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.

Score breakdown

Tax29.7Cost53.5Safety5.5Health43.9Schools53.5Income15.1Risk28.6Water37.5Weather54.8
🏛29.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠53.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼15.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡5.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤43.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓53.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡28.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧37.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤54.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨61.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱57.1
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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Nearby counties

Bourbon County
Kansas
41.9
Barton County
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44.6
Cherokee County
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42.1
Neosho County
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Jasper County
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Labette County
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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 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

Health in Crawford County

via HealthByCounty

Crawford Faces Significant National Health Gap

Crawford County residents live an average of 72.5 years, more than six years below the U.S. average of 78.8—a stark gap indicating serious underlying health challenges. With 16.7% of residents reporting poor or fair health, the county is above the national average of 16%, reflecting higher rates of chronic disease or disability.

Among Kansas's Lower-Performing Counties

Crawford's life expectancy of 72.5 years is 2.9 years below the Kansas average of 75.4, ranking it among the state's counties with the most significant health challenges. The 10.7% uninsured rate is near the state average of 11.5%, suggesting insurance gaps are not the primary driver of poor outcomes.

Strong Mental Health Services, Limited Primary Care

Crawford County boasts 284 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, offering exceptional behavioral health capacity, but only 67 primary care providers per 100K. This imbalance suggests residents can access crisis or specialty mental health support, yet may lack consistent primary medical care to prevent disease and manage chronic conditions.

Low Insurance Hides Systemic Healthcare Barriers

Crawford's 10.7% uninsured rate is actually close to state average, yet the county's poor health outcomes suggest that coverage alone isn't solving access barriers. Limited primary care availability means even insured residents face real obstacles to preventive care, early diagnosis, and routine medical management.

Get Insured and Build Your Care Team

If you're uninsured, contact Kansas Medicaid or explore marketplace plans at healthcare.gov to gain coverage for preventive visits and primary care. Once insured, work with local health centers to establish a relationship with a primary care provider who can coordinate your overall health.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

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.

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.