countyscore
29.3
County Score
Income & Jobs 94.7Health 46.1Water Quality 45.7

County Report Card

About Montgomery County, Texas

High incomes meet low national rankings

Montgomery County earns a composite score of 29.3, placing it well below the national median of 50.0. High costs and environmental factors drag down its overall national standing.

Falling behind the Texas average

At 29.3, the county's score is notably lower than the Texas state average of 41.9. Despite its wealth, it struggles to compete with more affordable or lower-risk Texas neighbors.

An economic powerhouse with high incomes

The county boasts an exceptional income score of 94.7, driven by a median household income of $97,266. This financial strength provides residents with significant purchasing power relative to the rest of the state.

High taxes and environmental risks

Residents face a heavy tax burden with a tax score of only 8.4 and an effective rate of 1.649%. Environmental risk is also a major concern, reflected in a very low risk score of 4.3.

Best for affluent professionals

This county is a premier choice for high earners who can afford home values averaging $317,500. It suits those who prioritize professional opportunity over tax efficiency or environmental resilience.

204060801008.46.431.146.144.494.74.345.723.3Tax8.4Cost6.4Safety31.1Health46.1Schools44.4Income94.7Risk4.3Water45.7Weather23.329.3/100
This county
National avg
1 above average6 below average

Montgomery County DNA

Foverall

How Montgomery County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Montgomery County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Property Tax (8.4/100), though Income (94.7/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
8.4-43.6
Cost
6.4-41.6
Safety
31.1-23.9
Health
46.1
Schools
44.4-9.600000000000001
Income
94.7+43.7
Risk
4.3-42.7
Water
45.7-12.299999999999997
Weather
23.3-32.7
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Compare mortgage rates in Montgomery County

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

$317,500

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,471/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$317,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$58,840/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $97,266/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

20.2

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

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Montgomery County
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Wilson County
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McKinley County
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Coos County
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Nearby counties

Harris County
Texas
24.9
San Jacinto County
Texas
44.7
Waller County
Texas
33.6
Grimes County
Texas
37
Walker County
Texas
25.1
Liberty County
Texas
30.4
Polk County
Texas
32.8
Washington County
Texas
37.9

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'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

Safety in Montgomery County

via CrimeByCounty

Montgomery County Remains Below National Crime Rates

Montgomery County earns a strong 97.4 safety score, reflecting a secure environment for its growing population. The total crime rate of 1,624.3 per 100,000 sits comfortably below the national average of 2,385.5.

Stronger Safety Scores than State Average

The county outperforms the Texas average safety score of 96.8, proving its resilience despite heavy regional traffic. Its total crime rate is also notably lower than the state average of 2,052.5 per 100,000.

Favorable Comparisons to Nearby Navarro

Montgomery maintains a lower crime rate than nearby Navarro County, which reports 1,924.9 incidents per 100,000. It provides a safer middle ground compared to more urbanized neighbors in the Houston metro area.

Property Offenses Outpace Violent Crime

Property crime accounts for 1,356.7 incidents per 100,000, while violent crime stays low at 267.6. Both figures remain significantly under the national benchmarks for property and violent offenses.

Proactive Security for Montgomery Residents

Even in safe areas, visible security systems serve as a powerful deterrent against opportunistic theft. Staying vigilant helps maintain the high safety standards Montgomery residents expect.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Montgomery County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Robust Suburban Educational Network

Montgomery County supports a massive infrastructure of 139 public schools serving 128,739 students across seven districts. The landscape includes 75 elementary, 31 middle, and 23 high schools, alongside 15 alternative campuses. This extensive system provides a diverse range of educational pathways for the county's growing population.

Strong Graduation Rates Despite Lean Spending

The county achieves a 92.9% graduation rate, significantly outperforming the national average of 87.0% and the state average of 91.6%. While per-pupil expenditure is lower than the state average at $5,998, the composite school score of 52.9 remains competitive. These figures suggest efficient academic management within the local school systems.

Conroe ISD Leads Regional Education

Conroe ISD dominates the local landscape with 64 schools and 70,783 students, accounting for over half of the county's total enrollment. New Caney ISD and Magnolia ISD also maintain a significant presence, serving over 32,000 students combined. Families can also access five charter schools, which offer specialized alternatives to the traditional district model.

Large Campuses in Diverse Locales

The county offers a mix of 49 rural, 43 suburban, and 40 city schools, with an average enrollment of 940 students per campus. Large-scale education is common here, evidenced by Conroe High School's massive student body of 4,915. Attending school in this county often means being part of a large, resource-rich community.

Invest in a High-Performing School District

Prospective homeowners often prioritize Montgomery County for its high graduation rates and well-established districts like Conroe ISD. Exploring homes near top-rated campuses ensures long-term value and access to quality academic programs. Research specific neighborhood schools to find the perfect fit for your family's needs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Water Quality in Montgomery County

via WaterByCounty

High Violation Counts Despite a Stable Rate

Montgomery County holds a D grade for water quality, driven by 167 health violations recorded over a five-year period. While the total number of violations is high, the rate of 22.7 per 100,000 people is much lower than the Texas average of 581.9. This suggests that while many systems are struggling, the massive population size keeps the per-capita risk lower than other regions.

Watershed Assessments Currently Unavailable

Water bodies in Montgomery County are not yet covered under the federal §303(d) assessment protocols. This means there is no current data regarding the percentage of impaired water bodies or specific contaminant causes in the EPA ATTAINS database. This data gap highlights a need for expanded watershed health reporting in the growing region.

Extensive Monitoring Network Tracks Regional Quality

With 67 monitoring sites and 42,292 measurements over five years, Montgomery County maintains a robust water-quality footprint. Data collection focuses heavily on physical characteristics, inorganics, and nutrient levels across the county. This high volume of results provides a detailed scientific look at the inorganic and non-metal trends in the local water supply.

San Jacinto River Flow Above Average

The West Fork San Jacinto River near Porter is currently flowing at 772 cfs, which is 110% of its long-term mean. This primary gauge monitors a 962 square mile drainage area, showing healthy volumes for the watershed. Current discharge levels indicate steady supply for the systems that rely on this river's reach.

Monitor Local Reports and System Safety

The high number of health violations indicates that residents should pay close attention to which specific utility serves their home. Frequent monitoring of the San Jacinto River helps, but it does not replace the need for checking local drinking water for inorganics. Use the available data to advocate for infrastructure improvements where violations are most frequent.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Montgomery County

via WeatherByCounty

A Very Warm and Rainy Climate

Montgomery's average temperature of 68.7°F is significantly higher than the 53°F national median. It is a very wet county, receiving 49.3 inches of rain annually.

Exceeding State Averages in Every Way

The county is warmer than the 65.5°F Texas average and much wetter than the state's 31.9-inch rainfall average. It is one of the more humid and rain-prone areas in the state.

Wetter and Warmer than Morris County

Montgomery receives about 2 more inches of rain than Morris County to the north. It also experiences 107 days of extreme heat compared to Morris's 96 days.

Muggy Summers and Very Mild Winters

Summers are intense with 107 days over 90°F and no recorded snowfall. Winters are quite warm, with the December-February average reaching 53.3°F.

Prioritizing Drainage and Cooling

Homeowners must focus on mold prevention and drainage due to the 49.3-inch annual rainfall. Expect high energy usage to stay comfortable during the 107 extreme heat days.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Montgomery County

via SoilByCounty

Highly Acidic Alfisols of the Piney Woods

Montgomery County is defined by Alfisols with a very acidic average pH of 5.06. This is significantly lower than the national median of 6.5 and the Texas average of 7.09. These acidic conditions are typical for forested regions and require specific plant choices or lime amendments for traditional gardening.

Fine Sand and High Permeability

The soil is composed of 53.8% sand, 25.0% silt, and only 14.7% clay, resulting in a fine sand texture. This mix provides excellent aeration for roots but struggles to hold onto nutrients. It is very easy to dig, making it popular for landscaping and rapid development.

Low Capacity for Moisture and Matter

Organic matter sits at 1.43%, which is below the state average of 1.66%. The available water capacity of 0.123 in/in is also lower than the Texas benchmark, meaning these soils dry out quickly. Frequent irrigation and organic mulching are necessary to keep plants healthy during hot Houston-area summers.

Excellent Drainage and Low Runoff

Classified as moderately well-drained and belonging to Hydrologic Group A, these soils have high infiltration rates. This means water moves through the profile quickly, reducing the risk of surface flooding but increasing the need for water management. It is a very stable soil for residential construction and urban infrastructure.

Acid-Loving Plants Thrive in Zone 9a

The acidic soil of Zone 9a is a paradise for azaleas, blueberries, and camellias. While typical vegetables may need lime to thrive, the local environment is perfect for Piney Woods natives. Dig a hole and plant some acid-loving perennials to take advantage of this unique soil chemistry.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Montgomery County

via LawnByCounty

Tough Growing Conditions in Montgomery

With a difficulty score of 24.8, Montgomery County is significantly more challenging than the national median of 50.0. This Zone 9a region requires specialized care to handle intense humidity and heat.

High Rainfall and Extreme Heat

Annual precipitation is high at 49.3 inches, but 107 extreme heat days can quickly stress your turf. A massive 7,105 growing degree days indicates a very long season where grass grows rapidly and needs frequent maintenance.

Addressing Highly Acidic Sandy Soil

The local soil is quite acidic with a pH of 5.06, well below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for most lawns. Because the soil is 53.8% sand and classified as fine sand, you will likely need lime treatments to balance the chemistry.

Severe Drought Challenges Local Homeowners

Currently, 68.2% of the county is in severe drought, despite having 49.3 inches of average annual rain. This highlights the importance of using moisture-retaining mulch and efficient irrigation to survive the 25 weeks of drought experienced this year.

Targeting Success in Zone 9a

St. Augustine and Centipede grass are top recommendations because they can handle the acidic soil and high heat of Montgomery County. Plan to establish your lawn after the last frost on March 11 for the best results.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Montgomery County's county score?
Montgomery County, Texas 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 Texas?
Montgomery County ranks #220 among all counties in Texas 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, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Montgomery County is $5,237, with an effective tax rate of 1.65%. This earns Montgomery County a tax score of 8.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Montgomery County?
The median household income in Montgomery County, Texas is $97,266 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Montgomery County earns an income score of 94.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Montgomery County, Texas a good place to live?
Montgomery County scores 29.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #220 in Texas. 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.