countyscore
55.3
County Score
Disaster Risk 86.5Water Quality 86Safety 82.4

County Report Card

About Grant County, Kansas

High National Ranking

Grant County beats the national median with a 55.3 composite score. This indicates a higher general quality of life than many counties across the country.

Outperforming the State Average

Grant's 55.3 score comfortably exceeds the Kansas state average of 49.5. It ranks as a solid performer within the state's diverse geographic landscape.

Stable Wealth and Infrastructure

The county shines with high marks in safety (82.4), water quality (86.0), and environmental risk (86.5). An Income score of 72.5 reflects a healthy median household income of $72,484.

Education and Health Room to Grow

Educational scores lag at 40.5, and health outcomes show room for improvement with a 44.9 score. The 1.307% effective tax rate contributes to a Tax score of 20.6, which is lower than many national peers.

Built for Working Professionals

Grant County is ideal for professionals seeking a balance of high income and reliable infrastructure. Its strong water and safety ratings provide a stable foundation for families.

2040608010020.660.482.444.940.572.586.58639Tax20.6Cost60.4Safety82.4Health44.9Schools40.5Income72.5Risk86.5Water86Weather3955.3/100
This county
National avg
5 above average3 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 (86.5/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (20.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
20.6-31.4
Cost
60.4+12.399999999999999
Safety
82.4+27.400000000000006
Health
44.9
Schools
40.5-13.5
Income
72.5+21.5
Risk
86.5+39.5
Water
86+28
Weather
39-17
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Think property taxes are too high in Grant County?

Many homeowners in Grant County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$146,200

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$696/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$146,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$27,840/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $72,484/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

13.7

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

Haskell County
Kansas
50.3
Stevens County
Kansas
52.6
Stanton County
Kansas
65.9
Kearny County
Kansas
44.7
Seward County
Kansas
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Hamilton County
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51.5
Morton County
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42
Finney County
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27.2

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 County offers one of Kansas's lowest tax rates

Grant County's effective rate of 1.307% ranks well below the national median of roughly 0.96% and sits significantly below Kansas's state average of 1.549%. Despite the lower rate, the median tax bill reaches $1,911—still just 71% of the national median—due to Grant's moderate property values of $146,200.

Grant ranks among Kansas's most tax-friendly counties

With an effective rate of 1.307%, Grant County places in the lower third of Kansas's 105 counties, making it one of the state's most affordable for property tax purposes. The median tax payment of $1,911 is only slightly below the state median of $1,943.

Grant County has the lowest rate in its region

Grant's 1.307% effective rate significantly undercuts its western Kansas neighbors, including Graham County (1.732%) and Greeley County (1.910%). This makes Grant notably attractive for property owners in the region seeking lower annual tax burdens.

Grant County median home owner pays $1,911 yearly

A Grant County median home valued at $146,200 with a 1.307% effective tax rate generates an estimated annual tax of $1,911. The actual amount varies slightly based on whether the property carries a mortgage and local levy adjustments.

Grant County homeowners should verify their assessments

Even in low-tax Grant County, property values can be overassessed during routine county appraisals. Reviewing your assessment and filing an appeal if needed could provide further tax relief.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Grant County

via CostByCounty

Grant punches above national average

At 11.5%, Grant County's rent-to-income ratio sits well below the national 12-14% comfort zone, signaling strong housing affordability. With a median household income of $72,484—just below the national average of $74,755—renters here spend roughly $8,400 annually on housing.

Kansas's most affordable rental market

Grant County's 11.5% rent-to-income ratio ranks it among Kansas's most affordable counties, significantly outperforming the state average of 14.7%. Monthly rent of $696 pairs with solid incomes, creating a rare sweet spot in the region.

Renters flock here for value

Grant County offers the lowest rent ($696) and best rent-to-income ratio (11.5%) among its western Kansas peers, beating Harper ($693 rent, 15.0% ratio) and Graham ($726, 16.5%). Compared to Gray County's higher rent ($833) and similar income, Grant delivers clearer affordability.

Ownership carries steeper monthly burden

Renters in Grant pay $696 monthly (11.5% of income), while homeowners shoulder $964 monthly—a $268 jump that consumes 16.0% of median income. Homes value at $146,200, requiring stronger down payment capacity, though renting remains the budget-friendly option here.

Prime renting destination in western Kansas

Grant County's combination of low rent, strong income, and 11.5% ratio makes it a top choice for renters prioritizing affordability without sacrificing earnings potential. If homeownership is your goal, factor the $268 monthly premium and $146,200 home value into your financial planning.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Grant County

via IncomeByCounty

Grant slightly trails the national median

Grant County's median household income of $72,484 sits just $2,271 below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it solidly near the national average. This relative strength reflects a diversified economic base beyond traditional agriculture.

Upper-middle income tier for Kansas

Grant County ranks above average among Kansas counties with a median income of $72,484, outpacing the state median of $64,428 by over $8,000. This positions Grant among the more prosperous rural counties in the state.

Competitive with strong southwestern peers

Grant County's $72,484 income edges out Harvey County ($73,269) and significantly outperforms Harper County ($55,417) and Graham County ($52,909). Only Gray County ($77,885) and Greeley County ($78,819) surpass Grant's earnings in the immediate region.

Housing costs are very affordable

Grant County's rent-to-income ratio of 11.5% is well below the recommended 15% threshold, meaning residents spend less than the national benchmark on housing. A median home value of $146,200 combined with solid incomes creates genuine affordability.

Invest surplus earnings strategically

Grant County households earning $72,484 have capacity to move beyond emergency savings into wealth-building investments like index funds and diversified portfolios. Take advantage of low housing costs to redirect savings toward retirement accounts and long-term investment goals.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Grant County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceeding national safety benchmarks

Grant County earns a high safety score of 99.3, placing it well above national averages. The total crime rate of 422.5 per 100,000 residents is roughly 82% lower than the U.S. average of 2,385.5.

Outperforming the Kansas state average

Compared to the Kansas state average safety score of 98.0, Grant County proves to be a standout performer. Its total crime rate is about one-third of the state average of 1,282.2 per 100,000 residents.

Strong safety in southwest Kansas

Grant County shares a similar safety score with nearby Graham County, indicating a very safe regional trend. Data from two reporting agencies confirms that Grant is one of the more secure areas in the region.

Low property and violent crime

The local violent crime rate of 190.8 sits well below the national average of 369.8. Property crime is even lower relative to national trends, recorded at just 231.7 per 100,000 residents.

Stay proactive about home safety

Maintaining Grant County's safety record starts at home with proactive measures. Motion-activated cameras and reinforced door frames offer simple ways to deter opportunistic property crime.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Grant County

via SchoolsByCounty

Centralized Education in Grant County

Grant County operates five public schools within a single district to serve 1,549 total students. The infrastructure includes two elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools located in town settings.

Meeting National Graduation Standards

The county hits the national graduation rate benchmark of 87.0%, though it trails the Kansas state average of 88.7%. School spending sits at $7,336 per pupil, which is significantly lower than the national average of $13,000.

Ulysses District Manages Total Enrollment

The Ulysses school district oversees all five schools and 1,549 students in the county. There are currently no charter schools, keeping the focus on traditional public education for the community.

Town-Based Schools with Moderate Sizes

All five schools are situated in town locales with an average enrollment of 310 students. Ulysses High is the largest campus with 435 students, while the Ulysses Community Learning Center offers a smaller environment for 83 students.

Settling Down Near Ulysses Schools

For those relocating to Grant County, the centralized school system in Ulysses makes neighborhood selection straightforward. High-quality town living and accessible schools make this a practical choice for growing families.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Grant County

via RiskByCounty

Grant County Well Below National Disaster Risk

Grant County's composite risk score of 13.55 places it firmly in the very low risk category, significantly safer than the average U.S. county. Residents enjoy well-below-average exposure to most major natural disaster types.

Low Risk Across Kansas

Grant County scores 13.55 on the composite risk scale, less than half of Kansas's state average of 29.89, ranking among the state's safest counties. This puts Grant County residents in a notably more resilient position than most Kansans.

Safer Than Gray County, Similar to Graham

Grant County's risk score of 13.55 is considerably lower than Gray County's 36.74 but slightly higher than neighboring Graham County's 4.33. The county sits in the lower tier of regional risk exposure, particularly for western Kansas communities.

Wildfire Dominates Grant's Hazard Profile

Wildfire risk in Grant County reaches 51.11—the county's most significant threat and notably elevated compared to other hazards like tornado risk (30.15) and flood risk (3.12). This western Kansas exposure to grassland and rangeland fires deserves special attention in your disaster planning.

Prioritize Wildfire Coverage in Your Plan

Standard homeowners insurance in Grant County should emphasize wildfire and wind damage protection given the elevated wildfire threat. Consider defensible space maintenance around your property and consult your agent about coverage limits for structures on larger or rural properties.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Grant County

via WaterByCounty

Grant County maintains a perfect compliance grade

The county earns an A grade with zero health violations over the last five years. This perfect record is significantly better than the state average violation rate of 313.4 per 100,000 people.

Local watersheds await federal health assessment

Grant County's water bodies are not yet covered in the federal §303(d) assessment database. The status of local aquatic ecosystems remains unclassified in the current reporting cycle.

Tracking PFAS and organics in local water

One monitoring site has generated 239 water-quality measurements over the past five years. Researchers primarily focus on tracking organics, PFAS, and inorganic metals within the local supply.

No representative streamgage found in Grant County

There is no representative USGS streamgage located within the county to provide live flow data. Drinking water compliance remains the strongest signal for assessing local water safety.

Monitor emerging contaminants like PFAS

With PFAS and organics being the most-monitored groups, residents should support local efforts to track these emerging contaminants. The county's A grade reflects high-performing public water infrastructure.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Grant County

via WeatherByCounty

A High Heat, Low Moisture Environment

Grant County's annual average temperature of 54.0°F aligns closely with the national median. However, its 17.8 inches of annual precipitation is far below the national average, defining it as a semi-arid landscape.

Tracking Below State Rainfall Averages

The county is notably drier than the Kansas average, receiving only 17.8 inches of moisture against the state's 30.3-inch norm. Its 54.0°F mean temperature sits just below the statewide average of 54.8°F.

Parched Compared to Central Kansas

Grant County receives nearly half the annual rainfall of Harvey County, which averages 33.5 inches. It experiences 73 days of extreme heat, far outpacing the 50 days seen in Greenwood County.

Long Summers and Dusty Winters

The county faces 73 days of temperatures at or above 90°F, peaking with a July average of 78.1°F. Winters are dry and cold, with 17.8 inches of snow and a January average of 30.9°F.

Plan for Arid Conditions

Landscaping should prioritize drought-resistant plants to survive the low 17.8-inch annual precipitation. With 73 days of extreme heat, outdoor activities require early morning scheduling to avoid the dangerous midday sun.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Grant County

via SoilByCounty

Sandy Entisols of Southwest Kansas

Grant County is characterized by Entisols, which are young soils with little development. The average pH of 7.36 is notably higher than the national 6.5 median. These alkaline conditions are typical for this arid part of the state.

Workable Fine Sandy Loam

The soil is a fine sandy loam made of 47.4% sand, 34.1% silt, and 18.5% clay. This high sand percentage allows for excellent workability and rapid aeration. However, it can struggle to hold onto nutrients compared to heavier clay soils.

Navigating Low Organic Matter

Organic matter is quite low at 1.32%, well below the state average of 2.22%. Available water capacity also lags at 0.157 in/in, indicating a need for consistent irrigation. Adding compost can help boost these numbers over time.

Rapid Drainage and High Infiltration

Classified as well-drained and belonging to Hydrologic Group A, these soils move water quickly. While this prevents ponding, it also means nutrients can leach away faster. This makes the county excellent for building foundations but demanding for thirsty crops.

Vibrant Growth in Zone 6b

Grant County falls in Hardiness Zone 6b, offering a long enough season for corn and sorghum. Drought-resistant varieties are essential given the sandy composition. Start with native sage or heat-tolerant vegetables to embrace the local climate.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Grant County

via LawnByCounty

Grant County's High-Difficulty High-Plains Lawns

With a difficulty score of 47.8, Grant County is one of the more challenging places in Kansas to maintain a traditional lawn. This score falls well below the state average of 59.1, reflecting the harsh semi-arid environment of Zone 6b. Success here requires a shift away from water-intensive landscaping toward more native-adjacent practices.

Extremely Dry Climate with Intense Sun

Grant County receives only 17.8 inches of annual precipitation, less than half of what a standard lawn needs to stay green without irrigation. The area endures 73 extreme heat days annually, which is far above the Kansas state average of 58 days. These high-heat periods, combined with 3792 growing degree days, mean turfgrass can go dormant quickly without supplemental water.

Sandy Loam and High pH Challenges

The soil is characterized as a fine sandy loam with 47.4% sand, which offers excellent drainage but low moisture retention. A pH level of 7.36 is higher than the ideal range, potentially locking out essential nutrients like iron and phosphorus. Homeowners should focus on adding organic matter to help these well-drained soils hold onto the little water they receive.

Resilience in an Arid Landscape

Despite having 11 weeks in drought over the last year, Grant County currently shows 0% of its area in active drought categories. However, the low annual rainfall means drought is always a looming threat for local gardeners. Using mulch around lawn edges and maintaining a higher mowing height can help shade the soil and reduce evaporation.

Planting for Success in Zone 6b

Buffalo grass and Blue Grama are top performers in Grant County because they thrive in sandy soil and low-water conditions. Plan your major lawn projects between the last frost on April 28 and the first frost on October 16. Starting early in this window allows roots to take hold before the 73-day heat barrage begins.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Grant County's county score?
Grant County, Kansas has a composite county score of 55.3 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 Kansas?
Grant County ranks #33 among all counties in Kansas 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, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Grant County is $1,911, with an effective tax rate of 1.31%. This earns Grant County a tax score of 20.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Grant County?
The median household income in Grant County, Kansas is $72,484 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Grant County earns an income score of 72.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Grant County, Kansas a good place to live?
Grant County scores 55.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #33 in Kansas. 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.