countyscore
36
County Score
Soil Quality 61.3Lawn Care 57.1Weather & Climate 54.8

County Report Card

About Crawford County, Kansas

Below National Averages for Overall Livability

Crawford County posts a composite score of 35.5, placing it well behind the national median score of 50.0. This ranking reflects significant hurdles in economic and safety metrics.

Struggling to Meet Kansas Benchmarks

The county's 35.5 score is nearly 14 points lower than the Kansas state average of 49.5. This gap indicates that Crawford County faces steeper challenges than many of its state peers.

Affordable Housing and Respectable Schools

The county offers a cost-effective lifestyle with a 53.5 cost score and median rents of $837. Schools also represent a strength, matching the cost score at 53.5 and providing reliable community services.

Public Safety and Income Pressures

A safety score of 5.5 is a notable challenge for the area, paired with an income score of 15.1. Median household income is $50,311, which limits local economic mobility compared to higher-earning counties.

Best for Budget-Focused Residents

Crawford County is most suitable for individuals who prioritize low housing costs above all else. With home values at $122,400, it provides a very low barrier to homeownership for those on a fixed budget.

2040608010031.3545.543.953.51728.637.554.8Tax31.3Cost54Safety5.5Health43.9Schools53.5Income17Risk28.6Water37.5Weather54.836/100
This county
National avg
5 below average

Crawford County DNA

Foverall

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

Crawford County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Safety (5.5/100), though Cost of Living (54/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
31.3-20.7
Cost
54
Safety
5.5-49.5
Health
43.9
Schools
53.5
Income
17-34
Risk
28.6-18.4
Water
37.5-20.5
Weather
54.8
Sponsored

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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

$132,600

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$849/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$132,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$33,960/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $52,844/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

38.5

per 100K

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

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
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Counties with similar scores

Candler County
Georgia
Median income: $49,581
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Des Moines County
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Pottawattamie County
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Butler County
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Rapides Parish
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Beltrami County
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Osage County
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Median income: $62,847
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Nearby counties

Bourbon County
Kansas
41.8
Barton County
Missouri
44.9
Cherokee County
Kansas
42.8
Neosho County
Kansas
43.7
Jasper County
Missouri
31.6
Vernon County
Missouri
42.3
Labette County
Kansas
39.8
Allen County
Kansas
40.2

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 taxes well below national mark

Crawford County's effective tax rate of 1.123% falls below the national median of 1.09%, making it one of the least burdensome counties nationwide. The median property tax of $1,375 is roughly half the national median of $2,690, with median home values of $122,400 contributing to this relatively low tax load.

Crawford ranks among Kansas's lowest

At 1.123%, Crawford County's effective tax rate is the lowest among all eight profiled counties and well below Kansas's state average of 1.549%. This makes Crawford one of the most tax-friendly counties in the state.

Crawford tied for lowest regional taxes

Crawford's 1.123% rate matches Doniphan County and falls below Decatur (1.794%), Cowley (1.683%), and Comanche (2.285%). Among the surveyed region, Crawford offers some of the lowest effective tax rates available to homeowners.

Median home pays $1,375 annually

On a median home value of $122,400, Crawford County residents pay approximately $1,375 in annual property taxes. Mortgaged homes pay $1,503, while those without mortgages pay $1,198.

Even low-tax counties benefit from appeals

Even in tax-efficient counties like Crawford, homeowners should verify their assessed values match market reality. A formal reassessment appeal could still yield savings if your home's assessment exceeds comparable property values in your area.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Crawford County

via IncomeByCounty

Crawford lags far behind national

Crawford County's median household income of $50,311 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by 33%, placing it among lower-income counties nationally. The $24,444 annual gap reflects structural economic differences between rural Kansas and more prosperous U.S. regions.

Below Kansas state average

At $50,311, Crawford County ranks below Kansas's median income of $64,428 by nearly $14,000 annually, indicating sustained economic challenges. Per capita income of $29,188 falls considerably short of the state average of $34,748.

Crawford struggles regionally

Crawford County's $50,311 median ranks among the lowest in its region, trailing Cowley County ($58,263) by $8,000 and Edwards County ($53,792) by $3,481. Only Comanche County falls below Crawford in this comparison.

Housing costs bite harder here

Crawford County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.0% means renters spend one-fifth of household income on housing—the highest burden among these eight counties. Despite median home values of $122,400, the combination of lower incomes and higher housing costs creates tighter household budgets.

Prioritize emergency savings first

Crawford County residents should prioritize building a 3-6 month emergency fund before investing, given the higher rent-to-income ratio reducing monthly surplus. Community banks and credit unions often offer low-fee savings products and financial counseling to help families strengthen their foundation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Crawford County

via CrimeByCounty

Higher Than Average National Crime

Crawford County reports a total crime rate of 3,401.5 per 100K, which is significantly higher than the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a safety score of 94.6, signaling more frequent criminal activity than typical U.S. counties.

Below the Kansas Safety Average

The county's safety score of 94.6 is notably lower than the Kansas state average of 98.0. Residents encounter crime at a rate nearly triple the state average of 1,282.2 per 100K.

High Activity in Southeast Kansas

Crawford sees much higher crime activity than nearby Cowley County, which reports a rate of 2,599.5. This makes Crawford one of the more active areas for law enforcement in the region.

Focus on Property Crime Rates

Property crime is the primary concern here, with 3,024.7 incidents per 100K far exceeding the national property crime rate. Violent crime also sits slightly above the national average at 376.8 per 100K.

Security Steps for Residents

Enhanced security systems and community watch programs are vital in areas with high property crime rates. Securing valuables and being aware of surroundings can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a statistic.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Crawford County

via WeatherByCounty

Wet and Warm Southeastern Climate

At 57.0°F, Crawford County is warmer than the U.S. median and significantly wetter. It represents the humid subtropical influence found in the American Southeast.

The State's Rain Capital

Crawford records a massive 46.2 inches of annual rain, far exceeding the Kansas average of 30.3 inches. It is also 2.2 degrees warmer than the state average.

Wetter Than Its Western Peers

The county receives nearly 10 more inches of rain than Cowley County to its west. While wet, it actually has five fewer extreme heat days than Cowley.

Humid Summers and Soft Winters

The July average reaches 79.8°F, though the humidity often makes it feel hotter. Snow is infrequent, with the county seeing only 8.7 inches in a typical year.

Rain Gear and Dehumidifiers

Investing in high-capacity gutters and home dehumidifiers is essential for the 46.2 inches of rain. Landscaping should prioritize plants that can withstand saturated soil conditions.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Crawford County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Silt Profiles in Crawford

Crawford County features an average pH of 6.20, making it more acidic than the state average of 6.80. This lower pH level can influence nutrient availability for certain crops compared to the national median of 6.5.

Heavy Silt and Clay Mix

The soil composition consists of 56.7% silt and 28.9% clay, creating a heavy texture with high nutrient-holding capacity. Only 14.4% of the profile is sand, which means the soil can become compacted if worked while wet.

High Organic Matter and Capacity

At 2.40%, the organic matter content is well above the state average of 2.22%. The available water capacity of 0.186 in/in also exceeds the state benchmark of 0.180, providing strong growing potential.

Managing Heavy Surface Soils

Formal drainage and hydrologic group data are unavailable, but the high clay content typically indicates slower water movement. Gardeners should watch for ponding in low spots during the humid Kansas spring.

Robust Production in Zone 7a

The zone 7a climate paired with high fertility allows for a wide range of berries and leafy greens. Your soil's high organic content is a major asset, so start planting today to take advantage of this natural wealth.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Crawford County

via LawnByCounty

Crawford County Meets the Kansas Standard

Crawford County earns a 57.1 lawn score, placing it very close to the state average of 59.1 and above the national median. This Zone 7a county offers a reliable environment for turf, though it presents unique moisture challenges. Homeowners can expect a standard level of maintenance to achieve a high-quality lawn.

High Rainfall Drives Rapid Growth

Annual precipitation reaches 46.2 inches, which is significantly higher than the state average of 30.3 inches. These wet conditions, paired with 4,415 growing degree days, result in rapid grass growth that requires frequent mowing. Despite the rain, 55 extreme heat days still present a risk of summer dormancy.

Excellent Soil Chemistry in Crawford

The soil pH of 6.20 is nearly perfect for most grass species, allowing for maximum nutrient availability. With 28.9% clay, the soil provides strong moisture retention, which is helpful during the 55 extreme heat days. Homeowners should focus on ensuring adequate aeration to prevent compaction in these clay-rich soils.

Overcoming Significant Drought Periods

The county endured 22 weeks of drought in the past year, and 10.4% of the area currently experiences severe drought. Despite high annual rainfall, these fluctuations require smart water management and the use of drought-tolerant cultivars. Aerating the soil helps rainfall penetrate deeper into the root zone during heavy storms.

Vibrant Growth Starts in April

Tall fescue and Bermuda grass are highly recommended for the local Zone 7a climate. Seeding should begin shortly after the final spring frost on April 7 to maximize the long growing season. This early start helps the lawn establish a deep root system before the first frost arrives on November 1.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Crawford County's county score?
Crawford County, Kansas has a composite county score of 36 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 Kansas?
Crawford County ranks #95 among all counties in Kansas 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, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Crawford County is $1,406, with an effective tax rate of 1.06%. This earns Crawford County a tax score of 31.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Crawford County?
The median household income in Crawford County, Kansas is $52,844 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Crawford County earns an income score of 17/100 on CountyScore.
Is Crawford County, Kansas a good place to live?
Crawford County scores 36/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #95 in Kansas. 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

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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