countyscore
51.8
County Score
Health 70.4Income & Jobs 65.9Soil Quality 65.5

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.

2040608010011.358.652.370.454.165.96362.852.6Tax11.3Cost58.6Safety52.3Health70.4Schools54.1Income65.9Risk63Water62.8Weather52.651.8/100
This county
National avg
4 above average1 below average

Crawford County DNA

Foverall

How Crawford County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Crawford County excels in 4 of 9 measured dimensions, led by Health (70.4/100). A few areas trail the national average, including Property Tax (11.3/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
11.3-40.7
Cost
58.6+10.600000000000001
Safety
52.3
Health
70.4+20.400000000000006
Schools
54.1
Income
65.9+14.900000000000006
Risk
63+16
Water
62.8
Weather
52.6
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Crawford County?

Many homeowners in Crawford County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$121,100

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$811/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$121,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$32,440/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $71,674/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

5.4

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Crawford County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Crawford County's county score?
Crawford County, Illinois has a composite county score of 51.8 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 #62 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 $1,806, with an effective tax rate of 1.49%. This earns Crawford County a tax score of 11.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Crawford County?
The median household income in Crawford County, Illinois is $71,674 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Crawford County earns an income score of 65.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Crawford County, Illinois a good place to live?
Crawford County scores 51.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #62 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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