countyscore
52.5
County Score
Health 70.4Soil Quality 65.5Cost of Living 64.1

County Report Card

About Crawford County, Illinois

Crawford County Tops National Median

Crawford County earns a composite score of 52.5, placing it slightly above the national median of 50.0. This score indicates a livability profile that performs better than the average American county.

In Line With Illinois Average

The county's overall score of 52.5 is nearly identical to the Illinois state average of 52.8. It offers a balanced lifestyle that mirrors the broader regional experience.

Affordable Living and Strong Health

High scores in Health (70.4) and Cost (64.1) define this county's primary advantages. Residents benefit from a low median gross rent of $761 and accessible healthcare services.

Tax Burden Remains High

The Tax score of 10.5 is a significant drawback, reflecting an effective tax rate of 1.556%. High property taxes relative to home values create a financial hurdle for many homeowners.

The Verdict: Reliable Rural Living

This county is best suited for middle-income families who prioritize health and affordable housing over low taxes. It offers a steady, predictable quality of life at a reasonable price point.

Score breakdown

Tax10.5Cost64.1Safety52.3Health70.4Schools54.1Income60.6Risk63Water62.8Weather52.6
🏛10.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠64.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼60.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡52.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤70.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓54.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡63
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧62.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤52.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨65.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱62.6
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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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's taxes sit well below national norms

Crawford County's effective tax rate of 1.556% falls significantly below the national median property tax of $2,690, with homeowners here paying just $1,769 annually on a median home worth $113,700. This positions Crawford in the lower third nationally—residents pay less in absolute dollars and at a lower rate than most American counties.

Among Illinois' lowest tax counties

At 1.556%, Crawford County's effective rate ranks well below Illinois' state average of 1.831%, placing it among the more affordable counties in the state. The median tax bill of $1,769 reflects property values that are roughly 40% lower than the state average, keeping overall tax burden modest.

Crawford keeps taxes lower than peers

Crawford's 1.556% rate beats neighboring Edgar County (1.544%) in a close race for the region's lowest taxes, while De Witt County to the north carries a noticeably higher 1.849% rate. Among this cluster of central Illinois counties, Crawford offers middle-of-the-road affordability with one of the region's lowest home values.

What $1,769 annually buys you

On a median home valued at $113,700, Crawford County property owners pay approximately $1,769 per year in taxes without a mortgage, or $2,113 for those carrying a mortgage. This translates to roughly $147 per month for unencumbered properties—modest compared to the national average tax of nearly $2,700.

You might be paying too much

Many Illinois property owners discover their assessments are higher than market reality, making tax appeals a worthwhile strategy. Crawford County residents should review their assessment notices and consider challenging inflated valuations to potentially reduce their already-modest tax bills further.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Crawford County

via CostByCounty

Crawford keeps housing costs reasonable

Renters in Crawford County spend just 13.5% of their income on rent, beating the national average and staying well below what most Americans pay. With a median household income of $67,614—slightly below the U.S. median of $74,755—residents still find housing within reach compared to pricier metro areas.

Crawford ranks well statewide

Crawford's 13.5% rent-to-income ratio ranks favorably across Illinois, where the state average sits at 14.7%. The county's median rent of $761 per month also undercuts Illinois's state average of $837, making it one of the more affordable corners of the state.

Competitive with nearby counties

Crawford's $761 median rent is nearly identical to Cumberland County ($756) and Edgar County ($757), offering similar affordability to renters across this rural region. Housing costs climb sharply in neighboring DeKalb County, where renters pay $1,041 per month and face an 18.1% rent-to-income squeeze.

Both renting and buying cost less here

Crawford renters pay an average of $761 monthly, while homeowners spend $796 on mortgages—both figures reflect modest housing expenses relative to the $67,614 median household income. With a median home value of $113,700, ownership remains accessible for those ready to build equity.

Consider Crawford if affordability matters

If you're seeking rural Illinois living without breaking the budget, Crawford offers stable housing costs across both rental and ownership markets. Compare these numbers to pricier Illinois counties like DuPage ($1,628 rent, 17.7% ratio) to see your potential savings.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Crawford County

via IncomeByCounty

Crawford Trails National Median by 9.5%

Crawford County's median household income of $67,614 falls below the U.S. median of $74,755, a gap of roughly $7,141 per year. This positions Crawford in the lower-middle range nationally, where income variation is significant across rural and urban counties.

Slightly Above Illinois Average

Crawford's median income of $67,614 edges past Illinois's state average of $68,580 by just $1,034, placing it in the middle tier of the state's 102 counties. The county's per capita income of $34,276 lags the state average of $36,009, suggesting income concentration in fewer households.

Competitive with Regional Peers

Among neighboring counties, Crawford's $67,614 median is stronger than Edgar ($56,909) and Edwards ($59,386) but trails DeKalb ($69,022) and Cumberland ($69,826). Crawford sits firmly in the middle of this rural cluster, with housing values reflecting similar economic conditions.

Rent Stays Affordable Here

With a rent-to-income ratio of 13.5%, Crawford households spend well below the 30% affordability threshold, making housing relatively accessible. A median home value of $113,700 remains within reach for families earning near the county median, though wage growth will determine long-term affordability.

Build Wealth in Affordable Crawford

Crawford's low housing costs create an opportunity: households can allocate more of their income to savings and investment than neighbors in pricier counties. Starting a retirement plan or diversified investment portfolio now positions Crawford families to build equity and security for the future.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Crawford County

via CrimeByCounty

Crawford County's National Safety Standings

Crawford County maintains a strong safety score of 98.3, significantly outperforming the national average. Its total crime rate of 1,067.9 per 100,000 residents is less than half the national figure of 2,385.5. This data places the county among the more secure regions in the United States.

Comparing Crawford to the Illinois Average

The county's total crime rate of 1,067.9 per 100,000 residents sits above the Illinois state average of 835.0. Despite this, Crawford's safety score remains competitive with the state average of 98.7. Five local reporting agencies provide the data that shapes this regional profile.

How Crawford Measures Up Locally

Crawford County is safer than neighboring Effingham County, which reports a higher crime rate of 1,482.9 per 100,000. However, it trails Cumberland County, which boasts an exceptionally low rate of 105.3. Residents experience a mid-range safety profile compared to their immediate Illinois neighbors.

The Reality of Crime in Crawford

Property crime accounts for the vast majority of local incidents, occurring at a rate of 843.6 per 100,000 residents. Violent crime is less common at 224.3, though this is higher than the state average of 160.1. Most residents are far more likely to deal with theft than physical harm.

Staying Secure in Crawford County

With property crime as the primary concern, residents should focus on home security basics like deadbolts and motion-activated lighting. Simple deterrents can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a statistic in these local reports. Staying vigilant helps maintain the county's high safety score.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Crawford County

via HealthByCounty

Crawford lives slightly longer than average

At 76.7 years, Crawford County's life expectancy edges out the U.S. average of 76.4 years, suggesting residents enjoy health outcomes comparable to the nation overall. However, 17.9% of adults report poor or fair health, slightly above national trends, indicating room for improvement in day-to-day wellness.

Outperforming Illinois on longevity

Crawford County's 76.7-year life expectancy ranks above Illinois's state average of 76.0 years, placing it in the healthier half of Illinois counties. This modest edge reflects better-than-average health outcomes in a state where longevity varies significantly by region.

Competitive health metrics locally

Crawford's 76.7-year life expectancy matches or slightly exceeds neighboring counties like Edwards (76.1) and De Witt (75.1), though it trails DuPage County's 81.3-year benchmark. The 17.9% poor/fair health rate places Crawford in the middle of the regional range, neither leading nor lagging significantly.

Healthcare access mirrors state norms

Crawford County's 5.9% uninsured rate nearly matches the state average of 6.3%, meaning most residents have insurance coverage. With 48 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 240 mental health providers per 100,000, Crawford offers reasonable access to both routine and behavioral health services.

Secure your coverage today

Nearly 6% of Crawford County residents still lack health insurance—that's roughly 1 in 17 people without protection against medical emergencies. Visit healthcare.gov or contact a local enrollment assistant to explore affordable plans and ensure you're covered.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Crawford County

via SchoolsByCounty

Crawford County's Community School Network

Ten public schools serve Crawford County, including five elementary and four high schools. A total of 2,697 students are enrolled across four distinct school districts.

Solid Graduation Rates and Efficient Spending

Crawford County achieves an 89.5% graduation rate, outperforming both the state average of 88.8% and the national mark of 87%. While per-pupil spending of $7,899 is below the Illinois average of $9,250, the county maintains a respectable school score of 55.2.

The Robinson CUSD 2 Hub

Robinson CUSD 2 stands as the county's largest district, managing four schools and educating 1,523 students. There are currently no charter schools in the county, with all public education provided through traditional local districts.

A Blend of Rural and Town Schools

With seven rural and three town-based schools, the county offers a quintessential small-town education experience where the average school size is 270 students. Robinson High School is the largest campus with 452 students, while Lincoln Elementary serves a smaller cohort of 329.

Relocate Near Crawford County Schools

High graduation rates and stable enrollment make this area a strong choice for families seeking a consistent education environment. Explore homes in Robinson or Oblong to take advantage of these established community districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Crawford County

via RiskByCounty

Crawford ranks well below national risk

With a composite risk score of 37.02, Crawford County sits firmly in the "Very Low" category, well below the national average. This means residents face substantially lower exposure to natural disasters than most Americans, though localized hazards still warrant attention.

Among Illinois's safer counties

Crawford's 37.02 score ranks it in the lower third of Illinois counties, where the state average is 54.46. The county consistently underperforms the state average across multiple hazard types, making it one of Illinois's more naturally resilient communities.

Comparable to nearby southern Illinois

Cumberland County (25.86) and Edwards County (26.14) carry even lower risk, while De Witt County (29.26) sits just slightly below Crawford. All four counties cluster in the very low risk range, reflecting similar geographic and climatic conditions across this region of Illinois.

Earthquakes and tornadoes lead threats

Crawford faces its highest relative risks from earthquakes (84.83) and tornadoes (44.37), though both remain moderate in absolute terms. Flooding at 43.70 rounds out the significant concerns, making preparedness for severe weather the priority for residents.

Secure coverage for weather hazards

Despite low overall risk, tornado and flood insurance deserve consideration given Crawford's moderate exposure to these events. A conversation with a local insurance agent about your specific property location can ensure you're protected against the county's primary threats.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Crawford County

via WeatherByCounty

A wet climate slightly above national medians

Crawford County averages 54.6°F annually, placing it slightly above the national median for temperature. It is a particularly wet county, receiving 46.4 inches of precipitation each year.

Warmer and wetter than the state average

The county is warmer and wetter than the Illinois averages of 52.8°F and 41.7 inches. Its climate is more similar to the Ohio River Valley than the northern Illinois plains.

Intense summer heat matching Clay County

Crawford sees 39 extreme heat days, nearly matching the 40 days found in Clay County. It is much warmer and wetter than Coles County, which sits just to the northwest.

Persistent summer heat and mild winters

Summer brings frequent heat, with 39 days reaching 90°F and a July average of 76.5°F. Winters are mild for the state, averaging 32.6°F with just 10.7 inches of annual snowfall.

Prioritize humidity control and rain prep

Residents should prepare for significant humidity and rain by maintaining clear drainage and high-capacity gutters. With 39 days of extreme heat, a reliable HVAC system is the most important home investment.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Crawford County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced pH near national norms

Crawford County soils maintain an average pH of 6.40, sitting very close to the national median of 6.5. While specific taxonomic data is limited here, this near-neutral acidity supports a wide range of biological activity.

Silt-heavy texture with moderate sand

The soil contains 60.3% silt and 20.7% sand, making it relatively easy to work. A 19.0% clay component provides enough structure to hold essential nutrients without becoming overly heavy or compacted.

Moderate organic matter levels

Organic matter sits at 2.08%, which exceeds the national average but falls below the Illinois state average of 2.94%. The available water capacity of 0.190 in/in suggests slightly lower moisture retention than many neighboring counties.

Moderate drainage potential despite missing data

Specific drainage classes are not recorded for this profile, but the high silt content typically allows for steady water movement. Gardeners should monitor for saturation during heavy spring rains to protect young root systems.

Warm growing season in Zone 6b

Hardiness zone 6b supports heat-loving crops like peppers and melons. Your soil score of 65.5 provides a solid foundation, especially if you supplement with compost to boost organic levels.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Crawford County

via LawnByCounty

Crawford's Moderate Lawn Challenge

Crawford County earns a lawn difficulty score of 62.6, making it easier than the national median of 50.0 but more challenging than the Illinois state average of 69.8. Located in Hardiness Zone 6b, the area offers a temperate environment that supports a variety of grass species with moderate effort.

Ample Rain Meets Summer Heat

The county receives 46.4 inches of annual precipitation, which sits at the high end of the ideal range for lawn health. However, 39 extreme heat days per year—well above the state average of 27—require vigilant watering during July when temperatures average 76.5°F.

Balanced Soil for Healthy Roots

A soil pH of 6.40 is squarely within the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range for nutrient uptake. With 19.0% clay and 20.7% sand, the soil provides a relatively balanced foundation for root development despite the lack of specific drainage data.

Navigating Persistent Dry Spells

Lawns here faced 30 weeks of drought over the past year, with 16.5% of the county currently in severe drought. Deep, infrequent watering is essential to help turf survive these prolonged periods of water stress.

Timing Your Crawford Lawn Success

Hardiness Zone 6b is perfect for Tall Fescue or Kentucky Bluegrass blends. For the best results, plan your seeding between the last spring frost on April 13 and the first fall frost on October 22.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Crawford County's county score?
Crawford County, Illinois has a composite county score of 52.5 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 Illinois?
Crawford County ranks #57 among all counties in Illinois 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, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Crawford County is $1,769, with an effective tax rate of 1.56%. This earns Crawford County a tax score of 10.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Crawford County?
The median household income in Crawford County, Illinois is $67,614 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Crawford County earns an income score of 60.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Crawford County, Illinois a good place to live?
Crawford County scores 52.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #57 in Illinois. 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.