countyscore
40.7
County Score
Water Quality 86Property Tax 73.2Cost of Living 62.1

County Report Card

About Crawford County, Missouri

Facing Challenges Below the Median

Crawford County posts a composite score of 40.7, trailing the national median of 50.0. This lower score highlights systemic challenges in safety and health outcomes compared to the rest of the country.

Trailing the State Average

The county’s 40.7 composite score sits nearly ten points below the Missouri state average of 50.3. It faces steeper climb than neighboring counties to improve regional liveability metrics.

Affordable Living and Low Taxes

Taxpayers find relief here with a low effective tax rate of 0.609%, earning a tax score of 73.2. Housing is also highly accessible, with a cost score of 62.1 and a median rent of $807.

Significant Safety and Health Gaps

The county struggles with a safety score of 4.5 and a health score of 15.3. These numbers reflect significant needs for better healthcare access and improved public safety initiatives.

Best for Budget-Minded Individuals

Crawford County suits those seeking very low tax burdens and affordable property. It is best for individuals who are self-sufficient and less reliant on local public safety or healthcare infrastructure.

Score breakdown

Tax73.2Cost62.1Safety4.5Health15.3Schools45.4Income28.4Risk45Water86Weather49.7
🏛73.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠62.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼28.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡4.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤15.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓45.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡45
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤49.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨59.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱58.6
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 →
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Nearby counties

Phelps County
Missouri
43
Dent County
Missouri
55.5
Washington County
Missouri
51.4
Gasconade County
Missouri
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Maries County
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Franklin County
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Iron County
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Osage 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 County Offers Tax Relief

Crawford County's 0.609% effective tax rate is significantly lower than the U.S. median, placing it among the nation's more affordable property tax jurisdictions. Homeowners here enjoy one of the lighter tax burdens when compared to typical American counties.

Below-Average Taxes for Missouri

At 0.609%, Crawford County's effective rate is well below Missouri's state average of 0.733%, making it one of the state's lower-tax counties. The median tax of $1,011 is 16% below the state median of $1,199, offering genuine relief for property owners.

Second-Most Affordable in Region

Crawford County (0.609%) is outpaced only by Dallas County (0.480%) in the surrounding area, significantly undercutting Cooper County (0.676%), Dade County (0.650%), and DeKalb County (0.758%). For families seeking lower property taxes, Crawford ranks among the region's best options.

What You'll Pay on a Median Home

On Crawford County's median home value of $166,000, homeowners pay roughly $1,011 annually in property taxes—approximately $84 per month. This modest bill reflects Crawford's tax-friendly environment compared to neighboring counties.

Still Worth Verifying Your Assessment

Low tax rates don't guarantee accurate assessments, and overvalued properties can still mean unnecessary payments. Crawford County residents should confirm their assessed values align with recent comparable sales in their neighborhoods.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Crawford County

via CostByCounty

Tight squeeze despite low rents

Crawford County has the highest rent-to-income ratio among the eight counties studied at 17.2%, driven by a median household income of just $56,345—substantially below the national average of $74,755. Even though median rent is a modest $807, the county's lower incomes make housing costs proportionally burdensome.

Second-highest burden in state

Crawford County's 17.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Missouri's worst affordability outcomes, trailing only Clinton County's 16.7%. The county's median rent of $807 exceeds the state average of $768, while its median income of $56,345 falls well below state norms.

Lower rent, lower income

Crawford County's median rent of $807 falls between Cole County ($804) and Daviess County ($731), but its 17.2% rent-to-income ratio is the highest in the region due to significantly lower median incomes. The county's income disadvantage outweighs its rent advantage when measuring true affordability.

Housing consumes 17.2% of income

Crawford County households earn a median of $56,345 annually and spend $807 monthly on rent or $740 for ownership, consuming 17.2% of gross income. This housing burden is among the highest in Missouri and leaves less room for other necessities and savings.

Budget carefully before relocating

Prospective residents should note that while Crawford County offers lower absolute rent prices ($807), the median income here is substantially below state and national averages. Ensure your household income can comfortably cover the 17.2% housing ratio before making the move.

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 $56,345 falls 24.6% short of the national median of $74,755, reflecting economic challenges common to rural Missouri. This gap signals limited job diversity and wage growth relative to national trends.

Below Missouri average earnings

Crawford County's median income of $56,345 lags Missouri's state average of $59,503 by 5.3%, placing it in the state's lower-earning tier. This $3,158 shortfall indicates local economic headwinds requiring targeted job creation.

Trails most nearby counties

Crawford County ($56,345) ranks below Cooper County ($67,548), Daviess County ($60,665), and DeKalb County ($69,093), though it exceeds Dade County ($49,899) and Dallas County ($53,177). This positioning reflects Crawford's struggle relative to more prosperous regional peers.

Housing costs stretch budgets

Crawford County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.2% exceeds the 15% affordability guideline, meaning renters spend a higher-than-ideal share of earnings on housing. The median home value of $166,000 requires careful financial planning for purchase-ready families.

Start small, build consistent habits

Crawford County residents should prioritize emergency savings of at least $1,000 before investing, then gradually build to three months of expenses. Seek free financial literacy programs through local nonprofits and use low-cost, automated investing tools to start building wealth despite modest current income.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Crawford County

via CrimeByCounty

Crime rates exceed national averages

Crawford County faces challenges with a total crime rate of 3,665.9 per 100,000, which is higher than the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a safety score of 94.2, indicating higher risk than many other U.S. counties. Vigilance is more important here than in neighboring areas.

Below Missouri's typical safety levels

The county's safety score of 94.2 sits below the state average of 97.0. Its total crime rate of 3,665.9 is also considerably higher than the Missouri average of 1,926.2 per 100,000. Local authorities are managing a higher volume of incidents compared to the rest of the state.

High crime rates relative to neighbors

Crawford County's crime rate of 3,665.9 is much higher than Dade County's 2,329.6. It also significantly exceeds the rate found in Dallas County, which is 1,119.1. This highlights a need for increased public safety focus within the county.

Significant property and violent crime rates

Property crime is high at 3,192.5 per 100,000, while violent crime sits at 473.4. Both categories exceed national averages, with violent crime significantly topping the national rate of 369.8. Residents should be aware of both theft and person-to-person offenses.

Prioritizing your home security system

Given the higher crime rates, comprehensive home security systems with active monitoring are highly recommended. Ensure all entry points are reinforced and well-lit at night to discourage intruders. Engaging with local neighborhood watch programs can also enhance collective security.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Crawford County

via HealthByCounty

Crawford County faces severe health crisis

At 70.8 years, Crawford County's life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 73.7 years by 2.9 years, marking a significant public health challenge. Nearly 1 in 4 residents (23.5%) report poor or fair health, substantially exceeding the national rate of 19.3%.

Lowest life expectancy in Missouri

Crawford County ranks as the lowest-performing county in this analysis, with life expectancy 3.5 years below Missouri's 74.3-year average. The 15.2% uninsured rate exceeds the state average of 12.5%, leaving more residents vulnerable and unable to access care.

Stark health disparities with peers

Crawford County's 70.8-year life expectancy is dramatically lower than Clinton County's 75.5 and Cole County's 77.1 years—a gap of 6-7 years that signals a health emergency. With only 4 primary care providers per 100K, the county has virtually no preventive care infrastructure compared to Cooper County's 23.

Healthcare desert with rising costs

Crawford County is a healthcare desert with just 4 primary care providers per 100K—representing a critical shortage that forces residents to travel far for basic care. High uninsurance at 15.2% combined with minimal provider access creates a deadly combination: people without coverage and nowhere to turn when sick.

Healthcare access starts with coverage

Crawford County's severe provider shortage makes insurance essential when you need to travel for care. Visit Healthcare.gov immediately to secure coverage and reduce the financial burden of accessing healthcare outside your community.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Crawford County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined Success in Crawford County

Crawford County operates nine public schools across three districts, serving a total of 3,067 students. The system is perfectly balanced with three elementary, three middle, and three high schools providing a clear path for student matriculation.

Exceptional Graduation Outcomes

The county achieves a stellar 95.0% graduation rate, well above the national average of 87%. This success comes despite a lean per-pupil expenditure of $5,362, which is roughly $1,000 less than the Missouri state average.

Crawford County R-II Leads Enrollment

Crawford Co. R-II is the largest district, educating 1,282 students across its three schools. Steelville R-III and Crawford Co. R-I also play major roles, together serving nearly 1,800 additional students with no charter schools in the mix.

A Consistent Town-Based School Experience

Most students attend schools in town settings, which account for six of the nine local facilities. Cuba High and Cuba Elementary are the largest schools, each serving roughly 450 students in a county where the average school size is 341.

Join the Crawford County Community

Crawford County offers an efficient, high-performing school system with graduation rates that are among the best in the state. Families looking for a close-knit town atmosphere will find excellent options in Cuba and Steelville.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Crawford County

via RiskByCounty

Crawford County's Moderate Risk

Crawford County scores 54.99 on the composite risk scale, rated Relatively Low and slightly above Missouri's state average of 50.56. This profile reflects meaningful exposure to some hazards, tempered by manageable risk in others.

Mid-Range Risk Across Missouri

Crawford County ranks in the middle-to-upper tier of Missouri's 114 counties, driven primarily by exceptional earthquake risk of 78.88. This seismic exposure is unusual for Missouri and reflects the county's geologic setting.

Higher Earthquake Risk Than Nearby Areas

Crawford County's earthquake risk of 78.88 far exceeds that of Cooper County (47.81), Daviess County (23.03), and Dallas County (59.10). Its composite score of 54.99 positions it between lower-risk Daviess (30.06) and higher-risk Cole (73.44).

Earthquake Is Unique Threat

Earthquake risk of 78.88 dominates Crawford County's hazard profile—substantially higher than flood (47.58), tornado (52.89), and wildfire (53.59) risks. This unusual seismic exposure sets Crawford apart from most other Missouri counties.

Earthquake Insurance a Must

Crawford County homeowners should prioritize earthquake insurance, a coverage type rarely necessary elsewhere in Missouri but vital here. Secure heavy furniture and appliances, reinforce chimney connections, and ensure your home's foundation can handle seismic stress.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Crawford County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler than the national median

Crawford County is slightly cooler than the national median with an annual average of 53.4°F. This humid continental climate features milder summers than much of the state.

Below the state average

The county ranks about 1.5 degrees cooler than the Missouri average of 54.9°F. It offers a break from the more intense heat found in the state's southwestern corner.

Milder summers in the Ozarks

Crawford's July average of 75.4°F is significantly cooler than the 79.3°F seen in Cooper County. While precipitation data is limited, its temperature profile suggests a temperate Ozark climate.

Temperate summers and standard winters

The county enjoys milder summers with 36 days of extreme heat compared to 50 in Cooper. Winters are typical for the region, averaging 32.9°F from December through February.

Focus on winter heating

Prioritize efficient heating for the 30.2°F January average. Residents should also plan for 36 days of heat over 90°F, which is lower than many neighboring counties.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Crawford County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic and Organic Rich

Crawford County features an acidic soil profile with a pH of 5.75, which is lower than both the national median and the state average. This acidity level is common in the region and often requires lime treatment for standard garden crops.

High Silt, Low Clay

The soil mix is 55.6% silt and 20.0% sand, leaving a relatively low clay content of 13.2%. This composition suggests a soil that is less likely to become sticky or compacted but may require careful management of nutrient leaching.

Exceptional Organic Matter

The county records a massive 9.38% organic matter, nearly five times the national average. Despite this, the available water capacity is 0.159 in/in, which is lower than the state average, suggesting the soil drains very quickly.

Saturated Subaqueous Conditions

Dominant drainage is classified as subaqueous, which typically points to soils influenced by high water tables or permanent saturation in certain areas. This unique hydrology requires specialized site assessment before building or planting.

Zone 6b Woodland Gardens

In hardiness zone 6b, the high organic matter is perfect for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas. Focus your gardening efforts on species that thrive in Missouri's more unique, carbon-rich soil environments.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Crawford County

via LawnByCounty

Unique Challenges for Crawford County Lawns

Crawford County presents a more challenging environment with a lawn score of 58.6, which falls below the state average of 63.7. Located in Hardiness Zone 6b, the area still outperforms the national median but requires more attention to soil and climate nuances. Success here depends on proactive management and understanding the local soil chemistry.

Moderate Heat but High Growth Potential

With 36 extreme heat days and 3,539 growing degree days, the climate allows for a steady but manageable growing season. Local precipitation data is limited, but regional trends suggest a standard Missouri moisture profile of roughly 43 inches. Homeowners should plan for a robust mowing schedule starting in late April to keep up with the summer surge.

Acidic Soils Require Careful Amendments

Crawford County soil has an acidic pH of 5.75, which is below the ideal range for most turfgrasses. The soil is composed of 13.2% clay and 20.0% sand, and is categorized as subaqueous, indicating it may stay wet longer than usual. You will likely need to apply lime to raise the pH and improve nutrient uptake for a healthier, greener lawn.

Resilience During Extended Dry Periods

The county endured 27 weeks of drought in the past year, and every acre is currently marked as abnormally dry. Because the soil can be prone to poor drainage, it is vital to monitor for compaction during these dry periods. Aerating your lawn can help water penetrate the surface and reach the roots when you do irrigate.

Choosing the Best Turf for Crawford

Given the acidic soil and Zone 6b climate, fine fescues or heat-tolerant Kentucky Bluegrass blends are top contenders. Aim to start your projects after the April 26 spring frost or before the first fall frost on October 8. Late summer seeding is ideal here, allowing roots to strengthen before the relatively early arrival of autumn frosts.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Crawford County's county score?
Crawford County, Missouri has a composite county score of 40.7 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 Missouri?
Crawford County ranks #100 among all counties in Missouri 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, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Crawford County is $1,011, with an effective tax rate of 0.61%. This earns Crawford County a tax score of 73.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Crawford County?
The median household income in Crawford County, Missouri is $56,345 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Crawford County earns an income score of 28.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Crawford County, Missouri a good place to live?
Crawford County scores 40.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #100 in Missouri. 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.

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