countyscore
48.5
County Score
Property Tax 92.8Disaster Risk 89.8Health 60.7

County Report Card

About Grand County, Utah

Grand County Faces National Competition

With a composite score of 48.5, Grand County sits just below the national median of 50.0. It ranks in the middle tier of counties across the country for overall livability.

Trailing the Utah State Average

Grand's score of 48.5 falls below the Utah state average of 53.9. While it offers unique benefits, it faces higher hurdles than many of its statewide peers.

High Resilience and Low Taxes

The county excels in environmental resilience with a risk score of 89.8. It also maintains a strong tax score of 92.8, supported by an effective tax rate of 0.418%.

Safety and Cost Obstacles

The safety score of 18.1 represents a primary challenge for the community. Furthermore, housing affordability is pressured, as evidenced by a cost score of 38.5 and a median home value of $480,900.

Resilient Living for the Outward Bound

This county is best for residents who value environmental stability and low property taxes. It caters to those willing to navigate a tighter housing market in exchange for a world-class outdoor lifestyle.

Score breakdown

Tax92.8Cost38.5Safety18.1Health60.7Schools41.5Income46.7Risk89.8Water26.8Weather40.8
🏛92.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠38.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼46.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡18.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤60.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓41.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡89.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧26.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤40.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱21.3
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

Emery County
Utah
70.1
Carbon County
Utah
49.2
Wayne County
Utah
71.8
Uintah County
Utah
45.5
Mesa County
Colorado
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Montrose County
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43
San Juan County
Utah
58.3
Sanpete County
Utah
54.6

Deep Dives

Grand County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Grand County

via TaxByCounty

Grand County taxes slightly below national rate

Grand County's effective tax rate of 0.418% sits comfortably below the national median of 0.535%. The median property tax of $2,012 is still well short of the national median of $2,690, despite higher home values.

Middle of the pack in Utah

Grand County ranks near the middle of Utah counties with an effective rate of 0.418%, compared to the state average of 0.498%. The median tax bill of $2,012 exceeds the state median of $1,815, but only because homes here are significantly more valuable.

Comparable to Kane, lower than Millard

Grand County's 0.418% rate closely mirrors Kane County (0.419%) but remains below Millard County's 0.535%. Grand's higher median home value of $480,900 pushes the actual tax bill up, even at a favorable rate.

Median home pays $2,012 annually

A typical Grand County home valued at $480,900 generates an annual property tax of $2,012. Homeowners with mortgages pay $2,050, while those without mortgages pay $1,965—a narrow margin.

Appeal overassessments to lower taxes

Many Grand County homeowners overpay due to inflated property assessments that don't reflect true market value. Filing an appeal is free and can permanently reduce your tax liability.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Grand County

via CostByCounty

Grand County rents strain household budgets

Grand County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.6% significantly exceeds the national average, meaning renters here dedicate a larger share of income to housing than typical U.S. households. At $1,021 per month against a median income of $62,521, rental affordability is tighter than the nation as a whole.

Among Utah's priciest rental markets

Grand County ranks as one of Utah's less affordable counties for renters, with a 19.6% rent-to-income ratio well above the state average of 16.6%. This small county pays closer to state median rent levels ($1,101) despite below-average household incomes.

Expensive gateway to the Colorado Plateau

Grand County's $1,021 rent mirrors the state average and exceeds neighboring Garfield ($781) and Millard ($897), reflecting its status as a tourism and recreation hub. Homebuyers face steeper challenges here, with a median home value of $480,900—the highest among this group of counties.

Nearly one-fifth of income goes to rent

Renters spend 19.6% of their $62,521 income on housing ($1,021/month), while homeowners dedicate 15.9% to mortgage costs ($830/month). Grand County presents an unusual affordability gap where renting strains budgets more than owning, likely reflecting seasonal and tourism-driven dynamics.

Grand County demands higher housing budgets

Relocating to Grand County requires careful financial planning—expect to allocate nearly a fifth of household income to rent alone. Compare housing costs here to more affordable neighbors like Garfield and Millard before committing to the Moab area.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Grand County

via IncomeByCounty

Grand County income lags nation

Grand County's median household income of $62,521 is 16.3% below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it in the lower third of American counties. The county's strong per capita income of $41,443 suggests concentrated wealth among some residents.

Below Utah's middle tier

Grand's $62,521 median falls 22% short of Utah's $80,176 state average, ranking it in the lower half of the state's counties. The per capita income of $41,443 exceeds the state average of $35,055 by 18%, hinting at uneven income distribution.

Slight income advantage over Garfield

Grand County earns $62,521 versus Garfield's $61,688, making them near-peers in Utah's rural south. Both counties trail Kane County ($75,000) but significantly outpace Piute County ($44,650).

High housing costs squeeze budgets

Grand's rent-to-income ratio of 19.6% is the highest among these eight counties, signaling real affordability strain for renters. The median home value of $480,900 is steep relative to household income, potentially locking out first-time buyers.

Optimize for high housing costs

With nearly one-fifth of income going to rent, Grand County residents should prioritize debt reduction and building equity through homeownership when possible. Exploring first-time homebuyer programs and down payment assistance can help bridge the gap to ownership.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Grand County

via CrimeByCounty

Grand County vs National Safety Trends

Grand County's total crime rate of 2,179.8 per 100,000 residents is near the national average of 2,385.5. Despite this higher volume of activity, it maintains a strong safety score of 96.6 out of 100.

A Busy Hub for the Beehive State

The county sees more activity than much of Utah, with its total crime rate nearly doubling the state average of 1,204.8. This higher volume of reports often reflects its status as a high-traffic tourism and recreation destination.

Safety Comparisons Among Tourism Centers

Grand's crime rate is significantly higher than neighboring Garfield or San Juan counties. The 557.9 violent crime rate is also notably above the Utah state average of 178.7.

Understanding the Local Crime Mix

Violent crime sits at 557.9 per 100,000, while property crime is the primary driver at 1,621.9. These numbers represent the combined reports of two active law enforcement agencies serving the region.

Securing Your Property in Grand County

With property crime being the most frequent issue, securing vacation rentals and vehicles is essential. Residents and visitors alike benefit from using visible deterrents like alarm systems and locked storage.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Grand County

via HealthByCounty

Grand County leads nation in longevity

Grand County residents enjoy a life expectancy of 80.3 years, among the highest in the nation and well above the U.S. average of 78.9 years. Despite this advantage, 17.3% report poor or fair health, suggesting that high longevity coexists with chronic disease management challenges.

Utah's second-best life expectancy

Grand County ranks second in Utah for life expectancy at 80.3 years, nearly 2.5 years ahead of the state average of 77.9 years. This exceptional performance makes Grand one of Utah's healthiest counties and reflects strong community health practices.

Outshines surrounding counties by miles

Grand County's 80.3-year life expectancy far exceeds neighboring San Juan County and surpasses nearby Iron County (78.3 years) by two full years. Grand's residents also enjoy abundant healthcare providers—124 primary care and 330 mental health per 100K—the highest concentrations in the region.

Higher uninsured rate despite wealth of providers

Grand County's uninsured rate of 13.2% is the highest among Utah counties, outpacing the state average by 3 percentage points despite exceptional provider availability. This gap suggests that uninsured residents may face affordability barriers even in an area rich with medical professionals and mental health specialists.

Maximize Grand's healthcare advantage

Grand County's world-class provider network is undermined if one in eight residents can't access it due to lack of insurance. Enrolling in coverage unlocks these exceptional health resources and protects against medical debt that threatens financial stability.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Grand County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined Schools in the Heart of Moab

Grand County operates five public schools catering to a total enrollment of 1,535 students. The landscape includes two elementary schools, one middle school, one high school, and a specialized facility for early childhood education.

Meeting National Standards for Student Success

The county's 87.0% graduation rate matches the national average exactly, while its $7,393 per-pupil spending exceeds the Utah state average of $6,829. A school score of 52.8 indicates a performance level that is consistent with broader state trends.

Grand District and Local Charter Options

The Grand District manages four schools and 1,473 students, while the Moab Charter School provides a specialized alternative for 62 students. Charter schools represent 20% of the county's total educational facilities.

A Unified Town School Experience

All schools in Grand County are located in town settings, anchored by the Helen M. Knight School which serves 732 students. The average school size is 307 students, offering a balanced environment that is neither too large nor too isolated.

Establish Roots Near Grand Schools

Prospective homeowners often prioritize proximity to the high-performing Helen M. Knight School or Grand County High. Investing in a home here means joining a community that spends more per student than the state average.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Grand County

via RiskByCounty

Grand County among the nation's lowest-risk areas

Grand County's composite risk score of 10.27 places it squarely in the Very Low category, well below the national average and significantly below Utah's state average of 36.19. This remote, sparsely populated county experiences minimal aggregate disaster exposure.

Second-lowest risk county in Utah

Grand County ranks near the bottom of Utah's 29 counties for natural disaster risk, trailing only Piute County (0.89) in overall exposure. This exceptionally low positioning reflects its isolation and geographic setting in eastern Utah.

Safest in a diverse risk landscape

Grand County's 10.27 score makes it the safest in its region, surrounded by higher-risk neighbors: Garfield (37.63) to the south, Uintah County to the east, and Emery County to the west. Its low exposure contrasts sharply with Iron County's 61.42 in the southwestern corner of the state.

Wildfire the primary natural hazard

Wildfire risk scores 58.56 in Grand County, representing the county's most significant exposure to natural disaster. Flood risk (25.38) and earthquake risk (32.70) remain well below state averages, creating a relatively benign hazard profile overall.

Focus on wildfire preparedness primarily

While Grand County's overall risk is low, wildfire preparedness remains important given the county's landscape and geography. Standard homeowners insurance typically covers weather-related damage, though residents in rural areas should verify coverage limits and maintain defensible space around properties.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Grand County

via WeatherByCounty

Arid Heat Above the National Median

Grand County's annual average temperature of 56.0°F sits well above the national median of 53°F. This desert climate is defined by intense heat and very low annual precipitation of just 8.5 inches.

One of Utah's Warmest Counties

At 56.0°F, Grand County is much warmer than the Utah state average of 48.9°F. It represents the hotter, lower-elevation canyon lands that define the state's southeastern corridor.

Stark Contrast to Mountain Neighbors

Grand County is roughly 10 degrees warmer on average than neighboring Garfield County. While nearby Juab County experiences 60 extreme heat days, Grand sees a staggering 94 days above 90°F.

Blistering Summers and Dry Winters

Summer temperatures average 78.9°F, with July often peaking around 81.9°F and featuring frequent triple-digit days. Winters are relatively dry with only 10.8 inches of annual snowfall, keeping the landscape accessible year-round.

Hydration and High-Efficiency Cooling

Residents must invest in high-performance HVAC systems to handle 94 days of extreme heat per year. With only 8.5 inches of rain, water conservation and sun protection are the top priorities for any outdoor activity.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Grand County

via SoilByCounty

The red rock soil identity

Specific soil taxonomy and pH data for Grand County are not currently mapped at the county level. The area likely mirrors the Utah average pH of 7.71, standing well above the national median of 6.5. These alkaline conditions often define the unique desert ecology found around Moab.

Sand and silt in the desert

Localized percentages for sand, silt, and clay are unavailable, yet desert textures dominate the landscape. These soils often provide rapid drainage but may struggle with nutrient retention without added organic amendments. Knowing your specific texture helps you decide between drip irrigation or deep soaking.

Boosting organic matter in arid lands

Grand County's fertility levels are currently unrecorded, but Utah's state average organic matter sits at a healthy 7.59%. This benchmark is nearly four times higher than the national average of 2.0%. Local growers often add mulch to reach the state’s available water capacity average of 0.138 in/in.

Managing water in unmapped terrain

Standard drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not listed for this county. In this arid climate, understanding how your specific plot handles sudden flash floods is critical for safety. We recommend a percolation test before designing any residential irrigation or drainage system.

Warm-season success in Zone 7a

Grand County enjoys the warmth of USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. This climate is perfect for heat-loving crops like peaches, grapes, and tomatoes if you manage water carefully. Take advantage of the long growing season and plant your desert oasis today.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Grand County

via LawnByCounty

Grand's Intense Desert Environment

Grand County presents one of the toughest environments for turf with a lawn difficulty score of just 21.3. This is significantly lower than the Utah average of 28.5, reflecting the harsh realities of Hardiness Zone 7a. Maintaining traditional grass here requires intensive management and constant irrigation.

Scorching Heat and Minimum Rain

The county endures 94 extreme heat days per year, more than double the Utah average of 43. Precipitation is nearly non-existent for lawns at just 8.5 inches annually, necessitating a rigorous watering schedule. High heat and 4,217 growing degree days mean grass grows rapidly if water is available.

Unknown Soil, Known Risks

While specific local soil data is currently limited, desert soils in this region are often sandy and low in nutrients. We recommend a professional soil test to determine if your site needs pH adjustments or drainage improvements. Amending your soil with finished compost can help bridge the gap for thirsty turf.

Extreme Drought Conditions

With 100% of the county in drought for 53 straight weeks, 35.5% of the land currently sits at severe levels. Practical conservation includes letting grass go dormant during the hottest months to protect the crowns. Avoid over-mowing, as taller grass blades help shade the soil surface and retain moisture.

Heat-Tolerant Turf Choices

In Zone 7a, Buffalo grass or heat-tolerant Tall Fescue are your best bets for survival. Aim to seed after the last frost on April 17 to give the grass time to establish before the summer heat peaks. Choosing native alternatives can also reduce your water footprint while maintaining curb appeal.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Grand County's county score?
Grand County, Utah has a composite county score of 48.5 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 Grand County rank among counties in Utah?
Grand County ranks #20 among all counties in Utah 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 Grand County, Utah?
The median annual property tax in Grand County is $2,012, with an effective tax rate of 0.42%. This earns Grand County a tax score of 92.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Grand County?
The median household income in Grand County, Utah is $62,521 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Grand County earns an income score of 46.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Grand County, Utah a good place to live?
Grand County scores 48.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #20 in Utah. The best way to evaluate Grand 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 Grand County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛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.