CountyScore

Montgomery County

Pennsylvania · PA

#63 in Pennsylvania
57.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Montgomery County, Pennsylvania

Montgomery Above National Average

Montgomery County scores 55.4, exceeding the national median of 50.0, though by a modest 5.4-point margin. The county ranks at the 54th percentile nationally, positioning it slightly above the national average.

Below Pennsylvania State Peers

Montgomery's 55.4 score trails Pennsylvania's statewide average of 66.0 by more than 10 points, ranking it in the lower tier of state counties. Despite being a populous suburban region, it underperforms on composite livability metrics.

Strong Income and Reasonable Taxes

Montgomery leads this group with an income score of 56.2 and median household income of $111,521—the highest here. The effective tax rate of 1.409% and tax score of 62.6 remain moderate for such an affluent county.

Housing Affordability Crisis

Housing costs are severely unaffordable, with a cost score of just 49.7 and median home values of $409,900—the highest in this group. Renters face similar pressure at $1,612 per month, making the county one of the least accessible for average-income households.

Exclusive for Affluent Philadelphia Suburbs

Montgomery appeals exclusively to wealthy households seeking premium suburban living near employment and cultural amenities. High housing costs effectively limit residency to upper-income families, making it inaccessible for most Pennsylvanians.

Score breakdown

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

Tax62.6Cost49.7SafetyComing SoonHealth82SchoolsComing SoonIncome56.2Risk3.2WaterComing Soon
🏛62.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠49.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼56.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤82
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡3.2
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

San Joaquin County
California
57.7
Median income: $88,531
Dougherty County
Georgia
57.7
Median income: $46,784
Hampden County
Massachusetts
57.7
Median income: $70,535
District of Columbia
District of Columbia
57.8
Median income: $106,287
Stephenson County
Illinois
57.8
Median income: $61,943

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'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

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

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

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.