countyscore
32.8
County Score
Income & Jobs 69.1Property Tax 51.2Schools 43.1

County Report Card

About Grant County, Washington

A Lower National Livability Standing

Grant County scores a 32.8 on the composite index, trailing the national median of 50.0. The county ranks in the lower tier of national counties for overall livability.

Struggling Against State Averages

The county's composite score of 32.8 is significantly lower than the Washington state average of 44.1. This gap highlights the socio-economic challenges present in this part of the state.

Solid Incomes and Moderate Taxes

Grant County maintains a respectable income score of 69.1, with a median household income of $71,115. Its tax score of 51.2 provides a balanced fiscal environment for workers.

Significant Safety and Risk Concerns

With a safety score of 4.0 and a risk score of 23.1, the county faces substantial challenges in crime and environmental hazards. Low affordability also persists, with a cost score of 23.4.

Suited for Industry-Focused Workers

Grant County is a fit for individuals tied to local industries who prioritize steady employment and decent wages. It requires a resident who is comfortable navigating a higher-risk social environment.

Score breakdown

Tax51.2Cost23.4Safety4Health41.4Schools43.1Income69.1Risk23.1Water42.5Weather42.9
🏛51.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠23.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼69.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤41.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓43.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡23.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧42.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤42.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨32.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱38.1
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

Douglas County
Washington
45.1
Adams County
Washington
37.4
Franklin County
Washington
34.4
Kittitas County
Washington
41.8
Lincoln County
Washington
60.9
Chelan County
Washington
42
Benton County
Washington
36.8
Yakima County
Washington
30.4

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 above national median

Grant County's effective tax rate of 0.823% significantly exceeds the national median of 0.67%, placing it in the 65th percentile nationally. Homeowners here pay $2,268 annually—slightly below the national median of $2,690—but face one of the region's highest effective rates.

Among Washington's highest-rate counties

Grant County ranks 32nd among Washington's 39 counties with an effective rate of 0.823%, notably above the state average of 0.761%. Its median tax of $2,268 falls short of the state median only because home values here are lower at $275,700 compared to the state average.

Grant matches region's steepest tax rates

Grant County's 0.823% rate is exceeded only by Grays Harbor County (0.873%) in the region, making it the second-highest among the eight counties. Despite a median home value near the regional average of $275,700, Grant residents face above-average effective tax rates.

Grant homeowners pay $2,268 annually

A homeowner with Grant County's median-valued property of $275,700 pays approximately $2,268 in annual property taxes. With mortgage deductions factored in, the bill rises to $2,489, while outright owners pay $1,745.

High-rate homeowners should appeal assessments

Grant County residents facing above-average effective rates should carefully review their property assessments for potential overvaluation. Filing an appeal with the county assessor is free and can result in significant tax savings if your assessed value exceeds fair market value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Grant County

via CostByCounty

Grant keeps housing costs reasonable

Grant County renters spend 17.9% of income on housing, notably better than the national average of roughly 28–30% for typical renters. With a median household income of $71,115 and $1,059 monthly rent, residents maintain healthy financial breathing room.

Comfortably below state average affordability

Grant County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.9% ranks below Washington's state average of 18.8%, positioning it as a more affordable county than most state peers. This reflects stable rural incomes and moderate housing costs in a mid-sized central Washington county.

Middle-priced option in the region

Grant County's $1,059 rent sits between the rural bargains of Ferry ($703) and Garfield ($768) and the pricier urban fringe markets. Its $275,700 median home value offers reasonable entry to ownership compared to coastal and western counties.

Rent and mortgage costs track closely

Renters pay $1,059 monthly while homeowners face $1,105—a tight spread reflecting comparable affordability regardless of tenure choice. Both groups spend roughly 18% of household income on housing, maintaining balanced budget allocation.

Grant County for pragmatic relocators

If you want central Washington opportunity at reasonable costs, Grant County delivers solid affordability without the ultra-rural isolation of its eastern neighbors. Compare your household income to the $71,115 median to gauge whether this working-class market suits your budget and lifestyle.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Grant County

via IncomeByCounty

Grant slightly trails national earnings

Grant County's median household income of $71,115 falls $3,640 short of the national median of $74,755, representing a 5% gap. The county remains within striking distance of national average, reflecting its position as a moderate-income region.

Near-average income for Washington

Grant County's $71,115 median income sits about 7% below Washington's state average of $76,363, placing it in the lower-middle tier statewide. The county's per capita income of $32,241 is notably below the state average of $40,628.

Grant is central to regional earnings

Grant County's $71,115 median income sits between Ferry County ($54,650) and Franklin County ($82,755), making it a representative mid-tier county in central Washington. Neighboring Jefferson County earns slightly more at $71,143.

Housing requires careful budgeting

Grant County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.9% is relatively high, approaching the affordability concern threshold. With a median home value of $275,700, households earning the county median will need to budget carefully for homeownership costs.

Prioritize savings despite constraints

Grant County households should focus on building emergency funds first, then gradually increasing retirement contributions through employer plans or IRAs. Meeting with a financial counselor can help navigate the county's moderate income levels and plan for long-term financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Grant County

via CrimeByCounty

Grant County Faces Higher Crime Pressures

Grant County has a safety score of 94.0, which is notably lower than the national average. Its total crime rate of 3,770.3 per 100,000 residents significantly exceeds the U.S. average of 2,385.5.

One of Washington's Higher-Crime Regions

Grant's total crime rate of 3,770.3 is over 1,000 points higher than the Washington state average of 2,377.2. Its safety score of 94.0 trails behind the state's average of 96.2.

High Crime Relative to Nearby Counties

Grant County's crime rate is more than double that of neighboring Douglas County. It also reports higher incident rates than Franklin County, which sits at 2,983.7.

Property Theft Dominates Local Crime

Property crime in Grant County is high at 3,456.6 per 100,000 residents. Violent crime is also elevated at 313.7, which is higher than the state average of 249.6.

Taking Action Against Property Crime

High property crime rates make alarm systems and security cameras essential for Grant County homeowners. Ensure all entry points are secure and valuables are kept out of plain sight in vehicles.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Grant County

via HealthByCounty

Grant County facing health headwinds

At 76.8 years, Grant County residents live 1.0 year below the U.S. average of 77.8 years, and 21.9% report poor or fair health—above the national average of 19.1%. The combination of lower-than-average lifespan and high perceived health burden signals systemic health challenges across the county.

Below Washington average on both fronts

Grant County's 76.8-year life expectancy falls 1.3 years below Washington's average of 78.1 years, and at 21.9%, its poor/fair health rate is notably worse than the state norm. The county ranks among Washington's lower-performing counties for overall health metrics.

Mid-range health in Southeast Washington

Grant County's 76.8-year life expectancy is lower than Garfield County (77.0 years) but slightly better than Ferry County (73.5 years), while its 21.9% poor/fair health rate sits between Franklin County's crisis level (24.4%) and Garfield County's healthier profile (15.7%). The county faces moderate-to-significant regional health challenges.

Coverage gap meets moderate provider access

Grant County's 13.0% uninsured rate—49% higher than the state average of 9.0%—limits residents' ability to access care, while primary care providers number just 40 per 100,000. Mental health services are relatively strong at 265 per 100,000, but the uninsured barrier and primary care scarcity create access obstacles.

Get insured, improve outcomes

One in eight Grant County residents lack health insurance, contributing to the county's elevated poor/fair health rates and lower lifespan. Enrolling through the Washington Health Plan Finder can connect you to affordable coverage and the primary care you need.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Grant County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Wide-Ranging Educational Network

Grant County features an expansive network of 61 public schools across nine school districts, serving 20,601 students. The infrastructure is well-balanced, with 27 elementary schools, 11 middle schools, and 17 high schools. Six alternative schools and two special education facilities provide additional specialized support for the community.

Steady Investment in Student Achievement

The county maintains a 79.1% graduation rate while investing $8,920 per pupil annually. These figures are slightly below state averages, but the overall school score of 51.9 remains competitive with the national median of 50.0. The county continues to work toward closing the gap with state-wide performance benchmarks.

Moses Lake Leads District Enrollment

Moses Lake School District is the county’s largest, operating 20 schools for 8,686 students. Quincy and Ephrata school districts also serve significant populations, with 3,083 and 2,807 students respectively. There are zero charter schools in the county, as the community relies on its nine established public districts.

Diverse Town and Rural Settings

Grant County schools are primarily located in town settings, with 38 schools in towns and 23 in rural areas. The average school size is 349 students, ranging from small rural outposts to Moses Lake High School with 1,984 students. This mix provides families with a choice between bustling town campuses and quieter rural schools.

Find a Home Near Quality Schools

Grant County offers a variety of educational environments, from the large programs in Moses Lake to smaller schools in Quincy. Families moving here often prioritize homes within the Ephrata or Moses Lake districts to access established academic programs. Use our school data to find the neighborhood that best fits your family's needs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Grant County

via RiskByCounty

Grant County's Natural Disaster Risk

Grant County scores 76.94 on the composite risk scale, earning a Relatively Low rating and exceeding Washington's state average of 70.01. The county faces elevated but manageable exposure to natural hazards, particularly from seismic and fire threats.

Where Grant Ranks in Washington

Grant County ranks in the upper-middle tier among Washington's 39 counties for natural disaster risk, with a score of 76.94 that places it above the state average. The county's risk is driven by particularly high earthquake and wildfire exposure relative to state norms.

Compared to Your Neighbors

Grant County's risk (76.94) exceeds most regional peers, including Douglas (74.08) and Franklin (72.49), but remains lower than coastal Grays Harbor (97.0). The county's earthquake exposure at 89.22 is among the state's highest, reflecting proximity to active geological zones.

Your Top Threats: Earthquake and Wildfire

Earthquake risk ranks highest at 89.22—among Washington's most acute seismic exposures—while wildfire risk at 95.83 creates critical fire season vulnerability. Flood exposure at 77.19 reflects irrigation infrastructure and river systems, though tornado risk remains low at 15.46.

Earthquake and Fire Insurance Essential

Grant County residents should prioritize earthquake insurance through state pooling mechanisms and ensure wildfire coverage is included in homeowners policies. Secure structures to foundations and maintain defensible space, especially in rural and agricultural areas.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Grant County

via WeatherByCounty

Washington's Desert Heart

Grant County averages 51.7°F, sitting just below the national median but featuring a much drier profile. It is a desert environment, receiving only 8.7 inches of annual precipitation.

Heat Leader in the State

The county is nearly two degrees warmer than the Washington average of 49.9°F. Its precipitation is among the lowest in the state, falling far short of the 38.5-inch state average.

Hotter Than Nearby Counties

Grant is the hottest of its neighbors, enduring 40 days of extreme heat compared to Douglas County’s 34. While snowfall data is limited, its July average of 74.6°F makes it a regional heat leader.

Extreme Heat and Dry Cold

Summers are characterized by intense heat, with 40 days hitting 90°F and a July peak of 74.6°F. Winters are cold but dry, averaging 32.1°F from December through February.

Beat the Desert Heat

Extreme heat is the primary concern, making high-performance cooling systems a necessity for the 40 days of 90°F+ weather. Low-water landscaping is the only sustainable choice given the sparse 8.7 inches of annual rain.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Grant County

via SoilByCounty

Classic Aridisols of the Desert

Grant County is dominated by Aridisols with an average pH of 7.28, which is more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. This high pH is typical of arid climates where minerals accumulate rather than leaching away.

Productive Silt Loam Mix

The dominant texture is silt loam, consisting of 50.2% sand and 39.7% silt. This mix, containing only 8.0% clay, offers an excellent balance of root aeration and physical stability for large-scale farming.

Irrigation Drives This Land

Organic matter is measured at 1.40%, falling below the national average of 2.0% and the state average of 14.85%. An available water capacity of 0.151 in/in makes irrigation indispensable for maintaining the county's high agricultural output.

Well-Drained for Building and Farming

The soil is classified as well-drained and belongs to Hydrologic Group B. These properties indicate a moderate infiltration rate, making the land highly suitable for both residential foundations and diverse crop types.

A Potato Growing Powerhouse

Located in Hardiness Zone 7a, Grant County is one of the nation's top producers of potatoes and tree fruits. The well-drained silt loam is ready for your home garden—start planting today and watch it thrive.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Grant County

via LawnByCounty

Grant County's Arid Lawn Challenge

Grant County holds a difficulty score of 38.1, placing it slightly above the state average of 36.9 but still below the national median of 50.0. Maintaining a lawn in this zone 7a region requires a focus on heat tolerance and efficient irrigation. The climate is far more arid than the typical Washington lawn environment.

Intense Heat and Minimal Rainfall

With only 8.7 inches of annual precipitation, this is the driest county in the group, far below the 38.5-inch state average. A staggering 40 days of extreme heat per year can quickly scorch traditional turf. High growing degree days of 2983 mean grass grows quickly when water is available, but it requires constant vigilance.

Working with Well-Drained Silt Loams

The soil is classified as a well-drained silt loam with a slightly alkaline pH of 7.28. While the texture is good for root growth, the 50.2% sand content means moisture can be lost to deep drainage quickly. Regular applications of organic matter can help keep the pH in check and improve water holding capacity.

Conservation is Key in Constant Drought

The county experienced 39 weeks of drought last year, and the entire area is currently abnormally dry. Using high-efficiency nozzles and watering only in the late evening or early morning can help maximize every drop. It is vital to maintain consistent soil moisture to prevent the silt loam from hardening.

Optimizing the Long Growing Season

Drought-resistant grasses like Buffalograss or hybrid Bluegrass are excellent choices for Grant’s arid profile. Seed after the last spring frost on April 22 to give the lawn time to establish before the 40 days of summer heat. The growing season lasts until the first fall frost on October 16.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Grant County's county score?
Grant County, Washington has a composite county score of 32.8 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 Washington?
Grant County ranks #38 among all counties in Washington 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, Washington?
The median annual property tax in Grant County is $2,268, with an effective tax rate of 0.82%. This earns Grant County a tax score of 51.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Grant County?
The median household income in Grant County, Washington is $71,115 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Grant County earns an income score of 69.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Grant County, Washington a good place to live?
Grant County scores 32.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #38 in Washington. 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

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