countyscore
49.4
County Score
Water Quality 86Disaster Risk 82Health 69.7

County Report Card

About Crawford County, Michigan

Meeting the National Baseline

Crawford County’s composite score of 49.5 sits right at the national median of 50.0. It offers a balanced quality of life that mirrors the typical American county experience.

Performing Above the State Average

The county outperforms the Michigan state average of 47.1. Its strength in environmental and resource metrics gives it an edge over more urbanized parts of the state.

Environmental Stability and Water Quality

Crawford excels in natural metrics, with a water score of 86.0 and a risk score of 82.0. These scores indicate a high-quality environment with very low exposure to natural disasters.

School and Education Gaps

The county's school score of 25.8 is its most pressing challenge, suggesting local schools may lack the resources of higher-ranked districts. An income score of 34.4 also indicates slower economic growth.

A Haven for Outdoor Lovers

With a median home value of $149,900 and high environmental scores, this county is perfect for people seeking an affordable life close to nature. It is ideal for those who value clean water and safety from natural risks.

20406080100315848.769.725.834.8828649.4Tax31Cost58Safety48.7Health69.7Schools25.8Income34.8Risk82Water86Weather49.449.4/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

Crawford County DNA

Foverall

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

Crawford County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (82/100) but notably weak in Schools (25.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
31-21
Cost
58+10
Safety
48.7
Health
69.7+19.700000000000003
Schools
25.8-28.2
Income
34.8-16.200000000000003
Risk
82+35
Water
86+28
Weather
49.4
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Many homeowners in Crawford County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$163,000

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$862/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$163,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$34,480/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $60,392/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

30.1

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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Nearby counties

Otsego County
Michigan
50
Kalkaska County
Michigan
45.2
Oscoda County
Michigan
54.3
Roscommon County
Michigan
47.3
Ogemaw County
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Montmorency County
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Missaukee County
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Antrim County
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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 has Michigan's lowest tax rate

Crawford County's effective tax rate of 1.093% ranks in the lowest tier nationally, well below the median of 1.73%. With a median property tax of $1,639, residents save significantly compared to the nation's $2,690 median.

Below Michigan's state average

Crawford County's 1.093% effective rate runs below Michigan's state average of 1.166%, placing it among the state's most tax-friendly counties. The median tax of $1,639 falls well below the state median of $2,102.

Second-lowest rate in the region

Crawford County's 1.093% ranks second-lowest regionally, trailing only Emmet County's 0.905%. The county significantly undercuts Dickinson County (1.471%) and Chippewa County (1.288%), offering genuine tax savings.

Crawford median tax: $1,639 yearly

On the county median home value of $149,900, owners pay around $1,639 in annual property taxes. Those with mortgages average $1,550; those without average $1,734.

Even low rates can hide overassessments

Crawford County's low tax rate doesn't guarantee accurate assessments—overvaluation occurs even in low-tax counties. Review your assessment and file an appeal if you believe your home is valued above its fair market price.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Crawford County

via IncomeByCounty

Crawford income trails national median

Crawford County's median household income of $58,614 falls $16,141 short of the national median of $74,755, placing it in the lower half of U.S. counties. This gap reflects the economic pressures facing rural Upper Michigan communities with limited industrial diversification.

Below Michigan average

At $58,614, Crawford County earns about 9% less than Michigan's state median of $64,304. Among the state's 83 counties, Crawford ranks in the lower-middle range for household earnings.

Competitive with nearby counties

Crawford's $58,614 median is slightly above Clare County ($49,805) but slightly below Chippewa ($60,631) and Dickinson ($61,882). This clustering suggests similar economic drivers—forestry, light manufacturing, and tourism—shape incomes across the northern region.

Favorable housing affordability

Crawford's rent-to-income ratio of 16.9% indicates solid housing affordability, with median home values of $149,900 remaining within reach for local earners. At this ratio, a household earning the median can allocate housing costs comfortably while preserving money for savings and other needs.

Start a disciplined savings plan

Crawford households earning $58,614 should commit to saving 10–15% annually—roughly $5,800–$8,800—through automatic payroll deductions into retirement and education accounts. This consistent approach, compounded over decades, builds meaningful wealth even at modest income levels.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Crawford County

via CrimeByCounty

Crawford County Boasts High Safety Ratings

With a safety score of 98.2, Crawford County is significantly safer than most of the United States. Its total crime rate of 1,151.8 per 100,000 is less than half the national average.

Above the Michigan Safety Average

Crawford County outperforms the state average safety score of 97.8. Its total crime rate also remains lower than the Michigan average of 1,371.8.

A Safe Pocket in the Region

Crawford’s crime rate of 1,151.8 is more favorable than Clare County's rate of 1,509.7. It offers residents a quieter environment compared to neighbors further south.

Property Offenses Outnumber Violent Incidents

The county sees a violent crime rate of 341.0 per 100,000, which is close to the national average. However, the property crime rate of 810.8 is remarkably low, keeping the overall risk levels down.

Focusing on Basic Security Habits

The low overall crime rate makes Crawford County a peaceful place to live. Simple habits like locking vehicles and installing door cameras are usually enough to maintain a high level of personal safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Crawford County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler than the national average

Crawford County’s average annual temperature of 43.3°F sits nearly 11 degrees below the U.S. median. This northern location results in a much shorter growing season and extended winter conditions.

Trailing the Michigan state norm

At 43.3°F, the county is colder than the Michigan state average of 45.7°F. It represents the transition into the colder northern latitudes of the Lower Peninsula.

Heavy snow compared to neighbors

Crawford experiences 88.3 inches of snow, far exceeding the 50.2 inches found in Clinton County to the south. It stays cooler year-round, with a summer average that is nearly five degrees lower than Clinton's.

Brief summers and deep snows

The summer average is a comfortable 65.8°F, with only 6 days reaching above 90°F annually. Winters are intense, marked by an 88.3-inch snow total and a January average of just 17.8°F.

Gear up for long winters

Homeowners should invest in high-capacity heating and snow removal equipment to manage the nearly 90 inches of annual snow. The 20.4°F winter average requires heavy-duty thermal gear for any outdoor activities.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Crawford County

via SoilByCounty

Extreme Acidity in Sandy Entisols

Crawford County's soil pH of 3.97 is extremely acidic, far lower than the national median of 6.5. These sandy Entisols create a unique chemical environment that dictates what can successfully grow.

High Clay and Sand Mix

The soil contains 39.9% sand and a surprisingly high 21.5% clay for this region. This mix allows for good aeration while the clay helps provide some mineral stability that pure sands lack.

Top-Tier Organic Matter and Storage

Organic matter is remarkably high at 50.33%, which is 2.5 times the state average. This supports a high available water capacity of 0.280 in/in, significantly outperforming the state average of 0.202.

Rapid Drainage in Hydrologic Group A

Classified as excessively drained, water moves through this soil very quickly. While this prevents puddling, gardeners must monitor hydration closely as the soil will not hold water near the surface for long.

Acid-Loving Plants Flourish in Zone 5a

This environment is perfect for blueberries, conifers, and other acid-loving species. The massive organic content provides a fertile foundation for specialized gardening in Crawford's Zone 5a climate.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Crawford County

via LawnByCounty

Average Growing Ease in Crawford

Crawford County scores a 51.0 for lawn difficulty, placing it right at the national average but below the state mark of 60.1. Its position in hardiness zone 5a means a shorter season for establishing new turf.

Balanced Rain and Summer Heat

The area receives 33.2 inches of annual precipitation, which provides a solid baseline for lawn health. Moderate summer heat, with 6 days over 90°F, keeps the mowing schedule predictable through most of the growing season.

Addressing Extreme Sand and Acidity

At a pH of 3.97, Crawford's soil is extremely acidic and will require substantial lime applications. The excessively drained sandy texture means nutrients wash away quickly, so use slow-release fertilizers to maintain health.

Navigating Fast-Draining Soils

While the county only spent 18 weeks in drought last year, the sandy soil makes lawns vulnerable to even short dry spells. Deep watering is necessary to reach roots, especially when local rainfall deviates from the 33.2-inch average.

Establishing Tough Northern Turf

Fine Fescue is a top pick here due to its tolerance for acidic, sandy soils in zone 5a. Aim to seed between the last spring frost on May 23 and the relatively early first fall frost on September 27.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Crawford County's county score?
Crawford County, Michigan has a composite county score of 49.4 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 Michigan?
Crawford County ranks #43 among all counties in Michigan 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, Michigan?
The median annual property tax in Crawford County is $1,734, with an effective tax rate of 1.06%. This earns Crawford County a tax score of 31/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Crawford County?
The median household income in Crawford County, Michigan is $60,392 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Crawford County earns an income score of 34.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Crawford County, Michigan a good place to live?
Crawford County scores 49.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #43 in Michigan. 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.