CountyScore

Grant County

South Dakota · SD

#12 in South Dakota
75.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Grant County, South Dakota

Well Above the National Bar

Grant County scores 75.7 out of 100 on the CountyScore livability index, significantly outperforming the national median of 50.0. This places the county in the upper tier of American counties, suggesting a genuinely strong quality of life across measured dimensions.

Among South Dakota's Best

Grant County ranks above the South Dakota state average of 71.3, making it one of the more livable counties in the state. The county's composite score reflects a competitive position within its regional peer group.

Affordability and Stability Stand Out

Grant County excels in housing affordability (Cost Score 83.3) with a median home value of $179,400 and monthly rent averaging just $668. The county also boasts a low effective tax rate of 0.851% and strong risk resilience (81.1), creating a stable financial environment for residents.

Income Growth Remains the Gap

Income represents Grant County's weakest dimension at 31.6, with a median household income of $73,818 that lags behind national opportunities. Addressing wage growth and job quality would significantly enhance the county's overall livability profile.

Ideal for Fiscally Conscious Families

Grant County suits established families and retirees prioritizing affordable housing, low taxes, and financial stability over rapid income growth. If you value rural stability, manageable housing costs, and a tight-knit community, this county delivers strong livability.

Score breakdown

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

Tax78.3Cost83.3SafetyComing SoonHealth75.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome31.6Risk81.1WaterComing Soon
🏛78.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠83.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼31.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤75.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡81.1
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

Union County
Indiana
75.7
Median income: $79,500
Lincoln County
Minnesota
75.7
Median income: $67,715
Powder River County
Montana
75.7
Median income: $68,009
Edmonson County
Kentucky
75.8
Median income: $54,512
Menifee County
Kentucky
75.8
Median income: $44,672

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 taxes well below national median

At 0.851%, Grant County's effective tax rate sits comfortably below the national median of 1.1%, placing it in the lower half of U.S. counties. The median property tax here is $1,527 annually—nearly 43% less than the national median of $2,690.

Among the lowest rates in South Dakota

Grant County ranks as one of South Dakota's most tax-friendly counties, with an effective rate of 0.851% compared to the state average of 1.094%. At the median home value of $179,400, residents pay $1,527 in annual taxes versus the state median of $1,785.

Lower taxes than most regional peers

Grant County's 0.851% rate beats neighboring Hamlin County (1.090%) and Hand County (0.903%), making it one of the most affordable options in east-central South Dakota. Only Haakon County (0.847%) claims a slightly lower burden in the immediate region.

A median home costs $1,527 annually

On a median home valued at $179,400, Grant County homeowners pay approximately $1,527 per year in property taxes. With a mortgage, that figure rises to roughly $1,764; without one, it drops to $1,372.

Assess whether your home is overvalued

Even in a relatively tax-friendly county, many homeowners overpay due to inflated assessments. South Dakota law allows you to appeal your property's assessed value—a process that has saved countless residents hundreds of dollars annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Grant County

via CostByCounty

Grant County rents remain below national norms

Renters in Grant County spend just 10.9% of their income on housing, well below the national benchmark and markedly better than the state average of 13.8%. With a median rent of $668 per month against a median household income of $73,818, housing costs here are genuinely affordable compared to most of America.

Among South Dakota's most affordable counties

Grant County ranks favorably within South Dakota for housing affordability, with a rent-to-income ratio that beats the state average by nearly 3 percentage points. The county's $668 median rent sits nearly $90 below the state median, positioning it as a genuine value for renters statewide.

Competitive rents across the northeast region

Grant County's $668 rent aligns closely with neighboring Haakon County ($688) and undercuts Hughes County's $930 significantly. Compared to the state average of $756, Grant offers renters a measurable savings without sacrificing regional convenience.

Modest housing costs, healthy incomes

Grant County renters allocate $668 monthly while homeowners spend $873, both reasonable against the county's $73,818 median income. Renters dedicate roughly 10.9% of income to housing, leaving the vast majority of household earnings for savings, education, and other priorities.

Affordable renting in a stable community

If you're seeking a county where rent doesn't dominate your budget, Grant County delivers without compromise. Compare its 10.9% rent-to-income ratio against nearby counties—you'll find genuine affordability paired with a median income that supports a comfortable lifestyle.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Grant County

via IncomeByCounty

Grant County meets national income standard

Grant County's median household income of $73,818 sits just below the national median of $74,755, placing it near the middle of American counties. The county's per capita income of $38,497 also closely mirrors national trends, suggesting household earnings here are fairly typical for the country.

Above average for South Dakota

Grant County ranks in the upper half of South Dakota counties with a median household income $6,892 above the state average of $66,926. The county's per capita income of $38,497 also exceeds South Dakota's average of $35,667 by nearly 8%.

Solid income in rural northeast corner

Grant County households earn more than nearby Gregory County ($52,432) and Haakon County ($59,231), though less than the stronger economies of Hamlin ($83,194) and Hanson ($86,375) counties. This positions Grant County as a moderate-income area within its regional peer group.

Rent stays affordable at 10.9%

Grant County residents spend just 10.9% of median household income on rent, well below the national affordability threshold of 30%. This tight ratio suggests households have substantial resources left for other expenses, savings, and wealth-building.

Build on stable earning foundation

With median household income near national levels and low housing costs, Grant County offers a solid platform for financial planning. Consider working with a local financial advisor to maximize retirement contributions, explore homeownership, or invest in education to further increase earning potential.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Grant County

via HealthByCounty

Grant County outlives the nation

At 78.5 years, Grant County residents live longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years—a solid 2-year advantage. With a 12.8% poor/fair health rate, the county sits well below the national average of 17%, suggesting healthier populations overall.

Among South Dakota's healthiest

Grant County's 78.5-year life expectancy tops South Dakota's state average of 75.4 years by 3.1 years. This strong performance ranks the county in the upper tier for longevity within the state.

Outpacing rural peers in longevity

Grant County's life expectancy of 78.5 years beats neighbors Gregory County (73.7 years) and Hamlin County (77.3 years). The county also maintains better health outcomes than state peers with comparable resources.

Healthcare access remains manageable

Grant County's 10.4% uninsured rate edges above South Dakota's 11.1% average, suggesting most residents have coverage. The county provides 80 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 13 mental health providers per 100,000.

Secure coverage for better outcomes

If you're among Grant County's uninsured, exploring marketplace plans or Medicaid could protect your family's health. Local navigators can help you find plans that fit your budget and health needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Grant County

via RiskByCounty

Grant County's risk sits well below national average

With a composite risk score of 18.89, Grant County ranks as Very Low risk—substantially safer than the national average. This score reflects relatively modest exposure to most natural hazards across the county's landscape.

Grant County ranks safer than most South Dakota counties

Grant County's 18.89 score places it well below South Dakota's state average of 26.84, indicating below-average natural disaster risk for the region. The county faces fewer compounded hazard pressures than many of its neighbors across the state.

Among the region's safer counties

Grant County's risk profile is comparable to nearby Hamlin County (9.99) and Hand County (6.46), though moderately higher than Harding County's exceptionally low 1.49 score. These neighboring counties share Grant's pattern of very low overall risk.

Wildfire and tornado pose greatest threats

Wildfire risk registers at 54.61 and tornado risk at 34.61—the two hazards Grant County residents should monitor most closely. Flood risk (17.33) and earthquake risk (6.33) present minimal concern by comparison.

Prioritize wildfire and storm coverage

Grant County residents should ensure homeowners policies cover wildfire damage and maintain adequate tornado/wind protection given the county's moderate exposure to these hazards. Standard flood insurance isn't critical, but reviewing your policy's wildfire clauses is essential.

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.