countyscore
56.2
County Score
Water Quality 86Disaster Risk 84.3Property Tax 81.2

County Report Card

About Grant County, Arkansas

Grant ranks solidly above national median

Grant County's composite score of 56.2 surpasses the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 60th percentile nationally. This above-average performance reflects a county with meaningful livability strengths.

Among Arkansas's strongest counties

Grant ranks well above the state average of 47.9, making it one of Arkansas's top-performing counties. This leadership position signals stable, balanced living conditions.

Strong income and environmental stability

Grant's income score of 72.6 leads this group, backed by a median household income of $72,512—significantly above peers. A risk score of 84.3 and water quality score of 86.0 indicate strong environmental and natural disaster resilience.

Schools and safety need attention

Despite overall strength, Grant's school score of 29.1 and safety score of 35.9 suggest room for improvement in education and community safety. These dimensions warrant scrutiny for families prioritizing schools or secure neighborhoods.

Ideal for middle-class families seeking stability

Grant appeals to families with solid incomes who value environmental resilience and economic stability over cutting-edge schools. It offers the best balance of affordability and income potential in this Arkansas cohort.

2040608010081.271.835.946.129.172.684.38654.7Tax81.2Cost71.8Safety35.9Health46.1Schools29.1Income72.6Risk84.3Water86Weather54.756.2/100
This county
National avg
5 above average2 below average

Grant County DNA

Foverall

How Grant County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Grant County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (84.3/100) but notably weak in Schools (29.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
81.2+29.200000000000003
Cost
71.8+23.799999999999997
Safety
35.9-19.1
Health
46.1
Schools
29.1-24.9
Income
72.6+21.599999999999994
Risk
84.3+37.3
Water
86+28
Weather
54.7
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Compare mortgage rates in Grant County

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$154,500

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$779/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$154,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,160/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $72,512/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

11.0

per 100K

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

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Dallas County
Arkansas
57.6
Saline County
Arkansas
44
Cleveland County
Arkansas
53.3
Pulaski County
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Hot Spring County
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Jefferson County
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Lonoke County
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Garland County
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38.6

Deep Dives

Grant County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Grant County

via TaxByCounty

Grant taxes rank very low nationally

Grant County's effective tax rate of 0.544% remains well below the national median of 0.82%, placing it in the bottom 25% of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $840 annually is just 31% of the national median of $2,690. Grant residents benefit from some of America's lowest property tax burdens.

Slightly above state average

Grant's 0.544% effective rate edges above Arkansas's state average of 0.532% by roughly 2%, making it slightly higher than typical statewide. The median tax of $840 is 19% above the state average of $705, reflecting Grant's median home value of $154,500.

Among highest in the region

Grant's 0.544% rate is the highest among surveyed counties, just ahead of Independence (0.545%) and notably above Fulton (0.461%). Still, Grant remains affordable compared to national standards and offers solid value for north-central Arkansas buyers.

What $154K home costs in taxes

A median-valued property of $154,500 in Grant County generates an annual tax bill of approximately $840. Including mortgage costs, that rises to $1,036 per year.

Review your assessment for errors

Grant County homeowners should request a property assessment review, as many properties are overvalued on county records. A successful challenge could reduce your annual tax liability.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Grant County

via CostByCounty

Grant County offers genuine housing affordability

At 12.9%, Grant County's rent-to-income ratio ranks well below the national benchmark, meaning renters here enjoy one of the most comfortable housing-cost burdens in the nation. The county's median household income of $72,512 nearly matches the national average of $74,755, while median rent remains modest at $779 per month.

Grant ranks as Arkansas's most affordable county

With a rent-to-income ratio of just 12.9%, Grant County significantly outperforms the state average of 18.1%, placing it at the top of the affordability ladder across Arkansas. This exceptional ratio reflects both solid incomes and measured rental costs.

Grant leads the pack on affordability metrics

Grant County's 12.9% rent-to-income ratio beats every neighboring county in this comparison, with only Independence and Hot Spring ($762 and $763 respectively) coming close on rental prices. The combination of higher median income and modest rents makes Grant the clear winner for budget-conscious households.

Grant's balanced housing budget sets it apart

Renters in Grant County spend just $779 monthly—12.9% of a $72,512 median household income—leaving substantial room for savings and other expenses. Homeowners pay $661 per month on properties valued at $154,500, with both groups enjoying a more sustainable relationship between income and housing costs than most Arkansas counties.

Grant County: where affordability meets income stability

If you're relocating in search of genuine housing affordability paired with solid earning potential, Grant County stands out as a rare combination in the Arkansas landscape. The numbers tell a compelling story—compare them to the rest of the state and you'll see why Grant deserves serious consideration.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Grant County

via IncomeByCounty

Grant nearly matches national income

Grant County's median household income of $72,512 comes within striking distance of the national median of $74,755, a difference of just $2,243. This makes Grant one of Arkansas's strongest-earning counties and aligns residents' earning power much closer to typical American households.

Top earners in Arkansas

Grant County ranks well above Arkansas's state median of $51,156, with a household income 42% higher than the state average. This exceptional performance positions Grant among Arkansas's most prosperous counties and signals strong local economic fundamentals.

Leads surrounding county earners

Grant County's $72,512 median household income substantially outpaces neighboring Garland ($55,409), Greene ($56,793), and Hempstead ($47,654) counties. Only the state's top-performing counties rival Grant's earning power.

Housing highly affordable

Grant households spend just 12.9% of income on rent—well below the 30% affordability threshold—providing substantial cushion for other essentials. This housing advantage, combined with strong median household income, positions Grant residents favorably for building savings and managing debt.

Grant's sweet spot for investors

With near-national median income and housing costs just 13% of earnings, Grant County residents have exceptional opportunity to build substantial wealth through retirement accounts and investments. Strategic planning around 401(k)s, IRAs, and diversified portfolios now can compound into significant long-term financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Grant County

via CrimeByCounty

Grant County is Exceptionally Safe

Grant County boasts an impressive safety score of 97.7, making it one of the most secure areas in the region. Its total crime rate of 1,487.1 per 100K is far below the national average of 2,385.5. Residents enjoy a level of security that significantly outpaces the national norm.

Leading Arkansas in Public Safety

Grant County's safety score of 97.7 easily beats the Arkansas average of 96.3. Its total crime rate is also much lower than the state average of 2,326.8 per 100K. Three reporting agencies maintain high standards of oversight for the community.

Outperforming Neighbors in Every Metric

Grant County is notably safer than adjacent Hot Spring County, which has a total crime rate of 1,759.8 per 100K. While Grant sits at 1,487.1, its violent crime rate is also lower than its neighbor's. This makes it a regional leader in crime prevention.

Very Low Violent Crime Risk

The violent crime rate in Grant County is only 199.8 per 100K, nearly half the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also low at 1,287.3 compared to the national 2,015.7. These figures indicate a peaceful environment with few major incidents.

Maintaining a Secure Household

Low crime rates offer peace of mind, but basic precautions remain essential. Standard measures like locking vehicles and using outdoor lighting help prevent Grant County's low property crime from rising. Staying engaged with neighbors is the best way to preserve this safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Grant County

via SchoolsByCounty

Centralized Learning in Grant County

Grant County keeps its educational footprint focused with just six public schools organized into two primary districts. These facilities serve a total enrollment of 3,530 students, primarily through a traditional elementary-to-high school pipeline.

High Graduation Despite Lean Spending

The county achieves a 90.7% graduation rate, which beats both the state and national averages. This success comes despite a per-pupil expenditure of $5,138, which is lower than the Arkansas state average of $6,160.

Sheridan Schools Lead the Way

The Sheridan School District dominates the local landscape, managing seven total facilities and educating 4,325 students. The smaller Poyen School District offers a more intimate alternative with just 508 students across two campuses.

Town-Centered School Culture

Four of the county's six schools are located in town settings, creating a central hub for student life and athletics. Sheridan High School is the largest facility by far, enrolling 1,271 students, while the average school size across the county is 588.

Investing in Your Family's Future

With graduation rates exceeding 90%, Grant County is an attractive target for families seeking reliable public education. Focus your home search in the Sheridan area to access the county's most comprehensive academic and extracurricular programs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Grant County

via RiskByCounty

Grant County ranks among safest in nation

With a composite risk score of just 15.71, Grant County's Very Low rating places it in the safest tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure. This remarkably low score reflects minimal vulnerability to floods, wildfires, and hurricanes.

Arkansas's lowest-risk county by far

Grant County's score of 15.71 is less than one-third of Arkansas's state average of 55.51, making it the state's safest county by a substantial margin. This advantage holds across nearly every hazard category.

Surrounded by higher-risk peers

Grant County's exceptional safety stands out even among its regional neighbors, with only Fulton County (50.67) approaching its low-risk profile. Hot Spring County (55.53) and Hempstead County (52.07) carry roughly triple Grant's overall hazard score.

Tornado and earthquake pose modest threats

Tornado risk at 54.42 and earthquake risk at 66.13 represent Grant County's primary hazards, yet both remain below state averages for most counties. Flood, wildfire, and hurricane risks all score in the low-to-moderate range, creating a genuinely favorable disaster risk environment.

Standard homeowner coverage suffices for Grant

Grant County's low-risk profile means standard homeowner's insurance typically provides adequate protection, though tornado-prone residents should still ensure wind coverage is included. A basic emergency kit and weather radio represent the minimal preparations needed here.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Grant County

via WaterByCounty

Zero Violations for Grant County Drinking Water

Grant County maintains a grade of A for its drinking water quality, with zero health violations recorded over the last five years. This puts the county well ahead of the Arkansas state average violation rate of 172.5 per 100,000 residents. The local water systems consistently meet all federal health-based standards.

High Impairment Rates in Grant County Watersheds

The 2022 EPA assessment reveals that 22.7% of the 308 water bodies in Grant County are impaired. This is significantly higher than the state average impairment rate of 17.8%. Key challenges include pH imbalances, turbidity during base flows, and critical levels of dissolved oxygen.

Active Nutrient Monitoring Across 20 Local Sites

Grant County utilizes 20 monitoring sites that have generated 4,168 measurements over the last five years. The monitoring program prioritizes nutrients, inorganics, and metals to track the health of local tributaries. This consistent data stream helps officials monitor the impact of land use on water quality.

Saline River Flows Well Below Seasonal Norms

The Saline River near Sheridan is currently flowing at 381 cubic feet per second, which is only 23% of its typical mean. This river drains a large area of 1,120 square miles, making the low flow significant for the regional ecosystem. Lower volumes often result in higher water temperatures and reduced oxygen for aquatic life.

Focus on Watershed Health and Low Flows

Despite excellent tap water quality, the high percentage of impaired local water bodies warrants caution for recreational users. Low flows in the Saline River can exacerbate issues like low dissolved oxygen and pH imbalances. Residents are encouraged to support local watershed conservation efforts to address these persistent environmental impairments.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Grant County

via WeatherByCounty

Consistently Above National Temperature Medians

Grant County maintains an annual average temperature of 61.6°F, nearly 8 degrees higher than the national median. This climate is defined by its significant warmth and high humidity levels throughout the year.

Aligning With Central Arkansas Patterns

The county's 61.6°F average temperature sits just above the statewide average of 61.0°F. It is one of the wetter counties in the state, receiving 56.5 inches of precipitation compared to the 52.4-inch state average.

Warmer and Wetter Than Hot Spring

Grant County is slightly warmer and wetter than neighboring Hot Spring County, which averages 61.3°F and 57.5 inches of rain. Both counties face similar extreme heat, with Grant recording 74 days above 90°F.

Sweltering Summers and Damp Winters

July brings an average temperature of 81.3°F, contributing to a summer average of 79.8°F. Winter is mild but wet, featuring 2.3 inches of snow and a January average that stays above 40°F.

Prepare for High Humidity and Heat

With 74 days of extreme heat, high-efficiency air conditioning is a necessity for comfort and safety. Residents should also prepare for significant rainfall, as the county receives 56.5 inches of precipitation annually.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Grant County

via SoilByCounty

Strongly Acidic Soils of Central Arkansas

Grant County soil is strongly acidic with a pH of 5.12, well below the national median of 6.5. This low pH limits the availability of several key nutrients like phosphorus and calcium. While taxonomic data is limited here, the chemical profile suggests a highly weathered landscape.

High Sand Content Impacts Retention

Nearly half the soil—49.7%—is composed of sand, leading to a gritty texture. With only 15.5% clay and 34.8% silt, this soil offers excellent workability but risks losing nutrients and water quickly. It is an ideal mix for plants that require high aeration for their roots.

Average Water Retention Despite Low Organic Matter

Grant's organic matter is low at 1.78%, yet its available water capacity of 0.144 in/in is nearly at the state average of 0.148. This suggests the silt and clay particles are working hard to hold onto moisture. However, the overall soil score of 23.6 indicates significant room for improvement via organic additions.

Hydrologic Group D Challenges Drainage

Despite the high sand content, these soils belong to hydrologic group D, which indicates very slow infiltration rates when thoroughly wet. While specific drainage classes aren't listed, this group often poses risks for standing water during heavy storms. Careful site planning is necessary for both gardening and construction.

Warm Seasons in Zone 8a

Grant County sits in zone 8a, offering a robust environment for southern staples like okra and sweet potatoes. The sandy texture is perfect for root vegetables, provided you manage the high acidity. Start a compost pile today to transform these sandy soils into a productive oasis.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Grant County

via LawnByCounty

Grant County's Steep Lawn Challenges

Grant County is one of the more challenging places for a lawn, with a difficulty score of just 23.8. This is well below the Arkansas average of 37.3 and less than half the national median of 50.0. Homeowners in Zone 8a must contend with extreme soil and climate variables that demand expert attention.

Intense Summer Heat Cycles

With 74 extreme heat days per year, your lawn faces ten more days of blistering sun than the typical Arkansas yard. The 56.5 inches of annual precipitation is well above the national average, often leading to saturated conditions in the spring. These climate factors create high-stress periods where grass may struggle to stay green without careful intervention.

Sandy Ground and High Acidity

Grant County soil features a high sand content of 49.7%, which helps with drainage but can lead to rapid nutrient loss. The pH level of 5.12 is severely acidic and far from the ideal 6.0 range, requiring consistent lime treatments to support grass growth. Without regular amendments, most turf varieties will struggle to establish deep, healthy root systems in this environment.

Surviving Thirty Weeks of Drought

The county has faced 30 weeks of drought in the past year, and 66% of the area currently remains in severe drought. These conditions make water-wise landscaping essential, as the sandy soil drains away moisture quickly. Prioritize watering in the early morning to minimize evaporation and help your grass survive these frequent dry stretches.

Selecting Heat-Hardy Turf

Warm-season grasses like Centipede or Bermuda are ideal for this Zone 8a region because they tolerate the high heat and sandy conditions. Your primary growing window opens after the last frost on April 2 and closes with the first frost on November 3. Plan your seeding or sodding for late spring to give the lawn time to mature before the 74 days of extreme heat arrive.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Grant County's county score?
Grant County, Arkansas has a composite county score of 56.2 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 Grant County rank among counties in Arkansas?
Grant County ranks #13 among all counties in Arkansas 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 Grant County, Arkansas?
The median annual property tax in Grant County is $840, with an effective tax rate of 0.54%. This earns Grant County a tax score of 81.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Grant County?
The median household income in Grant County, Arkansas is $72,512 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Grant County earns an income score of 72.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Grant County, Arkansas a good place to live?
Grant County scores 56.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #13 in Arkansas. The best way to evaluate Grant 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 Grant County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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