RANK #7 / 1001 NAT · #1 / 15 OK · POP 56,606
1YR FORECAST: +2.6%
5YR OUTLOOK: +43%
Grady County, Oklahoma, is characterized by its blend of rural landscapes and community-focused towns, with Chickasha serving as the county seat and a notable center for culture and education, home to the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma. Located about 45 minutes southwest of downtown Oklahoma City, the county offers a commute along I-44. The area features rolling prairies and is bordered by the Canadian River to the north, with the Washita River flowing through its middle, contributing to its agricultural heritage. Outdoor recreation opportunities include the Grady County Wildlife Management Area near Rush Springs, offering a natural setting for observing local wildlife.
Life in Grady County often involves a mix of residents, including families who may commute to Oklahoma City and individuals drawn to the area's smaller communities. The county's economy is rooted in agribusiness, with numerous farms and ranches. Recent economic activity shows growth in sectors like energy and manufacturing. Public schools in Grady County are generally well-regarded, with several districts serving the area. The Washita Valley Transit System provides demand-response public transportation across the county, connecting its various towns.
Grady County is one of 145 U.S. counties in this market profile — stronger than typical on the BoomTown Index. Within this cohort, its recent home-price change of +6.0% runs above the profile's typical +4.9%.
See all 145 Heartland Steady Growth counties →Overvalued relative to economy
Below-average climate & terrain
Below national median (15x)
Housing looks overvalued at 16.6x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Bars show trailing 12-month growth. The dashed Forecast bars are the model's next-12-month projection; the whisker marks the ±1% range (cooling–accelerating).
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Grady Solar (Combined)
Undisclosed
|
$475M | Planned |
|
Rumble Solar Project
NextEra Energy Resources
|
$334M | Planned |
|
Grady Battery/Storage
Undisclosed
|
$250M | Planned |
|
US-81 Realignment Project
Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) & Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA)
|
$157M | Under Construction |
|
Redbed Plains Wind Farm
EDP Renewables North America (EDPR NA)
|
$99M | Operating |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 1001 counties.
Grady County ranks #7 out of 1001 U.S. counties on the Boom Town Index with a score of 99/100, putting it in the top tier nationally. Job growth of +1.6% and a median household income of $75,419 point to a county with active economic momentum.
By national standards, Grady County is quite affordable. Homes here have a median value of $205,800, and the income-to-home-value ratio of 0.37 is well above the U.S. average — especially with median rent at just $883/month. Residents can generally buy a home without being cost-burdened.
Grady County is growing on multiple fronts. Population is up +1.3% year-over-year while employers added jobs at a +1.6% clip — and home values reflect that momentum, rising +6.0% over the past 12 months.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 4.63% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Grady County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.
Home values climbed +6.0% year-over-year, which is a solid pace of appreciation. The median home in Grady County is now valued at $205,800. That kind of growth typically reflects sustained demand rather than speculative frenzy.