countyscore
66.1
County Score
Disaster Risk 97Safety 93.2Health 76.7

County Report Card

About Grant County, Minnesota

Outperforming the National Median

Grant County boasts a strong composite score of 66.1, significantly outperforming the national median of 50.0. It ranks as a highly stable and desirable location on the national stage.

A Rural State Leader

The county comfortably exceeds the Minnesota state average of 55.8. This highlights Grant as a high-performing rural gem within the state's borders.

Exceptional Safety and Low Risk

Safety (93.2) and environmental Risk (97.0) scores are nearly perfect, making it one of the most secure counties in the region. Residents enjoy a tranquil life with minimal threat from natural disasters.

Water Quality Concerns

The primary drawback is a low Water score of 16.4, indicating challenges with local water infrastructure. Additionally, a Tax score of 42.5 shows there is a moderate tax burden on the local population.

A Haven for Peace Seekers

Grant is ideal for retirees or remote workers who value extreme safety and environmental resilience above all else. It offers incredible peace of mind for those who prioritize a quiet, low-risk lifestyle.

Score breakdown

Tax42.5Cost52.9Safety93.2Health76.7Schools64.3Income74Risk97Water16.4Weather43.1
🏛42.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠52.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼74
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡93.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤76.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓64.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡97
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧16.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤43.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨60.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱60.1
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

Traverse County
Minnesota
68.1
Stevens County
Minnesota
65.6
Douglas County
Minnesota
56.4
Wilkin County
Minnesota
65.3
Otter Tail County
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Pope County
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65.4
Roberts County
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52.8
Richland County
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51.7

Deep Dives

Grant County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Grant County

via TaxByCounty

Grant County taxes run lean nationally

Grant County's effective tax rate of 0.939% falls below the national median, placing it in the 48th percentile—roughly average compared to other U.S. counties. The median property tax of $1,677 is substantially lower than the national median of $2,690, despite having a home value ($178,600) well below the U.S. average ($281,900).

Below Minnesota's statewide average

Grant County's 0.939% effective rate is slightly lower than Minnesota's state average of 0.968%, placing it in the middle third of the state's 87 counties. The median tax bill of $1,677 trails the state median of $2,168 by nearly $500 annually.

Among the region's most affordable

Grant County's 0.939% rate is meaningfully lower than Houston County (1.163%), Goodhue County (1.064%), and Isanti County (1.042%), making it one of the region's most tax-friendly rural counties. Only Hubbard County (0.816%) and Itasca County (0.873%) approach Grant's relative affordability in the surrounding area.

Grant County homeowners pay less

A median-priced home valued at $178,600 in Grant County results in an estimated annual property tax of $1,677. That translates to roughly $140 per month—among the lowest effective burdens in Minnesota.

Even here, assessments deserve review

Even in a low-tax county like Grant, homeowners should verify their property assessments are accurate, as overvaluation still occurs. Filing an appeal with the county assessor costs nothing and could unlock tax savings if your home's current market value has declined or your property's condition warrants a lower assessment.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Grant County

via CostByCounty

Grant County leads on rental affordability

Grant County's rent-to-income ratio of 12.8% ranks among Minnesota's best and beats the national affordability standard of 30% by a wide margin. Residents spend just $779 monthly on rent—nearly $100 below state average—while earning close to the national median income.

Minnesota's most affordable county

With a 12.8% rent-to-income ratio, Grant County outperforms nearly every other Minnesota county, sitting well below the state's 14.5% average. The county's combination of low rents and stable incomes creates one of Minnesota's strongest affordability profiles.

Deepest discounts in the region

At $779 monthly, Grant County rents undercut all comparable counties—Jackson at $736 and Goodhue at $939 offer different trade-offs, but Grant's $72,957 median income makes its rents most attainable. Among its peer group, Grant delivers exceptional value.

Rent and mortgages stay lean

Grant County renters pay $779 while homeowners commit $929 monthly, with homes averaging $178,600—the region's lowest. Housing totals just 12.8% of the $72,957 median household income, leaving substantial room for savings and discretionary spending.

Affordability champion of Minnesota

If cost of living is your priority, Grant County is Minnesota's standout—lowest rents, low home values, and a rent-to-income ratio that beats the national standard. Relocating here means stretching your paycheck further while accessing small-town Minnesota living.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Grant County

via IncomeByCounty

Grant County slightly below national income

Grant County's median household income of $72,957 sits just 2.4% below the national median of $74,755. The county holds its own despite slightly trailing the U.S. average.

Among Minnesota's lower-income counties

At $72,957, Grant County ranks below Minnesota's state average of $75,757 by about $2,800. It places in the lower-middle range of Minnesota's 87 counties, reflecting rural economic patterns.

Grant trails nearby Goodhue significantly

Grant County's $72,957 median income lags Goodhue County ($82,749) by nearly $10,000 and also trails Houston County ($77,087) in the region. The $178,600 median home value is the most affordable among these three neighbors.

Rental affordability strong in Grant County

Grant County's 12.8% rent-to-income ratio is the best in this cohort, sitting comfortably below the 15% affordability threshold. Lower home values and moderate rents make housing a manageable expense even at median income levels.

Maximize savings in affordable Grant County

With lower housing costs consuming just 12.8% of income, Grant County residents have room to build emergency funds and retirement accounts. Starting small—even $50 monthly into a savings account—creates a foundation for wealth growth over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Grant County

via CrimeByCounty

Grant County Among the Nation's Safest

Grant County boasts an exceptionally low total crime rate of 82.1 per 100,000, a mere fraction of the national average of 2,385.5. This data translates to a nearly perfect safety score of 99.9.

Elite Safety Status Within Minnesota

With a crime rate significantly lower than the state average of 1,123.5, Grant County ranks as one of the safest jurisdictions in Minnesota. It far exceeds the average statewide safety score of 98.2.

Leading Neighbors in Public Safety

The county's rate of 82.1 is significantly lower than Hubbard County's 1,326.9 or Goodhue's 1,671.0. However, because a single agency reports this data, these statistics require cautious interpretation.

Extremely Low Violent and Property Crime

Local data shows a violent crime rate of 49.3 and a property crime rate of 32.8 per 100,000 residents. In practical terms, these levels are incredibly low, reflecting a very quiet and secure public safety environment.

Maintaining a Secure Rural Community

Even in high-safety areas, maintaining basic security habits like locking vehicles and outbuildings is essential. Keeping valuables out of sight helps preserve the county's low property crime footprint.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Grant County

via HealthByCounty

Grant County lags in life expectancy and health

Grant residents live to 77.0 years on average, 1.7 years below Minnesota's 78.7-year average and 2.6 years below the U.S. rate of 76.4 years. With 15.8% reporting poor or fair health—well above the national average of 13.5%—the county faces significant health challenges.

Grant ranks among Minnesota's lowest health counties

Grant County's 77.0-year life expectancy places it in the lowest quartile of Minnesota's 87 counties, and its 15.8% poor/fair health rate ranks among the worst statewide. These metrics signal urgent need for targeted health interventions.

Grant significantly lags neighboring counties

Grant's 77.0-year life expectancy is the lowest among its region, trailing Goodhue County (78.7 years) by 1.7 years and Houston County (79.6 years) by 2.6 years. The county's 15.8% poor/fair health rate exceeds all nearby counties.

Critical shortage of healthcare providers

Grant County has just 33 primary care providers and 16 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—far below state norms and among the lowest in Minnesota. With 6.2% of residents uninsured, access to care is hampered by both provider scarcity and cost barriers.

Access health coverage now.

If you're uninsured, don't wait—enrollment is open through December 15th. Visit MNsure.org or call 1-855-366-7873 to find affordable coverage and connect with Grant County's limited provider network.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Grant County

via SchoolsByCounty

Intimate Education in Grant County

Grant County manages a focused education landscape consisting of 8 public schools serving 1,089 total students. Three local districts coordinate 3 elementary, 1 middle, and 4 high schools. This compact infrastructure ensures that students remain in a tightly integrated system throughout their academic careers.

Leading the State in Performance

Grant County delivers an impressive 90.9% graduation rate, outpacing the Minnesota state average of 86.6%. The county invests $8,528 per pupil, which is slightly above the state average of $8,463. These investments contribute to a strong school score of 57.3, well above the national median of 50.0.

West Central Area District Leads

The West Central Area district is the regional leader, managing five schools and educating 779 students. Ashby Public School District serves another 338 students, while the Herman-Norcross district remains very small with 102 students. There are currently no charter schools in the county, maintaining a purely traditional public school focus.

A Purely Rural Learning Experience

Every single school in Grant County is classified as rural, creating a consistent and quiet learning environment for all 1,089 students. The average school size is just 156 students, making it one of the most intimate systems in the state. West Central Area Secondary is the largest campus, yet even it only hosts 250 students.

Small-Town Living with Big Results

For those seeking a rural lifestyle without sacrificing academic quality, Grant County is a premier choice. The high graduation rates and small class sizes make it an attractive destination for families focused on individualized attention. Explore homes in the West Central Area to benefit from the county's top-tier educational metrics.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Grant County

via RiskByCounty

Grant County among America's lowest-risk areas

With a composite risk score of just 2.99, Grant County ranks in the very low category—far below the national average and among the safest counties in the United States. This exceptional resilience reflects limited exposure to major natural disaster hazards.

Minnesota's safest county by a wide margin

Grant County's 2.99 score is dramatically lower than Minnesota's state average of 42.38, making it one of the most protected counties in the state. This gives residents substantially lower natural disaster risk compared to peers statewide.

Safe haven in west-central Minnesota

Grant County's 2.99 score is significantly lower than nearby Houston County (29.52) and Hubbard County (35.18), and ranks as the safest across all adjacent territories. This isolated position reflects the county's geographic advantages and lower exposure profile.

Tornado risk remains the primary concern

Even as the state's lowest-risk county, tornadoes represent Grant County's highest hazard at 20.45, though still well below national norms. Other hazards like flood (8.71) and wildfire (14.28) remain minimal, creating a genuinely safe environment.

Maintain basic coverage for rare events

Standard homeowners insurance remains important even in low-risk areas, particularly for windstorm and tornado coverage during spring seasons. A basement or safe room provides affordable, passive protection for severe weather, and insurance review every few years ensures your policy stays current.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Grant County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Earth in Western Minnesota

Grant County features a pH of 7.27, making it more alkaline than the national median of 6.5 and much higher than the state average of 6.21. This higher pH influences nutrient availability and is characteristic of the region's mineral-rich landscape.

A Gritty Mix of Sand and Clay

The composition is a rugged blend of 40.8% sand and 22.1% clay, offering a more varied texture than its eastern neighbors. With silt at 36.1%, the soil has enough fine particles to prevent the sand from draining too rapidly.

Rich Organic Reserves in the Soil

Grant County contains 5.17% organic matter, more than double the national average of 2.0%. While the available water capacity of 0.179 in/in is slightly below the state average, the high organic content helps sustain plant health.

Porous Soils Require Attentive Irrigation

The 40.8% sand content suggests that water moves fairly quickly through this landscape. Because the water capacity is lower than the Minnesota average, gardeners should focus on mulch to keep moisture where plants need it most.

Cold-Hardy Grains for Zone 4b

In Hardiness Zone 4b, Grant County is well-suited for hearty crops like wheat, barley, and potatoes. If you are starting a garden, focus on plants that can handle the slightly alkaline soil conditions of the western plains.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Grant County

via LawnByCounty

Grant County Faces Moderate Growing Hurdles

Grant County holds a lawn difficulty score of 60.1, placing it slightly below the Minnesota state average of 63.9. While it remains easier to manage than the national average, the Zone 4b climate requires specific attention to winter survival. Success here depends on balancing the county's lower-than-average precipitation with its cold-hardy requirements.

Drier Climate Demands Strategic Watering

With only 25.0 inches of annual precipitation, Grant County falls below the ideal 30-inch threshold for low-maintenance lawns. The county experiences 12 extreme heat days per year, which is 50% higher than the Minnesota average of 8 days. This combination of lower rainfall and higher heat means supplemental irrigation is essential to prevent turf dormancy in July.

Alkaline Soil Trends and Sandy Texture

The soil pH in Grant County averages 7.27, which is slightly higher than the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range for most turfgrasses. A sand content of 40.8% helps with drainage but can lead to rapid nutrient leaching compared to more clay-heavy regions. Homeowners may need to apply sulfur-based fertilizers to slightly lower the pH and improve iron availability for greener blades.

Eleven Weeks of Dry Stress

Lawns here endured 11 weeks of drought over the past year, though current conditions show 0.0% of the area is abnormally dry. This history of dry spells suggests that drought-tolerant species like Sheep Fescue are better suited for the local landscape. Constant monitoring of soil moisture is vital, especially during those 12 annual peak heat days.

Focus on Hardy Cool-Season Blends

Perennial Ryegrass and Tall Fescue are excellent choices for Grant County's Zone 4b climate and sandy soil. While specific frost dates for this year are unavailable, typical regional windows suggest seeding in the late summer for the best results. Start early to ensure roots are deep enough to survive the 11.0°F January average temperatures.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Grant County's county score?
Grant County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 66.1 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 Minnesota?
Grant County ranks #15 among all counties in Minnesota 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, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Grant County is $1,677, with an effective tax rate of 0.94%. This earns Grant County a tax score of 42.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Grant County?
The median household income in Grant County, Minnesota is $72,957 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Grant County earns an income score of 74/100 on CountyScore.
Is Grant County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Grant County scores 66.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #15 in Minnesota. 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.

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.