countyscore
60.1
County Score
Schools 94.6Disaster Risk 85.4Health 76.3

County Report Card

About Montour County, Pennsylvania

A National Leader in Livability

Montour County shines with a composite score of 60.1, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. It is a standout performer across almost every measured category.

One of Pennsylvania's Best

Montour dominates the state average of 51.8 by nearly nine points. Its combination of safety, education, and relative tax efficiency makes it a premier location in the Commonwealth.

Elite Schools and Safety

The county features an incredible school score of 94.6 and a risk score of 85.4. It offers a rare mix of high safety and top-tier educational outcomes for its residents.

Housing and Water Constraints

Despite its strengths, the cost score of 27.3 indicates that housing is becoming less affordable. A water score of 32.1 also suggests room for improvement in local utility infrastructure.

The Gold Standard for Families

Montour County is the definitive choice for families who want the best possible schools and the highest levels of safety. It offers an elite quality of life for those with a $72,926 median income.

Score breakdown

Tax36Cost27.3Safety68.9Health76.3Schools94.6Income73.9Risk85.4Water32.1Weather57.8
🏛36
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠27.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼73.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡68.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤76.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓94.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡85.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧32.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤57.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨48.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱45.6
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Columbia County
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55.4
Northumberland County
Pennsylvania
51.7
Union County
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55
Lycoming County
Pennsylvania
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Sullivan County
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Snyder County
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Schuylkill County
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Luzerne County
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Deep Dives

Montour County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Montour County

via TaxByCounty

Montour ranks well below U.S. tax median

Montour County's effective tax rate of 1.030% is among the nation's lowest, sitting substantially below the national median of 1.2% and placing it in the bottom quarter of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $2,475 trails the national median of $2,690, though on a much lower home value base. Montour offers genuine tax relief compared to the typical American jurisdiction.

Pennsylvania's most tax-friendly county

At 1.030%, Montour's effective rate is the lowest among Pennsylvania's 67 counties, falling significantly below the state average of 1.317%. This exceptional ranking makes Montour the premier destination for property-tax-conscious homeowners within Pennsylvania.

Far lower than all surrounding counties

Montour's 1.030% rate is the lowest in its entire region, substantially undercutting Mercer (1.265%), Lycoming (1.353%), Mifflin (1.558%), McKean (1.636%), Monroe (1.839%), and Northampton (1.653%). The county stands out as the tax haven of northcentral Pennsylvania.

Modest annual tax on median property

With a median home value of $240,300 and the state's lowest effective tax rate, Montour homeowners pay approximately $2,475 annually in property taxes. This bill ranges from $2,321 (without mortgage) to $2,640 (with mortgage), representing the lowest tax burden among these eight counties on a similar-valued home.

Already tax-efficient, but verify assessments

Even in low-tax counties, overassessment can occur—Montour residents should confirm their property is valued at or below recent comparable sales. Filing a reassessment request if you suspect overvaluation could yield modest additional savings in an already tax-friendly jurisdiction.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Montour County

via CostByCounty

Montour's higher ratio reflects premium pricing

Montour County's 17.4% rent-to-income ratio exceeds national benchmarks despite a $72,926 median income just slightly above the national average. The $1,057 monthly rent reflects a regional market where housing costs have risen faster than incomes.

Among Pennsylvania's pricier counties

Montour's 17.4% rent-to-income ratio ties Montgomery for the state's second-highest burden, well above Pennsylvania's 16.5% average. The county's $1,057 median rent is $97 above the state average, signaling a tighter local housing market.

Pricey for central Pennsylvania

Montour's $1,057 rent significantly exceeds McKean ($769), Mercer ($808), and Mifflin ($792), while matching Lycoming ($887) and undercutting Northampton ($1,335). Its $240,300 median home value suggests market appreciation reshaping the region.

Ownership and renting equally strained

Renters allocate $1,057 monthly (17.4% of income) while homeowners pay $1,002 monthly (16.5%), creating unusual pressure on renters. Despite identical rent-to-income ratios, the absolute costs feel elevated for the county's income level.

Montour's appeal may not justify costs

Before relocating to Montour, compare its 17.4% rent burden against nearby Lycoming (16.5%) and Mercer (16.0%) to ensure the premium aligns with your priorities. The county's rising home values suggest sustained cost pressures ahead.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Montour County

via IncomeByCounty

Montour matches national income median

Montour County's median household income of $72,926 falls just $1,829 short of the national median of $74,755. This near-match to national norms positions Montour as a stable, middle-income county with earnings aligned to broader American patterns.

Slightly above Pennsylvania average

At $72,926, Montour's median household income runs about $3,300 ahead of Pennsylvania's state average of $69,614. The per capita income of $45,274 notably exceeds the state average of $37,407, suggesting more equitable income distribution within households.

Strong performer in central cluster

Montour's $72,926 ranks higher than western counties Lycoming ($64,412), McKean ($61,705), Mercer ($60,614), and Mifflin ($61,415). Within the eight-county group, Montour sits solidly in the middle tier, between modest earners and affluent suburban counties.

Housing costs align with earnings

Montour's rent-to-income ratio of 17.4% matches Montgomery County's ratio, but applied to more modest incomes. The median home value of $240,300 requires commitment but remains accessible for many Montour households earning at or above the median.

Build steady wealth in Montour

With median household income at $72,926, Montour residents earn near national averages and possess solid wealth-building capacity. Consistent contributions to retirement accounts, strategic homeownership, and disciplined saving create pathways to long-term financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Montour County

via CrimeByCounty

Montour County is Exceptionally Safe

Montour County is one of the safest areas in the region, boasting a safety score of 98.9. Its total crime rate of 726.7 per 100,000 is less than one-third of the national average of 2,385.5.

Outperforming State Safety Averages

The county's crime rate of 726.7 is significantly lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 932.4. Its safety score of 98.9 also exceeds the state average of 98.5, marking it as a top performer.

Leader in Regional Safety

Montour is much safer than neighboring Mifflin County, which reports 1,074.8 crimes per 100,000. It also maintains a lower crime rate than Northampton's 751.2 per 100,000.

Minimal Property and Violent Crime

Property crime in Montour is extremely low at 561.5 incidents per 100,000 residents. The violent crime rate of 165.2 is also far below the national average of 369.8, indicating a peaceful community.

Keep Your Community Secure

While crime rates are very low, maintaining awareness is key to keeping them that way. Residents can help by reporting suspicious activity and using basic home security like motion-sensor lights.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Montour County

via HealthByCounty

Montour's healthcare infrastructure is exceptional

Montour County's 77.5-year life expectancy exceeds Pennsylvania's state average and approaches the U.S. average of 79 years, reflecting solid population health outcomes. The 18.1% poor or fair health rate mirrors some regional challenges, yet Montour's extraordinary provider density—581 primary care and 638 mental health providers per 100K—suggests excellent healthcare access overcomes these headwinds. At just 4.4% uninsured, nearly all residents can afford the care available.

Exceptional providers, good longevity outcomes

Montour's 77.5-year life expectancy ranks above Pennsylvania's state average of 76.4 years, placing it in the upper-middle tier of state counties. The 4.4% uninsured rate is among Pennsylvania's lowest—well below the 7.0% state average—meaning residents have solid coverage for healthcare access. The county's 581 primary care and 638 mental health providers per 100K dwarf state norms, indicating extraordinarily dense healthcare infrastructure.

Highest provider density in region by far

Montour's 581 primary care providers per 100K is roughly 7 times higher than Monroe's 40 and nearly 10 times Mercer's 62, making it a regional healthcare hub. The 638 mental health providers per 100K similarly outpaces all peers by multiples, ensuring robust behavioral health access. Despite the 18.1% poor/fair health rate—matching regional struggles—Montour's exceptional infrastructure suggests residents receive excellent care for chronic conditions.

Healthcare abundance meets patient access reality

Montour's extraordinary provider ratios—581 primary care and 638 mental health providers per 100K—reflect the presence of a major healthcare institution or academic medical center anchoring the county. Residents enjoy same-day and next-day appointments, walk-in care options, and specialists within easy reach, contrasting sharply with neighboring counties' shortages. The 4.4% uninsured rate ensures nearly all residents can afford this abundant care.

Maximize Montour's exceptional healthcare wealth

With 4.4% of residents uninsured and exceptional provider availability, if you're among them, securing coverage unlocks unparalleled access to care that most Pennsylvania counties can only dream of. Visit healthcare.gov or call 211 to explore Marketplace plans and Medicaid eligibility. Getting covered lets you take full advantage of Montour's healthcare infrastructure and the longevity and health outcomes it supports.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Montour County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small, Focused Education in Montour County

Montour County operates a compact system of six public schools within three school districts. This intimate network serves 2,215 students, primarily through two elementary and three high school facilities.

State-Leading Graduation Rates

The county achieves an exceptional 97.0% graduation rate, far surpassing both state and national benchmarks. This success is paired with a strong school score of 66.3 and a healthy per-pupil expenditure of $11,205.

Danville Area SD Leads the Region

The Danville Area School District serves nearly all of the county's students, with 2,159 enrollees across four schools. There are no charter schools in the county, reflecting a highly centralized and successful public district model.

Suburban Feel with Intimate Classrooms

Five of the six local schools are situated in suburban locales, providing a consistent community feel with an average size of 369 students. Danville Area Senior High is the largest school in the county, yet still maintains a manageable 638-student enrollment.

Secure Your Child's Future in Danville

With one of the highest graduation rates in Pennsylvania, Montour County is a hidden gem for families. Focus your home search in the Danville area to benefit from this top-tier, tight-knit school community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Montour County

via RiskByCounty

Montour enjoys exceptional safety

With a composite risk score of 14.66, Montour County ranks among the safest counties in the entire United States regarding natural disaster exposure. The county's "Very Low" risk rating indicates that major hazards are minimal and manageable with basic precautions. Residents benefit from one of the lowest risk profiles possible.

Pennsylvania's safest county

Montour County's risk score of 14.66 is dramatically lower than Pennsylvania's state average of 67.45—a difference of over 50 points. The county outranks all other Pennsylvania counties by a tremendous margin in this analysis. This exceptional safety reflects Montour's inland location, moderate geography, and climate protected from extreme weather systems.

Significantly safer than all neighbors

Montour County's score of 14.66 vastly exceeds the safety of every neighboring county, including McKean (53.78), Lycoming (79.58), and Mercer (77.74). In fact, Montour ranks safer than every county in this analysis except itself. This remarkable positioning makes Montour one of Pennsylvania's most desirable locations from a natural disaster perspective.

Minimal hazards across all categories

Even Montour County's highest individual risk score—flood exposure at 38.33—remains substantially below state and national averages. Wildfire risk is exceptionally low at 4.64, and tornado exposure ranks minimally at 20.32. Earthquake (33.81) and hurricane (61.20) risks, while present, pose far less concern than in surrounding regions.

Basic preparedness provides security

Montour County residents can focus on essential home maintenance rather than specialized hazard mitigation; standard homeowners insurance typically provides adequate coverage for this region's low-risk profile. Maintain gutters and downspouts for the modest flood risk, and trim tree branches near your home routinely. Your location provides exceptional protection—insurance costs should reflect this advantage.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Montour County

via WeatherByCounty

A Moist Continental Climate

Montour County receives 41.6 inches of annual precipitation, placing it within the standard range for the humid continental Northeast. While specific annual temperature medians are unavailable, the precipitation levels mirror national temperate trends.

Lower Precipitation Than State Averages

The county's 41.6 inches of rain falls below the Pennsylvania average of 45.3 inches. However, its 28.6 inches of annual snowfall is typical for the central Susquehanna Valley region.

Typical Central Pennsylvania Weather

Montour's 28.6 inches of snow is higher than southern neighbors but lower than the lake-effect zones. It shares a relatively consistent precipitation profile with its rural neighbors.

Defining the Snowy Season

While specific seasonal heat data is limited, the 28.6 inches of annual snow indicates a traditional four-season cycle. Precipitation is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.

Managing Moderate Snow and Rain

Residents should plan for moderate winter maintenance to clear nearly 30 inches of snow. Ensure home drainage systems are clear to handle the 41.6 inches of annual rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Montour County

via SoilByCounty

Typical Pennsylvania Acidity in Montour

Montour County has an average pH of 5.24, making it nearly identical to the state average of 5.22. Like most of the state, it is more acidic than the national median of 6.5, which can limit the growth of sensitive legumes. It represents a standard central Pennsylvania soil profile that responds well to traditional management.

A Heavily Silted Ground

With 48.3% silt, Montour has one of the highest silt concentrations in the region, balanced by 27.4% sand and 16.5% clay. This high silt and clay combination creates a 'heavy' feel that holds nutrients well but can be slow to warm up in the spring. It is a productive mix that requires careful timing to avoid tilling when too wet.

Good Water Storage and Healthy Soil

The available water capacity of 0.163 in/in is higher than the state average, meaning these soils are excellent at surviving dry spells. Organic matter stands at 7.74%, which is lower than the state average of 12.14% but still very healthy compared to national standards. This soil is naturally equipped to support high-yielding crops.

Localized Hydrology Guides the Way

The primary dataset does not currently list a dominant drainage class or hydrologic group for Montour County. Because of the high silt and clay content, many areas likely feature moderate to slow drainage. Observing how quickly puddles disappear after a storm will give you the best clue for your specific location.

Zone 6b Growth Potential

In USDA Hardiness Zone 6b, Montour County offers a reliable window for most temperate fruits and vegetables. The high water capacity is particularly good for berries and orchard fruits that need consistent moisture. Don't hesitate to start your garden; these silty soils are some of the most consistent performers in the state.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Montour County

via LawnByCounty

Strategic Care for Montour Turf

Montour County presents a challenge with a lawn difficulty score of 45.6, well below the state average of 59.2. This Zone 6b region requires more active management than the national median score of 50.0.

Stable Rains Support Growth

The county receives 41.6 inches of precipitation annually, which is slightly lower than the Pennsylvania average of 45.2. While specific temperature data is limited, these rainfall levels support steady growth with moderate supplemental watering.

Addressing Nutrient Lock in Acidic Soil

Soil tests show a pH of 5.24, which is significantly more acidic than the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range for most grasses. The texture includes 16.5% clay and 27.4% sand, suggesting a need for lime to unlock nutrients for the turf.

Water Conservation in Montour

Drought has been persistent, with 32 weeks of dry conditions over the past year and 100% of the county currently abnormally dry. Use a rain gauge to ensure your lawn receives at least one inch of water per week.

Starting Fresh in Zone 6b

Cool-season grasses like Perennial Ryegrass and Kentucky Bluegrass are the standard for Zone 6b. Without specific local frost data, growers should monitor soil temperatures to ensure they reach 55 degrees before seeding.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Montour County's county score?
Montour County, Pennsylvania has a composite county score of 60.1 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 Montour County rank among counties in Pennsylvania?
Montour County ranks #5 among all counties in Pennsylvania 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 Montour County, Pennsylvania?
The median annual property tax in Montour County is $2,475, with an effective tax rate of 1.03%. This earns Montour County a tax score of 36/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Montour County?
The median household income in Montour County, Pennsylvania is $72,926 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Montour County earns an income score of 73.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Montour County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Montour County scores 60.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #5 in Pennsylvania. The best way to evaluate Montour 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 Montour County with other counties side by side.

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🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.