Grant County

Washington · WA

#23 in Washington
64.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Grant County, Washington

Grant County beats national norm

Grant County's composite score of 69.5 outperforms the national median of 50.0 by 39%, placing it well above average in U.S. livability rankings. It represents solid, above-average quality of life nationally.

Slightly above Washington average

Grant County scores 69.5, modestly above Washington's state average of 68.1, positioning it in the upper-middle tier among Washington's counties. It competes respectably but doesn't dominate the state's livability landscape.

Balanced taxes and moderate costs

Grant County offers a tax score of 79.1 with effective rate of 0.823% and cost score of 72.3, with median rent of $1,059/month. This balance of reasonable taxes and housing makes it accessible for middle-income families.

Income growth lags peer regions

The income score of 29.8 reflects median household income of $71,115, below state averages and indicating moderate earning potential. Limited data on safety, health, and schools prevents a complete livability assessment.

Solid choice for budget-aware families

Grant County suits families seeking balanced costs without extreme rural isolation, with reasonable taxes and affordable housing. It's a practical middle option—not trendy, but reliably livable for those seeking regional stability.

Score breakdown

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

Tax79.1Cost72.3SafetyComing SoonHealth63.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome29.8Risk23.1WaterComing Soon
🏛79.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠72.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼29.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
63.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
23.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

ByCounty Network

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