RANK #514 / 996 · POP 99,373 · VA
PROJECTED GROWTH: +0.7%
Montgomery County, Virginia, stands out for its blend of academic influence and natural beauty, particularly with Blacksburg being home to Virginia Tech, a major university and employer. The county, situated in Southwest Virginia within the Blue Ridge Mountains, offers a community feel with access to outdoor recreation. Residents and visitors can explore the Huckleberry Trail, a 14-mile paved path connecting Blacksburg and Christiansburg, or venture into the Jefferson National Forest for hiking and mountain biking. Commute options include local bus services in Blacksburg and Christiansburg, and a Smart Way Bus connecting to Roanoke.
Life in Montgomery County is shaped by its university presence, attracting young professionals and contributing to a dynamic atmosphere. The public school system is highly rated, with numerous elementary, middle, and high schools serving the area. The economy, historically rooted in agriculture, has evolved to become a hub for technology, research, and advanced manufacturing, driven by institutions like Virginia Tech and its Corporate Research Center. Recent economic developments show continued investment in various sectors, including data centers, reflecting a broader shift towards technology-driven industries.
Overvalued relative to economy
No data
Above national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Below national median (13x)
Housing looks overvalued at 10.2x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Meta Montgomery Data Center Expansion
Meta
|
$1,500M | Under Construction |
|
Amazon Web Services (AWS) Data Center Campus
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
|
$500M | Proposed |
|
Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP) Boost - Swann Compressor Station
Mountain Valley Pipeline
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
ESS Technologies, Inc. Expansion
ESS Technologies, Inc.
|
$50M | Completed |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Montgomery County has a Boom Town Index score of 48/100, ranking #514 among 996 U.S. counties. With a median household income of $65,270, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Montgomery County is $269,300 with median rent at $1,161/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2424, which is less affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.1% year-over-year. Job growth: 0.0%. Home values changed +1.6% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 6.62% of Montgomery County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.