countyscore
71.7
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.

2040608010062.563.397.578.749.162.299.88643Tax62.5Cost63.3Safety97.5Health78.7Schools49.1Income62.2Risk99.8Water86Weather4371.7/100
This county
National avg
7 above average1 below average

Grant County DNA

Coverall

How Grant County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Grant County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Disaster Risk (99.8/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
62.5+10.5
Cost
63.3+15.299999999999997
Safety
97.5+42.5
Health
78.7+28.700000000000003
Schools
49.1
Income
62.2+11.200000000000003
Risk
99.8+52.8
Water
86+28
Weather
43-13
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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.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$136,700

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$867/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$136,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$34,680/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $70,147/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

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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Counties with similar scores

Nelson County
North Dakota
Median income: $67,193
71.7
Wahkiakum County
Washington
Median income: $62,653
71.7
Gosper County
Nebraska
Median income: $77,500
71.8
Crockett County
Texas
Median income: $81,022
71.8
Golden Valley County
North Dakota
Median income: $68,021
71.6
Wolfe County
Kentucky
Median income: $30,417
71.5
Hand County
South Dakota
Median income: $74,635
71.9
Sully County
South Dakota
Median income: $72,578
71.9

Nearby counties

Arthur County
Nebraska
69.1
Garden County
Nebraska
69.6
Hooker County
Nebraska
68.7
McPherson County
Nebraska
66.5
Sheridan County
Nebraska
57.8
Keith County
Nebraska
52.6
Morrill County
Nebraska
56.6
Cherry County
Nebraska
55.8

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 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

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

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 71.7 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 Nebraska?
Grant County ranks #7 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 $929, with an effective tax rate of 0.68%. This earns Grant County a tax score of 62.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Grant County?
The median household income in Grant County, Nebraska is $70,147 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Grant County earns an income score of 62.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Grant County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Grant County scores 71.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #7 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.