CountyScore

Montgomery County

Texas · TX

#238 in Texas
53.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Montgomery County, Texas

Montgomery outpaces national average

Montgomery County's composite score of 54.9 exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the middle-to-upper range of U.S. counties. While respectable, the score reflects trade-offs between higher incomes and steeper housing costs typical of growing suburban regions.

Below Texas state average

Montgomery ranks slightly below Texas's state average composite score of 66.8, placing it in the middle tier of the state's 254 counties. This reflects its position as a rapidly growing suburban county where prosperity comes with higher cost of living.

Strong income growth opportunity

Montgomery's income score of 46.9 reflects a median household income of $97,266—among the highest regionally and well above state averages. This economic vitality attracts professionals and growing families seeking career advancement and higher earning potential.

Housing costs remain steep

The cost score of 56.2 and tax score of 55.9 signal affordability constraints, with median home values reaching $317,500 and effective tax rate at 1.649%. Limited data on schools, safety, and health services leaves other livability dimensions unscored.

For earners prioritizing career growth

Montgomery suits dual-income professionals and established families with strong paychecks willing to accept higher housing costs for suburban Houston access. It's a growth engine attracting talent, though affordability requires solid household income to maximize livability.

Score breakdown

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

Tax55.9Cost56.2SafetyComing SoonHealth64.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome46.9Risk4.3WaterComing Soon
🏛55.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠56.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼46.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤64.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡4.3
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

Brazoria County
Texas
53.1
Median income: $95,155
Kaufman County
Texas
53
Median income: $88,606
Alameda County
California
53.3
Median income: $126,240
San Francisco County
California
53.3
Median income: $141,446
Williamson County
Texas
53.3
Median income: $108,309

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 well above national median

Montgomery County's effective tax rate of 1.649% substantially exceeds the national median of 1.048%, placing it in the upper echelon of U.S. counties by tax rate. The median property tax of $5,237 is nearly double the national median of $2,690, reflecting both the county's high rate and premium median home value of $317,500.

High taxes for high property values

Montgomery County's 1.649% effective rate exceeds the Texas state average of 1.276%, placing it among higher-tax Texas counties. The median property tax of $5,237 towers above the state median of $2,193, driven by strong real estate markets and suburban prosperity in the greater Houston region.

Premium pricing reflects growth

Montgomery County's 1.649% rate ranks high regionally, surpassed only by Menard County (1.659%) and Mitchell County (1.960%). However, its median home value of $317,500 is substantially higher than all regional peers, explaining the elevated absolute tax payments.

Significant tax bills for premium homes

A typical $317,500 home in Montgomery County generates annual property taxes of approximately $5,237—the highest median in this county group. With mortgage deductions factored in, homeowners face an estimated $5,996 annual obligation, reflecting both suburban real estate values and the county's rate.

Challenge inflated valuations

Montgomery County's booming Houston suburbs can lead to overheated property assessments that outpace actual market values. Homeowners should request appraisals and file appeals if assessments exceed recent comparable sales, potentially saving thousands annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Montgomery County

via CostByCounty

Montgomery outpaces national affordability

Montgomery County renters spend 18.1% of income on housing, matching the Texas average but beating the nation's affordability challenges. With a median household income of $97,266—30% above the U.S. average of $74,755—residents here have stronger financial cushion than most Americans facing housing costs.

Middle ground in Texas housing markets

Montgomery's rent-to-income ratio of 18.1% puts it right at the Texas state average, neither among the most nor least affordable counties in the state. The median home value of $317,500 reflects its proximity to the Houston metro area and suburban growth patterns.

Higher costs, higher incomes nearby

Montgomery County's median rent of $1,471 significantly exceeds neighboring Moore County ($894) and Morris County ($824), though its median household income of $97,266 is substantially higher than all regional peers. Renters here pay roughly 50% more monthly but earn considerably more, reflecting the county's more affluent demographic profile.

Montgomery's housing budget breakdown

Renters allocate $1,471 monthly while homeowners pay $1,652, leaving substantial income for other necessities given the $97,266 median household income. Housing consumes less than one-fifth of Montgomery household budgets, well within the affordability comfort zone.

Considering a move to Montgomery?

Montgomery offers strong affordability for higher-income households seeking suburban Houston proximity without extreme cost burdens. Compare these numbers against your current location: if you're paying more than 18% of income toward housing, Montgomery's market may offer relief—but confirm local job opportunities match your income expectations first.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Montgomery County

via IncomeByCounty

Montgomery Outearns the Nation

Montgomery County's median household income of $97,266 significantly exceeds the national median of $74,755—a 30% premium. This strong performance places Montgomery among the top-earning counties in Texas and reflects a robust suburban economy.

Top Earner in Texas Rankings

Montgomery County ranks among Texas's highest-income counties with $97,266 median household income, far surpassing the state average of $64,737. The county's per capita income of $48,550 also towers above the state average of $33,197, nearly 1.5 times higher.

Montgomery Dominates Regional Earnings

Montgomery County's $97,266 median income dwarfs neighboring peers like Montague ($62,818), Moore ($61,325), and Morris ($55,082). This disparity reflects Montgomery's proximity to Houston's job market and its status as a high-income suburban hub.

Housing Costs Easily Managed

With a rent-to-income ratio of 18.1%, Montgomery County households spend comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold. Median home values of $317,500 align well with the county's strong earning power, making homeownership accessible to most households.

Maximize Wealth in Montgomery

Montgomery County's high incomes create exceptional opportunities for wealth building beyond housing security. With substantial discretionary income, residents should prioritize diversified investment portfolios, college savings plans, and retirement strategies to ensure long-term financial independence.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Montgomery County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy well above U.S. average

Montgomery County residents enjoy a life expectancy of 78.2 years, nearly 2 years above the U.S. average of 76.4 years. This strong performance reflects both good healthcare access and healthier population outcomes.

Texas's healthiest county in this group

At 78.2 years, Montgomery County's life expectancy exceeds Texas's state average of 74.3 years by nearly 4 years. The county ranks among the healthiest in the state.

Clear advantage over regional peers

Montgomery residents live 6.5 years longer than those in Montague County (71.7 years) and 4.4 years longer than Moore County residents (74.8 years). Superior provider density and healthcare infrastructure drive these differences.

Strong healthcare infrastructure in place

Montgomery County's uninsured rate of 15.5% is notably lower than the state average of 19.8%, meaning more residents have coverage. With 63 primary care providers and 129 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, patients have abundant access to care.

Keep your coverage strong and current

Even in well-insured Montgomery County, life changes happen—job loss, retirement, or new family situations. Review your coverage annually at healthcare.gov or your employer's open enrollment to ensure it still fits your needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Montgomery County

via RiskByCounty

Montgomery: Texas's High-Risk Hotspot

Montgomery County scores 95.74 on the national composite risk scale, earning a "Relatively High" rating and placing it nearly double Texas's state average of 49.00. This Houston-area county faces above-average disaster exposure across multiple hazard types simultaneously.

Among Highest-Risk Counties in Texas

Montgomery ranks in the top tier of Texas counties for natural disaster risk, competing with coastal and urban areas for the state's most significant multi-hazard exposure. The county's position reflects both its location in southeast Texas and its dense population concentration around the Houston metro area.

Riskier Than Most Houston-Area Peers

Montgomery's score of 95.74 exceeds most neighboring Houston-area counties, reflecting its unique combination of high flood, tornado, and hurricane vulnerability. The county's risk profile is shaped by proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, major river corridors, and an urbanized landscape vulnerable to rapid flooding.

Flooding, Tornadoes, Hurricanes Converge

Montgomery faces exceptional flood risk at 95.58, tornado risk at 99.43, and hurricane risk at 93.74—creating a triple threat during severe weather seasons. Even wildfire risk reaches 79.29, while earthquake risk at 66.00 is notably elevated compared to most Texas counties.

Comprehensive Coverage Is Essential Here

Montgomery residents should carry standard homeowners insurance plus separate flood and windstorm policies—flood insurance is critical in this high-inundation county. Invest in storm-resistant upgrades like reinforced garage doors, roof bracing, and elevated utilities if in a flood zone, and maintain a hurricane evacuation plan.

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.