countyscore
35.5
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.

2040608010029.753.55.543.953.515.128.637.554.8Tax29.7Cost53.5Safety5.5Health43.9Schools53.5Income15.1Risk28.6Water37.5Weather54.835.5/100
This county
National avg
5 below average

Crawford County DNA

Foverall

How Crawford County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Crawford County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Safety (5.5/100), though Cost of Living (53.5/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
29.7-22.3
Cost
53.5
Safety
5.5-49.5
Health
43.9
Schools
53.5
Income
15.1-35.9
Risk
28.6-18.4
Water
37.5-20.5
Weather
54.8
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

$122,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$837/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$122,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$33,480/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $50,311/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
Compare Crawford County with Madera County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Madera County
California
Median income: $75,496
35.5
Vermilion County
Illinois
Median income: $54,537
35.5
Hall County
Nebraska
Median income: $67,549
35.5
Scurry County
Texas
Median income: $62,689
35.5
Franklin city
Virginia
Median income: $65,125
35.5
Stanislaus County
California
Median income: $79,661
35.6
Marion County
Florida
Median income: $58,535
35.4
Gwinnett County
Georgia
Median income: $84,823
35.6

Nearby counties

Bourbon County
Kansas
41.9
Barton County
Missouri
44.6
Cherokee County
Kansas
42.1
Neosho County
Kansas
44.4
Jasper County
Missouri
32
Vernon County
Missouri
42
Labette County
Kansas
40.4
Allen County
Kansas
40.8

Deep Dives

Crawford County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Cost of Living in Crawford County

via CostByCounty

Crawford's rent burden noticeably high

Crawford County stands out with a 20.0% rent-to-income ratio—markedly above the national comfort zone and well above Kansas's 14.7% state average. A median household income of $50,311 combined with $837 monthly rents creates one of the state's most strained affordability profiles.

Kansas's affordability challenge on display

Crawford's 20.0% rent-to-income ratio is among the worst in Kansas, far exceeding the 14.7% state average. At $837 monthly, Crawford rents are the highest among the eight surveyed counties, making it a cautionary tale of affordability mismatch.

Most expensive rent in the region

Crawford's $837 monthly median rent significantly exceeds all surveyed neighbors—Comanche ($672), Decatur ($695), Cowley ($779), and Edwards ($732). Its higher rents combine with moderate local incomes to produce the region's tightest squeeze on renter budgets.

Renting demands nearly one-fifth of income

Crawford renters commit 20.0% of their $50,311 median income to $837 monthly rent—an unsustainable burden by affordability standards. Homeowners fare slightly better at $815 monthly (19.5% of income), though Crawford's $122,400 median home value still demands significant equity investment.

Look elsewhere if affordability is key

Crawford's housing costs strain local budgets more than any comparable Kansas county; renters should compare against Comanche, Decatur, or Edwards before committing. If drawn to the region, prioritize homeownership to lock in stability against rising rents.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Schools in Crawford County

via SchoolsByCounty

Crawford's Expanding Academic Network

Crawford County manages 17 public schools that serve a total of 6,155 students across five districts. The system is built around seven elementary schools, four middle schools, and six high schools.

High Graduation Rates on Lean Budgets

Despite a lean per-pupil expenditure of $7,954, students achieve a high 89.0% graduation rate, beating state and national averages. This performance suggests the county's five districts are highly efficient with their resources.

Pittsburg District Leads the County

The Pittsburg district is the local powerhouse, enrolling 3,390 students across six schools. The remaining students are distributed among smaller districts like Northeast and Cherokee, with zero charter schools in the county.

Urban Centers and Rural Outposts

The county features 11 town schools and six rural locations, with an average school size of 362 students. Pittsburg High is the largest facility with 1,017 students, while several rural elementary schools offer a much smaller feel.

Home Ownership in High-Performing Crawford

Families often look toward Pittsburg for a traditional town school experience or Girard for a more rural feel. With graduation rates beating state averages, the local schools provide a compelling reason to settle in the area.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Crawford County

via RiskByCounty

Crawford County experiences above-average risk

Crawford County's composite risk score of 71.44 ranks it as Relatively Low nationally but significantly exceeds Kansas's county average of 29.89. The score reflects exposure to multiple concurrent hazards across different geographies.

Among the riskier Kansas counties

At 71.44, Crawford County ranks in the upper tier for disaster risk statewide, placing it among Kansas counties with the highest exposure. The county faces considerably greater hazard risk than the vast majority of its peers.

Riskier than most neighbors

Crawford County's 71.44 score substantially exceeds Doniphan County (13.99) to the north and Dickinson County (49.14) to the west. Eastern Kansas counties generally face elevated tornado and flood risks compared to western regions.

Tornados, flooding, and earthquakes converge

Tornado risk reaches 88.58 and flood risk scores 68.89—two major threats that combine to drive the county's high composite score. Earthquake risk at 68.86 is notably higher than most Kansas counties, reflecting the county's southeastern location near the New Madrid seismic zone.

Multi-hazard insurance strategy needed

Crawford County residents need comprehensive homeowners coverage for wind, hail, and storm damage, plus separate flood insurance given the 68.89 flood risk. Earthquake insurance should be evaluated, particularly for older homes vulnerable to seismic activity.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Crawford County

via WaterByCounty

Drinking Water Grade: F

Crawford County earns an F grade with 15 drinking water health violations recorded over five years. Despite the low grade, the violation rate of 38.5 per 100,000 people remains significantly lower than the Kansas average of 313.4.

Watershed Health Data Unavailable

Local watersheds have not been covered in the federal §303(d) assessment, leaving their current health status unclassified. This absence of data means impairments like excess sediment or chemicals are not currently tracked at the federal level.

Minimal Water Quality Monitoring

Water quality monitoring is minimal, featuring just one site with 15 readings over the last five years. These records focus on physical and inorganic characteristics, providing only a narrow window into the county's water health.

No Live Streamflow Data Available

There is currently no representative USGS streamgage providing live data for Crawford County. In the absence of real-time flow signals, residents must rely heavily on drinking water compliance reports to gauge water security.

Consider Household Filtration Systems

Because of the F grade and limited watershed data, residents should consider using certified home filtration systems. High health violations suggest that staying proactive about water testing is a prudent step for local households.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

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 35.5 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 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 $1,375, with an effective tax rate of 1.12%. This earns Crawford County a tax score of 29.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Crawford County?
The median household income in Crawford County, Kansas is $50,311 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Crawford County earns an income score of 15.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Crawford County, Kansas a good place to live?
Crawford County scores 35.5/100 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 Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.