countyscore
55.3
County Score
Water Quality 86Lawn Care 81Soil Quality 80.1

County Report Card

About Crawford County, Iowa

Holding Steady Near the Median

Crawford County earns a composite score of 55.3, placing it just above the national median of 50.0. It offers a reliable and safe environment that mirrors the stability of the American heartland.

Aligning with Iowa's State Average

Crawford's score of 55.3 is nearly identical to the Iowa state average of 55.6. It serves as a quintessential Iowa county, offering balanced performance across most livability dimensions.

Safe Streets and Clean Water

Safety is a hallmark of the county, reflected in its 73.8 score. Residents also benefit from exceptional water quality, which earns a top-tier score of 86.0.

Mitigating Risk and Tax Burden

The risk score of 39.2 suggests the county is more vulnerable to environmental factors than its neighbors. Additionally, the tax score of 20.2 reflects an effective tax rate of 1.320% that could be more competitive.

A Solid Choice for Security

Crawford County is ideal for families who value safety and affordable housing, with a median home value of $136,300. It offers a dependable, middle-of-the-road lifestyle with strong essential services.

Score breakdown

Tax20.2Cost63.1Safety73.8Health57.1Schools53Income54.7Risk39.2Water86Weather48.9
🏛20.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠63.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼54.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡73.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤57.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓53
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡39.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤48.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨80.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱81
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

Ida County
Iowa
71.2
Carroll County
Iowa
61.5
Sac County
Iowa
63.9
Shelby County
Iowa
66.5
Monona County
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59.3
Harrison County
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58.5
Audubon County
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Burt County
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64.7

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 County slightly above national average

At 1.320%, Crawford County's effective tax rate runs just below the national median of 1.347%, placing it around the 48th percentile nationally. The county's $1,799 median property tax sits 33% below the national median of $2,690, reflecting Iowa's relatively affordable housing market.

Close to Iowa's state average

Crawford County's effective rate of 1.320% sits just slightly below Iowa's state average of 1.344%, making it nearly perfectly aligned with statewide norms. The county's $1,799 median property tax trails the state median of $2,160 by about 17%.

Reasonable taxes for west-central Iowa

Crawford County's 1.320% rate sits comfortably in the middle tier of its region, below Clarke (1.458%) and Clay (1.183%), offering moderate taxes. The county provides a balanced tax environment compared to extremes elsewhere in Iowa.

Average bill on modest home value

On Crawford County's median home value of $136,300, the 1.320% effective rate works out to $1,799 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, you'd owe closer to $2,099; without, approximately $1,536.

Every county benefits from appeals

Even in average-tax counties, overassessment happens—and the remedy is free. Crawford County homeowners can request an informal review of their assessment with the county assessor at no cost and no risk.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Crawford County

via CostByCounty

Crawford County delivers genuine affordability

Crawford County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.4% beats Iowa's state average of 14.1% and sits in the top tier nationally for housing affordability. At $727 monthly rent with median income of $65,039, housing remains comfortably within household budgets.

Among Iowa's most affordable counties

Crawford ranks in the state's most affordable tier with a 13.4% rent-to-income ratio, well below Iowa's 14.1% average. Its $727 monthly rent is $85 cheaper than the state median, reflecting lower demand and costs in rural northwest Iowa.

The bargain basement of the region

Crawford's $727 rent is the cheapest in this eight-county comparison, with only Cherokee close behind at $711—and Crawford's median home value of $136,300 ranks as the region's lowest. This combination makes Crawford the budget option for cost-conscious relocators.

Rents stay lean, homes stay cheap

Crawford renters pay just $727 monthly while homeowners invest $865, allocating only 13.4% and 16% of income respectively to housing. With median home values of $136,300, ownership is genuinely achievable for workers earning the county median.

Crawford County: Iowa's affordability sweet spot

If housing affordability is your top relocation priority, Crawford County and Cherokee County are your best bets in Iowa—both deliver rents below $730 and home values under $150,000. You'll trade some local wage potential for unbeatable housing costs, making Crawford ideal for retirees and remote workers.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Crawford County

via IncomeByCounty

Crawford income trails national standards

Crawford County's median household income of $65,039 falls 13.1% below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing the county among lower-income regions nationally. This gap typical of rural northwest Iowa, reflects limited access to higher-wage employment sectors.

Below average for Iowa counties

Crawford's $65,039 lags Iowa's state average of $69,830 by $4,791, ranking the county in the lower-middle tier of the state's 99 counties. Its per capita income of $32,731 trails the state average of $37,136 by the largest margin in this eight-county cluster, suggesting significant income inequality.

Similar to nearby rural counties

Crawford's $65,039 closely mirrors Cerro Gordo ($65,537) and Clinton ($65,177), confirming consistent economic performance across this rural region. Chickasaw's $73,421 represents the regional ceiling, showing a $8,000+ spread between top and bottom performers.

Lowest housing burden in the cluster

Crawford's 13.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the best in this eight-county group, offering exceptional housing affordability and maximum household flexibility. A median home value of $136,300—the lowest here—makes homeownership highly accessible for median-earning families.

Crawford's affordability unlocks wealth potential

With just 13.4% of income dedicated to housing and home values at $136,300, Crawford households earning $65,039 reclaim thousands annually for investing. Automate even modest savings—$150 monthly into an index fund—and compound growth over 30 years yields $100,000+ despite current modest income levels.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Crawford County

via CrimeByCounty

Crawford County Reports Low Crime Levels

Crawford County earns a high safety score of 99.0 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 626.1 per 100K is roughly one-fourth of the national average.

A Strong Performer Within Iowa

The county's safety score of 99.0 beats the Iowa average of 98.3. Its total crime rate of 626.1 is nearly 43% lower than the state average of 1,095.3 per 100K.

Safer Than Neighboring Clay County

Crawford County maintains a lower crime rate than Clay County, which reports 882.9 per 100K. It is one of the more secure regions in this part of Western Iowa.

Violent and Property Crimes Below Average

Violent crime sits at 188.4 per 100K, which is about half the national average. Property crime is also low at 437.7, signaling a very safe environment for local families.

Protecting Your Rural Property

To maintain these low crime rates, residents should ensure all entry points are well-lit and secure. Being proactive about home safety helps keep Crawford County a leader in state security.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Crawford County

via HealthByCounty

Solid life expectancy with health concerns

Crawford County residents live an average of 78.5 years, nearly matching the U.S. average of 78.3 years. However, the county's alarming 20.2% poor or fair health rate far exceeds the national average of 15%, signaling significant unmet health needs.

Iowa average life expectancy, high illness

At 78.5 years, Crawford County's life expectancy slightly exceeds Iowa's 77.7-year state average, yet the 20.2% poor or fair health rate is among the worst in the state. This contradiction suggests residents live longer but experience considerable illness and disability.

Critically low provider availability

Crawford County has just 19 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the lowest in the region—and only 56 mental health providers per 100K. Residents face severe barriers to routine medical care and must frequently travel far for any healthcare service.

Highest uninsured rate in the group

Crawford's 9.8% uninsured rate is nearly double Iowa's 5.7% average and the highest among these eight counties, leaving roughly 1 in 10 residents without coverage. When combined with the county's critically sparse provider network, uninsured residents face nearly insurmountable barriers to preventive and urgent care.

Insurance is urgent here

Crawford residents without coverage must prioritize enrollment through Healthcare.gov or Iowa Medicaid—the stakes are highest here. Insurance opens doors to care outside your county and ensures you can address the health challenges driving the county's elevated illness rate.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Crawford County

via SchoolsByCounty

Educational Access in Crawford

Crawford County operates 11 public schools across five districts, serving a student population of 2,996. The system consists of six elementary schools, three middle schools, and two high schools. This distributed network ensures that educational resources are available even in the most remote parts of the county.

Competitive Graduation and Scoring

The county holds a 91.8% graduation rate, nearly reaching the Iowa state average of 92.3% and easily beating the national average. While per-pupil spending is lower than the state average at $7,167, the county still maintains a composite school score of 54.8. These metrics indicate a system that is effectively preparing students for life after high school.

The Denison Hub and Beyond

The Denison Community School District is the county's primary educational driver, serving 2,245 students across four schools. Smaller districts like Ar-We-Va and Charter Oak-Ute offer more intimate alternatives with under 250 students each. No charter schools are currently available, keeping the focus on these community-based public districts.

The Feel of Crawford Schools

With seven rural schools and four town-based facilities, Crawford County leans toward a traditional rural educational experience. Denison High School is the largest campus with 786 students, contrasting with smaller elementary schools that help keep the county average at 272. This variety allows for both large-scale high school opportunities and small-scale primary learning.

Call Crawford County Home

For those seeking a community where the high school is a central hub of activity, Crawford County is an excellent fit. The high graduation rates and diverse district sizes offer something for every family. Start your home search near the Denison area to be at the heart of the county's educational network.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Crawford County

via RiskByCounty

Crawford County faces above-average risk

Crawford's composite risk score of 60.85 exceeds Iowa's state average of 39.68, placing it in the relatively-low-risk tier nationally. West-central Iowa experiences concentrated hazard exposure, particularly from tornadoes and wildfires.

Among Iowa's more vulnerable counties

Crawford ranks in the upper third of Iowa's 99 counties by composite risk with its 60.85 score. This positioning reflects above-average tornado and wildfire exposure compared to most Iowa communities.

Higher risk than most nearby counties

Crawford's 60.85 score significantly exceeds nearby Chickasaw (31.74) and Buena Vista counties, though aligns with western Iowa's generally elevated tornado exposure. Its topography and continental climate create this elevated vulnerability.

Tornado and wildfire drive exposure

Crawford faces tornado risk of 82.38—among Iowa's highest—combined with wildfire risk of 46.22 that exceeds state average. Flood (56.08) and earthquake (9.92) risks remain lower but still merit attention.

Tornado and wildfire coverage critical

Crawford residents need robust windstorm insurance for tornado protection, which standard policies exclude entirely. Those near grasslands or forests should ensure wildfire coverage and maintain defensible space around structures.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Crawford County

via WeatherByCounty

Crawford County holds a steady continental average

The annual average temperature of 47.5°F is typical for the central United States but falls below the overall national median. The county experiences defined seasonal extremes with moderate moisture levels.

A near-perfect match for state averages

Crawford's 47.5°F average is nearly identical to the Iowa state average of 48.0°F. Its 33.6 inches of precipitation is slightly lower than the state's 36.1-inch average.

Moderate snow compared to the north

With 34.5 inches of annual snow, Crawford County sits below the heavy snow belts found in northern Iowa. It experiences 14 days of extreme heat, making it slightly cooler in summer than its southern neighbors.

Warm July peaks and crisp winter months

The July average is 73.1°F, supported by 14 days where temperatures hit or exceed 90°F. Winter is cold but standard for Iowa, with a January average of 18.6°F.

Versatile home systems for steady seasons

Residents need balanced HVAC systems to handle both the 14 days of extreme heat and the 18.6°F January average. Snow removal is necessary for the 34.5 inches of annual accumulation that occurs mostly in mid-winter.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Crawford County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral Soils and High Scores

Crawford's soil carries a pH of 6.41, sitting right at the state average and very close to the 6.5 national median. The county boasts a high soil score of 80.1, indicating excellent overall quality.

Dense, Silt-Heavy Ground

The soil is remarkably high in silt at 63.8%, with only 10.2% sand. This silt-heavy mix creates a dense environment that is exceptionally good at holding onto moisture and nutrients.

Leading in Water Capacity

Though organic matter is 2.83%, the available water capacity is a chart-topping 0.217 in/in. This means the soil acts like a sponge, storing significantly more water for plants than the average Iowa soil.

Resilient During Dry Spells

Specific drainage and hydrologic group data are not available for this county. However, the high silt and clay content suggest that water moves slowly, which acts as a major advantage during dry periods.

Powerful Production in Zone 5a

Zone 5a gardeners will find this moisture-retentive soil perfect for heavy feeders like corn or sunflowers. With a bit of mulch to manage the surface, this soil is a true powerhouse for production.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Crawford County

via LawnByCounty

High-Quality Turf in Crawford County

Crawford County earns a strong 81.0 lawn difficulty score, making it one of the better Iowa counties for low-stress lawn care. It beats the state average of 77.2 and crushes the national median of 50.0. For residents in this 5a Hardiness Zone, achieving a green lawn is a very attainable goal.

Reliable Rains and Controlled Heat

The county receives 33.6 inches of precipitation annually, which is just below the state average but still squarely in the ideal range. Extreme heat occurs about 14 times per year, slightly less than the Iowa average of 16. With 2908 growing degree days, the climate provides a steady metabolic rate for cool-season grasses.

Low Sand, High Nutrient Potential

The soil pH is a favorable 6.41, ensuring that your grass can access the nutrients in your fertilizer. With a very low 10.2% sand content and 26.0% clay, the soil holds moisture extremely well, which is an advantage during the hotter summer months. Homeowners should watch for compaction, as low-sand soils can become dense under heavy use.

Minimal Drought Stress Factors

Crawford County had only 2 weeks in drought over the last year, and currently, only 21.5% of the area is abnormally dry. This makes it one of the most drought-resilient counties in the state. Even so, practicing 'smart' watering by irrigating deeply twice a week will encourage the deep roots that protect against future dry spells.

The Crawford County Planting Window

Kentucky Bluegrass and Fine Fescue blends are the standard recommendations for this 5a climate. Aim to complete spring seeding after the April 27 frost and start fall projects well before the October 11 first frost. This timing ensures your lawn has the best chance to outcompete weeds and survive the winter.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Crawford County's county score?
Crawford County, Iowa has a composite county score of 55.3 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 Iowa?
Crawford County ranks #64 among all counties in Iowa 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, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Crawford County is $1,799, with an effective tax rate of 1.32%. This earns Crawford County a tax score of 20.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Crawford County?
The median household income in Crawford County, Iowa is $65,039 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Crawford County earns an income score of 54.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Crawford County, Iowa a good place to live?
Crawford County scores 55.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #64 in Iowa. 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.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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