countyscore
59.3
County Score
Schools 94.6Disaster Risk 85.4Income & Jobs 76.9

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.

2040608010034.726.468.976.394.676.985.432.157.8Tax34.7Cost26.4Safety68.9Health76.3Schools94.6Income76.9Risk85.4Water32.1Weather57.859.3/100
This county
National avg
5 above average3 below average

Montour County DNA

Foverall

How Montour County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Montour County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Schools (94.6/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (32.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
34.7-17.299999999999997
Cost
26.4-21.6
Safety
68.9+13.900000000000006
Health
76.3+26.299999999999997
Schools
94.6+40.599999999999994
Income
76.9+25.900000000000006
Risk
85.4+38.400000000000006
Water
32.1-25.9
Weather
57.8
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Compare mortgage rates in Montour County

Whether buying or refinancing in Montour County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$248,100

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,142/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$248,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$45,680/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $76,976/yr
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Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

66.4

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Montour County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Montour County's county score?
Montour County, Pennsylvania has a composite county score of 59.3 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 Montour County rank among counties in Pennsylvania?
Montour County ranks #7 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 $2,507, with an effective tax rate of 1.01%. This earns Montour County a tax score of 34.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Montour County?
The median household income in Montour County, Pennsylvania is $76,976 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Montour County earns an income score of 76.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Montour County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Montour County scores 59.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #7 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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