48.5
County Score
Lawn Care 81.2Soil Quality 74.8Cost of Living 66.8

County Report Card

About Crawford County, Ohio

Slightly Below the National Median

Crawford County holds a composite score of 48.5, placing it just under the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a balance of rural affordability and economic headwind.

Mirroring the Ohio State Average

With a score of 48.5, the county aligns almost perfectly with the Ohio state average of 48.6. It ranks as a middle-of-the-road performer within the state's geography.

Affordable Housing and Low Risk

The county shines in housing affordability with a Cost Score of 66.8 and a median gross rent of just $761. Its Risk Score of 64.8 also indicates high resilience against natural disasters.

Economic and Infrastructure Hurdles

Income levels lag behind the region, reflected in an Income Score of 26.4 and a median household income of $55,477. Residents also face a lower Water Score of 31.9.

A Stable Haven for Budget-Conscious Residents

This county is ideal for individuals or families who prioritize low housing costs and environmental stability. It offers a predictable, low-risk environment for those on fixed incomes or with remote work.

Score breakdown

Tax24.7Cost66.8Safety50.9Health42.4Schools55.6Income26.4Risk64.8Water31.9Weather55.9
🏛24.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠66.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼26.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡50.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
42.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓55.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
64.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧31.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤55.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨74.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱81.2
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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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 run below national average

At 1.221%, Crawford's effective tax rate sits well below the national median of 1.54%, placing the county in the lower half of U.S. property tax burdens. The median property tax here is $1,509, compared to a national median of $2,690—meaning Crawford homeowners pay roughly 56% less than the typical American.

Crawford ranks mid-pack in Ohio

Crawford's 1.221% effective rate edges above Ohio's state average of 1.148%, positioning the county slightly above the middle of Ohio's 88 counties. The median property tax of $1,509 runs below the state average of $2,145, reflecting both a lower rate and lower home values.

Crawford fits the regional pattern

Crawford neighbors Defiance County (1.117%) and Darke County (0.930%), all operating below the state average. Unlike its more affordable neighbors, Crawford's median home value of $123,600 sits closer to regional norms, making its slightly higher tax rate more noticeable to local homeowners.

What a Crawford homeowner pays

On the median Crawford home valued at $123,600, expect to pay roughly $1,509 per year in property taxes. This breaks down to about $126 per month, or $1,572 annually for mortgaged properties that include escrow taxes.

Your assessment might be too high

Many Ohio homeowners pay more than necessary because their properties are overassessed by county auditors. Crawford residents should request a property tax abatement review—a free process that could lower your annual bill if your home's assessed value exceeds its market value.

Cost of Living in Crawford County

via CostByCounty

Crawford's rent burden beats the nation

Renters in Crawford County spend 16.5% of their income on rent, slightly above the national average despite earning $19,278 less per year than the typical American household. At $761 per month, Crawford's median rent is 13% cheaper than the national typical, making it an affordable option for budget-conscious households.

Mid-pack in Ohio affordability stakes

Crawford County's 16.5% rent-to-income ratio ranks above Ohio's state average of 15.6%, placing it in the middle tier of affordability across the state's counties. Renters here pay $112 less monthly than the state median rent of $873, offering modest savings compared to peers statewide.

Competitive with surrounding counties

Crawford's $761 rent sits between nearby Darke County ($747) and Defiance County ($826), making it a solidly affordable choice in northwest Ohio. Homeownership is similarly accessible, with a median value of $123,600—the lowest among its regional neighbors.

Housing takes its slice of Crawford budgets

A typical Crawford County renter earning $55,477 annually spends $761 monthly on rent, while homeowners carry $756 in monthly costs with a median home value of $123,600. Together, these costs consume roughly 16.5% of renter income—a manageable share that leaves room for other expenses.

Consider Crawford for value-focused living

If affordability tops your relocation priorities, Crawford County delivers lower rents and home prices than most Ohio neighbors without sacrificing community access. Compare these numbers to your current housing costs—you may find meaningful savings within striking distance of northwest Ohio.

Income & Jobs in Crawford County

via IncomeByCounty

Crawford lags national income mark

Crawford County's median household income of $55,477 falls 25.7% below the national median of $74,755, placing the county in the lower-income tier nationally. This gap suggests residents face greater economic pressures than the typical American household.

Below-average earnings in Ohio

At $55,477, Crawford's median household income ranks below Ohio's state average of $68,101 by nearly $12,600. The county's per capita income of $31,729 also trails the state average of $35,642, indicating structural income challenges.

Crawford's modest income standing

Crawford County ($55,477) earns less than nearby Darke County ($64,654) and Defiance County ($73,615), though slightly more than Fayette County ($60,047). Regional income variation suggests economic disparities across northwest Ohio's communities.

Affordable housing, tight household budgets

With a rent-to-income ratio of 16.5%, housing costs consume a manageable share of household income—below the 30% affordability threshold. However, the modest median income of $55,477 leaves limited room for savings, healthcare, and other essentials after rent.

Building financial resilience matters

Crawford residents earning $55,477 can strengthen their financial futures through employer retirement plans, modest investments in low-cost index funds, and emergency savings targets. Even small monthly contributions compound over time and create a buffer against income shocks.

Safety in Crawford County

via CrimeByCounty

Crawford County's Safety Profile

Crawford County reports a total crime rate of 1,106.0 per 100,000 residents, which is less than half the national average of 2,385.5. This low rate earns the county a high safety score of 98.3 out of 100. Residents experience significantly lower crime frequencies than the typical American community.

Outperforming State Averages

The county's total crime rate of 1,106.0 per 100,000 sits comfortably below the Ohio state average of 1,412.3. Its safety score of 98.3 also exceeds the state average of 97.8. These figures place Crawford County among the safer regions in the state.

A Regional Safety Leader

Compared to more urbanized neighbors like Cuyahoga, Crawford County's crime rate of 1,106.0 is nearly 60% lower. While nearby rural counties share similar profiles, Crawford maintains a competitive safety score of 98.3. This stability reflects a consistently low-risk environment for the local population.

Analyzing Violent and Property Crime

Violent crime in Crawford County occurs at a rate of 150.5 per 100,000, well below the national rate of 369.8. Property crime makes up the bulk of local incidents at 955.5 per 100,000. In practical terms, this means most residents will never experience a violent encounter.

Securing Your Crawford Home

While rates are low, the 955.5 property crime rate suggests that basic home security remains a wise investment. Simple steps like motion-sensor lighting and locked entryways help maintain the county's high safety score. Protecting your property ensures Crawford remains one of Ohio's safest places to live.

Health in Crawford County

via HealthByCounty

Crawford falls behind on life expectancy

At 73.4 years, Crawford County residents live nearly 6 years less than the U.S. average of 79.1 years. The county's 22% poor or fair health rating also exceeds the national average of 18%, signaling persistent health challenges that deserve attention.

Below average health ranking in Ohio

Crawford's life expectancy of 73.4 years trails Ohio's state average of 74.8 years by 1.4 years. With nearly one-quarter of residents reporting poor or fair health, the county ranks among the lower-performing counties statewide.

Neighbors show better health trends

Nearby Darke County (75.5 years) and Defiance County (76.2 years) both outpace Crawford's life expectancy significantly. Crawford faces steeper health challenges than most adjacent counties, suggesting local factors may warrant targeted intervention.

Provider shortages limit healthcare access

Crawford has just 36 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—well below the national benchmark of 93 per 100K. With 7.5% of residents uninsured and limited mental health resources, timely healthcare access remains a barrier for many.

Explore health insurance options now

If you're among Crawford's 7.5% uninsured residents, you have options. Visit Healthcare.gov or contact Ohio's Medicaid program to explore coverage that fits your needs and budget.

Schools in Crawford County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Traditional Network of Town and Rural Schools

Crawford County manages 22 public schools across 6 districts, serving a total of 6,113 students. The infrastructure includes 8 elementary, 5 middle, and 8 high schools that form the backbone of the community.

High Graduation Rates Outpace State Benchmarks

The county achieves an 88.8% graduation rate, surpassing the state average of 88.3% and the national mark of 87.0%. While per-pupil spending of $8,251 is higher than the state average, the 55.6 composite school score indicates competitive performance.

Galion City Leads the County Education System

Galion City is the largest district, managing 5 schools and 1,649 students. Unlike many neighboring regions, Crawford County maintains zero charter schools, keeping the educational focus entirely on traditional local districts.

Small-Scale Learning in a Rural Atmosphere

With 14 of its 22 schools in rural locales, the county offers an intimate average school size of 291 students. Wynford Elementary is the largest campus with 608 students, providing a more personal feel than large urban centers.

Plant Roots Near High-Performing Crawford Schools

Steady academic results and small class sizes make Crawford County a strong choice for families. Explore local listings to find a residence near these community-focused school districts.

Disaster Risk in Crawford County

via RiskByCounty

Crawford County's disaster risk profile

Crawford County scores 35.24 on the composite risk scale, earning a 'Very Low' rating—well below the national average. This places the county among Ohio's safer communities when it comes to natural disaster vulnerability overall.

Safest risks in Ohio's northwest

At 35.24, Crawford County's risk score sits significantly lower than Ohio's state average of 55.03. The county ranks favorably compared to most Ohio counties, reflecting relatively modest exposure across multiple hazard types.

Comparison with surrounding counties

Crawford County's risk profile (35.24) is comparable to nearby Defiance County (41.89) and considerably lower than neighboring Delaware County (78.75). Among its peer counties in northwest Ohio, Crawford remains one of the lowest-risk areas.

Earthquakes and floods pose greatest threats

Earthquake risk (52.00) and flood risk (51.91) represent Crawford County's most significant natural disaster concerns. While both scores remain moderate in absolute terms, tornado risk (42.05) is the third area residents should monitor, though it ranks lower than state averages.

Secure your property against water damage

Given flood and earthquake risks, homeowners should prioritize comprehensive flood insurance and ensure their property is properly grounded and braced. Standard homeowners policies don't cover flood damage, making a separate flood policy essential protection for Crawford County residents.

Weather & Climate in Crawford County

via WeatherByCounty

Classic Midwestern Climate

Crawford County averages 51.2°F, which is slightly below the national median. It experiences a typical humid continental pattern with significant seasonal shifts in both temperature and snow.

Slightly Brisk for Ohio

The county is slightly cooler than the Ohio average of 51.5°F. While its temperature is lower, it receives 40.8 inches of precipitation, making it slightly drier than the state average.

Snowier Than Its Neighbors

Crawford sees 24.6 inches of snow, which is significantly higher than Clark or Butler counties. It shares a nearly identical annual temperature with Champaign County but experiences more intense winter weather.

Cold Winters and Snowy Peaks

Winter is the defining season here, with a January average of 26.7°F and nearly 25 inches of snow. Summers are moderate, featuring 16 days of 90°F heat and a July average of 73.5°F.

Heavy Duty Snow Prep

Residents should invest in high-quality snow blowers or plowing services to handle the 24.6 inches of accumulation. The cold 29.3°F winter average makes home weatherization and insulation a critical investment.

Soil Quality in Crawford County

via SoilByCounty

Silt Loam Alfisols of Crawford County

Crawford’s silt loam soils belong to the Alfisols order and feature a pH of 5.99. This is slightly more acidic than the national median of 6.5 but sits right at the Ohio state average.

A Balanced Silt-Heavy Mix

The ground consists of 51.5% silt, 24.5% sand, and 20.8% clay. This balanced mix ensures the soil is easy to work while retaining enough clay to hold onto vital nutrients for crops.

Superior Organic Matter and Capacity

With 5.26% organic matter, the county exceeds both the state average of 4.85% and the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.203 in/in is also higher than the state mean, indicating excellent growing potential.

Managing Slow Water Infiltration

Classified as moderately well drained, these soils fall into hydrologic group D. This suggests slow infiltration rates, meaning farmers and builders should plan for managed runoff during heavy rains.

Hardy Crops in Zone 6a

Crawford County is in hardiness zone 6a, where the rich silt loam supports robust corn and soybean yields. Gardeners can take advantage of the high water capacity to grow a wide variety of cool-season vegetables.

Lawn Care in Crawford County

via LawnByCounty

Crawford County's High-Performing Lawns

With a lawn difficulty score of 81.2, Crawford is significantly easier to maintain than the national median of 50.0 and exceeds the state average of 76.0. The county sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a, providing a stable environment for traditional cool-season grasses.

Reliable Rainfall and Moderate Heat

The county receives 40.8 inches of annual precipitation, which is nearly perfect for the 3,239 growing degree days recorded each year. While there are 16 extreme heat days annually, the climate generally supports a consistent mowing schedule from late April to October.

Silt Loam Soil Essentials

The local soil has a pH of 5.99, which is just slightly below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for nutrient absorption. This moderately well-drained silt loam contains 20.8% clay, meaning homeowners should watch for compaction during heavy spring rains.

Exceptional Resistance to Drought

Crawford County experienced only 7 weeks of drought over the past year and currently remains 99.1% drought-free. To maintain this resilience, use deep, infrequent watering to encourage the strong root systems required for zone 6a.

Growing Success in Zone 6a

Tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass are the recommended choices for this climate and soil profile. Aim to start your seeding projects after the last spring frost on April 26 to take full advantage of the upcoming growing season.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Crawford County's county score?
Crawford County, Ohio has a composite county score of 48.5 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 Ohio?
Crawford County ranks #47 among all counties in Ohio 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, Ohio?
The median annual property tax in Crawford County is $1,509, with an effective tax rate of 1.22%. This earns Crawford County a tax score of 24.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Crawford County?
The median household income in Crawford County, Ohio is $55,477 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Crawford County earns an income score of 26.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Crawford County, Ohio a good place to live?
Crawford County scores 48.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #47 in Ohio. 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.