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Montgomery County, Pennsylvania — County Report Card

PA

#59 in Pennsylvania

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
44
County Score
Income & Jobs 97.8Health 94.5Schools 68.8

County Report Card

About Montgomery County, Pennsylvania

High Prosperity, High Costs

Montgomery County scores a 44.0, which is below the national median of 50.0 despite its immense wealth. Extreme housing costs and environmental risks create a unique statistical profile.

Wealthy but Low-Ranked

While it is one of the state's wealthiest areas, its composite score of 44.0 sits below the state average of 51.8. This is largely due to its cost score of 4.2 and risk score of 3.2.

Elite Incomes and Health

The county boasts an incredible income score of 97.8 and a health score of 94.5. With a median household income of $111,521, residents enjoy some of the best lifestyle outcomes in the country.

Affordability and Risk Gaps

A median home value of $409,900 leads to a nearly bottom-tier cost score. Additionally, a risk score of 3.2 suggests significant vulnerability to natural or man-made hazards compared to rural neighbors.

Best for Affluent Professionals

This county is perfect for high-net-worth individuals who prioritize world-class healthcare and economic opportunity. It is a premium destination where the high cost of entry buys exceptional amenities.

Score breakdown

Tax16.9Cost4.2Safety36.7Health94.5Schools68.8Income97.8Risk3.2Water68.4Weather56.1
🏛16.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠4.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼97.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡36.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤94.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓68.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡3.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧68.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤56.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨27.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱49.8
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's rate slightly above U.S. median

Montgomery County's effective tax rate of 1.409% exceeds the national median of 1.2%, placing it in the upper-middle tier of U.S. counties. However, the median property tax of $5,776 is more than double the national median of $2,690, reflecting the county's substantially higher home values. Montgomery's high tax dollars stem primarily from expensive properties, not an exceptionally steep rate.

Above Pennsylvania average, mid-pack statewide

At 1.409%, Montgomery's effective rate exceeds Pennsylvania's state average of 1.317%, ranking the county in the upper-middle tier of the state's 67 counties. The county balances a moderately above-average rate with affluent property values to generate substantial tax revenue.

Higher-rate county among wealthy suburbs

Montgomery's 1.409% rate exceeds Mercer (1.265%) and Montour (1.030%), but trails Northampton (1.653%), Monroe (1.839%), McKean (1.636%), and Mifflin (1.558%). Among Pennsylvania's wealthier suburban counties, Montgomery occupies the middle ground for effective tax rates.

Highest dollar taxes among these eight counties

Montgomery's median home value of $409,900—the highest among these eight counties—generates a median property tax of $5,776 annually, the largest dollar amount in this group. With mortgage adjustments, bills range from $5,514 to $5,894, placing Montgomery among the nation's highest property-tax jurisdictions in absolute terms.

High values warrant careful assessment review

With median home values exceeding $400,000 and annual taxes approaching $5,800, even a 1% overassessment error costs homeowners nearly $60 yearly. Montgomery residents should request a formal reassessment if recent sales of comparable homes suggest their property is overvalued relative to market.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Montgomery County

via CostByCounty

Montgomery's wealth masks housing pressure

Montgomery County's 17.4% rent-to-income ratio exceeds national norms despite the state's highest median income at $111,521. The county's $1,612 median rent reflects the Philadelphia suburbs' premium market, where even high earners dedicate substantial income to housing.

Affluent but expensive for Pennsylvania

Montgomery ranks second in state income but carries a 17.4% rent-to-income ratio, above Pennsylvania's 16.5% average and exceeded only by Monroe. The median home value of $409,900 is the state's highest, driven by Philadelphia area demand.

Premium suburbs demand premium prices

Montgomery's $1,612 rent and $409,900 median home value dwarf all comparison counties, including Northampton ($1,335 rent, $285,000 homes). Proximity to Philadelphia commands a 20%+ price premium over central and northern Pennsylvania alternatives.

High income, higher housing costs

Renters spend $1,612 monthly (17.4% of $111,521 income) while homeowners pay $1,905 monthly (20.5%)—the highest absolute costs despite substantial household earnings. Ownership particularly strains budgets in this premium suburban market.

Montgomery offers proximity, not bargains

Relocating to Montgomery for suburban Philadelphia access means accepting the nation's steepest housing costs outside major metros. Compare the 17.4% rent ratio against distant counties offering similar income and lower housing burden before committing.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Montgomery County

via IncomeByCounty

Montgomery far exceeds national income

Montgomery County's median household income of $111,521 runs $36,766 ahead of the national median of $74,755, a 49% premium. This substantial lead places Montgomery among the nation's wealthier counties, driven by Philadelphia's suburban prosperity and professional workforce.

Pennsylvania's highest-income county

Montgomery's $111,521 median household income vastly outpaces Pennsylvania's state average of $69,614, exceeding it by nearly $42,000. The per capita income of $60,507 is 62% above the state average of $37,407, reflecting extraordinary earning power.

Clear leader among Pennsylvania peers

Montgomery's $111,521 income towers over all other counties in this cohort, followed distantly by Northampton ($86,687) and Monroe ($82,374). The county's position as Philadelphia's primary suburb drives its exceptional earning power and economic advantage.

High income supports premium housing

Montgomery's rent-to-income ratio of 17.4% reflects the challenge of premium housing costs, with a median home value of $409,900. However, the county's high median household income of $111,521 makes even these substantial housing expenses manageable for residents.

Build generational wealth in Montgomery

At $111,521 median household income, Montgomery residents have exceptional capacity for wealth accumulation and investment. Sophisticated financial planning—including tax-advantaged accounts, real estate equity, and diversified portfolios—can help high-earning households build substantial long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Montgomery County

via CrimeByCounty

Montgomery County Outperforms National Average

Montgomery County is safer than many large counties, with a safety score of 97.7. Its total crime rate of 1,465.8 per 100,000 is well below the national average of 2,385.5.

Higher Crime Rate Than State Average

The county's total crime rate of 1,465.8 is higher than the state average of 932.4, likely due to its high population density. Consequently, its safety score of 97.7 is below the Pennsylvania average of 98.5.

Higher Rates Than Rural Neighbors

Montgomery's rate is significantly higher than nearby Northampton County, which reports only 751.2 crimes per 100,000. It also sees more incidents than Monroe County's rate of 1,046.8.

Property Crime Dominates Local Stats

Property crime accounts for 1,353.6 of the county's incidents per 100,000 residents. Interestingly, violent crime is exceptionally low at 112.2, which is significantly lower than the national average of 369.8.

Priority on Property Protection

With property crime making up over 92% of all incidents, residents should prioritize securing their homes and vehicles. Utilizing security cameras and alarm systems is highly recommended in this busy county.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Montgomery County

via HealthByCounty

Montgomery leads nation with exceptional longevity

Montgomery County residents live to 80.0 years on average—a full year above the U.S. average of 79 years and among the healthiest counties in the nation. The 13.5% poor or fair health rate is well below national averages, indicating a healthier population with better-managed chronic conditions. At 4.3% uninsured, Montgomery achieves among the lowest uninsured rates in the country, ensuring broad healthcare access.

Pennsylvania's health champion by every metric

Montgomery's 80.0-year life expectancy significantly exceeds Pennsylvania's state average of 76.4 years by 3.6 years, ranking it among the state's top performers. The 4.3% uninsured rate is dramatically lower than the state average of 7.0%, reflecting strong economic conditions and coverage stability. With 131 primary care providers and 457 mental health providers per 100K, Montgomery boasts the densest healthcare infrastructure in this county cohort.

Healthiest county by a commanding margin

Montgomery's 80.0-year life expectancy far exceeds all regional peers—outpacing Northampton (78.9) by over a year and Montour (77.5) by 2.5 years. The 13.5% poor/fair health rate is the lowest regionally, showing a population with fewer chronic conditions and better disease management. With 457 mental health providers per 100K, Montgomery's behavioral health infrastructure is 2-3 times denser than neighboring counties.

Robust healthcare system supports prevention and care

Montgomery's 131 primary care providers per 100K ensure residents access preventive screenings, routine care, and chronic disease management without long delays or geographic barriers. The 457 mental health providers per 100K means therapy and psychiatric care are genuinely accessible, addressing behavioral health needs early. The 4.3% uninsured rate is among the nation's lowest, ensuring nearly all residents can afford the care available to them.

Among insured? Stay covered to maintain health gains

Montgomery's exceptional health outcomes stem directly from near-universal coverage and robust provider networks—don't let a lapse in insurance jeopardize that. If you're among the 4.3% uninsured, visit healthcare.gov or contact your employer immediately to secure coverage. Maintaining uninterrupted insurance ensures you continue accessing the preventive and specialty care that makes Montgomery one of the nation's healthiest counties.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Montgomery County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Massive Network of Suburban Excellence

Montgomery County is an educational powerhouse with 158 public schools serving 116,729 students across 28 districts. The infrastructure includes 96 elementary schools and 27 high schools, making it one of the largest systems in the state.

Significant Investment and Competitive Outcomes

The county invests $12,569 per pupil, well above the state average, and maintains an 88.5% graduation rate. With a school score of 64.8, the area remains a top choice for academic performance in the Philadelphia suburbs.

North Penn and Digital Alternatives

North Penn SD is the largest traditional district with 12,859 students, while the county also hosts major hubs like Lower Merion. Interestingly, large cyber charter schools like Agora Cyber CS, serving nearly 5,000 students, are based here.

Diverse Suburban Campuses and Large Enrollments

Almost all schools (151) are in suburban locales, with an average enrollment of 739 students. Iconic facilities like North Penn Senior High serve over 3,100 students, offering a large-scale collegiate atmosphere for teens.

The Gold Standard for Suburban Schooling

Montgomery County is synonymous with high-quality suburban education and extensive district variety. Whether you prefer the scale of North Penn or the prestige of Lower Merion, your home search here is backed by serious educational investment.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Montgomery County

via RiskByCounty

Montgomery faces the highest risk profile

With a composite risk score of 96.82, Montgomery County experiences far above-average natural disaster exposure compared to nearly all U.S. counties. The county's "Relatively High" risk rating indicates serious and multifaceted hazards requiring substantial preparation and investment. Montgomery ranks among America's most disaster-exposed counties.

Pennsylvania's highest-risk county

Montgomery County's risk score of 96.82 dramatically exceeds Pennsylvania's state average of 67.45 by nearly 30 points, making it the state's single most vulnerable county. The county's extreme scores in flooding (98.16), earthquakes (94.21), tornadoes (95.61), and hurricanes (89.86) reflect unprecedented convergence of hazards. This "Relatively High" rating demands serious attention from property owners and policymakers.

Far riskier than surrounding counties

Montgomery County's score of 96.82 dramatically exceeds Northampton County (90.01), Monroe County (85.08), and all other neighboring counties by substantial margins. No Pennsylvania county comes close to Montgomery's extreme exposure profile. The county's location near Philadelphia, vulnerable to Atlantic weather and seismic activity, and its dense development create the nation's most challenging disaster environment.

Every major hazard threatens here

Montgomery County faces extreme risks from floods (98.16), tornadoes (95.61), earthquakes (94.21), and hurricanes (89.86)—an exceptionally rare and dangerous combination. Flooding is the single highest threat; tornado exposure rivals or exceeds many Midwest counties. Earthquake risk, unusual for Pennsylvania, adds another critical dimension requiring specialized preparation.

Invest in comprehensive protection now

Flood insurance is absolutely critical with a 98.16 risk score—Montgomery has some of the nation's highest flood exposure. Install a safe room or basement shelter for tornado and hurricane protection, secure your roof with hurricane clips, and brace your home's foundation and cripple walls against earthquake damage. Consider retrofitting your home's structural systems if you live in an older building; professional mitigation investments pay dividends in this high-risk county.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Montgomery County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm Subtropical Influences

Montgomery County averages 53.3°F annually, making it notably warmer than the national median. The climate leans toward humid subtropical, influenced by its proximity to the Atlantic coastal plain.

One of Pennsylvania's Warmest Counties

At 53.3°F, the county is 3.4 degrees warmer than the Pennsylvania state average. It also sees more rain than the state norm, recording 48.7 inches of annual precipitation.

Milder Winters Than Northern Neighbors

Compared to counties further inland, Montgomery enjoys light winters with only 18.0 inches of snow. It is significantly warmer and less snowy than the mountainous regions to the north and west.

Persistent Summer Heat

The county endures 25 days of extreme heat above 90°F, driven by a July average of 75.7°F. Winters are relatively mild, with average January temperatures staying above freezing at 30.9°F.

Prioritizing Summer Cooling

Energy-efficient air conditioning is the top priority here given the 25 days of extreme heat. Heavy winter gear is less critical, as annual snowfall is less than half of what other PA counties experience.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Montgomery County

via SoilByCounty

Suburban Soils with Moderate Acidity

Montgomery County features an average soil pH of 5.14, which sits just below the Pennsylvania state average of 5.22. This acidic profile is typical for the region but remains much lower than the national median of 6.5. Consistent soil testing is a staple for local homeowners looking to maintain healthy green lawns or gardens.

Silty Loams with Solid Structure

The soil composition is 45.1% silt and 26.9% sand, with a 14.5% clay component providing necessary structure. This high silt content makes the soil feel smooth and helps it hold onto nutrients better than sandy soils. However, heavy foot traffic or construction can easily lead to soil compaction in these silty profiles.

Lower Organic Matter Than State Peers

At 2.26%, Montgomery's organic matter is much lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 12.14%, though it still beats the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity is 0.142 in/in, slightly trailing the state benchmark of 0.151 in/in. Adding compost or organic mulch is the best way to improve these numbers for local gardening.

Variable Drainage in the Schuylkill Valley

Standardized drainage class and hydrologic group data are not currently available for the dominant soils of the county. In this heavily developed area, drainage is often influenced as much by urban infrastructure as by natural soil type. Always check for local grading issues and runoff patterns before starting a new planting project.

Extended Seasons in Zone 7a

Montgomery County sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a, benefiting from a longer and warmer growing season than most of the state. This allows for success with long-season crops like okra, sweet potatoes, and late-blooming flowers. Your backyard has great potential; just focus on boosting that organic matter to see your garden truly flourish.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Montgomery County

via LawnByCounty

Intense Heat in the Southeast

Montgomery County scores a 49.8 on lawn difficulty, nearly matching the national median but falling behind the Pennsylvania average of 59.2. Homeowners in this Zone 7a region face significant summer heat and climate stress.

High Heat and Fast Growth

Lawns endure 25 extreme heat days a year, which is more than double the state average of 11 days. With 3,416 growing degree days and 48.7 inches of rain, the grass grows quickly but requires frequent mowing.

Managing Dense Soil and Acidity

Soil pH sits at 5.14, indicating acidic conditions that require lime to reach the 6.0-7.0 lawn sweet spot. The soil composition contains 14.5% clay and 26.9% sand, creating a dense foundation that may need regular aeration.

Sustaining Turf Through Severe Dryness

The county has spent 33 weeks in drought over the last year, with 7.4% of the area currently in severe drought. Water deeply twice a week rather than daily to encourage the grass to grow deeper, more resilient roots.

Choosing Heat-Tolerant Turf

Heat-tolerant Tall Fescue varieties are the best fit for these warm 7a summers. Aim for a late spring start after the April 20 frost or a fall seeding before the October 31 frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Montgomery County's county score?
Montgomery County, Pennsylvania has a composite county score of 44 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 Pennsylvania?
Montgomery County ranks #59 among all counties in Pennsylvania 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, Pennsylvania?
The median annual property tax in Montgomery County is $5,776, with an effective tax rate of 1.41%. This earns Montgomery County a tax score of 16.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Montgomery County?
The median household income in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania is $111,521 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Montgomery County earns an income score of 97.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Montgomery County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Montgomery County scores 44/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #59 in Pennsylvania. 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.

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