countyscore
67.5
County Score
Safety 97.5Disaster Risk 81.1Health 73.9

County Report Card

About Grant County, South Dakota

Grant County outperforms the national baseline

Grant County earns a composite score of 68.9, placing it well above the national median score of 50.0. This score indicates a quality of life that exceeds the majority of U.S. counties.

A leader in South Dakota living

The county's overall score of 68.9 significantly beats the South Dakota state average of 55.9. Residents enjoy a higher level of stability and amenity access compared to many of their neighbors.

Exceptional safety and strong incomes

The county shines with a nearly perfect safety score of 97.5 and a robust income score of 75.2. A median household income of $73,818 supports a comfortable lifestyle, further bolstered by a risk score of 81.1.

Water quality and tax considerations

Water quality presents the biggest challenge with a score of 44.5, trailing other dimensions. Additionally, the tax score of 48.8 reflects an effective tax rate of 0.851%, which is moderate but leaves room for improvement.

Perfect for secure, high-earning families

Grant County is an ideal match for families seeking top-tier safety and strong earning potential in a rural setting. Its combination of high incomes and low environmental risk makes it a standout choice in the region.

2040608010042.165.897.573.953.473.381.144.540.5Tax42.1Cost65.8Safety97.5Health73.9Schools53.4Income73.3Risk81.1Water44.5Weather40.567.5/100
This county
National avg
5 above average2 below average

Grant County DNA

C-overall

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

Grant County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Safety (97.5/100) but notably weak in Weather & Climate (40.5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
42.1-9.899999999999999
Cost
65.8+17.799999999999997
Safety
97.5+42.5
Health
73.9+23.900000000000006
Schools
53.4
Income
73.3+22.299999999999997
Risk
81.1+34.099999999999994
Water
44.5-13.5
Weather
40.5-15.5
Sponsored

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Many homeowners in Grant County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$171,000

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$763/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$171,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$30,520/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $75,028/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

13.3

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

Calhoun County
West Virginia
Median income: $43,980
67.5
Spencer County
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Median income: $74,506
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Butler County
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Median income: $56,092
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Allen Parish
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Golden Valley County
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Holt County
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Cavalier County
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Gallatin County
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Median income: $59,219
67.7

Nearby counties

Codington County
South Dakota
42
Big Stone County
Minnesota
68.3
Roberts County
South Dakota
53.4
Deuel County
South Dakota
67.1
Day County
South Dakota
59.9
Lac qui Parle County
Minnesota
74.8
Traverse County
Minnesota
66.7
Hamlin County
South Dakota
56.1

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 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

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

Safety in Grant County

via CrimeByCounty

Grant County Achieves Rare Perfect Safety Score

Grant County reports zero crimes per 100,000 residents, earning a perfect safety score of 100.0. This stands in stark contrast to the national average crime rate of 2,385.5 per 100,000 people. Two different reporting agencies confirm this exceptionally high level of local security.

A Leader in South Dakota Safety

Grant County is among the safest jurisdictions in South Dakota, far exceeding the state's average safety score of 98.8. While the state average crime rate sits at 788.1 per 100,000 residents, Grant County reports no activity at all. This makes it a benchmark for public safety within the region.

Unmatched Safety Compared to Neighboring Counties

While neighboring Hamlin County reports a crime rate of 435.7, Grant County maintains a pristine record of 0.0. It shares this elite status with other rural counties like Haakon and Hanson. The local reporting remains consistently lower than nearly all similar agricultural hubs in the state.

Zero Reported Violent or Property Crimes

The county reports 0.0 violent crimes and 0.0 property crimes per 100,000 residents. In practical terms, local agencies reported no major incidents to federal databases during the 2022 period. This suggests a highly stable community where traditional crime is remarkably rare.

Maintaining Peace in a Quiet County

Even with a perfect safety score, basic precautions like exterior lighting and locked doors provide peace of mind. Community vigilance helps maintain these record-low numbers year after year. Stay engaged with your two local reporting agencies to keep the neighborhood secure.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Grant County

via WeatherByCounty

A Northern Climate with Moderate Heat

Grant County maintains an annual average temperature of 44.0°F, sitting well below the national median. This region experiences a humid continental climate that typically delivers cooler year-round conditions than much of the central United States.

Cooler than the South Dakota Average

The county's 44.0°F annual average makes it cooler than the South Dakota state average of 45.6°F. It receives 25.4 inches of annual precipitation, which is roughly 12% higher than the statewide average of 22.7 inches.

Wetter but Colder than Western Peers

While neighboring Hamlin County to the south is even colder at 41.7°F, Grant County stays slightly warmer during the winter months. Its 25.4 inches of precipitation exceeds the drier conditions found in counties further west like Hand or Hughes.

Frigid Winters Meet Mild Summers

Winter temperatures plummet to a January average of 12.2°F, supported by 32.2 inches of annual snowfall. Summers are comfortable with a July average of 72.7°F and only 16 days reaching 90°F or higher.

Prepare for Deep Winter Freezes

Residents need high-efficiency heating systems to combat winter lows that average 15.6°F from December through February. Standard snow removal equipment is essential for managing the 32.2 inches of snow that falls across the region.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Grant County

via SoilByCounty

Gravelly Loam and Alkaline Soil Identity

Grant County soil features a gravelly loam texture and belongs to the Entisols order, indicating relatively young geologic development. Its average pH of 7.14 is slightly more alkaline than the state average of 7.05 and significantly higher than the national median of 6.5.

A Silt-Heavy Composition for Grant County

The soil contains 41.6% silt, 35.0% sand, and 23.4% clay, creating a versatile but coarse-leaning profile. This mix provides moderate workability while ensuring that roots can penetrate easily through the gravelly loam structure.

Strong Organic Matter Boosts Potential

With 3.93% organic matter, the county surpasses the South Dakota average of 3.75% and nearly doubles the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.188 in/in ensures that crops have a steady reservoir during dry spells.

Rapid Drainage for Resilient Foundations

The soil is classified as excessively drained and belongs to hydrologic group A, meaning water moves through it very quickly. This high permeability is ideal for building foundations but requires careful irrigation management for thirsty crops.

Hardy Options for Zone 4b

Located in hardiness zone 4b, Grant County is perfect for cold-tolerant vegetables and perennial fruits like apples. The high soil score of 63.5 suggests a productive environment for any gardener willing to start their seeds early.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Grant County

via LawnByCounty

Grant County's Above-Average Lawn Potential

With a lawn difficulty score of 58.8, Grant County offers an easier environment for grass than both the national median of 50.0 and the state average of 51.1. This Zone 4b region provides a relatively stable foundation for northern turfgrasses to thrive.

Ample Rainfall for Northern Turf

The county receives 25.4 inches of annual precipitation, which is higher than the South Dakota average of 22.8 inches. With only 16 extreme heat days per year and 2630 growing degree days, your lawn faces less scorching risk than many neighboring areas.

Managing Gravelly, Fast-Draining Soils

The soil pH of 7.14 sits just slightly above the ideal 7.0 limit, suggesting a need for minor acidification. Because the gravelly loam texture is excessively drained, you should water in shorter, more frequent bursts to keep roots hydrated.

Favorable Conditions After Recent Dryness

Grant County experienced 14 weeks of drought over the last year, but currently reports 0% of the area under dry conditions. To maintain this resilience, keep your grass height at 3 inches or more to shade the soil and retain moisture.

Starting Your Zone 4b Lawn

Hardy cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass or Fine Fescue are perfect for these northern winters. Aim to seed or sod after the last spring frost on May 2nd to ensure strong establishment before the summer heat.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Grant County's county score?
Grant County, South Dakota has a composite county score of 67.5 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 South Dakota?
Grant County ranks #7 among all counties in South Dakota 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, South Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Grant County is $1,557, with an effective tax rate of 0.91%. This earns Grant County a tax score of 42.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Grant County?
The median household income in Grant County, South Dakota is $75,028 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Grant County earns an income score of 73.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Grant County, South Dakota a good place to live?
Grant County scores 67.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #7 in South Dakota. 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.