countyscore
37.4
County Score
Income & Jobs 72.1Property Tax 66.3Weather & Climate 62.4

County Report Card

About Montgomery County, Tennessee

Montgomery County Faces Significant Hurdles

With a composite score of 37.4, Montgomery County ranks well below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects high cost and environmental risk pressures compared to most U.S. counties.

Well Below the Tennessee State Average

Montgomery County's score of 37.4 is nearly 14 points below the state average of 51.3. Despite its high population growth, it lags behind state peers in several core livability metrics.

Strong Local Incomes and Employment

The county's primary strength is its income score of 72.1, with a healthy median household income of $72,365. This economic activity supports a growing population despite other service-level challenges.

Cost Pressures and High Environmental Risk

Affordability has plummeted to a cost score of 14.3, while environmental risk scores sit at a low 12.6. Safety and school scores, at 17.4 and 46.3 respectively, further compound the county's challenges.

Suited for Young Professionals and Military

This county is best for high-earning young professionals or those connected to Fort Campbell who value job access over local school rankings. Residents must be prepared for higher living costs and environmental risks compared to neighboring counties.

2040608010066.314.317.443.346.372.112.655.162.4Tax66.3Cost14.3Safety17.4Health43.3Schools46.3Income72.1Risk12.6Water55.1Weather62.437.4/100
This county
National avg
2 above average3 below average

Montgomery County DNA

Foverall

How Montgomery County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Montgomery County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (72.1/100) but notably weak in Safety (17.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
66.3+14.299999999999997
Cost
14.3-33.7
Safety
17.4-37.6
Health
43.3
Schools
46.3
Income
72.1+21.099999999999994
Risk
12.6-34.4
Water
55.1
Weather
62.4
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Whether buying or refinancing in Montgomery County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$248,300

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,219/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$248,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$48,760/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $72,365/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

7.9

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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Counties with similar scores

Arkansas County
Arkansas
Median income: $60,831
37.4
Cowley County
Kansas
Median income: $58,263
37.4
Wyandotte County
Kansas
Median income: $60,582
37.4
Scotland County
North Carolina
Median income: $43,500
37.4
Clatsop County
Oregon
Median income: $68,705
37.4
Hood County
Texas
Median income: $86,802
37.4
Adams County
Washington
Median income: $65,042
37.4
Pinal County
Arizona
Median income: $77,588
37.5

Nearby counties

Cheatham County
Tennessee
46.5
Dickson County
Tennessee
48.2
Houston County
Tennessee
59.5
Robertson County
Tennessee
43.5
Todd County
Kentucky
56.7
Stewart County
Tennessee
59.9
Christian County
Kentucky
38.9
Davidson County
Tennessee
31.6

Deep Dives

Montgomery County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Montgomery County

via TaxByCounty

Montgomery County taxes still below national average

Montgomery County's 0.673% effective tax rate is 30% below the national median of 0.96%, placing it in the bottom third of U.S. counties. The $1,671 median tax is still 38% lower than the national median of $2,690.

Highest-taxed county in Tennessee's sample

Montgomery County's 0.673% rate is 32% higher than Tennessee's 0.511% state average, making it the highest-taxed county in this region. The $1,671 median tax is 64% above the state median of $1,016.

Highest taxes in the regional cohort

Montgomery County's 0.673% effective rate is the highest among all regional peers, significantly exceeding Marshall County (0.542%) and Moore County (0.483%). Its $1,671 median tax is the highest dollar amount among all neighboring counties.

Median home costs about $1,671 yearly

On a typical Montgomery County home worth $248,300, you'll pay approximately $1,671 in annual property taxes. That's roughly $139 per month—the highest burden in this regional group.

Challenge your assessment to reduce taxes

Montgomery County's higher tax burden makes assessment accuracy especially important—overvaluation can significantly inflate your bill. A free appeal is worth pursuing to ensure you're only paying on your home's true market value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Montgomery County

via CostByCounty

Montgomery renters stretch furthest in region

Montgomery County renters spend 20.2% of their income on housing—the highest ratio in this eight-county cluster and well above the national average. Despite a median household income of $72,365 near the national average, aggressive housing demand drives costs upward.

Montgomery ranks among Tennessee's priciest counties

Montgomery County's 20.2% rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds Tennessee's state average of 17.6%, placing it among the state's least affordable counties. The median rent of $1,219 is 42% above the state median, driven by Clarksville's regional growth and military presence.

Most expensive rents and ownership costs regionally

Montgomery's $1,219 median rent tops every county in this comparison, with ownership costs of $1,304 monthly the highest as well. The median home value of $248,300 reflects strong appreciation tied to Fort Campbell's proximity and regional development.

Highest housing costs consume largest income share

Renters pay $1,219 and owners $1,304 monthly from a median household income of $72,365, combining for roughly 35% of household income. This split shows Montgomery's housing market running hotter than any regional peer, with both renters and owners paying premium prices.

Montgomery suits those with higher incomes and growth plans

Montgomery County's elevated housing costs reflect its appeal as a growing regional hub near Fort Campbell and Clarksville. If you prioritize affordability, compare lower-cost alternatives like Monroe, McMinn, or Marshall counties; if growth matters more than price, Montgomery delivers.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Montgomery County

via IncomeByCounty

Montgomery County approaches the national income median

Montgomery County's median household income of $72,365 falls just $2,390 short of the national median of $74,755, positioning it in the solid middle-income category. Per capita income of $33,645 exceeds the state average of $31,458 by 7%, indicating above-average earning power across the community.

Top earner among Tennessee sample counties

Montgomery County earns $13,371 more per household than the Tennessee state average of $58,994, ranking it among the state's highest-income communities. This 23% advantage reflects strong employment opportunities and a skilled workforce base.

Second-strongest income in the region

Montgomery County's $72,365 income trails only Maury County ($74,162) in the region and outpaces Marshall County ($70,829) slightly. The county is part of a cluster of four high-income communities (Maury, Marshall, Montgomery) separated from lower-income counties by $15,000+ in median income.

Housing costs stretch budgets here

Montgomery County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.2% puts housing costs at the higher end of the acceptable range, signaling budget pressure for median-income households. A median home value of $248,300 requires substantial savings or dual incomes to achieve homeownership at the county median.

Optimize homeownership and investment timing

Montgomery County's strong incomes paired with elevated housing costs create urgency around homeownership timing and investment strategy. Lock in current property values through strategic home purchases, maximize retirement contributions, and consider diversified investments to protect gains as housing costs potentially rise.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Montgomery County

via CrimeByCounty

Montgomery County Nears National Safety Norms

With a total crime rate of 2,211.8 per 100,000, Montgomery County performs slightly better than the national average of 2,385.5. It holds a safety score of 96.5, indicating a generally secure but active community.

Safety Levels in a Large TN County

Montgomery's safety score of 96.5 is just below the Tennessee state average of 97.2. As one of the state's larger counties, its four reporting agencies manage crime rates that are typical for more populated areas.

Higher Activity than Rural Neighbors

Montgomery County sees more criminal activity than rural Marshall County, where the rate is only 1,388.6. However, its safety profile remains competitive when compared to other major Tennessee metropolitan hubs.

Understanding the Violent Crime Impact

The violent crime rate of 430.9 is higher than both the state average of 356.7 and the national average of 369.8. Property crime, at 1,780.9 per 100,000, remains below the national property crime average.

Security for a Growing Urban Area

In a busy county like Montgomery, home security systems and video doorbells are valuable tools. Staying informed about local crime trends helps residents take specific precautions to protect their property.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Montgomery County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Massive Urban-Rural Educational Hub

Montgomery County manages a large-scale system of 43 schools serving 38,773 students in one of the state's fastest-growing areas. The landscape is robust, featuring 25 elementary schools and nine high schools under a single unified district.

Scale Meets Success in Graduation

Despite its large size, Montgomery County maintains a high 94.0% graduation rate, significantly outperforming the 87.0% national average. The district achieves a 53.1 school score while spending $5,830 per pupil, demonstrating high efficiency in a large-scale system.

One Unified District for Clarksville

The Montgomery County school district is the sole provider for the region's 38,773 students. There are zero charter schools currently operating, meaning the district manages all 43 campuses directly to maintain high standards across the county.

Big Schools in a Vibrant City Setting

Most students attend schools in city settings, where large campuses like Rossview High enroll over 2,030 students. With an average school size of 902, the educational experience here is energetic and offers a wide variety of extracurricular and academic paths.

Thriving Schools in a Growing Market

The combination of urban amenities and high-performing schools makes Clarksville a magnet for young families and military households. Investing in a home here provides access to one of the state’s most consistently successful large school districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Montgomery County

via RiskByCounty

Montgomery County Tennessee's riskiest county

Montgomery County's composite risk score of 87.37 far exceeds Tennessee's state average of 52.45, marking it as the state's most hazard-exposed county. This exceptional elevation reflects a dangerous convergence of earthquake, tornado, and flood vulnerabilities.

Highest-risk county in Tennessee

Montgomery County ranks as Tennessee's single most at-risk county for natural disasters, with a composite score that dwarfs nearly all state peers. Its "Relatively Moderate" rating reflects compounded exposures that dwarf most American counties.

Dramatically riskier than surrounding areas

Montgomery County (87.37) vastly exceeds the risk profiles of Maury County (79.29), McMinn County (60.24), and all other neighboring counties. Its hazard concentration stands out as exceptional within Tennessee's regional landscape.

Earthquakes, tornadoes, and floods dominate

Montgomery County faces earthquake risk at 95.32 (the highest in the state), tornado risk at 91.89, and flood risk at 84.48—a triple threat. This convergence of major hazards creates the most serious disaster exposure in Tennessee.

Multi-hazard insurance is absolutely essential

Montgomery County residents must carry earthquake insurance, NFIP flood insurance, and enhanced wind/tornado coverage—these are not optional but necessary protections. Consider structural improvements like storm shelters, foundation anchoring, and elevated utilities in light of the county's exceptional hazard profile.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Montgomery County

via WaterByCounty

Thirty-Six Violations in Montgomery County

Montgomery County earns a Grade C with 36 drinking water health violations over the last five years. Despite this total, the violation rate of 10.4 per 100,000 is still lower than the statewide average of 34.6.

High Nutrient Levels Found in Montgomery

The 2022 assessment shows that 24.3% of assessed water bodies are impaired, which is better than the state average. However, the top stressors include high levels of nitrates, phosphorus, and sedimentation.

Monitoring Focuses on Inorganic Materials

A network of 39 sites has generated 5,601 measurements over the most recent five-year period. Inorganics, physical characteristics, and nutrients are the most frequently tested parameters in the county.

Red River Flows at 16 Percent

The Red River at Port Royal is discharging 229 cfs, which is just 16% of its typical 1,401 cfs mean. Low flows can worsen the impact of nutrient runoff by reducing the river's ability to dilute contaminants.

Managing Fertilizer Runoff and Nutrients

The Grade C rating and high phosphorus levels suggest residents should be careful with lawn fertilizers. Testing home taps for nitrates is recommended, especially when river flows are as low as they are currently.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Montgomery County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm and Mostly Snow-Free

Montgomery County averages 58.6°F annually, which is warmer than the national median of 55°F. It experiences a humid climate with high summer heat and very little frozen precipitation.

Slightly Warmer than the Tennessee Median

Montgomery's annual average of 58.6°F is just above the Tennessee state average of 58.1°F. It is also slightly drier than the state as a whole, receiving 51.3 inches of rain compared to the 55.9-inch average.

Drier than Most Tennessee Counties

With only 51.3 inches of annual precipitation, Montgomery is one of the drier counties in this group. It receives roughly 8 inches less rain than Moore County to its south.

Hot Summers with Rare Snowfall

July averages a warm 78.7°F, contributing to 50 extreme heat days per year. Snow is a rarity here, with the county averaging only 0.5 inches of snowfall annually.

Focus on Heat Safety Over Winter Gear

With 50 days of 90°F weather, residents should prioritize hydration and cooling during outdoor activities. Traditional snow removal equipment is rarely needed given the half-inch annual average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Montgomery County

via SoilByCounty

Top-tier soil health on the Highland Rim

Montgomery County boasts an impressive soil score of 55.5, the highest in this group and far above the Tennessee average of 38.5. These Ultisols have an average pH of 5.80, which is significantly better for plant growth than the state average of 5.35.

Silt-rich soils offer premium workability

The dominant texture is silt loam, featuring a high silt content of 63.3% and only 17.0% sand. This composition creates a smooth, floury soil that is easy to till and excellent at holding the nutrients necessary for intensive farming.

Excellent water capacity for thirsty crops

Montgomery's available water capacity of 0.192 in/in is among the best in the state, comfortably beating the 0.171 benchmark. While organic matter at 2.22% is slightly below the state average, the high water retention makes these soils very resilient.

Managing water in hydrologic group C

The soils are moderately well drained, though they belong to hydrologic group C, which can limit water movement during heavy storms. This suggests a soil that stays productive during dry spells but requires good management to prevent surface runoff.

The gold standard for Zone 7b gardens

The high soil score and water capacity in Montgomery make it one of Tennessee's best places for gardening and farming in Zone 7b. Whether you are growing dark tobacco or fresh tomatoes, these silt loams provide a nearly ideal environment for success.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Montgomery County

via LawnByCounty

Montgomery County's Favorable Lawn Outlook

Montgomery County earns a lawn difficulty score of 49.2, making it the easiest county in this group to maintain and nearly matching the national median. This Zone 7b region is slightly more favorable for lawns than the Tennessee state average.

Ideal Rainfall and Summer Growth

Annual precipitation of 51.3 inches is very close to the ideal range of 30-50 inches for healthy turf. While there are 50 extreme heat days, the 4,550 growing degree days provide a consistent and manageable growing season.

Quality Silt Loam with Better Balance

The soil features a pH of 5.80, which is closer to the ideal 6.0-7.0 range than many neighboring counties. This moderately well-drained silt loam provides a solid foundation, though minor lime additions may still be beneficial.

Handling Abnormal Dryness with Ease

The county spent 19 weeks in drought over the last year, and currently, all areas are considered abnormally dry. Because no part of the county is in severe drought, moderate irrigation should be enough to keep lawns green.

Seize the Growing Season Early

With a last spring frost of April 6, you can get an early start on your lawn projects this year. Plan to have your lawn established and healthy before the first frost of autumn arrives on October 30.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Montgomery County's county score?
Montgomery County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 37.4 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 Tennessee?
Montgomery County ranks #91 among all counties in Tennessee 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, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in Montgomery County is $1,671, with an effective tax rate of 0.67%. This earns Montgomery County a tax score of 66.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Montgomery County?
The median household income in Montgomery County, Tennessee is $72,365 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Montgomery County earns an income score of 72.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Montgomery County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Montgomery County scores 37.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #91 in Tennessee. 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 Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.