Grant County's composite score of 75.0 represents a 50% advantage over the national median of 50.0, placing it solidly in the top tier of American counties. This strong showing reflects the county's particular success in cost-of-living metrics and risk management despite smaller absolute numbers. The performance demonstrates that rural livability is achievable without urban density.
2 / 5
Grant essentially matches North Dakota's standard
At 75.0, Grant County sits virtually at North Dakota's state average of 74.8, indicating it represents the typical livability profile for the state. This middle-of-the-road state ranking suggests Grant offers a representative rural North Dakota experience without distinctive advantages or disadvantages compared to peers.
3 / 5
Ultra-affordability and low risk define Grant County
Grant excels in housing costs with the lowest median home value ($85,800) and rent ($650/month) among these eight counties, earning a cost score of 87.9. Risk management scores an exceptional 85.2, while taxes remain low at 0.980%, making it an exceptional choice for budget-conscious households. Health outcomes are respectable at 73.1.
4 / 5
Income levels are the county's critical weakness
Grant County's income score of 20.4 is the lowest among these eight counties, with median household income of only $56,750, limiting economic opportunity and upward mobility. This significant income gap suggests limited high-wage employment and may challenge families with growing financial needs. School and safety data are not available to provide additional context.
5 / 5
Perfect for retirees and minimalist lifestyles
Grant County is ideal for retirees on fixed incomes, remote workers, or anyone who has achieved financial independence and seeks minimal living costs. The exceptional affordability and safety profile make it a haven for those prioritizing financial security and stability over career advancement or rising incomes.
Grant County's composite score of 75.0 represents a 50% advantage over the national median of 50.0, placing it solidly in the top tier of American counties. This strong showing reflects the county's particular success in cost-of-living metrics and risk management despite smaller absolute numbers. The performance demonstrates that rural livability is achievable without urban density.
Grant essentially matches North Dakota's standard
At 75.0, Grant County sits virtually at North Dakota's state average of 74.8, indicating it represents the typical livability profile for the state. This middle-of-the-road state ranking suggests Grant offers a representative rural North Dakota experience without distinctive advantages or disadvantages compared to peers.
Ultra-affordability and low risk define Grant County
Grant excels in housing costs with the lowest median home value ($85,800) and rent ($650/month) among these eight counties, earning a cost score of 87.9. Risk management scores an exceptional 85.2, while taxes remain low at 0.980%, making it an exceptional choice for budget-conscious households. Health outcomes are respectable at 73.1.
Income levels are the county's critical weakness
Grant County's income score of 20.4 is the lowest among these eight counties, with median household income of only $56,750, limiting economic opportunity and upward mobility. This significant income gap suggests limited high-wage employment and may challenge families with growing financial needs. School and safety data are not available to provide additional context.
Perfect for retirees and minimalist lifestyles
Grant County is ideal for retirees on fixed incomes, remote workers, or anyone who has achieved financial independence and seeks minimal living costs. The exceptional affordability and safety profile make it a haven for those prioritizing financial security and stability over career advancement or rising incomes.
Score breakdown
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🏛74.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.