CountyScore

Grant County

West Virginia · WV

#8 in West Virginia
75.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Grant County, West Virginia

Above-average livability nationwide

Grant County scores 75.8 on the composite index, well above the national median of 50.0. This reflects solid livability conditions and economic fundamentals compared to the typical American county.

Leads West Virginia performance

At 75.8, Grant ranks above the state average of 72.2 and stands among the strongest counties in West Virginia. The county demonstrates balanced strengths across multiple livability dimensions.

Lowest taxes in the region

Grant County boasts the state's best tax score at 93.0, with an extraordinary effective tax rate of just 0.331%. The county also excels in affordability (88.3) and income (23.6), offering both economic opportunity and reasonable cost of living.

Risk management needs work

Risk is the county's lowest dimension at 66.8, suggesting some economic volatility or exposure to uncertainty. Health outcomes (62.5) could also improve to strengthen overall livability.

Best for tax-conscious earners

Grant County suits professionals and families seeking the lowest possible tax burden combined with reasonable income opportunities and affordable housing. It appeals to high-earners and middle-income households alike.

Score breakdown

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

Tax93Cost88.3SafetyComing SoonHealth62.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome23.6Risk66.8WaterComing Soon
🏛93
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠88.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼23.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤62.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡66.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Grant County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Edmonson County
Kentucky
75.8
Median income: $54,512
Menifee County
Kentucky
75.8
Median income: $44,672
Caldwell Parish
Louisiana
75.8
Median income: $44,957
Clearwater County
Minnesota
75.8
Median income: $64,934
Esmeralda County
Nevada
75.8

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 offers exceptional tax savings

Grant County's effective tax rate of 0.331% ranks among the lowest in the nation, sitting well below the national median of 0.66%. A median home valued at $167,500 generates just $555 in annual taxes—roughly one-fifth of the national median of $2,690. This county places in approximately the 5th percentile nationally, meaning 95% of American counties impose higher property tax rates.

West Virginia's most tax-friendly county option

Grant County's 0.331% effective rate is dramatically lower than West Virginia's 0.497% state average, representing a 33% savings compared to the typical West Virginia homeowner. The median property tax of $555 falls substantially below the state median of $699, despite homes valued above the state average. Grant stands as the clear tax-relief leader among all West Virginia counties analyzed here.

Lowest rate in the entire region

Grant County's 0.331% rate decisively beats all neighboring counties, including Hardy County at 0.367%, Doddridge at 0.470%, and especially Fayette at 0.662%. Even Greenbrier County at 0.470% and Hancock at 0.629% impose steeper burdens than Grant. For property owners prioritizing tax minimization, Grant County stands unmatched in its regional cluster.

Median annual property tax: $555

A homeowner with a $167,500 property in Grant County pays approximately $555 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, the bill rises slightly to $589, while without one it drops to $517, reflecting typical loan servicing costs. Over a 30-year mortgage, this totals just $16,650 in property taxes—far below most comparable counties.

Verify assessments to lock in lowest rates

Even in Grant County's favorable tax environment, homeowners should verify their assessments remain accurate to preserve savings. If your property was reassessed upward recently or you've made improvements, the county may have raised your valuation—an appeal could restore your tax advantage. In a low-tax county, small overassessments compound over decades, making verification worthwhile.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Grant County

via CostByCounty

Grant County beats national affordability

Grant County's rent-to-income ratio of 11.9% is the lowest in this eight-county analysis and well below both state (16.9%) and national norms. With median household income at $61,530 and monthly rent just $612, Grant residents enjoy genuine affordability and fiscal breathing room.

West Virginia's most affordable county

Grant's 11.9% rent-to-income ratio leads all peer counties and ranks among the state's best. The combination of solid local income and low rents creates a rare housing-affordability advantage in West Virginia.

Lowest rents, strong income stability

Grant's $612 monthly rent undercuts every peer county, and its $61,530 median income ranks among the region's highest. Homeownership costs $613 monthly with a median home value of $167,500, offering good value for buyers in a county with proven income strength.

Just 11.9% of income to housing

Renters pay only $612 monthly—just 11.9% of typical household income—while homeowners spend $613, creating parity and flexibility. This leaves Grant households $200+ monthly compared to higher-burden peers, enabling savings and investment.

Top choice for housing affordability

Grant County delivers West Virginia's best housing-to-income balance, making it ideal for cost-conscious relocators seeking stability. Compare job prospects here against peer counties—Grant's affordability advantage justifies the comparison.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Grant County

via IncomeByCounty

Grant earns above state, still below nation

Grant County's median household income of $61,530 outperforms West Virginia's state average ($54,746) by 12.3%, but remains $13,225 below the national median ($74,755). Grant ranks in the stronger half of West Virginia counties.

Among West Virginia's top earners

Grant County claims one of the highest median household incomes in West Virginia at $61,530, placing it solidly in the upper tier. This positions Grant as an economic leader within its state.

Leads the regional income rankings

Grant's $61,530 median household income edges out nearby Doddridge ($61,164) and Hampshire ($60,299), making it the top earner in its cluster. The county significantly outpaces lower-income neighbors like Gilmer ($50,991) and Hardy ($49,302).

Excellent housing affordability here

Grant County boasts the lowest rent-to-income ratio in its region at 11.9%, well below the 30% affordability threshold. Median home values of $167,500 remain accessible for households earning $61,530, leaving substantial room in budgets for other priorities.

Strong position for wealth building

With above-state earnings, low housing costs, and a favorable rent-to-income ratio, Grant County residents have real capacity to invest and save. Use this financial advantage to fund education, retirement accounts, and long-term wealth strategies that amplify your $61,530 household income.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Grant County

via HealthByCounty

Grant lives slightly below national average

Grant County's life expectancy of 74.3 years falls about 1.8 years short of the U.S. average of 76.1 years, reflecting broader rural health challenges. With 25.7% reporting poor or fair health, the county faces above-average health burden despite strong provider infrastructure.

Outperforming the West Virginia average

At 74.3 years, Grant's life expectancy exceeds the state average of 72.2 years by 2.1 years, placing it in the stronger half of West Virginia counties. The county's 25.7% poor/fair health rate is slightly above state median, suggesting manageable but persistent chronic disease.

Provider strength, regional resilience

Grant's 74.3-year life expectancy ranks above Fayette (69.8 years) and Greenbrier (71.4 years), though behind Doddridge (76.8 years) and Gilmer (75.2 years). The county's robust provider network—64 primary care and 137 mental health providers per 100,000—sets it apart as a regional access hub.

Access and coverage both stronger

Grant County boasts 64 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—above county averages—plus 137 mental health providers, ensuring robust care availability. The 8.6% uninsured rate is slightly above state average, but strong provider presence means insured residents can access care relatively easily.

Secure coverage in a provider-rich county

With excellent provider networks already in place, getting insured in Grant County ensures you can access care without delay. Compare plans at healthcare.gov or call local clinics for enrollment help to guarantee you're covered and connected to available services.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Grant County

via RiskByCounty

Grant County faces moderate disaster risk

Grant County's composite risk score of 33.17 and Very Low rating indicate below-average natural disaster exposure compared to the nation. However, the county sits noticeably below West Virginia's state average of 49.21.

Low-risk county in eastern West Virginia

Grant County's score of 33.17 places it in the lower-risk category statewide, approximately one-third below the West Virginia average of 49.21. The county benefits from an eastern mountain location that moderates many hazard types.

Higher risk than Gilmer, lower than Hardy

Grant's score of 33.17 exceeds Gilmer County's exceptionally low 11.45 but falls below Hardy County (42.46) and Hampshire County (38.01). The county's wildfire (51.46) and flood risks (57.86) are elevated relative to its closest neighbors.

Flood, wildfire, and hurricane top concerns

Grant County faces significant flood risk (57.86) and wildfire exposure (51.46), with hurricane impact also notable at 64.58. Tornado and earthquake risks are comparatively low at 14.69 and 28.56 respectively.

Flood and wildfire insurance protections matter

Grant County residents should prioritize flood insurance given the 57.86 risk score, particularly in stream valleys and floodplains. Homeowners should also ensure adequate property coverage and maintain defensible space around structures due to wildfire risk of 51.46.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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