68.9
County Score
Safety 97.5Disaster Risk 81.1Income & Jobs 75.2

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.

Score breakdown

Tax48.8Cost67.3Safety97.5Health73.9Schools53.4Income75.2Risk81.1Water44.5Weather40.5
🏛48.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠67.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼75.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
73.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓53.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
81.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧44.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤40.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨63.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱58.8
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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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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Schools in Grant County

via SchoolsByCounty

Grant County's Academic Foundation

Seven public schools serve Grant County, including four elementary, two middle, and one high school. These schools support a total enrollment of 1,130 students across two districts.

Exceeding State and National Averages

The county's 92.0% graduation rate is a standout, beating both the South Dakota average and the national benchmark of 87%. The school score of 54.7 reflects a strong academic environment supported by $7,044 in per-pupil spending.

Milbank School District Leadership

The Milbank School District 25-4 is the county's largest, enrolling 1,033 students across four schools. Traditional public schools represent 100% of the county's options as there are no charters.

A Blend of Town Hubs and Rural Sites

Students are spread across three town-based schools and four rural sites, with an average school size of 161. Milbank Elementary is the largest at 437 students, while Big Stone City Middle School remains tiny with just 19 students.

Join a High-Achieving Community

Grant County is a top choice for families prioritizing graduation success and school quality. Explore homes in Milbank to take advantage of the county's excellent educational reputation.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Grant County's county score?
Grant County, South Dakota has a composite county score of 68.9 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 #4 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 $1,527, with an effective tax rate of 0.85%. This earns Grant County a tax score of 48.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Grant County?
The median household income in Grant County, South Dakota is $73,818 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Grant County earns an income score of 75.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Grant County, South Dakota a good place to live?
Grant County scores 68.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #4 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.