countyscore
66.7
County Score
Cost of Living 88.5Safety 88.1Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Grant County, North Dakota

Exceeding National Livability Standards

Grant County earns a composite score of 66.7, comfortably outpacing the national median score of 50.0. This performance indicates a high level of overall resident satisfaction and stability.

Surpassing the North Dakota Average

At 66.7, Grant County sits well above the statewide average composite score of 61.5. Its ability to balance safety and affordability makes it a competitive location within North Dakota.

Top-Tier Affordability and Safety

The county excels with a cost score of 88.5 and a safety score of 88.1, offering a secure environment for a low price. Median home values are exceptionally accessible at just $85,800.

Low Incomes and School Ratings

An income score of 29.7 reflects a median household income of $56,750, which is lower than many regional peers. Additionally, the school score of 44.4 suggests room for growth in local educational outcomes.

A Haven for Retirees and Budget-Seekers

With ultra-low housing costs and high safety marks, Grant County is perfect for those on fixed incomes or remote workers. It offers a peaceful, low-risk lifestyle for anyone prioritizing financial predictability.

Score breakdown

Tax39.6Cost88.5Safety88.1Health67.8Schools44.4Income29.7Risk85.2Water86Weather37.3
🏛39.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠88.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼29.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡88.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤67.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓44.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡85.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤37.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨56.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱52.5
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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Counties with similar scores

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Union Parish
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Renville County
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Nearby counties

Sioux County
North Dakota
68.4
Morton County
North Dakota
38.5
Hettinger County
North Dakota
62.1
Corson County
South Dakota
49
Adams County
North Dakota
62.2
Stark County
North Dakota
46.8
Oliver County
North Dakota
74.1
Emmons County
North Dakota
60.4

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 offers rare tax relief

Grant County's effective tax rate of 0.980% sits comfortably below the national median of 1.1%, placing this county in the lower half of U.S. counties. The median tax bill of just $841 is less than one-third the national median of $2,690.

Below state average, but not lowest

Grant County ranks 18th among North Dakota's 53 counties with an effective rate of 0.980%, slightly above the state average of 0.885%. Despite this, the median tax of $841 trails most counties because home values are among the lowest in the state.

Competitive with other rural counties

Grant County's rate of 0.980% sits between Hettinger County (1.128%) and Griggs County (0.906%), making it moderate for the region. The county's appeal lies in its combination of modest tax rates and very affordable home prices.

What a typical homeowner pays

On Grant County's median home value of $85,800, homeowners pay approximately $841 in annual property taxes—the lowest of all eight counties profiled. Even with mortgage insurance, the bill reaches only $1,172, leaving extra cash for savings.

Even small savings matter here

Grant County's lower valuations mean fewer absolute dollars at stake, but a reassessment can still reduce bills by 5–10%. Consider filing an appeal if your property hasn't been formally valued within the last several years.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Grant County

via CostByCounty

Grant County offers true rural affordability

Grant County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.7% keeps housing costs reasonable, though median household income of $56,750 trails the national average by $18,005. Renters here benefit from low median rent of just $650, making housing one of life's more manageable expenses.

Below-average income, below-average rents

Grant County ranks in the lower-income tier statewide but compensates with among the lowest rents in North Dakota at $650 monthly. The 13.7% rent-to-income ratio stays close to the state average of 12.8%, suggesting costs align well with local earnings.

Cheapest rents in this rural cluster

At $650, Grant County's median rent is the lowest among these eight counties, matching the affordability of nearby LaMoure County ($607). Yet Grant's median home value of $85,800 is also the lowest—ideal for buyers seeking minimal financial obligation.

Housing takes modest share of tight budgets

Renters spend $650 monthly (about 14% of the $56,750 median income), while homeowners pay $590—among the most affordable monthly costs in the group. Together, housing and ownership options leave room in lean household budgets.

Perfect for budget-conscious rural movers

Grant County suits relocators prioritizing low living costs and agricultural or small-town lifestyles over urban employment. With the lowest rents and home values in this group, your paycheck stretches furthest here—as long as job opportunities align with your field.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Grant County

via IncomeByCounty

Grant County earns well below national average

Grant County's median household income of $56,750 trails the national median of $74,755 by $18,005, placing it in the bottom quartile of U.S. counties. This rural farming community faces real income challenges compared to the broader American economy.

Lowest income county in this dataset

Grant County ranks 52nd out of 53 North Dakota counties with a median household income nearly $16,000 below the state average of $72,537. Only one county in the state has lower household earnings, highlighting Grant's economic vulnerability.

Struggling worse than surrounding agricultural counties

Grant County's $56,750 median income falls $5,200 below Hettinger County ($70,827) and nearly $20,000 short of Golden Valley County ($76,528). The county's small population and commodity-dependent economy limit earning potential compared to even other rural North Dakota communities.

Affordable housing offers stability amid income pressure

Grant County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.7% remains healthy, and its median home value of $85,800 is among the lowest in the region. Housing affordability provides crucial breathing room for households managing modest incomes.

Focus on income growth and debt management

Grant County residents should prioritize building emergency savings and exploring additional income opportunities, from side work to remote employment. Work with local credit unions or financial advisors to manage debt responsibly and take advantage of any available agricultural subsidies or business development programs.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Grant County

via CrimeByCounty

Grant County's Elite Safety Score

Grant County is one of the safest regions in the country, earning a near-perfect safety score of 99.6. Its total crime rate of 258.6 per 100,000 is nearly ten times lower than the national average.

Leader in North Dakota Safety

Grant County easily surpasses the North Dakota state average safety score of 98.5. It maintains a position among the state's most secure counties with a crime rate far below the state's 976.6 average.

Safer Than Northern Neighbors

Grant County reports a significantly lower crime rate than nearby Morton County to the north. Residents enjoy a tranquil environment even compared to regional neighbors like Hettinger.

Zero Reported Violent Crimes

Remarkably, the county reported zero violent crimes in 2022, meaning all 258.6 incidents per 100,000 were property-related. This confirms that serious interpersonal violence is extremely rare in the local community.

Preserving the Peace

Though crime is exceptionally low, basic precautions like lighting and locking doors preserve this peaceful atmosphere. Community vigilance remains the best tool for keeping Grant County safe.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Grant County

via HealthByCounty

Grant County faces health challenges

Grant County's life expectancy of 76.6 years trails the U.S. average of 78.9 years by 2.3 years, with 18.6% of residents in poor or fair health—slightly above the national 18%. These metrics signal health outcomes that need attention and improvement.

Among North Dakota's lower-ranked counties

Grant County's 76.6-year life expectancy falls below North Dakota's 77.5-year average, making it one of the state's lower-performing counties for longevity. The 18.6% poor health rate is among the highest in the state.

Lowest longevity in the region

Grant County has the lowest life expectancy among regional peers: 76.6 years versus Golden Valley's 85.3 years and Grand Forks' 78.6 years. At 18.6% poor health, Grant also has the highest rate among nearby counties, indicating significant health disparities in the area.

Healthcare access data incomplete

Grant County's uninsured rate of 6.0% is among the lowest regionally, but detailed provider data for primary care is unavailable. The county does support 271 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, though primary care infrastructure needs assessment.

Strengthen health coverage for Grant County

Even with 6.0% uninsured, Grant County should prioritize universal coverage to tackle stubborn health disparities. Reach out to Healthcare.gov or your local health department to explore options that work for your situation.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Grant County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small Scale Learning in Grant County

Grant County provides a small, community-focused education system with 3 public schools serving 222 total students. The landscape consists of 2 elementary schools and 1 high school divided between 2 districts. This structure creates a very personalized experience with an average of only 74 students per school.

Investing in the Next Generation

Grant County invests $9,684 per pupil, which is higher than the North Dakota state average of $9,385. Although the graduation rate of 75.0% currently trails the state average, the county maintains a school score of 51.4, which is close to the national median of 50.0. The high per-pupil spending reflects a commitment to supporting a small student body with necessary resources.

Elgin-New Leipzig Leads Enrollment

ELGIN-NEW LEIPZIG 49 is the largest district in the county, educating 171 students across 2 schools. ROOSEVELT 18 serves the remaining 51 students through a single elementary campus. There are no charter schools available, keeping the focus entirely on these established local districts.

The Pure Rural School Experience

Education in Grant County is entirely rural, with all 3 schools situated in non-urban settings. ELGIN-NEW LEIPZIG ELEMENTARY is the largest site with 105 students, while ROOSEVELT ELEMENTARY offers a remarkably small environment with just 51 students. Attending school here feels like being part of a tight-knit family where every teacher knows every student.

Find Peace and Personal Attention

Grant County is an ideal location for homebuyers who value small class sizes and a high level of per-pupil investment. Real estate near Elgin or Carson offers access to schools where students never get lost in the crowd. Consider this area if you are looking for a community that prioritizes personal connections in the classroom.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Grant County

via RiskByCounty

Grant County Ranks Very Low Nationally

Grant County's composite risk score of 14.79 places it well below the national average with a Very Low rating. The county enjoys relatively strong protection from major natural disasters compared to most U.S. counties.

Among North Dakota's Safest Counties

Grant County scores 14.79, ranking it among the lowest-risk counties in North Dakota, well below the state average of 22.19. The county's very low rating reflects its geographic advantages across most disaster types.

Low Risk Shared With Golden Valley

Grant County's 14.79 score matches the risk profile of neighboring Golden Valley County, making them the safest pair in the region. Both stand in sharp contrast to Grand Forks County's 57.67 score to the east.

Wildfire Is Grant's Standout Concern

Wildfire risk dominates Grant County's profile at 65.36, making it the county's most significant natural disaster exposure. Tornado risk (17.37) and flood risk (6.68) remain substantially lower.

Prioritize Wildfire Protection Now

Grant County homeowners should ensure wildfire coverage is explicitly included and adequate in their insurance policies, given the county's elevated exposure. Standard homeowners insurance may not fully protect against landscape fire damage to structures and property.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Grant County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warmer Pocket in the High Plains

Grant County averages 42.8°F annually, which is roughly 12 degrees cooler than the national median. Despite the gap with the national average, it maintains a milder profile than much of the northern Midwest.

Outpacing the North Dakota Average

The county’s 42.8°F average temperature puts it well above the state mark of 41.0°F. This positioning makes it one of the warmer regions in North Dakota.

Warmer and Drier than the East

Grant is notably warmer than Griggs County’s 39.3°F average. It is also significantly drier, receiving only 17.4 inches of precipitation compared to the 22.3 inches found in Grand Forks.

Hot Summers and Moderate Snowfall

Grant County sees 18 extreme heat days per year where temperatures top 90°F. While winters are cold at 17.3°F on average, the county still receives a substantial 48.1 inches of snow annually.

Balance Cooling and Winter Readiness

With nearly three weeks of 90-degree weather, functional air conditioning is more critical here than in northern counties. However, winter gear remains a priority for the 14.6°F January nights.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Grant County

via SoilByCounty

Perfectly Neutral Western Soil

Grant County features an average pH of 7.00, hitting the sweet spot of neutrality compared to the more alkaline state average of 7.18. However, its overall soil score of 56.8 is lower than the state benchmark of 63.2.

High Sand for Rapid Drainage

With a high sand content of 45.1% and only 20.9% clay, this soil is exceptionally easy to till and work. The 34.1% silt helps bind the particles, but the sand-heavy mix means water moves through the profile quickly.

Room for Organic Growth

At 2.76%, organic matter is lower than the state average of 4.69%, though still higher than the 2.0% national average. The available water capacity of 0.175 in/in suggests that irrigation or mulching may be necessary to support thirsty crops.

Managing Well-Draining Sandy Grounds

While official drainage classes are unavailable, the 45.1% sand composition indicates rapid drainage and low risk of ponding. This makes the land excellent for structures but requires active water management for gardening.

Drought-Resistant Options for Zone 4a

In Hardiness Zone 4a, focus on native grasses and drought-tolerant perennials that thrive in neutral, sandy soils. Adding compost will help boost the organic matter and improve the water retention of your home garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Grant County

via LawnByCounty

Steady Growing in Grant County

Grant County earns a lawn difficulty score of 52.5, placing it just slightly above the national median of 50.0. While it is a bit more challenging than the state average of 54.0, the Zone 4a conditions are manageable for dedicated homeowners. You can expect a standard level of effort to keep turf thriving.

Moderate Heat and Limited Rain

Annual precipitation of 17.4 inches is below the state average, requiring supplemental irrigation during the peak of summer. With 18 extreme heat days, lawns face more stress than the typical North Dakota yard. The growing season begins after the May 19 frost and usually winds down by September 25.

Ideal pH Balance for Turf

Grant County features an ideal soil pH of 7.00, falling perfectly within the range for nutrient absorption. The soil contains 45.1% sand, which is significantly higher than neighboring counties and promotes rapid drainage. This sandy texture means your lawn will likely need more frequent watering than clay-heavy soils.

Resilient Through Short Dry Spells

The area spent 10 weeks in drought over the past year, showing moderate resilience compared to drier western counties. Currently, 0% of the county is under drought stress, providing a clean slate for the season. Mulching grass clippings back into the lawn is a great way to retain moisture in this sandy environment.

Starting Strong in Zone 4a

Perennial Ryegrass and Bluegrass blends are excellent choices for the local climate. Time your seeding projects for late May once the threat of frost passes to ensure high germination rates. With the right water schedule, your lawn can easily be the neighborhood highlight.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Grant County's county score?
Grant County, North Dakota has a composite county score of 66.7 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 North Dakota?
Grant County ranks #18 among all counties in North Dakota 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, North Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Grant County is $841, with an effective tax rate of 0.98%. This earns Grant County a tax score of 39.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Grant County?
The median household income in Grant County, North Dakota is $56,750 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Grant County earns an income score of 29.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Grant County, North Dakota a good place to live?
Grant County scores 66.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #18 in North Dakota. 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.