U.S. counterparts.

Safety Comparisons Across Ohio

With a total crime rate of 2586.0, the county exceeds the Ohio state average of 1412.3 by a significant margin. Its safety score of 95.9 remains below the state average of 97.8, reflecting the challenges of a major urban center.

Montgomery vs. Nearby Regions

Montgomery's crime rate of 2586.0 is notably higher than that of neighboring Muskingum County, which reports 1990.9 incidents per 100,000 people. Data from 23 reporting agencies provides a comprehensive view of the local public safety landscape.

Violent vs. Property Crime Breakdown

Property crime accounts for the bulk of local activity at 2143.4 incidents per 100,000, exceeding the national mark of 2015.7. Violent crime stands at 442.6, which is also higher than the national average of 369.8.

Staying Secure in Montgomery County

With property crime rates exceeding both state and national averages, local residents should remain vigilant about home security. Simple measures like smart lighting and secure entry points can significantly reduce the risk of theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Montgomery County

via HealthByCounty

Montgomery: Living Below the National Average

At 73.3 years, Montgomery County's life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 76.4 years by three years. One in five residents (20.3%) report poor or fair health, slightly above the national rate of 17.8%, signaling persistent health challenges across the county.

The Fifth-Largest City, Below-Average Health

Montgomery ranks below Ohio's state average life expectancy of 74.8 years, placing it in the lower half of the state's 88 counties. The county's uninsured rate matches the state average at 7.5%, though health outcomes suggest deeper structural issues beyond coverage alone.

Dayton's Health Gap vs. Rural Peers

Montgomery's 73.3-year life expectancy falls short of nearby Muskingum County (74.4 years) and significantly trails Paulding County (76.9 years) and Ottawa County (76.6 years). Despite being Ohio's second-largest metro area, Montgomery residents face mortality rates comparable to counties with far smaller populations.

Good Access, But Health Persists

Montgomery maintains strong provider infrastructure with 95 primary care providers and 402 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—well above rural county averages. Yet abundant access hasn't translated to better health outcomes, suggesting that availability alone doesn't address underlying chronic disease, poverty, and behavioral health challenges.

Check Your Coverage Today

With 7.5% of Montgomery residents uninsured, thousands lack basic health protection. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to explore Medicaid, ACA plans, and employer coverage options—the first step toward preventive care and chronic disease management.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Montgomery County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Major Educational Hub in Southwest Ohio

Montgomery County manages a massive infrastructure of 159 public schools across 42 distinct districts. The system serves 73,926 students with a diverse mix of 86 elementary, 25 middle, and 36 high schools.

Evaluating Performance and Educational Investment

The county maintains an 81.4% graduation rate, which sits below the state average of 88.3%. While per-pupil spending of $8,731 exceeds the Ohio average, it remains lower than the national benchmark of $13,000.

Deep Enrollment in Dayton and Centerville

Dayton City is the largest provider with 28 schools and 11,828 students, followed closely by Centerville and Kettering. Charter schools play a significant role here, representing 15.1% of all schools in the county.

From Busy Suburbs to Urban Centers

Education here is primarily suburban and urban, with 91 schools in suburbs and 61 in city centers. School sizes vary wildly, from the massive Centerville High with 2,755 students to smaller specialized campuses.

Secure a Future in Montgomery County Schools

High-performing districts like Centerville and Kettering make this county a top choice for families moving to the Dayton area. Explore local listings to find a home within walking distance of these established school systems.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Montgomery County

via RiskByCounty

Montgomery ranks well above average

Montgomery County's composite risk score of 92.65 places it in the "Relatively Moderate" category—significantly higher than the U.S. average. This means residents face greater exposure to multiple hazards compared to most American counties, particularly from flooding and tornadoes.

The highest-risk county in Ohio

Montgomery County's composite score of 92.65 far exceeds Ohio's state average of 55.03, making it the state's most disaster-prone county by a substantial margin. This elevated risk reflects the county's vulnerability across multiple hazard types, particularly floods and tornadoes.

Significantly riskier than surrounding areas

Montgomery County's 92.65 score dwarfs neighboring Muskingum County (70.93) and Ottawa County (59.16), both of which also exceed the state average but remain far safer. This concentration of risk makes Montgomery County a regional outlier for disaster preparedness.

Floods and tornadoes dominate locally

Flood risk scores 95.52, the county's highest hazard rating and a critical concern for residents near waterways and low-lying areas. Tornado risk ranks nearly as high at 92.62, making severe weather response and shelter planning essential year-round preparations.

Flood and wind insurance essential here

With flood and tornado risks both exceeding 90, standard homeowners insurance alone is insufficient—flooding is typically excluded from standard policies. Residents should secure separate flood insurance and verify windstorm coverage, then review and update policies annually given the county's persistent dual threats.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Montgomery County

via WeatherByCounty

Montgomery's Elevated Thermal Profile

With an annual average of 53.8°F, Montgomery County is warmer than most Midwestern counterparts and the national median. This climate supports active outdoor lifestyles for much of the year.

One of Ohio's Warmest Counties

The county’s average temperature sits well above the state norm of 51.5°F. This warmth is driven by high summer peaks and relatively stable winter temperatures.

Standard Precipitation for Southwest Ohio

Montgomery receives 41.3 inches of rain and snow annually, nearly identical to the state average of 41.2 inches. It maintains a consistent moisture balance compared to its drier neighbors to the west.

Intense Summer Heat and Moderate Snow

Summer is rigorous here, with 23 days reaching 90°F or higher and a July average of 75.9°F. Winters are manageable, bringing 18.6 inches of snow and a January average of 29.4°F.

Invest in Cooling Capacity

The 23 extreme heat days make high-quality air conditioning a necessity rather than a luxury. Residents should also be prepared for moderate winter snowfall that occasionally impacts local travel.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Montgomery County

via SoilByCounty

Montgomery County’s balanced soil profile

Montgomery County features a balanced pH of 6.41, sitting comfortably near the national median of 6.5 and significantly higher than the Ohio state average of 5.97. While specific taxonomic data is limited for this region, the high soil score of 73.8 indicates a healthy foundation for various land uses. This near-neutral acidity level simplifies nutrient management for local growers.

A silt-heavy mix for local stability

The soil composition is dominated by 51.0% silt, providing a smooth texture that holds moisture effectively. With 27.5% sand and 20.7% clay, the soil offers a moderate balance between drainage and stability. This specific mix creates a workable medium that resists the heavy compaction often found in higher-clay regions.

Solid water capacity and organic life

At 3.11%, the organic matter content exceeds the national average of 2.0% but trails the state average of 4.85%. The soil compensates with an available water capacity (AWC) of 0.193 in/in, which is higher than the typical Ohio average of 0.186 in/in. These figures suggest that local crops can withstand short dry spells better than neighboring counties.

Navigating drainage without specific classifications

Current data does not specify a dominant drainage class or hydrologic group for Montgomery County's general soil profile. However, the high silt and clay content generally points toward moderate permeability in many areas. Landowners should conduct site-specific testing before starting major drainage or building projects.

Thriving in hardiness zone 6b

Montgomery County sits in USDA hardiness zone 6b, where the soil and climate support diverse vegetable gardens and perennials. The high soil score of 73.8 suggests that with the right amendments, you can grow everything from tomatoes to flowering shrubs. Start your planting season in early spring to take full advantage of this productive land.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Montgomery County

via LawnByCounty

Prime Conditions for Montgomery County Lawns

Montgomery County earns a high lawn difficulty score of 85.2, significantly beating both the Ohio average of 76.0 and the national median of 50.0. This USDA Hardiness Zone 6b region offers some of the most favorable conditions in the state for maintaining a lush green space. Residents find it much easier to keep turf healthy here than in most other parts of the country.

High Heat Requires Attentive Summer Watering

The county receives 41.3 inches of annual precipitation, which fits perfectly within the ideal range for grass growth. However, Montgomery faces 23 extreme heat days per year, which is well above the state average of 15 days. With 3,730 growing degree days, lawns here grow rapidly but require extra irrigation during mid-summer spikes to avoid heat stress.

Well-Balanced Soil Provides a Strong Base

The local soil pH of 6.41 falls right in the 'sweet spot' for most turfgrass species, requiring very few chemical adjustments. A composition of 20.7% clay and 27.5% sand provides a stable foundation that holds moisture without becoming waterlogged. Most homeowners can maintain high-quality turf without intensive soil remediation.

Resilient Landscapes with Minimal Drought Stress

Montgomery County has only experienced 5 weeks of drought over the past year, and currently, 0% of the area is under dry conditions. This stability allows for deep-rooting practices that further protect the lawn from occasional dry spells. Watering early in the morning helps maintain this resilience without wasting water through evaporation.

Planting for Success in Zone 6b

Hardy cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall Fescue thrive here, especially when seeded after the last spring frost on April 17. The first fall frost usually arrives by October 26, giving you a generous window for autumn overseeding and repair. Start your prep work now to take advantage of one of Ohio's best growing environments.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Montgomery County's county score?
Montgomery County, Ohio has a composite county score of 29.3 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 Ohio?
Montgomery County ranks #87 among all counties in Ohio 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, Ohio?
The median annual property tax in Montgomery County is $2,975, with an effective tax rate of 1.78%. This earns Montgomery County a tax score of 5.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Montgomery County?
The median household income in Montgomery County, Ohio is $64,403 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Montgomery County earns an income score of 51.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Montgomery County, Ohio a good place to live?
Montgomery County scores 29.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #87 in Ohio. 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.