RANK #881 / 996 · POP 99,145 · WA
PROJECTED GROWTH: -1.4%
Grant County, Washington, is distinguished by the Grand Coulee Dam, one of the largest concrete structures globally and a major hydroelectric power producer. Located in central Washington's Columbia Basin, the county seat is Ephrata, with Moses Lake as its largest city. The community offers a relaxed, rural atmosphere with abundant sunshine and access to over 140 lakes and reservoirs. Outdoor recreation is a significant draw, featuring opportunities for boating, fishing, hiking, and off-roading at places like Potholes State Park and the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge. Commute options within the county include public fixed-route transportation and Dial-A-Ride services provided by the Grant Transit Authority, which has been zero-fare since 2020.
Life in Grant County offers an affordable cost of living and a strong sense of community, appealing to families and those seeking a quieter lifestyle. The economy, historically rooted in agriculture and food processing, continues to rely on these sectors, with a diverse range of crops. Recent economic developments show growth in manufacturing, including advanced materials and aerospace, alongside an emerging clean energy sector. The presence of Grant County International Airport, capable of handling large aircraft, supports aerospace activities. Local public schools are spread across several districts, including Moses Lake, Ephrata, and Quincy.
Well below national median
Below national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Below national median (13x)
Housing looks undervalued at 3.6x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Dry Falls Solar Project
NextEra Energy Resources
|
$900M | Proposed |
|
Appledale Energy Center
Hawthorne Renewable Energy (HWNRE)
|
$300M | Planned |
|
Royal Slope Energy Center (Solar & Battery Storage)
Clearway Energy Group (Royal Slope LLC)
|
$260M | Under Construction |
|
SR Quincy Valley Solar Project
Silicon Ranch
|
$130M | Under Construction |
|
Salcido Enterprises Data Centers (Wheeler, Broadway, Fortress)
Salcido Enterprises, LLC
|
$50M | Operating |
|
Grant County PUD Transmission Capacity Upgrades
Grant County Public Utility District (PUD)
|
$50M | Planned |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Grant County has a Boom Town Index score of 12/100, ranking #881 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +1.4% and a median household income of $66,387, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Grant County is $244,500 with median rent at $979/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2715, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +1.3% year-over-year. Job growth: +1.4%. Home values changed +0.7% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 2.71% of Grant County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.