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Crawford County, Pennsylvania — County Report Card

PA

#36 in Pennsylvania

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
52.4
County Score
Schools 85.5Safety 62.3Cost of Living 61

County Report Card

About Crawford County, Pennsylvania

Meeting National Standards

Crawford County's composite score of 52.4 sits slightly above the national median of 50.0. It provides a quality of life that is competitive with the broader American landscape.

Aligning with State Averages

The county's score of 52.4 is nearly identical to the Pennsylvania state average of 51.8. It represents a typical but solid Pennsylvanian experience for its residents.

Exceptional Schools and Affordability

The county achieves an elite School Score of 85.5, one of the highest in the region. Housing remains very accessible, featuring a Cost Score of 61.0 and a median home value of $143,400.

Tax Burdens and Water Quality

Crawford faces difficulty with a very low Tax Score of 14.8 and a Water Score of 21.2. The effective tax rate of 1.464% is higher than many of its statewide peers.

A Strong Choice for Education

Crawford County is ideal for families who place top-tier public education at the top of their list. It offers a high academic standard paired with affordable housing for those who can navigate the local tax structure.

Score breakdown

Tax14.8Cost61Safety62.3Health48.8Schools85.5Income39.9Risk24Water21.2Weather59.5
🏛14.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠61
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼39.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡62.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤48.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓85.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡24
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧21.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤59.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨49.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱60.7
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's rate exceeds national average

Crawford County's 1.464% effective tax rate ranks above both Pennsylvania's state average of 1.317% and the national median of 1.58%, making it a higher-tax county nationally. The median property tax of $2,099 reflects lower home values offsetting the higher rate.

Crawford ranks in Pennsylvania's upper tier

Crawford County's 1.464% effective rate places it among Pennsylvania's higher-tax counties, exceeding the state average of 1.317% by 11 percentage points. Despite lower median home values, the effective rate drives total tax burden above typical.

Crawford charges more than similar counties

Crawford County's 1.464% rate significantly exceeds nearby Clearfield (1.190%), Clinton (1.143%), and Columbia (1.138%), all similarly sized counties in the region. Even with homes worth roughly $143,400 versus $125,000-$199,000 in neighboring counties, Crawford's rate is notably higher.

Median homeowner pays $2,099 annually

On a median home value of $143,400, Crawford County homeowners pay approximately $2,099 in annual property taxes at the county's 1.464% effective rate. With a mortgage, taxes rise to $2,315; without one, they drop to $1,859.

Verify your assessment in high-tax county

In higher-tax counties like Crawford, the potential savings from correcting an overassessment are even greater, potentially saving $300-500 annually. File an appeal with Crawford County's assessment office if you believe your property is valued above its fair market worth.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Crawford County

via CostByCounty

Crawford keeps housing costs in balance

At 15.9%, Crawford County's rent-to-income ratio sits just below the national norm, offering renters reasonable housing affordability relative to the rest of the country. With median rent at $800 per month and household income at $60,254, residents enjoy slightly cheaper housing than the state average despite earning below the national median of $74,755.

Below Pennsylvania's affordability average

Crawford County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.9% runs favorably against Pennsylvania's state average of 16.5%, marking it as one of the more affordable counties in the state. The $800 monthly rent trails the state median by $160, providing meaningful budget relief for renters.

Competitive with Clearfield, beats most others

Crawford's $800 rent nearly matches Clearfield at $788 and slightly undercuts Clinton at $815, while costing significantly less than Columbia at $904. The county's 15.9% rent-to-income ratio ranks favorably among regional peers, second only to Elk County's exceptional 13.5%.

Housing costs align with income realities

Renters allocate roughly 16% of the $60,254 median household income to the $800 monthly rent, while homeowners spend about 15% on mortgage payments averaging $764 on homes valued at $143,400. Both renters and owners maintain reasonable housing-cost ratios here.

Crawford suits budget-conscious relocators

If affordability tops your relocation priorities, Crawford rivals Clearfield and beats most of Pennsylvania; rents hover around $800 and homes average $143,400. Compare it to nearby Elk County for an even better deal, or evaluate whether you need the slightly higher amenities Columbia offers at premium pricing.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Crawford County

via IncomeByCounty

Crawford trails the national income mark

Crawford County's median household income of $60,254 lags the national median of $74,755 by $14,501, a 19.4% gap. This places Crawford squarely in the lower-income tier among U.S. counties. Regional dependence on declining manufacturing and agriculture explains the persistent wage gap with national averages.

Below-average earner in Pennsylvania

Crawford County's $60,254 median household income sits $9,360 below Pennsylvania's state average of $69,614, placing it in the lower-middle tier statewide. Per capita income of $31,919 similarly lags the state average of $37,407. These metrics suggest Crawford faces economic headwinds shared across rural Pennsylvania.

Nearly tied with Clearfield, below peers

Crawford's $60,254 is nearly identical to Clearfield County ($60,181), but trails Columbia ($61,992) and Elk ($64,103) by meaningful margins. Clinton County ($58,842) is the only neighbor earning less. This tight clustering across the northwest reveals an economically homogeneous region facing similar structural challenges.

Low rent burden supports affordability

Crawford's 15.9% rent-to-income ratio is among the lowest in this county sample, translating to roughly $800 monthly rent on average. The median home value of $143,400 is highly accessible relative to household income, making homeownership feasible for many residents. These affordability advantages provide crucial financial breathing room.

Build equity through aggressive saving

Crawford residents should capitalize on low housing costs by aggressively funding savings and retirement accounts while wages remain stable. Consider purchasing a home to lock in affordable equity, then redirect rental equivalents into diversified investments. Over 15–20 years, even modest monthly contributions compound into substantial wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Crawford County

via CrimeByCounty

Crawford County remains safer than national average

Crawford County's total crime rate of 871.6 per 100,000 is less than half the national average of 2,385.5. This translates to a high safety score of 98.6 out of 100. Local law enforcement agencies maintain a secure environment for the county's residents.

Staying ahead of state crime averages

The county's safety score of 98.6 is slightly better than the Pennsylvania state average of 98.5. Crawford’s total crime rate of 871.6 also beats the state average of 932.4 per 100,000. It remains a reliable choice for families looking for above-average security in the state.

Comparing safety in the northwest region

Crawford County shows a total crime rate of 871.6, which is nearly identical to neighboring Elk County at 874.2. Both counties represent a regional pocket of safety that outperforms the broader national landscape. These similar rates suggest consistent public safety trends across the local area.

Understanding Crawford's local crime trends

Violent crime stands at 128.8 per 100,000, well below the national average of 369.8. Property crime is more prevalent at 742.8 per 100,000 but still trails the national property crime rate of 2,015.7. Residents deal mostly with non-violent incidents rather than serious threats.

Investing in home security awareness

Protecting your property is the best way to contribute to Crawford County's safety. Consider installing visible security cameras to discourage theft, which is the most common crime type in the area. Simple deterrents keep local neighborhoods quiet and secure.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Crawford County

via HealthByCounty

Crawford struggles with coverage and longevity

At 75.5 years, Crawford County's life expectancy falls nearly 1 full year below the U.S. average of 76.4 years, while its 19.2% poor/fair health rate signals persistent wellness challenges. The county's 10.0% uninsured rate—the highest among these eight counties—compounds access barriers.

Worst coverage rate in Pennsylvania's cohort

Crawford's 75.5-year life expectancy trails Pennsylvania's 76.4-year average, placing it in the lower tier of state counties. Most concerning, its 10.0% uninsured rate significantly exceeds the state average of 7.0%, meaning roughly 4,700 Crawford residents lack health coverage.

Regional leader in uninsured residents

Crawford's 10.0% uninsured rate far exceeds all nearby counties, including Clearfield (6.4%) and Elk (6.0%), reflecting deeper economic or systemic barriers. At 61 primary care providers per 100,000, Crawford leads in physical provider access but fails to translate that into better coverage or longevity.

Coverage crisis masks provider availability

Though Crawford offers 61 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the highest in this cohort—nearly 1 in 10 residents cannot access their care due to lack of insurance. The gap suggests affordability, not availability, is the core barrier to health care in Crawford.

Crawford urgently needs coverage action

Nearly 4,700 Crawford County residents have no health insurance, the highest rate in this region and a crisis requiring immediate attention. Call 1-800-MEDICARE, visit Healthcare.gov, or contact Crawford County's health department today—Medicaid, CHIP, and marketplace plans can cover your family.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Crawford County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Balanced System of 26 Public Schools

Crawford County supports 9,293 students through 26 schools operated by 5 local districts. The system features a strong primary foundation with 14 elementary schools alongside 4 middle and 8 high schools.

Exceptional Graduation Rates in Crawford

The 94.3% graduation rate is a county highlight, far exceeding the national average of 87%. Districts invest $10,125 per pupil, which closely aligns with the Pennsylvania state average and yields a school score of 62.5.

Crawford Central and Penncrest Drive Enrollment

Crawford Central SD is the largest district, managing 8 schools for 3,123 students. Penncrest and Titusville Area districts also serve significant populations, contributing to a system with zero charter schools.

Small, Community-Focused Learning Environments

With an average school size of just 357 students, the county offers an intimate educational experience. The landscape is split evenly between 13 town and 13 rural schools, with Meadville Area Senior High serving as the largest campus at 765 students.

High Success Rates for Local Homebuyers

For families looking for top-tier graduation stats, Crawford County is a premier Pennsylvania destination. Homes in the Meadville or Titusville areas offer proximity to some of the region's largest and most successful secondary schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Crawford County

via RiskByCounty

Crawford faces elevated national risk

At 76.02, Crawford's composite risk score exceeds the national median, placing it in the higher risk quartile of U.S. counties while maintaining a Relatively Low rating. The county's vulnerability stems primarily from significant flood and tornado exposure, compounded by notable wildfire and earthquake concerns.

Higher risk than most Pennsylvania peers

Crawford's 76.02 score runs about 8.5 points above Pennsylvania's state average of 67.45, ranking it among the state's more hazard-exposed counties. Only the southern tier counties—particularly those in the central and southeastern regions—consistently exceed Crawford's risk levels.

Northwestern hazard concentration point

Crawford (76.02) faces notably higher composite risk than nearby Clinton County (51.78) and Clearfield County (67.11), making it the riskier anchor in its region. The county's northwestern location brings elevated tornado and flood potential compared to more sheltered areas of the state.

Flooding and tornadoes demand preparation

Flood risk reaches 87.18, the county's most severe hazard exposure, while tornado risk of 52.48 significantly exceeds state averages. Together, these two hazards create a weather pattern that can produce both sustained precipitation events and severe convective storms.

Flood coverage is non-negotiable here

With flood risk at 87.18, acquiring a National Flood Insurance Program policy should be your immediate priority—standard homeowners insurance will not cover water damage. Tornado risk of 52.48 also makes it wise to strengthen your home's roof attachment and consider a safe room or reinforced shelter area.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Crawford County

via WeatherByCounty

Defined by lake-effect weather

Crawford County averages 47.9°F annually, placing it among the cooler regions in the United States. Its proximity to Lake Erie dictates a humid continental climate with intense winter activity.

Colder than most of Pennsylvania

At 47.9°F, Crawford sits two degrees below the state average of 49.9°F. It is characterized by much higher snowfall totals than the central and eastern parts of the state.

The snow leader of the region

Crawford’s 81.5 inches of snow dwarfs the 63.0 inches seen in Clearfield and the 59.4 inches in Elk. While temperatures are similar to Clearfield, the lake-effect moisture creates a much harsher winter environment.

Extreme snow and low heat

Winters are dominated by 81.5 inches of snowfall and a 27.0°F average. Summers are very mild, with only 3 days per year reaching 90°F, the lowest heat frequency in the region.

Prioritize heavy winter equipment

Residents must own reliable snow removal tools and winter tires to navigate the frequent lake-effect storms. Low summer heat means air conditioning is a secondary concern for most households.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Crawford County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Northern Tier Soils

Crawford County soils have a pH of 5.08, falling slightly below the state average of 5.22. This acidic profile is much lower than the national median of 6.5, making it well-suited for woodland species.

Silty Soils over Bedrock

The composition is 47.9% silt, 25.0% sand, and 14.1% clay, though bedrock is the dominant structural feature. The high silt content gives the soil a smooth, floury feel when dry and aids in moisture retention.

Superior Moisture Storage

With an available water capacity of 0.169 in/in, this soil outperforms the state average for moisture retention. It also holds 10.74% organic matter, ensuring a steady supply of nutrients for local plant life.

Hydrology Shaped by Silt

While formal drainage classes are not listed, the high silt and organic content suggest the ground stays moist for long periods. Gardeners should plan for beds that take advantage of this consistent water availability.

Cold-Hardy Varieties in 6a

Hardiness zone 6a is perfect for growing potatoes, berries, and brassicas. Your soil’s exceptional water capacity means your garden will be more resilient against summer heatwaves.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Crawford County

via LawnByCounty

Strong Growing Conditions in Crawford

Crawford County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 60.7, indicating it is easier to grow grass here than in much of the state. This Zone 6a county benefits from a climate that is very friendly to cool-season turf.

Ample Rain and Few Heat Waves

With only 3 extreme heat days per year, your lawn stays cool and green longer into the summer. The 44.4 inches of annual precipitation and 2,502 growing degree days provide nearly ideal conditions for consistent mowing and growth.

Overcoming Shallow Bedrock Soils

The soil pH of 5.08 is acidic, which can lock out vital nutrients like phosphorus and potassium. Because the local texture includes bedrock, you may face shallow root zones that require more frequent, light fertilization.

Reliable Moisture Trends

Crawford is currently the most resilient in this group, with only 13.0% of the area classified as abnormally dry. The county saw 17 weeks of drought last year, which is lower than many other regions in the state.

Maximizing the Crawford Season

Kentucky Bluegrass thrives here thanks to the lack of extreme heat. Start your seeding projects between the May 4 frost date and the October 16 first frost to ensure your lawn establishes before winter.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Crawford County's county score?
Crawford County, Pennsylvania has a composite county score of 52.4 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 Pennsylvania?
Crawford County ranks #36 among all counties in Pennsylvania 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, Pennsylvania?
The median annual property tax in Crawford County is $2,099, with an effective tax rate of 1.46%. This earns Crawford County a tax score of 14.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Crawford County?
The median household income in Crawford County, Pennsylvania is $60,254 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Crawford County earns an income score of 39.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Crawford County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Crawford County scores 52.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #36 in Pennsylvania. 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.