CountyScore

Montour County

Pennsylvania · PA

#4 in Pennsylvania
71.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Montour County, Pennsylvania

Montour Ranks Among Nation's Best

Montour County scores 68.4, nearly 20 points above the national median of 50.0. At the 70th percentile nationally, it ranks higher than seven in ten U.S. counties on overall livability.

One of Pennsylvania's Strongest

Montour's score of 68.4 surpasses Pennsylvania's statewide average of 66.0 by 2.4 points, placing it in the upper echelon of state counties. It represents a livability leader within the state.

Lowest Tax Burden in Group

Montour boasts the lowest effective tax rate in this entire group at just 1.030%, earning a stellar tax score of 73.3. The county also delivers solid housing affordability with a cost score of 74.0 and median home value of $240,300.

Below-Average Income Levels

Income scores lag at 31.0, with a median household income of $72,926—mid-range for this group but below state expectations. Safety, health, school, and environmental data gaps limit a fully detailed livability picture.

Ideal for Tax-Conscious Families

Montour suits families and retirees seeking minimal tax burden without sacrificing reasonable housing costs and moderate incomes. It appeals to those prioritizing financial efficiency and stable, predictable living expenses.

Score breakdown

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

Tax73.3Cost74SafetyComing SoonHealth75.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome31Risk85.4WaterComing Soon
🏛73.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠74
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼31
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤75.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡85.4
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 Montour County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Monroe County
Alabama
71.6
Median income: $40,225
Bradford County
Florida
71.6
Median income: $59,740
Banks County
Georgia
71.6
Median income: $68,830
Warrick County
Indiana
71.6
Median income: $95,027
Mason County
Kentucky
71.6
Median income: $51,473

Deep Dives

Montour County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

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.