Moses Lake
RANK #651 / 996 NAT · #12 / 21 WA · POP 99,145
1YR FORECAST: -0.5%
5YR OUTLOOK: +20%
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.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
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 →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
| 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.
At 34/100, Grant County faces headwinds that place it in the lower third of the 996 counties we track. Median income of $66,387 combined with job growth of +1.4% suggests the local economy is struggling to keep pace with national trends.
Housing in Grant County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $244,500 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.27, with rents averaging $979/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Grant County is growing on multiple fronts. Population is up +1.3% year-over-year while employers added jobs at a +1.4% clip. Home values shifted +0.7% in the past year.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 2.71% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Grant County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.