countyscore
61.5
County Score
Property Tax 89.8Safety 87.9Cost of Living 77.5

County Report Card

About Grant County, New Mexico

Outperforming the National Median

Grant County achieves a composite score of 61.5, placing it comfortably above the national median of 50.0. This strong performance indicates a quality of life that exceeds many rural counterparts across the United States.

A Top New Mexico Performer

At 61.5, Grant County significantly exceeds the New Mexico state average of 49.1. It ranks as one of the more desirable living areas in the state thanks to its balance of cost and security.

Elite Safety and Affordability

The county shines with a Safety Score of 87.9 and a Tax Score of 89.8. Housing remains accessible with a Cost Score of 77.5, supported by a modest median gross rent of $810 per month.

Income and Water Constraints

The local economy is the primary challenge, reflected in a low Income Score of 8.2 and a median income of $45,921. Additionally, a Water Score of 17.9 highlights long-term concerns regarding water resource stability.

Ideal for Retirees and Remote Workers

Grant County is a perfect match for those with outside income sources who value personal safety and low property taxes. It offers a secure and affordable lifestyle for anyone not dependent on the local job market.

2040608010089.877.587.942.732.98.225.917.955.4Tax89.8Cost77.5Safety87.9Health42.7Schools32.9Income8.2Risk25.9Water17.9Weather55.461.5/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Grant County DNA

Doverall

How Grant County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Grant County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (89.8/100) but notably weak in Income (8.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
89.8+37.8
Cost
77.5+29.5
Safety
87.9+32.900000000000006
Health
42.7
Schools
32.9-21.1
Income
8.2-42.8
Risk
25.9-21.1
Water
17.9-40.1
Weather
55.4
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$164,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$810/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$164,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$32,400/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $45,921/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

28.7

per 100K

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

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Johnson County
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Cottle County
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Wyoming County
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Door County
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Nearby counties

Luna County
New Mexico
59
Hidalgo County
New Mexico
54.1
Sierra County
New Mexico
53.1
Greenlee County
Arizona
70.1
Catron County
New Mexico
64
Doña Ana County
New Mexico
41
Graham County
Arizona
47.6
Cochise County
Arizona
39.9

Deep Dives

Grant County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Grant County

via TaxByCounty

Grant County has among the lowest rates nationally

Grant County's effective tax rate of 0.460% ranks in the bottom 15% of all U.S. counties by tax burden. The median property tax of $756 is less than one-third the national median of $2,690, making Grant one of the most tax-friendly places in America.

Second-lowest rate in New Mexico

Grant County's 0.460% effective rate is the second-lowest in New Mexico, trailing only Harding County. At a median property tax of $756, Grant homeowners pay nearly $300 less annually than the statewide median of $1,043.

Lowest-taxed county in the southwest

Grant County beats neighboring Hidalgo County (0.461%) and significantly undercuts Eddy County (0.499%) in property tax burden. This makes Grant the most tax-efficient option in southwestern New Mexico.

Grant homeowner pays just $756 yearly

With a median home value of $164,400 and a 0.460% effective rate, the typical Grant County homeowner pays $756 annually. Homeowners with mortgages pay $842, while those without mortgages pay $688.

Still worth verifying your assessment

Even in a low-tax county like Grant, overassessments happen. Reviewing your property's assessed value against comparable homes in your neighborhood could reveal errors—and appealing takes just a few hours for potential long-term savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Grant County

via CostByCounty

Grant's affordability masks income gap

Grant County renters spend 21.2% of income on rent—above the national comfort zone and 1.8 points higher than New Mexico's state average of 19.4%. The real challenge: median household income of just $45,921, roughly 39% below the national median of $74,755, leaves less room for other expenses.

Below-average incomes, above-average burden

Grant County ranks among the state's lower-income counties, pushing its rent-to-income ratio above New Mexico's 19.4% average. At 21.2%, the ratio signals housing demand is outpacing local earning potential, a squeeze felt across the county.

Cheapest rents, but lowest incomes

Grant's $810 median rent is the lowest among this cluster of counties, undercutting Lincoln County ($883) and Hidalgo County ($803). However, Grant's median income of $45,921 is also the lowest, meaning affordability ratios don't tell the full story—residents have less overall purchasing power.

Low rents reflect low incomes

Renters pay $810 monthly while homeowners pay $491, with median home values around $164,400. The county's low housing costs reflect its low-income economy; households earning $45,921 still dedicate 21.2% of gross income to rent.

Grant: bargain rents, tight budgets

Grant County offers the cheapest rents in this comparison, but income levels are also the lowest. If you're relocating, weigh the lower housing costs against limited local job markets and salaries before deciding if the move aligns with your financial goals.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Grant County

via IncomeByCounty

Grant lags far behind national median

Grant County's median household income of $45,921 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by nearly $29,000, placing it in the lower income tier nationally. This gap reflects limited economic diversification and fewer high-wage opportunities in the county.

Below average for New Mexico

Grant County's median household income of $45,921 falls about $9,500 below New Mexico's state average of $55,469. The county ranks in the lower half of New Mexico's 33 counties by median household income.

Income challenges shared with region

Grant County households earn $45,921, similar to Hidalgo County ($49,076) but below Lea County ($68,750) and Lincoln County ($51,643). The southwestern cluster of New Mexico counties generally struggles with income levels compared to the state's energy and research hubs.

Housing costs strain household budgets

Grant County's rent-to-income ratio of 21.2% indicates housing consumes a meaningful share of household earnings, though still below critical affordability thresholds. With median household income of $45,921 and median home values at $164,400, many residents face stretched housing budgets.

Strategic planning essential here

Grant County residents earning below national averages need intentional financial planning to build long-term wealth. Prioritize emergency savings, explore lower-cost investment options like employer 401(k) matches, and seek professional guidance on affordable debt management and homeownership strategies.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Grant County

via CrimeByCounty

Grant County Exceeds National Safety Benchmarks

Grant County earns an impressive safety score of 99.6, making it one of the safest areas in the country. Its total crime rate of 260.6 per 100K is a fraction of the national average, which stands at 2,385.5.

A Safety Leader in New Mexico

With a safety score of 99.6, Grant County significantly outpaces the New Mexico state average of 97.4. The county maintains a total crime rate that is more than six times lower than the state's typical average of 1638.5.

Low Crime Rates Compared to Neighbors

Grant County's rate of 260.6 per 100K remains much lower than the activity seen in neighboring Hidalgo. While some nearby areas report higher fluctuations, Grant consistently offers a more stable environment for residents.

Breaking Down Violent and Property Crime

Property crime accounts for the majority of local incidents at 178.5 per 100K, while violent crime remains low at 82.1. These figures indicate that major personal safety threats are rare in this jurisdiction.

Proactive Steps for a Safer Home

Even with high safety scores, residents should utilize basic security like motion-sensor lighting to deter property theft. Staying alert and reporting suspicious activity helps maintain Grant County's peaceful character.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Grant County

via SchoolsByCounty

Education Across the High Desert

Grant County operates 16 public schools that serve a total of 3,478 students across three districts. The landscape consists of 9 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 4 high schools. This configuration provides a blend of town-based and rural learning environments for local families.

Strong Graduation Rates Outpace the State

The county achieves an 83.4% graduation rate, significantly outperforming the state average of 79.0%. While per-pupil spending of $7,337 is slightly below the state mean, the county's school score of 50.8 is higher than the state median. These results suggest a high level of efficiency and student success within the local system.

Focusing on Silver and Cobre Districts

Silver Consolidated Schools is the primary provider with 9 schools and 2,273 students. Cobre Consolidated Schools serves an additional 1,023 students across 6 campuses. The county also offers a charter option at Aldo Leopold Charter, which serves 182 students in a specialized setting.

Intimate Learning in Small Classrooms

Grant County offers an intimate feel with an average school size of only 217 students. Silver High is the largest campus with 638 students, while elementary schools like G.W. Stout remain small and community-focused. The mix of 11 town schools and 5 rural schools creates a unique geographic diversity.

Rooting Your Family in Grant County

With graduation rates exceeding state averages, Grant County is an attractive destination for families prioritizing education. Homes near Harrison Schmitt Elementary or Silver High offer convenient access to the county's top-performing districts. Invest in a community where local schools are consistently meeting and exceeding state standards.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Grant County

via RiskByCounty

Grant County sits at moderate risk level

Grant County's composite risk score of 74.14 places it in the relatively low category, meaningfully above the New Mexico state average of 58.92. The county's hazard profile is shaped primarily by wildfire exposure, which dominates its overall risk calculation.

Middle-of-pack risk among state counties

Grant County ranks in the middle range of New Mexico counties by disaster vulnerability, neither among the highest nor lowest risk areas. Its position reflects moderate hazard exposure compared to neighbors like Hidalgo and Eddy.

Riskier than western neighbors

Grant County's 74.14 score exceeds neighboring Hidalgo County (8.94) but lags eastern counties like Eddy (83.65) and Lea (86.01). The county's wildfire exposure (96.95) nearly matches Lincoln County's 98.76, making regional comparison essential for understanding local fire season preparedness.

Wildfire is the dominant threat

Wildfire risk reaches 96.95 in Grant County, among the highest in the state and a critical concern for residents and property owners. Flood risk is also notable at 83.68, while tornado (6.93), hurricane (7.93), and earthquake (50.45) risks remain secondary.

Prioritize wildfire and flood protection

Obtain homeowners insurance that includes wildfire coverage and consider additional endorsements for high-risk properties near vegetation zones. Also secure flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program, particularly if you live in mapped flood zones or areas prone to flash flooding.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Grant County

via WaterByCounty

Grant County Faces Significant Drinking Water Challenges

With 40 health violations over a five-year period, Grant County receives an F grade for drinking water compliance. Its violation rate of 154.3 per 100,000 residents is roughly one-third of the state average, yet it still indicates persistent systemic issues.

Mercury and Temperature Stress Local Waterways

Assessments from the 2022 cycle reveal that 35.1% of the county's 57 water bodies are impaired, nearly double the state average of 20.0%. The top pollutants include mercury and nutrients, alongside rising water temperatures that threaten aquatic health.

PFAS and Organics Targeted in Local Sampling

Monitoring is concentrated across 7 active sites, which have produced 1,274 measurements over the last five years. These efforts specifically track organics, pesticides, and PFAS chemicals to assess modern contamination risks.

Gila River Flows Near Record Lows

The primary USGS gauge on the Gila River near Virden reports a current discharge of just 17 cfs. This is a critical 8% of the long-term mean of 207 cfs, signaling an extreme deficit in surface water availability.

Address Mercury Risks and Conserve Surface Water

The high watershed impairment rate of 35.1% and critical mercury levels suggest residents should check state advisories before consuming local fish. With the Gila River at only 8% of its typical flow, extreme water conservation is vital for protecting local supplies.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Grant County

via WeatherByCounty

A balanced high-desert climate

Grant County maintains a 57.7°F average annual temperature, placing it slightly above the national median. Its position in the high desert offers a reliable balance between extreme desert heat and alpine cold.

Moderate temperatures for New Mexico

At 57.7°F, Grant County sits roughly 3 degrees warmer than the New Mexico state average of 54.8°F. It provides a more moderate climate compared to the scorching southern lowlands or the freezing northern peaks.

Cooler than its southern neighbors

Grant is noticeably cooler than its southern neighbor Hidalgo County, which averages 61.2°F. While both areas are dry, Grant receives 13.8 inches of precipitation, slightly more than Hidalgo's 11.4 inches.

Significant heat with manageable winters

July brings a warm average of 75.8°F with 61 days of extreme heat reaching 90°F or more. Winters are manageable with a January average of 40.5°F and a modest 3.8 inches of annual snow.

Plan for seasonal temperature swings

Residents need versatile wardrobes to handle the 35-degree swing between summer highs and winter lows. Outdoor activities are best planned for mornings to avoid the two months of days that exceed 90°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Grant County

via SoilByCounty

High Elevation Soil Profile

Diverse mountain terrain defines Grant County, though specific pH and taxonomic data are currently unavailable for the area. Most regional soils trend alkaline compared to the national median of 6.5.

Volcanic and Alluvial Mix

While exact percentages are not recorded, the topography suggests a rugged mix of volcanic and alluvial materials. This provides a complex mineral base for native vegetation and hardy garden plants.

Enriching the Mountain Soil

Growers should supplement the soil, as organic matter likely mirrors or falls below the modest state average of 1.27%. Boosting this content is the first step toward successful high-altitude gardening.

Variable Mountain Drainage

Local drainage varies significantly by slope and elevation, necessitating careful observation of water runoff patterns. Proper grading is vital to prevent erosion during heavy summer monsoon rains.

Flourishing in Zone 7b

Hardiness Zone 7b offers a long growing season for apples, grapes, and various root vegetables. Enriching the native soil with compost will help you build a productive and resilient garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Grant County

via LawnByCounty

Grant County Matches State Averages

With a lawn difficulty score of 30.2, Grant County sits exactly at the New Mexico state average for maintenance ease. While this is better than more arid neighbors, it still remains well below the national median of 50.0. Gardeners here in Hardiness Zone 7b must navigate a dry climate while managing moderate seasonal shifts.

Moderate Heat with Arid Conditions

Grant County sees 61 extreme heat days annually, which is close to the state average of 58 days. Precipitation averages 13.8 inches per year, roughly half of what a standard lawn needs to stay green without irrigation. The 3854 growing degree days suggest a steady growing season, though high-altitude sun can still be intense.

Navigating Regional Soil Gaps

Specific soil data for Grant County is currently unavailable, so testing your specific plot is a critical first step. Most soils in this part of New Mexico benefit from adding sulfur to lower pH or organic matter to help hold moisture. Watch for drainage issues in local topography to ensure your lawn doesn't suffer from localized root rot or parched spots.

Severe Drought Grips the Region

Drought resilience is critical here, as 100% of the county is currently experiencing severe drought conditions. This follows a full year of 53 weeks in drought, meaning water restrictions are likely and conservation is mandatory. Use drip irrigation or smart controllers to ensure every drop of water reaches the roots during these dry spells.

Planting for the 7b Climate

Warm-season grasses like Blue Grama or Buffalo grass are ideal for the 13.8-inch annual rainfall. Aim to start your lawn after the last spring frost on April 23rd but before the first fall frost on October 26th. Despite the severe drought, these native-leaning choices provide the best chance for a resilient, low-maintenance landscape.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Grant County's county score?
Grant County, New Mexico has a composite county score of 61.5 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 New Mexico?
Grant County ranks #5 among all counties in New Mexico 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, New Mexico?
The median annual property tax in Grant County is $756, with an effective tax rate of 0.46%. This earns Grant County a tax score of 89.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Grant County?
The median household income in Grant County, New Mexico is $45,921 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Grant County earns an income score of 8.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Grant County, New Mexico a good place to live?
Grant County scores 61.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #5 in New Mexico. 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 Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.