countyscore
62.4
County Score
Safety 94.6Cost of Living 85.8Disaster Risk 74.2

County Report Card

About Crawford County, Indiana

A High National Standing

Crawford County boasts a composite score of 62.4, placing it significantly higher than the national median of 50.0. It ranks as a top-tier choice for overall livability in the U.S.

A Standout Indiana Performer

At 62.4, the county easily outperforms the Indiana state average of 55.9. It is one of the most attractive rural counties in the state based on composite metrics.

Maximum Affordability and Safety

The county is incredibly affordable with a cost score of 85.8 and a median gross rent of only $629. Safety is another major pillar, earning a near-perfect score of 94.6.

Economic and Health Gaps

Earning power is the primary challenge, as the income score sits at 12.5 with a median household income of $48,993. The health score of 31.9 also indicates limited access to medical outcomes.

Best for Low-Cost Rural Bliss

This county is tailor-made for those with fixed or remote incomes who want to live safely and cheaply. It offers an unbeatable combination of rock-bottom housing costs and peace of mind.

Score breakdown

Tax59.1Cost85.8Safety94.6Health31.9Schools40.2Income12.5Risk74.2Water36.5Weather63.5
🏛59.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠85.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼12.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡94.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤31.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓40.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡74.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧36.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤63.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨62.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱64.6
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 →
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

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Crawford County with Pike County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Pike County
Arkansas
Median income: $51,000
62.4
Buchanan County
Iowa
Median income: $78,430
62.4
Palo Alto County
Iowa
Median income: $68,963
62.4
Morgan County
Kentucky
Median income: $47,493
62.4
Sullivan County
Missouri
Median income: $55,500
62.4
Hamilton County
Nebraska
Median income: $79,884
62.4
Stokes County
North Carolina
Median income: $60,039
62.4
Darke County
Ohio
Median income: $64,654
62.4

Nearby counties

Orange County
Indiana
66.3
Perry County
Indiana
59.4
Meade County
Kentucky
58.1
Harrison County
Indiana
60.1
Dubois County
Indiana
62.2
Floyd County
Indiana
44
Washington County
Indiana
57
Hancock County
Kentucky
68.7

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 taxes remain modest nationally

With an effective rate of 0.737%, Crawford County residents pay roughly one-quarter the national median property tax of $2,690. The median annual tax of $851 on lower-valued homes reflects affordability despite a high tax rate.

Above average in Indiana tax rankings

Crawford County's 0.737% effective rate exceeds the state average of 0.671%, placing it among Indiana's higher-taxed counties by rate. However, lower home values keep actual tax bills modest at $851 median.

Highest rate alongside Clark and Dearborn

Crawford County shares its 0.737% effective rate with Clark County and similarly high rates with Dearborn County (0.760%), making them the region's highest-taxed jurisdictions. This stands well above lower-rate neighbors like Clay (0.457%).

Median Crawford home costs $851 yearly

A Crawford County homeowner with the median property value of $115,400 pays approximately $851 per year in property taxes. Mortgage-inclusive costs rise to roughly $1,048 annually.

Review your Crawford County valuation

Crawford County residents can challenge property valuations if assessments exceed fair market value—a free appeal process available during reassessment periods. Many homeowners successfully reduce their tax burden through formal appeals.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Crawford County

via CostByCounty

Crawford County's affordability advantage

Crawford County residents spend 15.4% of their $48,993 income on rent—just below Indiana's 15.6% average despite earning the lowest median income in the region at $25,762 below the national average. This paradoxical affordability reflects Crawford's lowest-cost rental market in the comparative set.

Crawford: Budget-friendly Indiana option

Crawford County's 15.4% rent-to-income ratio sits marginally below the state average of 15.6%, placing it in the more affordable tier of Indiana counties. At just $629 monthly, median rent is $254 below the state average, making Crawford the most accessible rental market regionally.

Crawford's lowest rent benchmark

Crawford County's $629 monthly rent is the lowest across all peer counties—$149 below Cass County, the next-cheapest option. This makes Crawford the clear choice for renters prioritizing minimal monthly housing costs, though lower incomes mean affordability gains are tempered.

Crawford's modest housing footprint

With the region's lowest median household income of $48,993, Crawford residents still manage a 15.4% rent-to-income ratio by keeping housing costs to $629 in rent or $647 in mortgage payments. Median home values of $115,400 keep ownership accessible despite lower incomes.

Crawford for ultra-affordable relocation

If you're relocating on a tight budget and can secure remote employment or tap location-independent income, Crawford County offers Indiana's most affordable rental market. Compare it with nearby Cass County if you can trade slightly lower rents for moderately better local wages.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Crawford County

via IncomeByCounty

Crawford County faces significant income gap

Crawford County's median household income of $48,993 runs $25,762 below the national median of $74,755, representing a stark 34.5% shortfall. This places Crawford among the lowest-income counties nationally and signals substantial economic stress and limited wage-earning opportunities.

Lowest income county in study group

At $48,993, Crawford County ranks last among Indiana's county peers at nearly $20,000 below the state median of $68,681. The per capita income of $28,760 trails the state average of $34,773, indicating concentrated poverty and limited individual earning power.

Significantly trails all regional comparisons

Crawford County's $48,993 median is the lowest in the region—over $15,000 below Cass County ($56,525) and $33,700 below Dearborn County ($82,693). Even struggling Clinton County ($63,690) earns $14,697 more per household than Crawford.

Affordable housing masks deeper challenges

Crawford County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.4% and median home value of $115,400 suggest housing affordability, but these numbers reflect depressed values rather than prosperity. Low income combined with limited property appreciation potential creates barriers to long-term wealth accumulation.

Prioritize education and skill investment

For Crawford County households earning $48,993, wealth-building starts with career development—whether through trade certifications, associate degrees, or targeted job training programs. Even small monthly investments in financial tools (employer retirement plans, savings accounts) compound over decades and create pathways to higher income.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Crawford County

via CrimeByCounty

Crawford County Leads National Safety

Crawford County reports an incredibly low total crime rate of just 9.5 per 100K residents. This near-zero figure earns the county a perfect safety score of 100.0.

Setting the Standard for Indiana

With zero violent crimes reported, Crawford far exceeds the Indiana average violent crime rate of 102.9. It is significantly safer than the state average of 693.8 total crimes per 100K.

The Safest Choice in the Region

Crawford is exponentially safer than neighbors like Clark or Dearborn, providing a level of security rarely seen in the state. It represents the pinnacle of rural safety for Southern Indiana.

Minimal Crime and Zero Violence

The county's data shows zero violent crimes and a property crime rate of only 9.5 per 100K. This means that crime is virtually absent from the daily experience of local residents.

Simple Habits for Total Safety

While crime is rare, maintaining habits like locking vehicles and home entries prevents the few property crimes that do occur. Community alertness is the final step in keeping Crawford County perfectly safe.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Crawford County

via HealthByCounty

Crawford County faces severe health challenges

At 72.9 years, Crawford County's life expectancy is the lowest in this group and trails the US average by over 6 years. With 22.9% of residents reporting poor or fair health—nearly 5 percentage points above the national average—the county signals a public health crisis.

Poorest health outcomes in Indiana

Crawford County's 72.9-year life expectancy falls 2.2 years below Indiana's state average of 75.1 years, ranking among the worst in the state. The county's 22.9% poor/fair health rate substantially exceeds the state average, indicating persistent socioeconomic and structural barriers to health.

Significantly behind all peer counties

Crawford County's 72.9-year life expectancy trails even lower-performing neighbors like Clark County (73.2 years) and Clinton County (74.4 years). Limited data on primary care providers complicates assessment, but the county's health metrics suggest critical access and quality-of-care gaps.

Uninsured, underserved, and vulnerable

Crawford County's 10% uninsured rate is the second-highest among these counties, affecting 1 in 10 residents and exceeding Indiana's 8.4% average. Primary care provider data is unavailable, but 67 mental health providers per 100,000 suggest some behavioral health infrastructure.

Apply for coverage and community support

If you're uninsured in Crawford County, Medicaid expansion and marketplace coverage may provide affordable options—apply at healthcare.gov today. Call 211 or contact the Crawford County Health Department for free or low-cost clinics and supportive health services.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Crawford County

via SchoolsByCounty

Intimate School Network in Crawford County

Crawford County operates six public schools under a single unified school district. The network includes three elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools. Total enrollment is 1,344 students, making it one of the smaller educational systems in the region.

High Investment and Academic Scores

The county invests heavily in its students, with a per-pupil expenditure of $5,967, well above the state average. This investment yields a school score of 52.3, outperforming the state average of 51.7. Additionally, the 92.0% graduation rate exceeds the national benchmark of 87%.

Unified District Service in Crawford

Crawford County Community School Corporation is the sole district, serving all 1,344 students in the county. There are zero charter schools, maintaining a traditional public school focus across the community. This centralized structure ensures that resources are shared across all six campuses.

Small-Scale Rural Learning Environment

All six schools in the county are located in rural settings, offering a quintessential country school experience. The average school size is just 224 students, ensuring very high levels of individual attention. Crawford County High School, the largest in the area, enrolls only 381 students.

A Small-School Feel for Your Family

Crawford County is ideal for families who value small class sizes and high per-pupil investment. The single-district system simplifies the school search for those looking to buy a home in a rural setting. High composite scores suggest that these smaller schools are delivering big results for local residents.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Crawford County

via RiskByCounty

Crawford County faces minimal risk

Crawford County's composite risk score of 25.80 ranks among the lowest in the nation, well below the national average. Residents here enjoy below-average exposure to major natural disasters across all hazard types.

Indiana's safest counties include Crawford

Crawford County scores 25.80, about 43% below Indiana's state average of 45.52, placing it among the state's lowest-risk areas. Few Indiana counties can match Crawford County's low composite risk score.

Safest in the southern Indiana region

Crawford County (25.80) ranks among the lowest-risk counties in its immediate area, with only Clay County (27.04) comparable in safety. All surrounding counties score noticeably higher in composite disaster risk.

Tornadoes present the main threat

Crawford County's primary natural hazard risk comes from tornadoes (60.50), which remains moderate by statewide standards. Flood risk (40.87) ranks second, while wildfire (8.46) and hurricane (12.77) risks are minimal.

Basic homeowners coverage usually adequate

Crawford County's low overall risk means standard homeowners insurance covers the primary perils adequately for most residents. A home emergency kit for tornadoes and regular roof inspections offer practical protection in this very safe county.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Crawford County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm and Exceptionally Wet

Crawford County’s 56.3°F average temperature exceeds the national median, signaling a warmer southern climate. The county receives 51 inches of precipitation, making it significantly wetter than most U.S. counties.

One of Indiana’s Warmest Spots

At 4.1 degrees above the state average of 52.2°F, Crawford is a regional heat leader. Its high rainfall also surpasses the state average of 43.9 inches by over 7 inches.

A Southern Heat Island

The county shares a similar temperature profile with neighbor Daviess County, but it is one of the wettest spots in the region. Its 35.8°F winter average is much milder than central Indiana.

Steamy Summers and Mild Winters

Summer brings 31 extreme heat days above 90°F and a July average of 76.8°F. While specific snowfall data is limited for this area, winter temperatures remain well above freezing on average.

Invest in Cooling and Drainage

High-capacity air conditioning is vital to handle the full month of 90°F days. Residents should also maintain robust gutter systems to manage the heavy 51-inch annual rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Crawford County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Ultisols of Crawford County

Crawford County features Ultisol soils with a silt loam texture and a fairly acidic 5.81 pH. This acidity level is lower than the Indiana state average of 6.08 and the 6.5 national median, often requiring lime to balance for vegetables.

Fine-Textured Silt Profiles

The soil is composed of 66.3% silt and 17.3% clay, with a relatively low sand content of 16.5%. This silty makeup provides a smooth feel and creates a soil profile that holds onto moisture effectively throughout the year.

Consistent Moisture Retention

Organic matter reaches 2.42%, which is above the national average but below the 4.90% state norm. The available water capacity is strong at 0.205 in/in, offering a better moisture buffer for plants than the average Indiana soil.

Fast Movement, High Capacity

Classified as somewhat excessively drained in hydrologic group C, these soils move water quickly through the upper layers. While they drain fast, the high silt content ensures they don't dry out as rapidly as purely sandy soils.

Home for Acid-Loving Plants

Located in zone 6b, this county is ideal for berries and acid-loving ornamentals like azaleas. Despite a lower 62.9 overall soil score, the high water capacity makes it a very reliable environment for summer gardens.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Crawford County

via LawnByCounty

Southern Challenges for Crawford Lawns

Crawford County's lawn difficulty score of 64.6 is below the state average of 71.0, indicating extra effort is required. Homeowners in this Zone 6b region must work harder to overcome heat and soil acidity.

Heat Stress and High Rainfall

The county faces 31 extreme heat days, significantly more than the Indiana average of 20. While 51.0 inches of annual rain helps, the high 4097 growing degree days mean grass grows fast and requires frequent mowing.

Acidity and Drainage Considerations

The silt loam soil has a pH of 5.81, which may limit the availability of key nutrients like phosphorus. Because the soil is somewhat excessively drained, the combination of heat and fast runoff makes summer hydration critical.

Consistent Moisture in Recent Years

Despite 100% of the county currently being abnormally dry, it only experienced 3 weeks of drought over the last year. This relative stability allows for more flexible watering schedules compared to the northern counties.

Selecting Heat-Tolerant Turf

Tall Fescue is a top recommendation for Crawford County to handle the 31 annual heat days. Use the window between April 17 and October 19 to establish your lawn before the frost seasons begin.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Crawford County's county score?
Crawford County, Indiana has a composite county score of 62.4 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 Indiana?
Crawford County ranks #24 among all counties in Indiana 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, Indiana?
The median annual property tax in Crawford County is $851, with an effective tax rate of 0.74%. This earns Crawford County a tax score of 59.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Crawford County?
The median household income in Crawford County, Indiana is $48,993 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Crawford County earns an income score of 12.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Crawford County, Indiana a good place to live?
Crawford County scores 62.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #24 in Indiana. 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.