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Grant County

NM · Pop. 27,856 · Rural County

55/100Homestead Score

Grant County is a rural county in New Mexico, spanning 3,961 square miles with 27,856 residents at a density of 7 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, corn, haylage. The median home price is $164,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.46%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 7b with a 160-day growing season, average summer highs of 89.4°F and average winter lows of 22°F. Annual rainfall averages 15.7 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Gila Regional Medical Center is 8.3 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 83.8% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is very high, wildfire risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.

Property Tax: 0.46%
Growing Season: 160 days
Broadband: 83.8%
Density: 7/sq mi

Pros

  • A low effective property tax rate of 0.46% holds annual carrying costs down.
  • A median home price of $164,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
  • Gila Regional Medical Center, with an emergency room, is just 8.3 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
  • At 7 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.

Cons

  • Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
  • Flood risk is very high, so careful parcel siting and flood insurance are essential.
  • A 160-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
  • Annual rainfall of just 15.7 inches means irrigation and water storage are core requirements.
  • A poverty rate of 19.5% reflects a constrained local economy with limited off-farm income options.

At a glance

Grant County, NM is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.

Homestead score
55/100
Median home price
$164k
Property tax
0.46%
Growing season
160 days (zone 7b)
Annual rainfall
15.7"
Broadband
83.8%
Nearest hospital
Gila Regional Medical Center, 8.3 mi

Taxes & Cost of Living

Property Tax Rate0.46%
Median Household Income$45,921
Poverty Rate19.5%

Land & Building

Median Home Price$164K

Climate & Growing

USDA Zone7b
Growing Season160 days
Annual Rainfall15.7 inches
Avg Summer High89.4°F
Avg Winter Low22°F
Top CropsHay, Corn, Haylage

Natural Disaster Risk

Drought4/10
Wildfire10/10
Tornado1/10
Flood9/10

Healthcare

Nearest HospitalGila Regional Medical Center (8.3 mi)
Emergency RoomYes
Healthcare Facilities1

Infrastructure & Community

Broadband Coverage83.8%

Business & Employment

Unemployment Rate4.1%
Ag EconomyWeak

Homesteading in Grant County: FAQ

What is the growing season like in Grant County?
Grant County is in USDA hardiness zone 7b with a 160-day growing season, average summer highs of 89.4°F, and average winter lows of 22°F. The established crops are hay, corn, haylage.
How affordable is land and property here?
The median home price is $164,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.46%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
Is broadband internet available?
Broadband reaches 83.8% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
How close is healthcare?
Gila Regional Medical Center is 8.3 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.

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Nearby counties

The closest counties to Grant County by distance, including across state lines.

Data sources

Verified

Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.