countyscore
43.7
County Score
Property Tax 82.7Weather & Climate 59.2Cost of Living 57.6

County Report Card

About Crawford County, Arkansas

Crawford scores below the national median

Crawford County's composite score of 43.8 falls short of the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 35th percentile nationally. This means the county ranks below average on livability compared to U.S. counties overall.

Slightly below Arkansas average

At 43.8, Crawford County scores just below Arkansas's state average of 47.9, ranking it in the middle tier of the state's 75 counties. The county is neither a top performer nor a laggard within Arkansas.

Tax burden and affordability lead the way

Crawford County excels in tax efficiency with a score of 82.7 and an effective tax rate of just 0.532%. Housing remains reasonably affordable, with a median home value of $170,000 and median rent at $828/month.

Safety and health need urgent attention

The county's safety score of 15.5 and health score of 33.7 are significant weaknesses dragging down overall livability. These dimensions suggest residents face elevated safety concerns and limited health resources compared to state and national benchmarks.

Best for cost-conscious families with stable jobs

Crawford County suits families prioritizing low taxes and affordable housing over robust public services and safety amenities. With a median household income of $60,362, it works best for people with established employment who accept trade-offs in health infrastructure and safety.

Score breakdown

Tax82.7Cost57.6Safety15.5Health33.7Schools37.1Income40.4Risk28.4Water38.8Weather59.2
🏛82.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠57.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼40.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡15.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤33.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓37.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡28.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧38.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤59.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨32.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱47.7
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Franklin County
Arkansas
52.4
Sebastian County
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35.1
Washington County
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37.2
Adair County
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45.6
Sequoyah County
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Logan County
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Madison County
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Johnson County
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Deep Dives

Crawford County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Crawford County

via TaxByCounty

Crawford taxes run far below national average

Crawford County homeowners pay an effective tax rate of 0.532%, less than one-fifth the national median tax burden when measured as a percentage of home value. The median property tax here is $904 annually, compared to the national median of $2,690—putting Crawford in the lowest tier nationally for property tax burden.

Right at Arkansas average

Crawford County's effective tax rate of 0.532% exactly matches the Arkansas state average, meaning the county neither leads nor lags its peers across the state. With a median tax of $904, Crawford sits close to the state median, reflecting typical Arkansas property tax policy.

Mixed results in the region

Crawford's rate of 0.532% puts it slightly higher than neighboring Drew County (0.448%) and Dallas County (0.467%), but lower than Crittenden County (0.602%). Compared to regional peer Faulkner County to the south, Crawford homeowners pay considerably less in absolute dollars ($904 vs. $1,201), reflecting differences in home values and assessment practices.

Median Crawford home costs $904 yearly

A homeowner with the county's median-valued property of $170,000 pays roughly $904 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, that tax bill may increase to $975 when additional assessments apply; without one, it drops to $774.

You may be able to appeal your assessment

Across Arkansas, many homeowners discover their properties are overassessed relative to market value, creating opportunities to lower tax bills through formal appeals. If your Crawford County property feels overvalued, a tax assessment challenge could reduce your annual burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Crawford County

via CostByCounty

Crawford's rent-to-income advantage

At 16.5%, Crawford County's rent-to-income ratio beats the national affordability benchmark—renters here spend less of their income on housing than the typical American household. The county's median household income of $60,362 is below the national median of $74,755, yet rents remain relatively stable at $828 monthly, creating surprising breathing room compared to coastal and metro areas.

Among Arkansas' most affordable

Crawford County ranks above the state average for housing affordability, with a 16.5% rent-to-income ratio compared to Arkansas' 18.1% state average. This places the county in the better half of Arkansas counties, where housing costs remain modest across the board.

Crawford vs. nearby counties

Crawford County's median rent of $828 sits squarely between Faulkner County ($980) to the south and Franklin County ($717) to the north, offering a middle-ground option. Compared to Crittenden County ($883), Crawford delivers slightly lower rents with better income levels, making it a more balanced choice for budget-conscious households.

Where the money goes

Renters spend $828 monthly while homeowners pay $763, a rare scenario where mortgage costs undercut rent—reflecting the county's $170,000 median home value. With median household income at $60,362 annually, housing consumes about 16.5% of renter income, leaving more for utilities, food, and savings.

Consider Crawford for balance

If you're weighing affordability against income, Crawford County offers stable housing costs without requiring a dramatic salary sacrifice. Test your budget: a household earning $60,000 would spend roughly $820 monthly on rent—manageable and realistic for the area.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Crawford County

via IncomeByCounty

Crawford earns above state average

Crawford County's median household income of $60,362 sits 18% above Arkansas's state average of $51,156, putting it in a stronger position than most of the state. However, it still trails the national median of $74,755 by $14,393—a gap many families feel when paying for essentials.

Solid middle performer within Arkansas

Among Arkansas's 75 counties, Crawford ranks comfortably in the upper half for household income. Its position reflects a more resilient local economy compared to rural neighbors, driven partly by regional employment centers.

Crawford leads its immediate region

Crawford's $60,362 median income outpaces nearby Franklin County ($51,919) and Cross County ($47,012) by significant margins. This advantage suggests Crawford households have more discretionary income for savings and investment than many surrounding counties.

Housing remains comfortably affordable here

At 16.5%, Crawford's rent-to-income ratio falls well below the 30% affordability threshold, meaning most households comfortably cover housing costs. With a median home value of $170,000, homeownership remains accessible for median-earning families in this county.

Build on Crawford's income advantage

Crawford families earning at the median have breathing room to invest in retirement and education accounts. That $14,000+ income gap versus the national median represents real opportunity—use it to automate savings before monthly expenses claim the money.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Crawford County

via CrimeByCounty

Crawford County Meets the National Standard

Crawford County reports a total crime rate of 2,350.1 per 100,000 residents, which sits just below the national average of 2,385.5. This performance earns the county a high safety score of 96.3. Residents enjoy a community that is statistically safer than many peers across the country.

A Mirror of Arkansas Safety Trends

With a safety score of 96.3, Crawford County exactly matches the Arkansas state average. This indicates the county maintains a consistent level of security relative to the rest of the state. Local law enforcement agencies successfully keep crime rates aligned with state expectations.

Comparing Crawford to Its Neighbors

Crawford's total crime rate of 2,350.1 is higher than neighboring Franklin County, which sees just 1,783.2 incidents per 100,000. However, it maintains a significantly lower violent crime rate (344.9) compared to the state average of 517.8. This makes it a relatively secure hub in the region.

Property Crime Drives Local Incidents

Property crime accounts for 2,005.2 incidents per 100,000 people, while violent crime remains low at 344.9. These figures suggest that most reported issues involve theft rather than physical altercations. The violent crime rate here is notably safer than the national benchmark of 369.8.

Securing Your Crawford County Property

Since property crime represents the bulk of local activity, home security should be a priority for residents. Simple measures like smart cameras and motion lights can deter opportunistic theft. Staying vigilant helps maintain the county’s strong safety score.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Crawford County

via HealthByCounty

Crawford life expectancy edges above nation

At 73.2 years, Crawford County residents live slightly longer than the U.S. average of 72.5 years, suggesting better health outcomes than much of America. However, nearly 1 in 4 Crawford residents (23.3%) report poor or fair health, a rate above the national average of about 18%, indicating significant health challenges persist despite the life expectancy edge.

Crawford leads Arkansas on longevity

Crawford County's 73.2-year life expectancy ranks above Arkansas's state average of 72.3 years, positioning it among the healthier counties statewide. The 23.3% poor/fair health rate, while elevated, still trails the worst-performing counties in the state.

Healthier than surrounding counties

Crawford's 73.2-year life expectancy outpaces most neighbors: Franklin County matches it at 72.3 years, while Crittenden County lags significantly at 69.2 years. Crawford also boasts 68 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, more than Franklin's 23 but fewer than cross-county outliers.

Uninsured rate aligns with state

Crawford County's 9.3% uninsured rate matches the state average, meaning roughly 1 in 11 residents lack coverage. With 35 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 68 mental health providers per 100,000, the county has moderate access to both, though primary care availability is about 60% of what leading counties offer.

Check your health insurance options

Nearly 1 in 11 Crawford County residents remain uninsured—but you may have options. Visit Healthcare.gov or contact a local navigator to explore Medicaid, marketplace plans, or employer coverage that could lower your costs and improve your access to care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Crawford County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Substantial Infrastructure for Crawford Students

Crawford County manages a robust network of 23 public schools, including 11 elementary, five middle, and five high schools. Five distinct districts support a total enrollment of 10,744 students across the region.

Exceeding National Graduation Standards

The county boasts a 90.6% graduation rate, surpassing the national average of 87.0% and the state average of 90.3%. While per-pupil spending of $6,203 is slightly above the state average, it remains well below the national mark of $13,000.

Van Buren and Alma Lead the County

Van Buren School District is the largest provider, serving 5,911 students across 11 schools, followed by Alma School District with 3,143 students. Charter schools represent a small portion of the landscape, with two campuses making up roughly 9% of the total school count.

A Blend of Suburban and Rural Learning

The county features an even mix of 12 suburban and 11 rural schools, maintaining an average school size of 467 students. Van Buren High School serves as the largest campus with 1,228 students, while Northridge Middle School anchors the middle-grade experience with 753 students.

Education Excellence Near Your Next Home

Families looking for strong graduation rates and a variety of school settings will find Crawford County a compelling choice. Explore local listings to find a home near these high-performing districts and established community schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Crawford County

via RiskByCounty

Crawford ranks below average nationally

Crawford County scores 71.60 on composite risk, placing it in the Relatively Low category—well below the national average. This means residents face fewer natural hazard threats than most U.S. counties, though wildfire and tornado risks remain noteworthy at 91.06 and 81.39 respectively.

Above the Arkansas average

Crawford's 71.60 composite risk score exceeds Arkansas's state average of 55.51, making it one of the riskier counties in the state despite its national classification. This elevation is driven primarily by exceptionally high wildfire risk and significant tornado exposure.

Riskier than Franklin County nearby

Crawford County's 71.60 score outpaces neighboring Franklin County (49.40) by a substantial margin, mainly due to Crawford's wildfire threat (91.06 vs. 82.54). Both counties share tornado concerns, but Crawford's landscape and vegetation create significantly higher fire danger.

Wildfire and tornado dominate

Wildfire risk at 91.06 is Crawford's paramount threat, reflecting the county's forested terrain and dry conditions. Tornado risk of 81.39 makes severe spring storms a secondary but serious concern for residents and property.

Secure coverage for fire and wind

Crawford residents should prioritize comprehensive homeowners insurance that explicitly covers wildfire damage, as standard policies often exclude it. Consider adding wind and hail coverage to address tornado risk, and maintain defensible space around your home by clearing vegetation within 30 feet.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Crawford County

via WeatherByCounty

Coolest in the Region

Crawford County has an annual average of 59.0°F, making it the coolest in this group. Even so, it remains warmer than the national median temperature.

Below the Arkansas Average

Crawford sits two degrees below the Arkansas average of 61.0°F. It receives 52.2 inches of rain, which is almost exactly the state average.

Milder than Central Arkansas

Crawford is cooler than its eastern neighbor, Conway County, by over two degrees. It experiences 65 days of extreme heat compared to Conway's 70.

Vibrant Winters and Warm Summers

Summer averages 77.7°F, while January dips to 37.5°F. The county receives 3.6 inches of snowfall and 65 days over 90 degrees annually.

Preparing for Dynamic Weather

Residents should prepare for a wide range of weather, from 65 days of extreme heat to 3.6 inches of snow. Ensure your home is insulated for both freezing winters and hot summers.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Crawford County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic soils define Crawford’s landscape

Crawford County soils measure an average pH of 5.64, which is notably more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This acidity aligns closely with the Arkansas state average of 5.56. While specific taxonomic data is limited, these levels generally require lime amendments for most garden crops.

A sandy foundation for local land

The soil features a high sand content of 47.6%, balanced by 37.8% silt and 14.6% clay. This mix creates a workable texture that allows for easy root penetration but may lose moisture quickly. Farmers here manage a profile that prioritizes aeration over heavy nutrient storage.

Modest organic matter and water capacity

Organic matter sits at 1.94%, falling well below the state average of 4.15%. Available water capacity reaches 0.133 in/in, slightly trailing the state benchmark of 0.148 in/in. Growers often supplement these soils to boost productivity and moisture retention.

Slow infiltration and high runoff potential

The county belongs to hydrologic group D, which indicates very slow infiltration rates when the soil is thoroughly wet. This classification suggests a high risk of surface runoff and potential for temporary ponding. Builders and farmers must plan for drainage challenges during heavy Arkansas rains.

Thriving in hardiness zone 7b

Crawford County falls within USDA hardiness zone 7b, supporting a wide range of fruit and vegetable crops. Blueberries and strawberries perform exceptionally well in these acidic, sandy conditions. Start your garden today by focusing on acid-loving perennials that thrive in the local climate.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Crawford County

via LawnByCounty

Crawford County's Balanced Growing Environment

Crawford County earns a lawn difficulty score of 47.7, making it one of the most manageable areas in Arkansas compared to the state average of 37.3. While it sits just below the national median of 50.0, the Zone 7b hardiness rating supports a wide variety of turfgrasses.

High Rainfall and Intense Summer Heat

Lawns here receive 52.2 inches of annual precipitation, which exceeds the ideal range of 30-50 inches and may require monitoring for fungal issues. With 65 extreme heat days over 90°F and 4,592 growing degree days, grass grows rapidly but faces significant heat stress in July.

Managing Acidic and Sandy Soil

The soil pH of 5.64 is more acidic than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range, likely requiring lime applications to improve nutrient uptake. The ground contains 47.6% sand and 14.6% clay, providing a loose structure that may struggle to retain moisture during the peak of summer.

Managing Moderate Seasonal Dry Spells

Over the past year, Crawford County experienced 12 weeks in drought conditions, with 100% of the area currently classified as abnormally dry. Homeowners should prioritize deep, infrequent watering during the early morning to build root resilience against these recurring dry periods.

Building a Thriving Crawford County Lawn

Bermudagrass and Zoysia thrive in this Zone 7b climate, especially when established after the last frost on April 9. Focus on soil amendments to raise pH before the first fall frost hits on October 28 to ensure a healthy dormant season.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Crawford County's county score?
Crawford County, Arkansas has a composite county score of 43.7 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Crawford County rank among counties in Arkansas?
Crawford County ranks #52 among all counties in Arkansas on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Crawford County, Arkansas?
The median annual property tax in Crawford County is $904, with an effective tax rate of 0.53%. This earns Crawford County a tax score of 82.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Crawford County?
The median household income in Crawford County, Arkansas is $60,362 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Crawford County earns an income score of 40.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Crawford County, Arkansas a good place to live?
Crawford County scores 43.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #52 in Arkansas. The best way to evaluate Crawford County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Crawford County with other counties side by side.

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