countyscore
69.6
County Score
Disaster Risk 99.8Safety 97.5Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Grant County, Nebraska

Exceptional National Quality of Life

Grant County delivers a standout composite score of 69.6, placing it nearly 20 points above the national median of 50.0. It is one of the highest-rated rural areas in the entire country.

One of Nebraska's Top Performers

Grant County's 69.6 score far exceeds the Nebraska state average of 59.3. It offers a unique profile that balances low taxes with high levels of security and resilience.

Low Taxes and Near-Perfect Safety

The county boasts a near-perfect Risk Score of 99.8 and a Safety Score of 97.5. It also features a rare Tax Score of 57.8, thanks to a very low 0.749% effective tax rate.

Educational and Housing Costs

The School Score of 49.1 is the primary area where the county could improve its ranking. Additionally, housing is less affordable than some peers, with a Cost Score of 55.9.

A Haven for Tax-Conscious Residents

This county is a dream for retirees or individuals seeking the lowest possible tax burden and maximum safety. It is a quiet, secure retreat for those who do not require elite local schools.

Score breakdown

Tax57.8Cost55.9Safety97.5Health78.7Schools49.1Income64.4Risk99.8Water86Weather43
🏛57.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠55.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼64.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤78.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓49.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡99.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤43
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨58.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱43.5
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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Explore this county

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Counties with similar scores

Brown County
Illinois
Median income: $72,288
69.5
Kittson County
Minnesota
Median income: $69,615
69.5
Treasure County
Montana
Median income: $73,036
69.5
McLean County
Kentucky
Median income: $70,549
69.7
Webster County
West Virginia
Median income: $42,061
69.7
Assumption Parish
Louisiana
Median income: $52,546
69.4
Fillmore County
Nebraska
Median income: $76,354
69.4
Kidder County
North Dakota
Median income: $61,850
69.8

Nearby counties

Arthur County
Nebraska
67.5
Garden County
Nebraska
68.6
Hooker County
Nebraska
66.7
McPherson County
Nebraska
68.3
Sheridan County
Nebraska
57.3
Keith County
Nebraska
52.4
Morrill County
Nebraska
58.7
Cherry County
Nebraska
55.4

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 has lowest tax rate in nation

Grant County's effective rate of 0.749% ranks among the very lowest in the United States—just 31% of the national median of 2.44%. The median property tax of only $853 annually places Grant residents among the least-taxed homeowners nationally.

Far below Nebraska's state average

At 0.749%, Grant County's effective rate is less than 60% of Nebraska's state average of 1.281%, making it one of the state's lowest-tax counties. The median tax of $853 represents less than 43% of the state median of $1,972.

Clearly the region's tax haven

Grant County's 0.749% rate is dramatically lower than every other county in the comparison set, with the next-lowest being Garden County at 1.18%. Grant residents enjoy property tax burdens less than half those of neighbors like Hall County (1.373%) and Greeley County (1.563%).

Remarkably affordable annual taxes

A median home valued at $113,900 in Grant County generates an estimated annual property tax of just $853 for owners without mortgages. Even with a mortgage, estimated taxes remain modest at $1,325.

Even here, verify your assessment

Even Grant County homeowners should review their assessed values against comparable recent sales in the area. The county assessor's office offers free consultations to explain your assessment, and formal appeals are available at no cost if you believe your valuation is too high.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Grant County

via CostByCounty

Grant's rents strain tight household budgets

Grant County's 15.3% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national average of 14.2%, and its median income of $69,063 runs 7.7% below the national median, creating moderate affordability pressure. Renters here dedicate a larger-than-typical share of earnings to housing costs.

Grant County rents exceed state average

With a 15.3% rent-to-income ratio, Grant County exceeds Nebraska's state average of 14.2%, placing it among the state's less affordable areas. While not as strained as Garden County, Grant's higher rents relative to incomes create noticeable pressure on household budgets.

Highest rents paired with moderate incomes

Grant County's median rent of $883 is the highest in this eight-county group, outpacing even Hall County ($911) among comparable counties and nearly 13% above the state average of $783. Combined with incomes lower than Gosper and Garfield, Grant residents face the region's steepest rent burden.

Rent dominates Grant County budgets

Grant's $69,063 median income must cover $883 in monthly rent—15.3% of gross earnings—along with $710 in homeownership costs for properties valued at $113,900. The high rent ratio leaves less discretionary income than neighboring counties with similar house prices.

Grant offers value but with trade-offs

Grant County's relatively affordable home prices ($113,900) appeal to buyers seeking rural real estate, but renters face the region's steepest cost burden at 15.3% of income. Consider Grant if homeownership is your goal, but renters should explore more affordable counties like Garfield or Greeley.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Grant County

via IncomeByCounty

Grant approaches national income parity

Grant County's median household income of $69,063 trails the national median of $74,755 by $5,692, representing a modest 7.6% shortfall. This relatively small gap indicates that Grant residents earn close to typical national benchmarks, reflecting economic competitiveness for a rural Nebraska county.

Above Nebraska's statewide average

At $69,063, Grant County exceeds Nebraska's state median of $66,880 by $2,183, positioning residents above the statewide average. The county's per capita income of $34,449 is solid but slightly below the state's $36,101 average, suggesting strong primary earners driving household income.

Second-highest earner in the cluster

Grant County ranks second in median household income, behind only Gosper County ($79,145), and comfortably ahead of Garfield County ($68,611). At $113,900, the median home value is solidly in the middle range, reflecting balanced real estate markets and economic stability.

Housing costs well under control

Grant County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.3% is among the most favorable in the region, below the 28–30% threshold indicating stress. This level of affordability ensures residents retain substantial earnings for other expenses, savings, and future investments.

Build passive income alongside primary earnings

With $69,063 median household income and controlled housing costs, Grant County residents can confidently explore dividend-paying investments, rental properties, or business ventures to supplement primary earnings. The financial stability here supports diversified wealth-building strategies beyond traditional employment.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Grant County

via CrimeByCounty

Grant County Achieves Ultimate Safety Rating

Grant County holds a perfect 100.0 safety score, indicating an absence of reported crime. With a rate of 0.0 per 100,000, it is statistically one of the safest places in the United States. This compares exceptionally well to the national average of 2,385.5.

Leading the State in Public Safety

Grant County sits at the top tier of Nebraska safety rankings, surpassing the state average score of 99.0. While Nebraska is generally safe, Grant County’s zero reported crimes set it apart from the state average of 626.7. Residents enjoy a level of security that is rare even in the Midwest.

Exceptional Safety Compared to Neighbors

Grant County shares a zero-crime reporting status with neighboring Garden County. This creates a large regional corridor of exceptional safety in western Nebraska. These counties represent the quietest and most secure areas for residents and property.

A Total Absence of Reported Crime

Law enforcement agencies reported zero violent crimes and zero property crimes in 2022. This lack of data entries suggests that no major incidents occurred or were processed during this period. Life in Grant County is defined by peace and an incredibly low risk to residents.

Preserving a Safe Environment

Even with zero reported crimes, basic home security provides an extra layer of peace of mind. Locking gates and doors ensures that your property remains secure against any unexpected activity. Grant County remains an ideal location for those prioritizing maximum personal safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Grant County

via HealthByCounty

Limited data, but positive health status

While life expectancy data is unavailable for Grant County, the 12.3% poor/fair health rate suggests relatively strong health outcomes compared to the national average chronic disease burden. Grant County's health profile appears resilient despite data gaps.

Good health status despite sparse data

Grant County's 12.3% poor-health rate ranks favorably against Nebraska's median, placing the county among healthier communities. However, missing life expectancy and provider data limits a full state-level comparison.

Health outcomes compare well regionally

Grant County's 12.3% poor-health rate matches Garfield County and trails the higher rates of Garden County (19.5%) and Gosper County (14.5%). Limited provider data prevents detailed access comparisons with neighboring counties.

Insurance rate solid, provider data limited

Grant County's 8.2% uninsured rate nearly matches Nebraska's 8.1% average, suggesting reasonable coverage access. However, primary care and mental health provider counts are unavailable, making local healthcare capacity unclear.

Maintain coverage to preserve health gains

Grant County residents in that uninsured 8.2% should act quickly to secure coverage. Visit Healthcare.gov or contact a local navigator to explore plans that protect your health and wallet.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Grant County

via SchoolsByCounty

Intimate Learning in Grant County Schools

Grant County operates two public schools within a single district to serve 147 total students. The system consists of one elementary school and one high school located in the Hyannis area.

Educational Investment Amid Performance Challenges

The county spends $11,727 per pupil, which is higher than the Nebraska state average of $10,521. However, the graduation rate currently sits at 75.0%, trailing behind the national average of 87.0%.

Hyannis Area Schools Centralizes Enrollment

Hyannis Area Schools is the sole district in the county, providing education for all 147 enrolled students. There are no charter schools, leaving the local public district as the primary educational resource.

Classic Rural Schooling in the Sandhills

The two rural schools have an average size of only 74 students, creating a very close-knit atmosphere. Hyannis Elementary is the largest school with 89 students, while Hyannis High School serves 58 students.

Small-Town Living with Local Schools

If you prioritize small class sizes where every teacher knows every student, Grant County is worth a look. Homes in this region offer direct access to a community-focused district with high per-pupil spending.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Grant County

via RiskByCounty

Grant County is virtually risk-free

Grant County's composite risk score of 0.19 represents one of the safest locations in the entire United States and is less than 1% of Nebraska's state average of 25.80. This remote panhandle county experiences minimal natural disaster exposure.

The safest county in Nebraska

Grant ranks as Nebraska's safest county by composite risk score, with virtually no significant hazard exposure across flooding, tornadoes, earthquakes, or other major threats. Its exceptionally low score reflects the region's geography and climate.

Part of Nebraska's safest zone

Grant sits alongside Garfield County (1.27) to the east in a panhandle pocket where natural disaster risk is negligible statewide. This entire northwestern region represents the nation's most stable natural hazard environment.

Wildfire is your only measurable hazard

Wildfire risk (61.96) is Grant's sole notable exposure, though still moderate rather than high. All other hazards—flooding, tornadoes, earthquakes—are effectively zero.

Basic coverage handles Grant's minimal risk

Standard homeowner's insurance is sufficient for Grant County residents, with no need for specialized flood or earthquake policies. Maintaining defensible space during wildfire season provides practical seasonal protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Grant County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler High-Altitude Western Climate

Grant County is one of the cooler spots in the region with an annual average of 48.0°F. This is several degrees lower than the national median for U.S. counties.

Colder Than the State Average

At 48.0°F, Grant is nearly two degrees cooler than the Nebraska state average. It reflects the high-altitude, semi-arid nature of the western Sandhills.

Dry Conditions in the Sandhills

This is one of the driest counties in the region, receiving only 18.3 inches of annual precipitation. It sees far less moisture than eastern counties like Gage.

Mild Summers and Freezing Winters

Summer stays relatively cool with only 24 days above 90°F. While specific snowfall data is limited, the 27.2°F winter average indicates consistent freezing conditions.

Focus on Moisture and Insulation

Given the low 18.3-inch rainfall, moisture-retaining landscaping is essential. High-performance winter gear is necessary to combat the cold 27.2°F winter season.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Grant County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral Chemistry in the Sandhills

Grant County soils maintain a pH of 6.73, mirroring the Nebraska state average almost perfectly. Although the taxonomic order is not recorded, the chemical balance provides a neutral environment suitable for most local vegetation.

Extreme Sand and Low Resistance

Sand dominates this landscape at 68%, while clay makes up a tiny 5.5% of the profile. This composition results in a very loose soil structure that offers minimal resistance to root growth or farm implements.

Extraordinary Organic Matter Levels

The organic matter content is an extraordinary 14.07%, nearly seven times the national average of 2.0%. However, the available water capacity is the lowest in the region at 0.098 in/in, meaning water passes through almost instantly.

Rapid Infiltration Needs Management

With nearly 70% sand, these soils are naturally fast-draining even without official hydrologic group data. The combination of massive organic matter and low water retention creates a unique environment that demands frequent, light watering.

Tubers and Prairie Plants in 5a

In zone 5a, focus on native prairie plants or specialized gardens that benefit from extremely high organic content. The sandy soil is perfect for potatoes or other tubers that require loose earth to expand.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Grant County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging Landscapes in Grant County

Grant County scores 43.5 on the lawn difficulty index, making it one of the tougher places in Nebraska to keep a green lawn. Hardiness Zone 5a residents must manage very dry conditions and porous soil to succeed.

Managing Turf in a Semi-Arid Climate

Annual precipitation is low at just 18.3 inches, which is far below the state average of 25.9 inches. While the 24 extreme heat days are relatively low, the lack of water remains the primary obstacle for traditional grass species.

Sandy Foundations and Fast Drainage

With a high sand content of 68.0%, this soil drains water almost as fast as it arrives. The pH of 6.73 is ideal, but you must focus on building organic matter to prevent nutrients from washing away in the sand.

Severe Drought Requires Water Strategy

Almost the entire county—98.8%—is currently in severe drought, following a year with 46 weeks of drought conditions. Native grasses or xeriscaping are highly encouraged to reduce the heavy water demand in this dry region.

Focus on Drought-Tolerant Species

Buffalo grass is the best choice for these sandy, dry Zone 5a conditions. Target your seeding window after the May 4 frost date to give new sprouts a chance to grow before the first frost hits around October 8.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Grant County's county score?
Grant County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 69.6 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 Nebraska?
Grant County ranks #9 among all counties in Nebraska 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, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Grant County is $853, with an effective tax rate of 0.75%. This earns Grant County a tax score of 57.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Grant County?
The median household income in Grant County, Nebraska is $69,063 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Grant County earns an income score of 64.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Grant County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Grant County scores 69.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #9 in Nebraska. 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.