countyscore
64.1
County Score
Safety 92.9Disaster Risk 67.9Health 66.5

County Report Card

About Grant County, Oregon

Grant County Surpasses National Standards

With an impressive composite score of 64.1, Grant County far exceeds the national median of 50.0. It ranks among the higher-tier counties for overall livability nationwide.

A Leader in Oregon Livability

The county towers over the Oregon state average of 42.5. It offers a quality-of-life profile that few other counties in the state can match.

Exceptional Safety and Affordable Housing

Grant County is remarkably safe, earning a near-perfect safety score of 92.9. A cost score of 58.8 reflects accessible housing, with median rents at a modest $840.

Lower Incomes and Water Quality

The income score of 38.4 reflects a median household income of $59,800. Water quality also presents a challenge, scoring only 29.4 in the latest assessments.

Best for Secure, Rural Living

This county is a top choice for retirees or remote workers who prioritize personal safety and housing affordability. It offers peace of mind at a price point that remains accessible.

Score breakdown

Tax56.5Cost58.8Safety92.9Health66.5Schools58.6Income38.4Risk67.9Water29.4Weather32.8
🏛56.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠58.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼38.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡92.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤66.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓58.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡67.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧29.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤32.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱23.8
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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Nearby counties

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36.3
Union County
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Wheeler County
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Umatilla County
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Gilliam County
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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's taxes align with U.S. median

Grant County's effective tax rate of 0.761% sits just above the national median of 0.720%, placing it solidly in the middle range of U.S. counties. The median tax bill of $1,713 runs 36% below the national median of $2,690, reflecting Grant's smaller median home value of $225,100.

Slightly above Oregon average

Grant ranks 19th among Oregon's 36 counties at an effective rate of 0.761%, just slightly above the state average of 0.775%. Its median property tax of $1,713 falls nearly 40% below Oregon's state median of $2,745.

Moderate taxes for eastern Oregon

Grant County's 0.761% rate sits comfortably between Harney County (0.968%) and the more affordable Douglas County (0.660%). Among the remote eastern counties, Grant offers reasonable property tax terms.

What $225,100 homes cost to own

Grant County homeowners pay $1,713 annually on a median-valued home of $225,100. Those with mortgages pay nearly the same at $1,700, while owners free and clear pay $1,730.

Don't accept overassessment

Even in lower-value counties like Grant, assessments can be wrong—especially after major home improvements or in volatile real estate markets. Oregon law gives you the right to appeal your assessment at no cost if you believe it's inaccurate.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Grant County

via CostByCounty

Grant County's rental bargain beats the nation

Grant County renters enjoy one of Oregon's best affordability rates, spending just 16.9% of their income on housing—well below both the state average of 19.4% and national norms. With median rent of only $840/month and household income of $59,800, housing costs remain remarkably manageable in this remote county.

Oregon's most affordable rental market

Grant County's 16.9% rent-to-income ratio is among the lowest in Oregon, beating the state average by more than 2 percentage points. Renters here enjoy rents $297 cheaper than Oregon's median, making it the state's most affordable county for those seeking rental housing.

The cheapest rents in eastern Oregon

Grant County's $840 monthly rent vastly undercuts all regional neighbors—$244 less than Gilliam, $517 less than Jefferson, and $834 less than Deschutes. This makes Grant the clear affordability champion for renters willing to embrace its rural, remote location.

Housing costs leave room in the budget

Grant County households earning $59,800 annually spend $840 on rent (16.9% of income) or $735 on owner costs (14.8% of income). Both tenure types consume less than one-fifth of gross income, offering financial breathing room rare in today's housing market.

Remote Oregon for those prioritizing affordability

If keeping housing costs as low as possible tops your relocation priorities, Grant County is Oregon's answer at just $840/month for rent. The trade-off is remoteness and limited economic opportunities, so weigh the affordability advantage carefully against your job and lifestyle needs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Grant County

via IncomeByCounty

Grant earns 20% below national median

Grant County's median household income of $59,800 lags the U.S. median of $74,755 by nearly $15,000 annually. This gap reflects Grant's remote location and dependence on agriculture and natural resource extraction.

Below Oregon's county average

At $59,800, Grant County trails Oregon's median income of $69,965 by roughly $10,000. Per capita income of $34,924 also falls short of the state average of $37,652.

Lowest income in eastern Oregon tier

Grant households earn just $817 more than Douglas County ($58,983) but $13,251 less than Gilliam County ($64,219). The county faces steeper economic headwinds than both Deschutes and Hood River.

Lowest housing burden in the state

Grant County's 16.9% rent-to-income ratio is among Oregon's best, well below the 20% threshold. Median home values of $225,100 make homeownership genuinely affordable for median-earning families.

Use affordability to build savings

Low housing costs free up income for wealth-building: maximize any available employer 401(k) match, contribute to an IRA, or invest in a taxable account. Even small, consistent investments grow substantially over 20–30 years.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Grant County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety in Grant County

Grant County is one of the safest places in the country, boasting a total crime rate of only 96.7 per 100K. This creates an elite safety score of 99.8, far surpassing national averages.

Oregon's Top Safety Tier

With a 99.8 safety score, Grant County significantly outperforms the state average of 96.3. It is a state leader in low crime, with only three reporting agencies required to maintain order.

The Quietest of Neighbors

Grant County’s crime rate is a fraction of neighboring Harney’s (373.5) and Gilliam’s (2,723.2). It remains a remarkably peaceful pocket of the Pacific Northwest.

Virtually No Violent Crime

Violent crime is nearly nonexistent at 27.6 per 100K, while property crime is also minimal at 69.1. For residents, this translates to a very low risk of ever experiencing a serious crime.

Maintaining the Status Quo

While crime is rare, basic home security still provides peace of mind. Standard door locks and neighborhood awareness help ensure Grant County stays one of the safest places to live.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Grant County

via HealthByCounty

Grant exceeds national life expectancy

Grant County residents live to 79.7 years on average—3.3 years longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years—placing it among America's healthier counties. Yet 19.1% report poor or fair health, above the national average of 16.1%, suggesting disparities within the community.

Outperforms state average despite challenges

Grant County's 79.7-year life expectancy beats Oregon's state average of 77.0 years by 2.7 years, demonstrating strong longevity outcomes for a rural county. However, its 8.2% uninsured rate slightly exceeds Oregon's 8.1% average, meaning coverage gaps persist despite overall health strength.

Eastern Oregon's second-healthiest county

Grant's 79.7-year life expectancy ranks second only to Deschutes County (80.9 years) in the eastern Oregon sample, and its 96 primary care providers per 100K matches Jackson County's access. The county's 610 mental health providers per 100K demonstrates strong behavioral health support relative to peers.

Solid infrastructure for rural care

Grant County maintains 96 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 610 mental health providers per 100K, creating robust healthcare access for a rural population. These numbers suggest that healthcare infrastructure is supporting the county's strong life expectancy outcomes and relatively low rate of reported poor health.

Maintain coverage for continued health

Grant County's strong health outcomes depend on residents accessing care, but 8.2% still lack insurance coverage. Visit healthcare.gov or your county health department to renew Medicaid coverage or explore marketplace plans and maintain the preventive care that supports Grant's impressive longevity.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Grant County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Rural Network of Nine Schools

Grant County provides education through nine public schools spread across five distinct districts. The system serves ,1705 students, largely through multi-level 'other' schools that accommodate various grades in one building.

Top-Tier School Scores and Funding

Grant County boasts an impressive school score of 59.2, well above the state average of 51.4. Performance is backed by a high per-pupil expenditure of $10,655 and a strong 85.8% graduation rate.

Prairie City and John Day Leads

Prairie City SD 4 is the largest district by enrollment, serving 1,089 students, followed by John Day SD 3 with 470 students. Two charter schools operate in the county, making up 22% of the total educational options.

Exclusively Rural and Connected

All nine schools in the county are located in rural locales, creating a consistent educational atmosphere. The largest campus, Oregon Connections Academy, serves 846 students, while the average school size stays low at 213.

Quality Education in a Rural Setting

With school scores that outrank much of the state, Grant County is a hidden gem for families seeking academic excellence. Homebuyers can find properties that offer both scenic beauty and access to highly-funded local districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Grant County

via RiskByCounty

Grant: Low Risk, But Wildfire Concerns

Grant County's composite score of 32.12 places it well below the national average, indicating very low overall disaster exposure. However, this masks a significant wildfire threat at 93.58, which dominates the county's hazard profile. The very low rating primarily reflects minimal earthquake, flood, and tornado activity.

A Low-Risk Oregon County with One Exception

Grant's 32.12 composite score sits far below Oregon's state average of 63.43, ranking it among the state's safer communities. Yet its 93.58 wildfire risk score exceeds most Oregon counties, creating a paradox of overall safety with concentrated fire vulnerability. The county occupies a middle ground between Gilliam's exceptional safety and the high-risk western counties.

Safer Than Deschutes and Jackson, Similar to Gilliam

Grant faces roughly ten times lower overall risk than nearby Deschutes (84.92) and Jackson (92.53), though wildfire exposure rivals or exceeds theirs. It sits slightly higher than Gilliam (2.74) and Harney (23.66) but lower than Hood River (32.06). The shared wildfire vulnerability across eastern Oregon contrasts with the region's generally low multi-hazard risk.

Wildfire Risk Dominates Grant's Hazard Profile

Wildfire at 93.58 represents Grant County's overwhelming concern, far outweighing other hazards. Flood risk of 50.19 creates moderate secondary exposure, while earthquake (23.41) and tornado (2.29) risks remain negligible. The landscape's natural fire susceptibility, combined with extended dry seasons, creates elevated burning conditions.

Wildfire Insurance and Prevention Are Essential

Grant residents should verify that wildfire damage is specifically covered in homeowners policies, as standard coverage often excludes it. Implement aggressive defensible space management—clearing vegetation within 100 feet of structures—to reduce fire exposure. Standard flood and earthquake coverage remains optional given the county's low exposure to these hazards.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Grant County

via WeatherByCounty

Cool Temps with High Summer Peaks

Grant County's annual average temperature of 47.7°F is cooler than the national median. It is a dry region, receiving only 14.6 inches of precipitation annually compared to the national average.

Cooler than the State Average

The county's 47.7°F average sits below the Oregon state average of 50.5°F. Its precipitation level is also significantly lower, with 14.6 inches against the state's 37.4-inch average.

Warmer and Drier than Harney

Grant County is slightly warmer than neighboring Harney County, which averages 46.4°F. It is also more arid than many western counties, reflecting its position in the rugged interior of the state.

High Heat Spikes and Moderate Snow

Despite a cool annual average, the county experiences a significant 40 days of extreme heat above 90°F. Winter brings a January average of 31.1°F and a total of 21.4 inches of snowfall.

Prepare for Extreme Summer Heat

With 40 days of heat over 90°F, residents must have reliable cooling systems and heat safety plans. Winter preparation should include equipment to manage the 21.4 inches of snow that falls annually.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Grant County

via SoilByCounty

High Elevation Soil Secrets

Specific pH data for Grant County is currently unavailable, making local testing a priority. Nationally, a pH of 6.5 is the ideal benchmark for most gardens. This mountainous region likely features a variety of taxonomic orders influenced by elevation.

Texture Shaped by Terrain

The ratios of sand, silt, and clay are not recorded for this area in our current dataset. Gardeners should check for grit or stickiness to identify their local soil texture. Understanding your composition is the first step toward better nutrient management.

Measuring Mountain Fertility

Local organic matter and water capacity figures remain unmeasured against the state averages. Oregon’s average organic matter of 29.41% reflects the state's potential, though mountain soils may vary wildly. Adding local mulch can help boost your soil's natural productivity.

Managing Snowmelt and Runoff

With no dominant drainage class recorded, observing how snowmelt infiltrates the ground is essential. The hydrologic group affects everything from septic design to garden placement. Watch for areas where water collects to avoid future building issues.

Resilient Mountain Growing

The 6b hardiness zone requires plants that can withstand cold winters and late spring frosts. Hardier vegetables like kale, peas, and potatoes are excellent choices for this climate. Start your garden by choosing varieties bred for shorter, cooler seasons.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Grant County

via LawnByCounty

A Difficult Climb in Grant

Grant County faces one of the toughest lawn environments in the state, with a difficulty score of 23.8. This is far below both the national median of 50.0 and the Oregon state average of 38.9. The 6b hardiness zone necessitates extremely hardy turf varieties that can survive significant environmental stress.

Extreme Heat and Arid Cycles

Lawns in Grant County endure 40 extreme heat days annually, which is nearly double the state average of 23. Combined with just 14.6 inches of annual rain, turf quickly enters heat stress without constant monitoring. The 1,983 growing degree days mean a shorter, more intense window for maintenance and watering.

Preparing Soils for Intense Weather

Detailed soil data is limited here, but the combination of low rainfall and high heat often leads to compacted surfaces. You should focus on adding organic compost to improve water-holding capacity in the root zone. Regular aeration will be essential to ensure that any water you apply actually reaches the roots.

Managing 39 Weeks of Drought

Grant County spent 39 weeks in drought over the last year, with 95.8% of the area currently abnormally dry. During these periods, you should allow your grass to grow taller to shade the soil and reduce water loss. Prioritize watering early in the morning to minimize evaporation during the 40 annual heat days.

Timing Your 6b Lawn Project

Fine Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass are the recommended types for this 6b zone due to their cold tolerance. Your growing window is tight, with the last spring frost on May 28 and the first fall frost on October 6. Plan to seed in early June to give your grass the best chance to establish before the summer heat peaks.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Grant County's county score?
Grant County, Oregon has a composite county score of 64.1 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 Oregon?
Grant County ranks #2 among all counties in Oregon 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, Oregon?
The median annual property tax in Grant County is $1,713, with an effective tax rate of 0.76%. This earns Grant County a tax score of 56.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Grant County?
The median household income in Grant County, Oregon is $59,800 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Grant County earns an income score of 38.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Grant County, Oregon a good place to live?
Grant County scores 64.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #2 in Oregon. 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.