countyscore
46.1
County Score
Schools 83.4Lawn Care 79.8Health 72.1

County Report Card

About Crawford County, Wisconsin

Below the National Benchmark

Crawford County’s composite score of 46.1 puts it below the 50.0 national median. While housing is more affordable than in many parts of the country, local tax and safety hurdles impact its overall ranking.

Competing Within the State

The county scores 46.1 compared to the Wisconsin state average of 50.3. It differentiates itself from neighbors through an exceptionally high investment in public education quality.

Top-Tier Schools and Housing Value

Education is a major draw here, reflected in a stellar school score of 83.4. Housing also remains accessible with a cost score of 57.3, supported by a median gross rent of only $809 per month.

Taxes and Safety Impact Rankings

The tax score of 8.7 is the lowest in the region, fueled by an effective tax rate of 1.638%. Safety is another concern, with a score of 15.9 indicating higher relative risk than many surrounding rural areas.

A Budget-Friendly Choice for Students

Crawford County is an excellent match for families who prioritize public school excellence and low housing costs. It appeals to those willing to navigate a higher tax burden in exchange for high-quality education.

Score breakdown

Tax8.7Cost57.3Safety15.9Health72.1Schools83.4Income49.6Risk53.8Water21.1Weather52.2
🏛8.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠57.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼49.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡15.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤72.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓83.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡53.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧21.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤52.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨63.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱79.8
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

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Grant 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 tops national and state averages

Crawford County's 1.638% effective tax rate significantly exceeds both the national median of 1.436% and Wisconsin's state average of 1.436%. At $2,868 annually, the median tax bill runs nearly $180 above the national median, making Crawford among the nation's higher-taxed counties.

Crawford ranks among Wisconsin's highest

Crawford County's 1.638% effective rate stands well above Wisconsin's 1.436% average, positioning it among the state's highest-taxed counties. The median tax of $2,868 also exceeds the state median of $3,081, reflecting a demanding local tax environment.

Crawford carries the regional tax burden

Crawford's 1.638% rate is the highest in the immediate region, outpacing Chippewa at 1.159% and Clark at 1.506%. Even with a lower median home value of $175,100 compared to regional neighbors, Crawford residents face above-average effective tax rates.

What your annual tax bill looks like

A homeowner with Crawford County's median $175,100 home pays approximately $2,868 per year in property taxes. With a mortgage, the bill reaches $2,981; without one, it settles at $2,769—a steep cost relative to home value.

You might be overassessed

Crawford County's higher tax rate makes assessment accuracy especially important; even small valuation errors compound into substantial annual costs. Request a formal reassessment if your home's tax value hasn't been updated recently—many overassessed properties yield refunds upon appeal.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Crawford County

via CostByCounty

Crawford stretches tight household budgets

Crawford County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.3% exceeds the national average, with median household income of $63,496 among the lowest in this group. Though median rent is a modest $809 monthly, this smaller income base means housing absorbs a larger share of Crawford household earnings.

Affordability challenged by lower incomes

Crawford's 15.3% rent-to-income ratio surpasses Wisconsin's 14.9% average despite having the second-lowest median rent in this county set. The county's affordability challenges stem primarily from lower household incomes rather than high housing costs.

Cheap rent, but tight paychecks

Crawford's $809 median rent ranks second-lowest here, beaten only by Clark County's $786. However, Crawford's median income of $63,496 is the lowest in this cohort, making housing cost burden relatively heavier despite modest rents.

Housing claims 32% of household income

Crawford residents spend roughly $809 on rent or $804 on mortgage costs—totaling about 32% of the $63,496 median household income. This leaves Crawford households with the least discretionary income among these counties, straining ability to cover healthcare, childcare, and unexpected expenses.

Consider Crawford only with stable employment

Crawford's low housing costs ($809 rent, $175,100 median home value) appeal to budget-conscious relocators, but the lower median income of $63,496 suggests moving here requires securing above-average local wages. Comparing Crawford's tight margins to higher-income neighbors like Columbia or Dane highlights the importance of job prospects before relocating.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Crawford County

via IncomeByCounty

Crawford Lags National Income Standards

Crawford County's median household income of $63,496 falls $11,259 below the national median of $74,755, placing it in the lower income quartile nationally. This gap reflects Crawford's rural character and limited access to high-wage employment sectors.

Among Wisconsin's Lowest Earners

At $63,496, Crawford County households earn $8,219 less than Wisconsin's state average of $71,715, ranking it in the state's lowest income tier. The shortfall signals limited wage growth opportunities and workforce challenges specific to this southwestern Wisconsin county.

Crawford Underperforms Peer Counties

Crawford's $63,496 median ranks lowest among these eight counties, trailing even Clark County ($66,250) and well behind Columbia County ($82,792). The county's rural economy offers fewer high-wage jobs than neighbors to the north and east.

Housing Costs Squeeze Budgets

With a rent-to-income ratio of 15.3%, Crawford households dedicate significant earnings to rent, though this remains below the 30% stress threshold. The median home value of $175,100 is affordable on paper but represents a larger share of median household income than in wealthier counties.

Strategic Wealth-Building for Crawford

Crawford County households earning $63,496 must prioritize disciplined budgeting and long-term wealth strategies to build financial security. Focus on education and skill development to increase earning potential, maximize employer retirement benefits, and explore down payment assistance for homeownership.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Crawford County

via CrimeByCounty

Crawford County Safety and National Trends

Crawford County's total crime rate of 2,325.9 per 100k nearly mirrors the national average of 2,385.5. This activity results in a safety score of 96.3 out of 100.

Safety Ranking Within Wisconsin

Local safety metrics trail behind the Wisconsin average safety score of 98.3. The county's total crime rate is more than double the state average of 1,103.1 per 100k.

Regional Safety in the Driftless Area

While Crawford's crime rate is higher than Columbia's 792.8, it remains lower than Chippewa’s 3,314.5. Two reporting agencies manage the safety data for this riverfront community.

Property vs Violent Crime Breakdown

Property crimes at 2,121.2 per 100k are the primary concern for local law enforcement. Conversely, the violent crime rate of 204.7 is much lower than the national benchmark of 369.8.

Effective Deterrents for Your Property

With property crime being the main focus, home security systems provide essential peace of mind. Residents should ensure windows and doors are reinforced to deter potential intruders.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Crawford County

via HealthByCounty

Crawford exceeds national health

At 78.7 years, Crawford's life expectancy beats the U.S. average of 76.4 years by 2.3 years, and its 17.9% poor/fair health rate edges below the national 18%. The county's 7.0% uninsured rate aligns perfectly with Wisconsin's average, ensuring broad coverage.

Above-average Wisconsin health

Crawford ranks above Wisconsin's 77.8-year state average and matches the state's 7.0% uninsured rate, demonstrating solid health infrastructure and coverage parity. The county's outcomes reflect consistent access and community health engagement.

Peer-leading provider access

Crawford's 78.7-year life expectancy ranks near the top of its region, and at 75 primary care providers per 100K, the county offers some of the best access among rural neighbors. Mental health support at 119 per 100K provides solid behavioral health resources.

Strong access across sectors

Crawford residents enjoy 75 primary care providers and 119 mental health providers per 100K—well-resourced for a rural county—and the 7.0% uninsured rate means nearly everyone has a healthcare home. This combination supports preventive care and early intervention.

Crawford's coverage works—join in

With 93% of Crawford residents covered, the county has built strong health equity; if you're in the 7% uninsured, enrollment through the marketplace or BadgerCare+ extends your access to primary and preventive care. Get started at healthcare.gov today.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Crawford County

via SchoolsByCounty

Intimate Learning in Crawford County

Crawford County operates a focused educational network of 14 public schools serving 1,902 total students. This system is managed by four districts and includes 5 elementary, 3 middle, and 5 high schools. One alternative school provides additional support for students requiring non-traditional pathways.

Elite Graduation Rates and High Investment

Crawford County excels with a 94.8% graduation rate, nearly 8% higher than the national average. The county invests $9,402 per pupil, which is significantly higher than the state average of $8,113. This commitment to funding is reflected in a high composite school score of 61.2, placing it among the top regional performers.

Prairie du Chien Anchors the County

The Prairie du Chien Area School District is the largest provider, with five schools and 986 students. One charter school operates within the county, representing 7.1% of the local educational institutions. Smaller districts like Wauzeka-Steuben and Seneca Area provide highly personalized instruction for fewer than 300 students each.

Small Schools with Big Impact

The average school size in Crawford County is just 136 students, ensuring a high degree of individual attention. Ten of the 14 schools are in rural settings, with the largest being Prairie du Chien High at 322 students. This rural and town mix creates a safe, community-focused atmosphere where every student is known by name.

Find Your Community in the River Valley

For families seeking small class sizes and exceptional academic results, Crawford County is a standout choice. The high per-pupil investment and top-tier graduation rates offer peace of mind for parents moving to the area. Explore homes near Prairie du Chien or the scenic rural districts to enjoy this high standard of learning.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Crawford County

via RiskByCounty

Crawford's risk well below state average

Crawford County scores 46.22, earning the lowest composite risk rating of Relatively Low and sitting well below Wisconsin's state average of 59.08. This places Crawford among the safer counties nationally for natural disaster exposure.

Wisconsin's safest county profile

Crawford County ranks as one of Wisconsin's lowest-risk counties for natural disasters, with a composite score of 46.22 that puts it in the bottom tier of vulnerability statewide. Few Wisconsin counties enjoy lower disaster risk than Crawford.

Safest in its region by far

Crawford County (46.22) faces substantially lower risk than Door County (46.88) and dramatically less than Columbia County (81.42) or Dane County (93.86). This southwestern Wisconsin location enjoys genuine protection from the hazard patterns that threaten other parts of the state.

Flood and tornado risks remain modest

Crawford's tornado risk reaches 58.43 and flood risk stands at 56.11—both moderate but the county's primary concerns. Wildfire (13.93), earthquake (19.94), and hurricane (8.14) risks all remain low, creating a relatively balanced hazard profile.

Standard coverage protects most Crawford homes

With moderate flood and tornado risks as the main threats, Crawford residents can often rely on standard homeowners insurance for basic protection. However, consider a flood policy rider since even moderate flood risk can cause significant damage, and standard policies exclude flood coverage.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Crawford County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmest tier in the state

At 47.1°F, Crawford County's annual average temperature is one of the highest in Wisconsin. While still 7 degrees below the national median, it offers a relatively temperate environment for the region.

Exceeding state temperature norms

The county averages 47.1°F, which is nearly three degrees warmer than the Wisconsin average of 44.4°F. This makes Crawford one of the warmest counties in the entire state.

Warmer and drier than Dane

Crawford County is warmer than Dane County to the east by half a degree. It also sees less annual snowfall at 35.8 inches, compared to the heavier totals found further north and east.

Toasty summers and manageable snow

July averages hit 72.5°F, supported by 10 days of extreme heat above 90°F. Winter is milder than most of the state, with snowfall limited to 35.8 inches annually.

Summer comfort is key

The warm 70.6°F summer average and frequent 90°F days necessitate efficient cooling systems. Snow removal is less of a burden here than in northern counties, but 17.8°F January lows still require robust heating.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Crawford County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral and Silt-Rich Driftless Soils

Crawford County boasts a relatively high pH of 6.18, nearing the national median of 6.5 and exceeding the state average of 5.63. While specific taxonomic orders aren't recorded here, the soil's chemistry is more welcoming to sensitive crops than much of the state. This provides a versatile foundation for the county's varied topography.

The Power of Silt in the Soil

Silt dominates the profile at 49.6%, supported by 36.0% sand and 14.0% clay. This high silt content makes the soil feel smooth and floury, offering excellent nutrient-holding capacity. However, silt-heavy soils can be prone to erosion, especially on the steep slopes common to this region.

Efficient Water Storage with Lean Matter

The soil contains 2.66% organic matter, which is above the national average of 2.0% but quite low compared to Wisconsin's 11.02% average. Despite this, the available water capacity of 0.189 in/in remains competitive with state levels. This means the soil is efficient at delivering water to plants even with less organic bulk.

Natural Water Management

With a silt-heavy composition, the county generally manages water through steady absorption and moderate drainage. Although specific hydrologic groups are not listed, the 14.0% clay content helps prevent the soil from drying out too quickly. These traits support the county's productive pastures and hillside orchards.

Orchards and Gardens in Zone 5a

Zone 5a's climate combined with silt-rich soil is perfect for growing apples, grapes, and hardy perennials. The moderate pH means you can grow most vegetables without heavy liming. Grab some seeds and take advantage of Crawford's unique driftless landscape to start your own food plot.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Crawford County

via LawnByCounty

Lawn Care Excellence in Crawford

With a lawn difficulty score of 79.8, Crawford County is one of the most favorable spots in Wisconsin for maintaining a beautiful yard. It sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a, benefiting from a milder climate compared to the northern reaches of the state. This score is nearly 30 points higher than the national median, indicating a very low-effort environment.

Optimal Growth Conditions

The county enjoys 37.3 inches of rain annually and 2,800 growing degree days, the highest growth energy on this list. While 10 extreme heat days occur annually, the abundant precipitation usually offsets the thermal stress. This combination leads to rapid grass growth that may require mowing more than once a week during peak spring.

Balanced and Stable Soils

A soil pH of 6.18 falls right in the sweet spot for nutrient uptake, minimizing the need for expensive amendments. The soil structure consists of 14.0% clay and 36.0% sand, providing a stable foundation that resists excessive leaching. This natural balance supports healthy microbial activity, keeping your lawn vibrant with standard fertilization.

Top-Tier Drought Resilience

Crawford County is remarkably resilient, with only 6 weeks of drought over the past year and just 20.8% of the area currently dry. This is far better than the state average, meaning you can often rely on natural rainfall to keep your yard green. On the rare dry weeks, a single deep soaking will keep your lawn looking pristine.

Early Start for Southern Wisconsin

The growing season begins early with the last frost typically occurring by April 28, and it lasts until mid-October. Zone 5a favorites like Kentucky Bluegrass and Turf-Type Tall Fescue thrive in this environment. Take advantage of the long window by seeding in early May to ensure a thick, weed-resistant carpet before the winter.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Crawford County's county score?
Crawford County, Wisconsin has a composite county score of 46.1 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 Wisconsin?
Crawford County ranks #55 among all counties in Wisconsin 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, Wisconsin?
The median annual property tax in Crawford County is $2,868, with an effective tax rate of 1.64%. This earns Crawford County a tax score of 8.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Crawford County?
The median household income in Crawford County, Wisconsin is $63,496 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Crawford County earns an income score of 49.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Crawford County, Wisconsin a good place to live?
Crawford County scores 46.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #55 in Wisconsin. 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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🏛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.