countyscore
49.3
County Score
Health 79.1Water Quality 69Income & Jobs 68.3

County Report Card

About Montgomery County, Virginia

Tracking Closely with National Norms

Montgomery County posts a composite score of 49.3, sitting just a hair below the national median of 50.0. It offers a balanced lifestyle that mirrors the broader American experience.

Competitive Within the Commonwealth

The county falls slightly under the Virginia state average of 50.9 but remains a key player in the region. Its ranking reflects the unique economic dynamics of a major university hub.

Elite Health and Reliable Utilities

Public health is a major asset with a high score of 79.1, indicating excellent medical access and outcomes. Residents also benefit from reliable infrastructure, evidenced by a strong water score of 69.0.

High Housing Demand Affects Affordability

A low cost score of 23.3 stems from high demand in a college town, where median gross rent hits $1,206. Safety also presents an area for improvement with a score of 34.0.

Ideal for Wellness Seekers

Montgomery suits health-conscious individuals and students who value top-tier medical resources and reliable utilities. It is a solid choice for those who prioritize community wellness over low housing costs.

204060801005623.33479.152.868.352.56968.1Tax56Cost23.3Safety34Health79.1Schools52.8Income68.3Risk52.5Water69Weather68.149.3/100
This county
National avg
4 above average2 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 Health (79.1/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (23.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
56
Cost
23.3-24.7
Safety
34-21
Health
79.1+29.099999999999994
Schools
52.8
Income
68.3+17.299999999999997
Risk
52.5
Water
69+11
Weather
68.1+12.099999999999994
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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

$283,600

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,206/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$283,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$48,240/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $70,769/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

15.1

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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Nearby counties

Radford city
Virginia
47.6
Pulaski County
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45.7
Floyd County
Virginia
71.5
Giles County
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57.4
Salem city
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Roanoke County
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Craig County
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Monroe County
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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 taxes track near national norms

Montgomery's effective tax rate of 0.767% sits slightly above the national median, with a median tax of $2,174 that's 19% lower than the national median of $2,690. The county ranks near the middle nationally, offering moderate tax burden for homeowners.

Slightly above Virginia's average rate

At 0.767%, Montgomery's effective rate exceeds Virginia's state average of 0.671%, ranking it in the higher-tax half of the state's counties. The median tax of $2,174 is 11% above Virginia's state average of $1,960.

Montgomery leads regional tax burden

Among southwestern Virginia counties, Montgomery carries one of the highest effective rates, outpaced only by similar mid-sized college towns in the region. It exceeds Middlesex (0.564%) and Nelson (0.536%), though remains below urban centers like Newport News and Norfolk.

A typical Montgomery home's annual tax

The median-valued home in Montgomery County at $283,600 produces an annual property tax of approximately $2,174. That's about $181 per month—reasonable for a county with strong schools and services.

Appeal your assessment, Montgomery homeowners

If you believe your home is overvalued on the county's books, you have the right to appeal your assessment at no cost. Many homeowners discover errors in assessed value and successfully reduce their tax burden through this simple process.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Montgomery County

via CostByCounty

Montgomery rents pinch compared to nation

At 20.4%, Montgomery County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds both the Virginia state average (18.6%) and signals tighter affordability than the national landscape. With a median household income of $70,769—below the national median of $74,755—housing costs take a larger slice of paychecks here.

Below-average affordability statewide

Montgomery ranks in Virginia's less affordable half, with a rent-to-income ratio 1.8 points above state average and median rent $66 higher than the state median of $1,140. The combination of lower incomes and higher rents places affordability pressure on renters throughout the county.

Higher rents than most rural peers

Montgomery's $1,206 median rent significantly exceeds nearby Nelson County ($950) and Northampton County ($780), though the county offers stronger income prospects than those neighbors. Compared to Middlesex County's $1,071 rent, Montgomery renters pay roughly $135 more monthly for comparable housing.

Housing absorbs more than one-fifth of income

Renters dedicate $1,206 monthly to housing on a median income of $70,769, consuming over 20% of household earnings. Homeowners face a somewhat lighter burden at $996 monthly, or about 17% of income, reflecting the county's mixed affordability picture.

Consider lower-cost alternatives nearby

If affordability is your priority, Montgomery County's 20.4% rent-to-income ratio suggests exploring nearby Nelson or Northampton counties first. However, if you need Montgomery's employment and service networks, factor the higher housing costs into your relocation budget—plan for roughly $1,200 monthly rent.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Montgomery County

via IncomeByCounty

Montgomery falls short nationally

Montgomery County's median household income of $70,769 trails the national median of $74,755 by $3,986, placing it in the lower-middle tier of U.S. counties. Despite the gap, the county's per capita income of $36,009 suggests income is distributed across a broad population base.

Below Virginia's income standard

Montgomery's $70,769 median falls $4,188 short of Virginia's average of $74,957, ranking it in the lower-middle quartile among the state's jurisdictions. This gap signals Montgomery households earn notably less than the typical Virginia resident.

Trailing similar rural and small counties

Montgomery's $70,769 income ranks below Middlesex ($74,154) and Northumberland ($69,500), though it edges Nelson County slightly. The county sits in the middle band of its regional peer group, neither prosperous nor economically distressed.

Housing costs edge higher here

A rent-to-income ratio of 20.4% means housing takes up one-fifth of median earnings—approaching the affordability threshold. With a median home value of $283,600, many Montgomery households must budget tightly to own a home while maintaining other financial goals.

Strategic saving matters in Montgomery

Moderate incomes and higher housing costs create urgency for budgeting discipline and long-term planning in Montgomery households. Focus on reducing high-interest debt, building an emergency fund, and taking advantage of any employer retirement matching to create financial stability.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Montgomery County

via CrimeByCounty

Montgomery County Beats National Trends

Montgomery County reports a total crime rate of 1,533.6 per 100,000, significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This performance gives the county a safety score of 97.6.

Leading Above State Safety Averages

The county’s safety score of 97.6 sits above the Virginia average of 97.3. Its total crime rate of 1,533.6 also remains below the state average of 1,728.8 per 100,000.

A Reliable Standard of Safety

With five reporting agencies, Montgomery County provides robust data that reflects a safe environment for residents and students. The crime rate is lower than many other Virginia counties with similar population sizes.

A Look at Crime Categories

Violent crime is low at 189.2 per 100,000, roughly half the national average. Property crime is the primary concern at 1,344.4 per 100,000, although it remains well below national levels.

Simple Steps for a Safer Home

Residents can help keep property crime rates low by locking doors and utilizing motion-activated cameras. Vigilance in high-traffic areas ensures that Montgomery County remains a top-tier safe place to live.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Montgomery County

via SchoolsByCounty

Expansive Education in the New River Valley

Montgomery County operates a robust network of 23 public schools serving 9,693 students. The infrastructure is diverse, featuring 11 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, 4 high schools, and several specialized programs.

Leading the Way in Graduation Rates

The county reaches a 90.0% graduation rate, outperforming both the state and national averages. Despite spending $7,616 per pupil—slightly below the state average—Montgomery maintains a 54.9 school score that aligns with Virginia's standards.

Two Districts Serving a Large Population

Montgomery County Public Schools is the primary district, educating nearly 9,700 students. While the county hosts specialized alternative education programs, it currently contains no charter schools.

A Mix of City Vitality and Rural Roots

The locale diversity is high, with 15 schools in city settings and 7 in rural areas. Blacksburg High is the largest with 1,321 students, significantly larger than the county's average enrollment of 510 students per school.

Find a Home Near Top-Rated Blacksburg Schools

With its high graduation rates and diverse school locales, Montgomery County is a premier destination for families. Researching homes in Blacksburg or Christiansburg provides access to some of the most sought-after public campuses in the region.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Montgomery County

via RiskByCounty

Montgomery faces above-average national risk

With a composite risk score of 47.52, Montgomery County rates as Relatively Low nationally but sits above most U.S. counties in overall natural disaster exposure. Your community experiences moderate risk compared to American averages.

Higher than typical Virginia county

Montgomery's 47.52 score exceeds Virginia's average of 33.27 by 42 percent, placing it among the state's higher-risk counties. You face notably more natural disaster exposure than typical Virginia communities.

Regional risk stands notably elevated

At 47.52, Montgomery significantly outpaces nearby Nelson County (34.10) and Northumberland County (39.98), but remains lower than Northampton County (44.47) and well below Newport News (72.23). Your position reflects the Blue Ridge region's seismic and topographic exposure.

Earthquake and flood pose greatest threats

Earthquake risk reaches 73.41—Virginia's highest and among the nation's most notable inland seismic zones—while flood risk stands at 63.61. Tornado (23.70), hurricane (57.11), and wildfire (36.96) threats remain secondary but still merit attention.

Earthquake insurance is non-negotiable

Standard homeowners policies exclude earthquake damage, but Montgomery's 73.41 seismic score makes separate coverage critical for your county. Bundle flood insurance, secure heavy furniture and appliances, and check that your home's foundation meets modern seismic building standards.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Montgomery County

via WaterByCounty

Strong Compliance Profile in Montgomery County

Montgomery County maintains a B grade for drinking water with only one health violation over five years. The county's violation rate of 1.4 per 100,000 residents is significantly lower than the state average of 126.9. This indicates a high level of consistency in meeting federal safety standards.

E. Coli and Temperature Impact Watershed Health

According to the 2022 assessment, 44.6% of assessed water bodies in Montgomery are impaired, aligning closely with the state average of 46.1%. The primary causes of impairment are E. coli, elevated temperatures, and PCBs in fish tissue. These stressors reflect a mix of agricultural and urban environmental impacts.

Targeted Monitoring Across 37 Local Sites

Montgomery County hosts 37 monitoring sites that generated 4,821 measurements over the past five years. Data collection focuses on physical, nutrient, and microbiological characteristic groups. While the site density is good, the volume of data per site is lower than some neighboring coastal counties.

Roanoke River Flows Well Below Typical Levels

The primary gauge on the Roanoke River at Lafayette reports a current discharge of 90 cfs. This flow is only 37% of the long-term mean, indicating significantly drier than normal conditions. Such low flows can impact the concentration of pollutants and overall water availability.

Watch Bacteria Levels During Low Flow

With the Roanoke River running at just 37% of its typical flow, residents should be cautious of concentrated contaminants like E. coli. Low water levels often lead to higher water temperatures, which can further stress the local watershed. Maintaining septic systems is a practical way for residents to help reduce bacteria loads.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Montgomery County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler highland climate patterns

Montgomery County sits at an annual average of 52.5°F, which is cooler than many national medians. The area receives 42.1 inches of precipitation, slightly less than the typical Virginian average.

Below the state temperature average

At 52.5°F, Montgomery is notably cooler than the 55.9°F Virginia state average. Its higher elevation contributes to this distinct temperature gap compared to the Piedmont and coastal regions.

Cooler than eastern Virginia neighbors

While coastal Norfolk reaches 61.0°F, Montgomery stays much cooler at 52.5°F. This makes it a regional haven for those seeking relief from the humidity found further east.

Snowy winters and mild summers

The county experiences 21.6 inches of snow annually, far exceeding the state average. Extreme heat is rare here, with only 7 days per year reaching 90°F.

Invest in winter weather gear

With over 20 inches of snow, residents should prioritize snow tires and reliable heating systems. Summer cooling needs are minimal given the rare occurrence of extreme heat days.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Montgomery County

via SoilByCounty

Unique Appalachian Soil Chemistry

Montgomery County features a pH of 5.40, making it less acidic than the state average of 5.23. Although it is still more acidic than the national median of 6.5, it offers a relatively balanced starting point for many plants.

Silt-Rich Valley Soils

With 45.4% silt and 35.4% sand, this soil has a fine, smooth texture that is highly productive. The 19.2% clay content provides significant body, helping the soil hold onto essential nutrients throughout the year.

Exceptional Water-Holding Capacity

The available water capacity is a standout at 0.161 in/in, significantly higher than the state average of 0.143. While organic matter is 1.98%, below the state average, the soil's ability to store water makes it very resilient.

Moisture Retention for Hilly Terrain

The high silt and clay percentages suggest a soil that retains moisture effectively across the county's varied topography. This helps prevent plants from drying out on slopes where water typically runs off quickly.

Abundant Growth in Zone 7a

Hardiness Zone 7a in Montgomery County is perfect for berries, leafy greens, and apple orchards. Utilize the soil's natural moisture-holding ability to grow a high-yield garden with less frequent irrigation.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Montgomery County

via LawnByCounty

Montgomery County Offers Prime Growing Conditions

With a high lawn score of 64.6, Montgomery County is much easier for lawn care than the national median of 50.0. Its 7a hardiness zone provides a balanced environment for traditional cool-season lawns.

Cooler Summers and Ideal Rainfall

The county enjoys a mild climate with only 7 extreme heat days annually, far below the state average of 28. Its 42.1 inches of annual rainfall sits right in the sweet spot for maintaining healthy turf without excessive irrigation.

Clay Content Helps Nutrient Retention

Soil pH in the county averages 5.40, which requires some adjustment to reach the ideal 6.0 range. A clay content of 19.2% helps hold onto moisture and fertilizers, providing a stable foundation for root systems.

Managing Frequent Dry Spells

Despite the high lawn score, the area spent 28 weeks in drought over the last year. Because the entire county is currently abnormally dry, mulch-mowing is a great way to retain soil moisture during peak summer.

Start Your Lawn in Late Spring

Tall fescue is a top performer in zone 7a and handles the local climate well. Aim to seed your lawn after the last spring frost on April 24 or wait for the cooling temperatures following October 19.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Montgomery County's county score?
Montgomery County, Virginia has a composite county score of 49.3 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 Virginia?
Montgomery County ranks #87 among all counties in Virginia 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, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Montgomery County is $2,174, with an effective tax rate of 0.77%. This earns Montgomery County a tax score of 56/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Montgomery County?
The median household income in Montgomery County, Virginia is $70,769 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Montgomery County earns an income score of 68.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Montgomery County, Virginia a good place to live?
Montgomery County scores 49.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #87 in Virginia. 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.