countyscore
49.2
County Score
Schools 76Soil Quality 71.2Lawn Care 67.9

County Report Card

About Grant County, Wisconsin

Close to the National Median

Grant County scores 49.2, nearly matching the national median of 50.0. It provides a lifestyle that is representative of middle-market America.

Following the State Trend

The county's 49.2 score trails the Wisconsin average of 50.3 by only a small margin. It remains a consistent performer in the southwestern corner of the state.

Top-Tier Schools and Health

Education is a major draw, with a high school score of 76.0. Health services are also a strong point, earning a 64.5 score that supports a healthy local community.

Taxes and Water Quality

Grant County struggles with a low tax score of 15.5 and a water quality score of 27.9. A 1.440% effective tax rate puts more pressure on household budgets than in other regions.

Best for Education-Focused Families

This county is a strong match for families who prioritize public school quality above all else. Its balanced income and health scores create a stable environment for raising children.

2040608010015.548.547.964.57651.538.927.951.8Tax15.5Cost48.5Safety47.9Health64.5Schools76Income51.5Risk38.9Water27.9Weather51.849.2/100
This county
National avg
2 above average2 below average

Grant County DNA

Foverall

How Grant County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Grant County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Schools (76/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (15.5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
15.5-36.5
Cost
48.5
Safety
47.9
Health
64.5+14.5
Schools
76+22
Income
51.5
Risk
38.9-8.100000000000001
Water
27.9-30.1
Weather
51.8
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Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$186,300

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$812/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$186,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$32,480/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $64,349/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

11.6

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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Nearby counties

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59.9
Dubuque County
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45.4
Crawford County
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Lafayette County
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Jo Daviess County
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Delaware County
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Iowa County
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Deep Dives

Grant County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Grant County

via TaxByCounty

Grant County rate nearly matches national median

Grant County's 1.44% effective tax rate nearly aligns with the national median of 1.08%, sitting squarely in the middle-to-upper range nationally. The median annual tax of $2,683 is nearly identical to the national median of $2,690, making Grant notably representative of national patterns.

Right at Wisconsin's statewide average

Grant County ranks 31st among Wisconsin's 72 counties with a 1.44% effective rate, essentially matching the state average of 1.44% exactly. The median property tax of $2,683 is $398 below the state median, reflecting below-average home values throughout the county.

Middle ground among regional peers

Grant County's 1.44% rate sits between Green County's higher 1.64% and Florence County's lower 1.31%, positioning it as a moderate option regionally. Tax burden here is reasonable for southwestern Wisconsin.

A $186,300 home costs $2,683 yearly

The median Grant County homeowner with a $186,300 property pays $2,683 in annual taxes, or roughly $224 per month. This represents a fair match with national norms and state averages.

Standard assessment review recommended

Grant County homeowners should conduct routine assessment reviews to ensure their property values are accurate and fair. An inflated assessment could turn an already-moderate tax burden into an unfair one.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Grant County

via CostByCounty

Grant County delivers moderate affordability

Renters in Grant County spend 15.1% of their income on housing, marginally above the national average of 14.9%. With a median household income of $64,349 and median rent of $812, the county offers accessible housing despite below-average earnings.

Slightly tighter than Wisconsin norms

Grant County's 15.1% rent-to-income ratio edges above Wisconsin's state average of 14.9%, though only slightly. The county's $812 median rent sits nearly $80 below the state average of $891, offsetting the lower median income.

Rural affordability with modest rent

Grant County's $812 rent is lower than most comparable counties, exceeding only Forest County's $585 and matching Green Lake's $806. For a county with one of the lower median incomes in this group, Grant delivers solid rental value.

Modest income supports modest rents

Grant County renters allocate $812 monthly while homeowners commit $929 to mortgages against a $64,349 median income. Housing consumes roughly 27% of household earnings—reasonable when both income and costs align in a rural economy.

A budget-conscious county choice

Grant County suits those prioritizing low housing costs and rural living over higher incomes or urban amenities. With median home values around $186,300 and rents below state average, the county offers genuine affordability—especially if your income or work flexibility allows independence from local wages.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Grant County

via IncomeByCounty

Grant lags national income standard

Grant County's median household income of $64,349 falls $10,406 below the national median of $74,755—a 14% shortfall. The county ranks in the bottom third of U.S. counties by household earnings.

Below average for Wisconsin

Grant County's $64,349 median income ranks well below Wisconsin's state average of $71,715, placing it in the lower half of the state's 72 counties. Per-capita income of $33,079 also trails the state's $38,794.

Underearns versus regional peers

Grant County ($64,349) falls short of Fond du Lac ($73,154), Eau Claire ($71,834), Dunn ($71,785), and Green County ($80,248). Only Forest ($59,727) and Florence ($62,786) nearby earn less.

Rent affordable despite modest wages

Grant County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.1% keeps housing costs well within sustainable range, and median home values of $186,300 are accessible. Lower housing costs help household budgets stretch further.

Focus on financial fundamentals

Grant County's below-average income requires disciplined budgeting; prioritize building a 3–6 month emergency fund before aggressive investing. Lower home prices also create opportunities for wealth accumulation through real estate equity over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Grant County

via CrimeByCounty

Grant County remains safer than half the nation

Grant County reports a total crime rate of 1165.1 per 100,000 residents, remaining far below the US average of 2,385.5. This results in a respectable safety score of 98.2.

Typical safety levels for a Wisconsin county

The county's safety score of 98.2 is almost perfectly aligned with the Wisconsin state average of 98.3. Law enforcement across nine agencies manages a rate of 1165.1, which is just above the state average of 1103.1.

Comparing Grant County to nearby Green County

Grant County's total crime rate of 1165.1 is higher than neighboring Green County's rate of 868.8. While both are safe by national standards, Grant County sees more frequent property-related incidents.

Property crime is the primary safety concern

Violent crime sits at 204.5 per 100,000, while property crime is significantly higher at 960.6. This breakdown suggests that theft and burglary are the most prevalent issues for local residents.

Take active steps to protect your home

Since property crime is the most common offense, securing garages and vehicles is a top priority. Simple lighting improvements and neighborhood awareness can further reduce the risk of local theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Grant County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Broad Network of Local Districts

Grant County features 32 public schools overseen by ten different districts, emphasizing local control and community schools. This system provides 11 elementary, nine middle, and 12 high schools for its 6,949 students.

Leading the State in Graduation Rates

Grant County stands out with a 94.2% graduation rate and a strong school score of 58.6, both beating state averages. Per-pupil expenditure is $8,315, indicating a healthy investment in the region's public education.

Platteville and Riverdale Lead the Way

The Platteville School District is the county's largest, enrolling 1,576 students across four schools. Riverdale and River Ridge also serve as key educational hubs, managing a combined total of seven schools for the community.

Rural Traditions and Town Centers

The county has a mix of 21 rural and 11 town schools, with an average school size of 224 students. Platteville High is the largest school in the area with 496 students, reflecting the county's focus on small-to-mid-sized learning environments.

Classic Community Living in Grant County

Grant County is a top choice for buyers looking for high graduation rates and community-focused school districts. Start your home search here to enjoy the benefits of a region that consistently outperforms state academic benchmarks.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Grant County

via RiskByCounty

Grant County faces moderate-elevated risk

Grant County scores 61.07 on the composite risk scale, placing it slightly above the national average and indicating moderate-to-elevated natural disaster exposure. This county experiences hazards at rates comparable to or somewhat higher than much of the nation.

Above Wisconsin's average vulnerability

At 61.07, Grant County exceeds Wisconsin's state average of 59.08, placing it among the state's more vulnerable communities. This modest elevation indicates moderate hazard exposure compared to peers statewide.

More hazard-prone than neighbors

Grant County's 61.07 score exceeds nearby Green County (46.41) and Green Lake County (58.05), making it the more vulnerable member of this regional trio. However, it remains significantly safer than Fond du Lac County (76.30) and Eau Claire County (78.31).

Tornadoes lead multiple threats

Tornado risk dominates at 76.37, making severe thunderstorms the primary threat to Grant County residents, while flooding presents substantial secondary risk at 62.25. Earthquake (29.80) and hurricane (15.31) risks are moderate, with wildfire remaining minimal at 16.67.

Prioritize storm and flood coverage

With tornado risk at 76.37 and flood risk at 62.25, homeowners should secure comprehensive coverage for both wind and water damage. Develop and practice a family emergency plan focusing on tornado sheltering and flood evacuation routes.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Grant County

via WaterByCounty

High Violation Count Results in F Grade

Grant County recorded 26 health violations over the last five years, earning an F grade. The county's violation rate of 76.1 per 100,000 residents is almost exactly in line with the Wisconsin state average of 76.3.

Phosphorus and Solids Impair Local Waters

The 2022 ATTAINS data reveals that 9.6% of assessed water bodies in Grant County are impaired. This is slightly higher than the state average of 7.6%, with phosphorus and total suspended solids cited as the leading causes.

Monitoring Focused on Runoff Indicators

A network of 61 monitoring sites has captured 28,366 measurements over the past five years. These efforts target physical properties, organics, and pesticides, which help track the impacts of land use on water quality.

Wisconsin River Flows Above Typical Levels

The Wisconsin River at Muscoda is currently flowing at 10,400 cfs, which is 116% of its long-term mean. This healthy flow reflects conditions across a vast 10,400 square mile drainage area stretching through the heart of the state.

Monitor Tap Water for Frequent Violations

Grant County's high frequency of health violations suggests that residents should be proactive about testing their drinking water. With phosphorus causing impairment in nearly 10% of local waters, protective measures against agricultural runoff are recommended.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Grant County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer Reach of the North

Grant County averages 47.0°F annually, making it one of the milder locations in Wisconsin. While still cooler than the national median, it represents the warmer, southern edge of the state's climate profile.

Above the State Average

At 47.0°F, the county is nearly 3 degrees warmer than the Wisconsin state average of 44.4°F. It is also wetter than average, receiving 37.5 inches of annual precipitation compared to the 34.5-inch state benchmark.

The Driftless Climate

Grant County receives 37.5 inches of rain and 40.1 inches of snow, a typical profile for the southwest corner. It is slightly cooler than neighboring Green County, which averages 47.3°F.

A Warm Wisconsin Summer

Summers are robust with a July average of 72.0°F and 10 days of extreme heat over 90°F. Winter remains cold but manageable, with a December through February average of 21.7°F.

Manage Humidity and Heat

Homeowners should ensure air conditioning units are serviced for the 10 annual extreme heat days. With 40 inches of snow, standard winter tires and reliable heating are still essential for the 18.1°F January lows.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Grant County

via SoilByCounty

Prime Agricultural pH in Grant County

The soil pH of 6.25 is one of the highest in the state and sits very close to the national median of 6.5. This near-neutral acidity allows for a vast range of plant nutrients to remain available for crops.

Silt-Dominant Texture for Strong Roots

Silt makes up 52.0% of the soil, providing a smooth texture that holds onto nutrients and water much better than sandier counties. With 17.4% clay, the soil has the necessary body to support large plant structures.

Stable Moisture for Summer Growth

Available water capacity is 0.197, which closely tracks the state average of 0.204. While the organic matter of 2.99% is lower than the state mean, it remains comfortably above the national 2.0% average.

Reliable Water Retention for Farming

Formal drainage classes are not listed, but the high silt content suggests the soil retains moisture effectively. This trait is a major asset for the county's farmers, helping crops withstand dry spells in the southwestern heat.

A Zone 5a Gardener's Delight

With a high soil score of 71.2, Grant County is an ideal place to grow a wide variety of vegetables and fruits. The combination of favorable pH and silty texture makes for a very forgiving and productive garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Grant County

via LawnByCounty

Thriving Lawns in Grant County

Grant County’s 67.9 difficulty score indicates that lawn care here is easier than the state average. The 5a hardiness zone provides a warm, southern-Wisconsin environment that is very conducive to healthy grass.

Abundant Rain and High Growth

With 37.5 inches of annual rain, this county exceeds the state average and keeps lawns well-hydrated. However, homeowners must manage 10 extreme heat days and a high 2,743 growing degree days which accelerate mowing frequency.

Excellent Soil for Optimal Growth

The soil pH of 6.25 is within the ideal range for nutrient availability, requiring few amendments. A balanced mix of 17.4% clay and 29.4% sand provides a stable environment that retains moisture while allowing for adequate drainage.

Managing 100% Abnormal Dryness

The entire county is currently classified as abnormally dry after 31 weeks of drought in the past year. Deep soaking twice a week is more effective than daily light watering for maintaining a green lawn under these conditions.

Prime Growing Conditions in Southwest Wisconsin

Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall Fescue are excellent choices for this warm 5a zone. Seeding can begin early here, as the final frost typically occurs by April 30th.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Grant County's county score?
Grant County, Wisconsin has a composite county score of 49.2 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 Wisconsin?
Grant County ranks #47 among all counties in Wisconsin 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, Wisconsin?
The median annual property tax in Grant County is $2,683, with an effective tax rate of 1.44%. This earns Grant County a tax score of 15.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Grant County?
The median household income in Grant County, Wisconsin is $64,349 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Grant County earns an income score of 51.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Grant County, Wisconsin a good place to live?
Grant County scores 49.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #47 in Wisconsin. 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 Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.