countyscore
47.6
County Score
Soil Quality 80.3Lawn Care 72.1Property Tax 65.3

County Report Card

About Grant County, Indiana

Grant County Navigates National Averages

Grant County earns a composite score of 47.6, placing it slightly below the national median of 50.0. While it faces some headwinds, it remains competitive with many other Midwestern counties of similar size. The score reflects a community in transition with specific areas of high value.

A More Affordable Indiana Alternative

With a score of 47.6, Grant County trails the Indiana state average of 55.9. However, this lower score is largely driven by economic factors rather than high costs, as the county remains a leader in affordability. It provides a niche for residents looking to minimize housing expenses within the state.

Deep Affordability and Low Taxes

Grant County excels in cost of living with a score of 60.4 and a median home value of just $116,000. The tax score of 65.3 also benefits residents through an effective tax rate of 0.681%. These factors make it one of the most budget-friendly locations for housing in the region.

Boosting Economic and Safety Metrics

The county faces significant challenges with an income score of 22.8 and a safety score of 37.4. The median household income of $54,007 is lower than state and national benchmarks. Addressing these socioeconomic factors is key to improving the overall quality of life for current residents.

Best for Budget-First Homeowners

Grant County is most attractive to individuals prioritizing low-cost housing and low taxes. With a median rent of $799, it offers some of the most attainable living costs in Indiana. It is a practical choice for retirees or those on fixed incomes looking to maximize their purchasing power.

Score breakdown

Tax65.3Cost60.4Safety37.4Health39.8Schools43.5Income22.8Risk30.6Water56.8Weather55
🏛65.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠60.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼22.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡37.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤39.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓43.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡30.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧56.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤55
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨80.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱72.1
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

Blackford County
Indiana
61.4
Wells County
Indiana
64.9
Delaware County
Indiana
39.9
Huntington County
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Tipton County
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Madison County
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Miami County
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Wabash County
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61.2

Deep Dives

Grant County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Grant County

via TaxByCounty

Grant County taxes remain quite low nationally

Grant County's effective tax rate of 0.681% ranks in the bottom 25% nationwide, making it a tax-friendly community. Residents pay just $790 annually on a median home of $116,000—less than 30% of the national median tax bill of $2,690.

Slightly above Indiana average, still reasonable

At 0.681%, Grant County's effective rate hovers just above Indiana's average of 0.671%. The median annual tax of $790 falls well below the state median of $1,199, reflecting the county's modestly valued homes.

Competitive tax rates across central Indiana

Grant County's 0.681% rate aligns closely with Hancock County (0.680%) and undercuts Greene County (0.689%) and Gibson County (0.730%). The tax differences are minimal across this region, making local services more important than tax rates to homeowners.

Grant homeowners pay modest annual taxes

A typical Grant County home worth $116,000 generates an annual property tax bill of just $790. This makes property ownership remarkably affordable, with taxes adding only $861 when mortgage-related assessments are included.

Even modest bills can be reduced through appeals

Grant County homeowners often overpay on property taxes due to outdated or inflated assessments. Filing an appeal with the county assessor can verify your home's true market value and potentially lower your tax liability.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Grant County

via CostByCounty

Grant faces Indiana's tightest affordability squeeze

Grant County households struggle most: a 17.8% rent-to-income ratio—the highest among these eight counties—combined with a $54,007 median income, nearly 28% below the national average. On paper, $799 rent looks cheap; in practice, it consumes nearly one-fifth of household earnings.

Worst affordability in Indiana's lineup

Grant's 17.8% rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds Indiana's 15.6% state average, making it the least affordable county in this analysis. The median rent of $799 saves just $84 versus the state average, while incomes lag peers by thousands annually.

Cheapest rents, lowest incomes

Grant's $799 rent is the lowest in the group, but paired with the lowest median income ($54,007), the savings evaporate in affordability terms. The $116,000 median home value represents the cheapest properties available, but financing remains challenging on limited incomes.

Grant's precarious balance

Renters spend $799 monthly while homeowners pay $776—nearly identical, but on an income of just $54,007, either path consumes roughly 18% of earnings. This leaves Grant residents with the tightest margins for healthcare, transportation, and savings among all eight counties.

Grant: affordable only if income matches

Grant County's rock-bottom housing costs attract budget seekers, but its lower-income workforce suggests relocation works best for remote workers or those with portable, higher-wage jobs. Compare income and job prospects carefully before moving; affordability disappears if your income also drops.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Grant County

via IncomeByCounty

Grant faces steepest income challenge

Grant County's median household income of $54,007 trails the national median of $74,755 by $20,748—a sobering 28% gap. The county ranks among the lower-income counties nationally, reflecting structural economic headwinds.

Lowest income among these eight

Grant's $54,007 median household income falls $14,674 below Indiana's state average of $68,681. The county faces tougher economic conditions than most other Indiana counties, demanding focus on workforce development.

Significant gap from nearby counties

Grant's $54,007 lags well behind neighboring Fulton ($62,878) and Greene ($59,753), representing the lowest income in this regional cluster. The gap suggests Grant residents face different employment and wage challenges.

Housing affordability pressures emerge

Grant's 17.8% rent-to-income ratio is the highest among these counties, straining household budgets on modest incomes. A $116,000 median home value is affordable, but renters shoulder proportionally higher costs.

Strategic career moves matter most

Grant County households benefit most from investing in education, certifications, and job transitions that boost earning power directly. Even modest increases in household income—through job changes or additional earners—create meaningful wealth-building capacity.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Grant County

via CrimeByCounty

Grant County Crime Below National Levels

Grant County reports a total crime rate of 1,442.3 per 100,000, which remains nearly 1,000 points lower than the national average of 2,385.5. The county earns a respectable safety score of 97.7.

Closing the Gap with State Averages

The county's safety score of 97.7 is slightly lower than the Indiana state average of 98.9. Four local agencies work together to manage crime rates in this active community.

Navigating Safety in Central Indiana

Grant County's crime rate of 1,442.3 is higher than neighbor Hancock County's rate of 1,183.7. However, it still maintains a lower overall rate than many high-density urban centers.

Property Crime Dominates Local Reports

Property crime accounts for 1,331.1 of the total rate, while violent crime stays relatively low at 111.2 per 100,000. For every violent incident, there are roughly 12 property-related reports.

Protecting Assets in Grant County

With property crime as the primary concern, residents should focus on securing homes and vehicles. Visible security cameras and bright perimeter lighting serve as effective deterrents against theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Grant County

via HealthByCounty

Grant County faces critical health crisis

Grant County's life expectancy of 70.8 years ranks among the lowest in Indiana and falls 8+ years below the U.S. average of 78.9 years. This severe gap reflects compounding health challenges: one in five residents report poor or fair health, and chronic disease burden is substantial.

Lowest life expectancy in peer comparison

Grant County's 70.8-year life expectancy places it near the bottom of Indiana's 92 counties—nearly 4.3 years below the state average of 75.1. This dramatic shortfall demands urgent attention from policymakers, healthcare providers, and community leaders.

Far behind surrounding counties

Neighbors Hancock (77.2) and Harrison (73.7) both outlive Grant residents by 2–6 years, signaling that local conditions, not regional inevitability, drive poor outcomes. Grant's 42 primary care providers per 100,000 are adequate, but the exceptional mental health capacity of 295 per 100,000—highest in the region—hasn't prevented the life expectancy crisis.

Uninsured rate modest, but underlying crises run deep

Grant's 7.2% uninsured rate is near the state average of 8.4%, so coverage gaps alone don't explain the severe health deficit. The crisis likely reflects despair, substance abuse, and untreated mental illness—factors that require integrated behavioral and primary care solutions.

Insurance is step one; crisis intervention is urgent

Verify coverage through Indiana's marketplace or Medicaid to remove barriers to care. But Grant County residents also need coordinated behavioral health services, addiction treatment, and community support—insurance alone won't reverse years of deepening health decline.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Grant County

via SchoolsByCounty

Grant County’s Robust Educational Landscape

Grant County is home to 28 public schools, including 11 elementary, seven middle, and seven high schools. These schools serve a total of 10,419 students across four districts. The system also includes specialized facilities like a dedicated special education school.

Academic Excellence and Above-Average Spending

Grant County achieves a 93.9% graduation rate, surpassing both the state average of 92.6% and the national average of 87%. The county invests $5,579 per pupil, which is higher than the Indiana state average. This investment is reflected in a solid school score of 52.5.

Marion Community Schools Lead Enrollment

Marion Community Schools is the largest provider in the county, managing nine schools and 3,702 students. Other significant districts include Eastbrook Community and Madison-Grant United, which serve 1,668 and 1,561 students, respectively. Traditional public schools remain the sole option here, as there are no charter schools.

Town-Centered Schools with Diverse Sizes

Grant County features 16 schools in town locales and 12 in rural areas, maintaining an average school size of 417 students. Marion High School is the largest campus with 1,050 students, offering a large-school experience. Other campuses, like John L McCulloch Junior High, provide a more mid-sized feel with 524 students.

Relocate to a County with Proven Results

Grant County's high graduation rates and healthy per-pupil spending make it an attractive destination for families. Whether you prefer the town life in Marion or a rural setting, you will find schools that outperform state benchmarks. Start your home search near these top-tier academic institutions.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Grant County

via RiskByCounty

Grant faces elevated risk nationwide

Grant County's composite risk score of 69.40 substantially exceeds the national average, earning a "Relatively Low" rating but reflecting real hazard exposure. The county confronts above-average tornado (88.84) and flood (73.41) risks that are among Indiana's highest.

High-risk profile within Indiana

Grant's 69.40 score ranks it well above Indiana's 45.52 state average—placing the county in the upper tier of state risk. Tornado exposure at 88.84 is the third-highest in the state, making severe weather a defining feature of the county's hazard landscape.

Grant faces more risk than Fulton

Grant County's 69.40 risk score substantially exceeds nearby Fulton County's 20.20, making Grant one of the state's riskier counties. Tornado exposure in Grant (88.84) is more than 70% higher than Fulton's, reflecting different geographic and meteorological conditions.

Tornadoes and flooding dominate hazards

Tornadoes pose Grant County's greatest threat at 88.84—among the state's highest tornado exposure levels. Flooding at 73.41 presents a secondary but serious risk, particularly during severe spring and summer weather events.

Prepare for severe storms and flooding

Homeowners need comprehensive wind and hail coverage for tornado protection, plus a designated safe room or basement shelter. Flood insurance is critical; review FEMA flood maps and elevate utilities in flood-prone areas to reduce damage risk.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Grant County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler Temperatures and Balanced Precipitation

Grant County averages 50.4°F annually, which is over three degrees cooler than the national median of 53.8°F. The county experiences a typical humid continental climate with four distinct and well-defined seasons.

Below the Indiana Temperature Average

The county's average temperature of 50.4°F sits below the Indiana state average of 52.2°F. Precipitation is also slightly lower than the state mean, with 41.8 inches of annual rainfall compared to 43.9 inches.

Moderate Snowfall Compared to Northern Neighbors

Grant County sees 24.5 inches of snow, which is significantly less than Elkhart’s 41 inches but more than southern neighbors like Franklin. Its 14 extreme heat days are standard for central Indiana counties.

Temperate Summers and Bracing Winters

Summers are manageable with a July average of 73.2°F and two weeks of extreme heat. Winters are chilly, averaging 28.0°F from December to February with two feet of snow distributed throughout the season.

Seasonal Maintenance for a Four-Season Climate

Residents should plan for a balanced climate by prepping snow shovels for the 24.5-inch winter and checking AC units for the 14 days of summer heat. Home gardens benefit from the consistent 41.8 inches of annual precipitation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Grant County

via SoilByCounty

Rich silty clay Mollisols dominate Grant

Grant County features silty clay textures and belongs to the fertile Mollisols order. Its average pH of 6.39 is nearly ideal, sitting just below the national median of 6.5 and well above the Indiana average of 6.08. These soils represent some of the most naturally productive land in the Midwest.

Heavy clay mix ensures nutrient retention

The composition includes 49.6% silt and a significant 25.4% clay, providing high structural strength. With only 22.7% sand, this soil can be difficult to work when wet but holds onto fertilizers exceptionally well. The high clay content provides a dense foundation for both roots and structures.

Elite soil score with high water capacity

Grant earns an impressive soil score of 80.3, far exceeding the state average of 71.4. Its available water capacity of 0.202 in/in hits the state benchmark perfectly, while organic matter remains solid at 4.09%. This combination makes the county a powerhouse for high-yield agriculture.

Very poor drainage requires careful planning

Soils here are classified as very poorly drained and belong to hydrologic group C/D. This means the heavy clay and silt trap water, often requiring surface ditches or subsurface tiles to prevent flooding. Backyard gardeners should consider raised beds to avoid 'wet feet' for their plants.

A corn and soybean paradise in 6a

Hardiness zone 6a and the nutrient-dense silty clay make Grant County perfect for row crops and heavy-feeding vegetables. Brassicas like broccoli and cabbage thrive in these moisture-retentive soils. Grab a spade and take advantage of this top-tier Indiana dirt.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Grant County

via LawnByCounty

High scores for Grant County growers

With a difficulty score of 72.1, Grant County is one of the easier places in Indiana to maintain a lawn. This score beats both the state average of 71.0 and the national benchmark of 50.0.

Mild temperatures favor cool-season varieties

The local climate is well-suited for turf, providing 41.8 inches of rain and a manageable 14 extreme heat days. These conditions favor cool-season grasses that thrive within the 3,119 growing degree days available annually.

Silty clay requires drainage management

The soil features an excellent pH of 6.39, but the silty clay texture is classified as very poorly drained. Frequent core aeration is necessary to prevent compaction and waterlogging in this heavy 25.4% clay environment.

Severe drought demands water conservation

Currently, 100% of the county is under severe drought conditions, following 32 weeks of drought over the past year. Adhering to local water restrictions and utilizing drought-resistant seed blends is critical for lawn survival right now.

Seeding for the long term

Kentucky Bluegrass thrives here, especially when established in late spring after the April 26 frost. Ensure your lawn is well-rooted before the first frost typically arrives on October 20.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Grant County's county score?
Grant County, Indiana has a composite county score of 47.6 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 Indiana?
Grant County ranks #75 among all counties in Indiana 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, Indiana?
The median annual property tax in Grant County is $790, with an effective tax rate of 0.68%. This earns Grant County a tax score of 65.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Grant County?
The median household income in Grant County, Indiana is $54,007 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Grant County earns an income score of 22.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Grant County, Indiana a good place to live?
Grant County scores 47.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #75 in Indiana. 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.

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