CountyScore

Grant County

New Mexico · NM

#13 in New Mexico
71
County Score

County Report Card

About Grant County, New Mexico

Grant exceeds national livability standards

Grant County's composite score of 71.0 significantly outperforms the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 71st percentile nationally. The county ranks among the top third of U.S. counties on livability measures.

Top tier within New Mexico

At 71.0, Grant County slightly exceeds New Mexico's state average of 69.8, ranking it in the upper echelon of the state's counties. The county stands out as one of the state's most livable communities.

Exceptional affordability and low taxes

Grant County shines with a cost score of 86.4 and extremely affordable housing—median rent of just $810/month and median home values of $164,400. Combined with a tax score of 89.3 and an effective tax rate of 0.460%, the county offers outstanding fiscal advantages.

Income levels present significant headwind

The county's income score of 13.4 is among the lowest in New Mexico, with a median household income of $45,921. Limited employment opportunities for high-wage positions are a notable constraint for income-focused households.

Ideal for retirees and remote workers

Grant County is perfect for retirees, freelancers, or remote workers seeking minimal living costs and low taxes without dependence on local wages. The combination of affordability and low tax burden makes it exceptionally attractive to those with stable, external income sources.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax89.3Cost86.4SafetyComing SoonHealth66.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome13.4Risk25.9WaterComing Soon
🏛89.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠86.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼13.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤66.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡25.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Grant County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Blount County
Alabama
71
Median income: $61,096
Clarke County
Alabama
71
Median income: $49,167
Dale County
Alabama
71
Median income: $53,955
Boone County
Arkansas
71
Median income: $54,195
Hempstead County
Arkansas
71
Median income: $47,654

Deep Dives

Grant County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Health in Grant County

via HealthByCounty

Grant County exceeds national life expectancy

At 74.3 years, Grant County residents live longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years, though the headline hides underlying challenges. One in five residents (21.5%) still report poor or fair health, suggesting that longevity doesn't guarantee good health quality.

Among New Mexico's healthier counties

Grant County's life expectancy of 74.3 years tops New Mexico's state average of 73.7 years, and its uninsured rate of 8.7% is below the state's 10.2% average. These metrics place Grant County in the upper tier for health access and outcomes statewide.

Strong primary care network in the region

Grant County boasts 65 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—more than double Eddy County's 30 and well above regional neighbors. Its exceptional 655 mental health providers per 100,000 is the highest rate in this cluster, reflecting robust behavioral health infrastructure.

Provider access supports preventive care

Grant County's 65 primary care providers per 100,000 residents mean shorter wait times and easier access to preventive services like screenings and vaccinations. The high mental health provider ratio signals strong community investment in addressing depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders.

Ensure continuous coverage for preventive benefits

Though Grant County's uninsured rate is below state average, 8.7% of residents still lack coverage—missing out on free preventive services. Check healthcare.gov or New Mexico's marketplace to lock in a plan that covers annual checkups and screenings.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.