countyscore
64.6
County Score
Disaster Risk 84Soil Quality 81.7Property Tax 80.7

County Report Card

About Crook County, Wyoming

Far Exceeding National Averages

Crook County boasts a composite score of 64.6, significantly outperforming the national median of 50.0. It ranks among the most livable counties in the country.

A Wyoming Leader in Quality

Crook's score of 64.6 is much higher than the Wyoming average of 56.5. It sets a high bar for the state in education and environmental safety.

Elite Schools and Low Risk

The county excels with a risk score of 84.0 and an impressive school score of 80.6. Tax benefits are also strong, with an effective rate of only 0.550%.

Low Water and Housing Affordability

Water quality is the primary drawback, scoring just 25.6 on the index. The cost of living also remains a hurdle for some, with a dimension score of 39.3.

The Gold Standard for Families

Crook is the ideal location for families who prioritize top-tier education and community safety. It suits residents who want the best for their children in a low-risk environment.

Score breakdown

Tax80.7Cost39.3Safety77Health56.2Schools80.6Income69.3Risk84Water25.6Weather36.8
🏛80.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠39.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼69.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡77
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤56.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓80.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡84
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧25.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤36.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨81.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱54.2
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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Counties with similar scores

San Miguel County
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Smith County
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Median income: $57,024
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Sweet Grass County
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Washakie County
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Lyon County
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Carroll County
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Traill County
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Marshall County
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Nearby counties

Lawrence County
South Dakota
43.9
Butte County
South Dakota
43.5
Weston County
Wyoming
59.2
Campbell County
Wyoming
46.4
Carter County
Montana
72.6
Powder River County
Montana
67.7
Harding County
South Dakota
74.8
Custer County
South Dakota
50.7

Deep Dives

Crook County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Crook County

via TaxByCounty

Crook's taxes rank among America's lowest

Crook County's effective rate of 0.550% is roughly one-third the national median, making it exceptionally tax-friendly for homeowners. The median property tax of $1,522 is only 57% of the national median of $2,690, despite homes being valued near the national average at $276,800.

Tied for Wyoming's lowest rate

Crook County shares the state's lowest effective tax rate of 0.550% with Campbell County, sitting well below Wyoming's state average of 0.556%. The median tax bill of $1,522 ranks among the state's lowest, reflecting the county's favorable tax environment.

One of the region's most affordable options

Crook County ties Campbell County as the least-taxed in northern Wyoming, beating Big Horn (0.583%), Converse (0.577%), Albany (0.573%), and Carbon County (0.560%). This low rate applies to homes valued at nearly the regional maximum.

Median home costs $1,522 yearly

On Crook County's median home value of $276,800, residents pay approximately $1,522 in annual property taxes—or about $127 per month. With mortgage-related assessments factored in, the total reaches roughly $1,774.

Verify your assessment remains accurate

Even in low-tax Crook County, homeowners should periodically confirm their assessed values match market conditions. A property tax appeal is a straightforward process that could result in meaningful savings if your assessment is too high.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Crook County

via CostByCounty

Crook Edges Below National Average

Crook County renters spend 14.8% of income on rent, just shy of the national average of roughly 13–15%, indicating reasonable affordability. The county's median household income of $71,209 is within 5% of the national median of $74,755, supporting manageable housing-cost ratios.

Above-Average Affordability for Wyoming

Crook's 14.8% rent-to-income ratio ranks below the state average of 15.5%, positioning it among Wyoming's more affordable counties. Rents at $881 monthly fall below the state median of $937, helping offset the county's below-average median income.

Modest Rents, Steeper Home Prices

Crook's $881 rent ranks favorably against most neighbors, undercutting Albany ($936), Campbell ($952), and Converse ($930). However, the median home price of $276,800 is the highest among these eight counties, making ownership less accessible despite favorable rent conditions.

Renters Advantaged; Buyers Face Headwinds

Crook renters allocate $881 monthly, representing 14.8% of the $71,209 median income—an affordable ratio. Homeowners, however, face $966 monthly payments (16.3% of income), making the ownership path steeper here than in peer counties.

Best Bet for Long-Term Renters

Crook County offers Wyoming's lowest rents relative to many neighbors, making it ideal if renting is your preference. However, prospective homebuyers should note the county's elevated property values; renters priced out of ownership elsewhere may find it challenging to transition to home ownership in Crook.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Crook County

via IncomeByCounty

Crook slightly below national average

Crook County's median household income of $71,209 falls about 5% short of the U.S. median of $74,755, representing a $3,546 annual gap. While below national average, Crook's earnings remain competitive compared to many rural American counties.

Lower-middle performer statewide

At $71,209, Crook County trails Wyoming's state median of $73,360 by about $2,150, placing it in the lower-middle range of Wyoming counties. It outperforms five counties but lags Converse and Campbell significantly.

Mid-range earnings in region

Crook County's $71,209 outearns Carbon ($66,721) and Fremont ($64,646) but trails Converse ($79,164) and Campbell ($95,253). It represents steady earning power for northeast Wyoming's ranching and small-town economy.

Rent burden manageable

At 14.8%, Crook's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the 30% threshold, meaning renters spend roughly $879 monthly. This affordability leaves room for other priorities without financial strain.

Steady saving builds security

Crook County's moderate income and reasonable housing costs support disciplined saving and retirement planning. Open a high-yield savings account for emergencies first, then prioritize tax-advantaged retirement contributions to maximize long-term wealth growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Crook County

via CrimeByCounty

Crook County is One of America's Safest

Crook County earns an impressive safety score of 99.1, placing it in the top tier of US counties. Its total crime rate of 551.1 per 100,000 residents is nearly 80% lower than the national average of 2,385.5. Only two reporting agencies handle the low volume of incidents in this rural area.

Outperforming the Wyoming Safety Average

Crook County's safety score of 99.1 beats the Wyoming state average of 98.5. Its total crime rate of 551.1 is significantly lower than the state average of 978.0 per 100,000 people. This makes Crook one of the more peaceful jurisdictions within the state.

A Peaceful Retreat Compared to Campbell

Crook County is vastly safer than its neighbor to the west, Campbell County, which reports a high crime rate of 1,863.1. It also maintains a lower rate than Converse County to the south. Residents here enjoy a level of tranquility that is rare even for Wyoming.

Low Risk Across the Board

Violent crime is extremely rare in Crook County, occurring at a rate of only 41.3 per 100,000. Property crime is also minimal at 509.8, which is a fraction of the national average. These numbers reflect a community where major criminal activity is the exception rather than the rule.

Maintain Your Secure Lifestyle

While crime is low, protecting your property remains a wise investment for long-term peace of mind. Consider basic security measures like motion lights and ensuring all entry points are secure. Being a good neighbor and watching out for each other keeps Crook County's crime rates exceptionally low.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Crook County

via HealthByCounty

Crook County slightly trails national average

At 76.8 years, Crook County's life expectancy edges below the U.S. average of 76.1 years. With 14.9% of residents reporting poor or fair health, the county sits below the national average of 17.3%, suggesting a relatively healthy local population.

Above-average health in Wyoming

Crook County's 76.8-year life expectancy approaches Wyoming's 77.0-year state average, placing it in the upper-middle tier of Wyoming counties. The 14.9% poor/fair health rate ranks among the state's better outcomes, reflecting a relatively healthy population.

Limited providers for rural county

Crook County's 41 primary care providers per 100,000 residents fall below Campbell County's 56 per 100K and Albany County's 80 per 100K, reflecting its smaller population base. Mental health providers at 53 per 100,000 are notably sparse—among the state's lowest—requiring residents to seek care in neighboring areas.

Good health despite rural constraints

Crook County's 14.7% uninsured rate matches the state average, and residents generally enjoy reasonable healthcare access relative to Wyoming's rural counties. However, the county's minimal mental health provider base—just 53 per 100,000—creates gaps in behavioral health services for residents needing specialized care.

Ensure you're covered

About 1 in 7 Crook County residents lack health insurance. Check your coverage status at healthcare.gov and explore available plans today.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Crook County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined Rural Education in Crook County

Crook County operates a focused system of five public schools serving 1,238 students. All schools fall under a single school district, providing a unified educational strategy for the region. The landscape includes two elementary schools, two high schools, and one multi-level 'other' school.

Top-Tier Results with Local Investment

The county achieves a remarkable 92.0% graduation rate, far outperforming the 82.0% state average and 87.0% national benchmark. School spending is also high at $11,960 per pupil, which is over $1,000 more than the state average. This combination results in a superior school score of 65.3.

Unified Success Under District #1

Crook County School District #1 manages all 1,238 students in the county across its five campuses. This centralized management ensures consistent standards and resource distribution without the presence of charter schools. The Moorcroft and Sundance communities serve as the primary hubs for this district's activities.

The Power of a Rural Learning Environment

All five public schools in Crook County are classified as rural, creating a consistent and focused educational atmosphere. Moorcroft Elementary is the largest campus with 334 students, while the Hulett School serves 173 students in a K-12 setting. An average school size of 248 students ensures that no child is lost in the crowd.

Exceptional Outcomes for Families in Crook

With a graduation rate of 92%, Crook County is one of the most attractive regions for education-minded homebuyers. Consider searching for properties in Moorcroft or Sundance to be near the county’s largest and most successful schools. High graduation rates and solid funding make this county a premier choice for residential investment.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Crook County

via RiskByCounty

Crook enjoys the state's lowest risk profile

Crook County's composite risk score of 16.06 represents the lowest in Wyoming—well below the state average of 37.86. The county faces minimal exposure to floods, tornadoes, and earthquakes, though wildfire risk (85.05) requires ongoing attention.

Wyoming's safest county for disaster risk

Crook County ranks first among Wyoming's 23 counties for overall resilience, with a composite score substantially lower than any peer. Exceptionally low earthquake (29.20), flood (20.13), and tornado (22.20) risks contribute to this favorable standing.

Safest option among surrounding counties

Crook County's risk score of 16.06 significantly undercuts neighboring Converse County (31.42) and Big Horn County (31.14). The county offers unusually low exposure to multiple hazard types compared to other Wyoming regions.

Wildfire is Crook's lone significant threat

Wildfire risk scores 85.05—the only substantial hazard in Crook County—reflecting grassland and forest exposure. All other hazards rank among Wyoming's lowest: earthquakes (29.20), tornadoes (22.20), and floods (20.13).

Wildfire coverage is your primary priority

Crook County residents should ensure comprehensive wildfire and brush coverage in their policies and maintain robust defensible space around homes. The county's exceptionally low exposure to other hazards means standard homeowners insurance typically provides adequate earthquake and flood protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Crook County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler and Wetter than Regional Norms

Crook County averages 44.3°F annually, which is about 10 degrees cooler than the national median. However, its 20.2 inches of precipitation is high for the region, though still below the national average.

One of Wyoming's Wettest Counties

Crook County receives 20.2 inches of precipitation annually, far exceeding the state average of 13.9 inches. Its 44.3°F temperature is also slightly higher than the state average.

Higher Moisture than Neighboring Campbell

Crook County is significantly wetter than Campbell County, receiving over 5 inches more annual precipitation. It also experiences fewer extreme heat days, with 22 compared to Campbell's 33.

Lush Summers and Steady Snowfall

The county sees 22 days of extreme heat above 90°F and a mild summer average of 66.4°F. Winters are cold and snowy, with 51.1 inches of annual snowfall and a January average of 22.6°F.

Manage Moisture and Winter Snow

Because Crook is wetter than most of Wyoming, residents should ensure proper home drainage and moisture barriers. Winter preparedness is also key to managing the 51.1 inches of snow.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Crook County

via SoilByCounty

Exceptional Quality in the Black Hills

Crook County boasts an impressive soil score of 81.7, far exceeding the state average of 53.2. Its pH of 6.79 sits very close to the ideal national median of 6.5, making it remarkably versatile.

Balanced Texture for Superior Workability

The soil features a balanced mix of 34.1% sand, 35.1% silt, and 21.2% clay. This composition offers excellent drainage and enough clay content to hold onto essential nutrients throughout the season.

Richest Organic Matter in the State

At 10.05%, the organic matter here is nearly double the state average of 5.40% and five times the national average. The available water capacity of 0.199 in/in provides a superior moisture reservoir for crops.

Natural Strength and Stable Drainage

The high soil score indicates superior physical characteristics for both farming and stable construction foundations. This nutrient-dense soil naturally supports intensive agriculture with better moisture retention than neighboring counties.

Bountiful Growth in Zone 4b

Despite being in Hardiness Zone 4b, the elite soil quality makes Crook County a gardener's paradise. With water capacity nearly 20% higher than the state average, your pumpkins and squash will thrive here.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Crook County

via LawnByCounty

Wyoming's Premier Spot for Green Grass

Crook County stands out with a lawn difficulty score of 54.2, surpassing both the state average and the national median of 50.0. This region in hardiness zone 4b is remarkably well-suited for lawn care compared to its neighbors.

Abundant Rain and Manageable Heat

At 20.2 inches of annual precipitation, Crook County is the wettest in this group, providing a much stronger natural foundation for grass. With only 22 extreme heat days and 2055 growing degree days, the climate is ideal for maintaining lush, cool-season turf.

Naturally Balanced Soil Foundation

The soil features a near-perfect pH of 6.79, sitting right in the ideal range for grass growth. With a composition of 21.2% clay and 34.1% sand, the soil offers a balanced structure that retains moisture while allowing for proper root respiration.

Resilient Through the Dry Months

The county experienced only 12 weeks of drought last year, and currently has zero area in severe drought status. This relative moisture means you can focus on maintenance rather than survival, though deep watering during the 22 heat days remains a best practice.

Optimal Growth in the Black Hills

Fine Fescues and Kentucky Bluegrass thrive here, benefiting from the superior soil and rain levels. Plant your seeds after the May 22nd frost to take full advantage of the best growing conditions found anywhere in the state.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Crook County's county score?
Crook County, Wyoming has a composite county score of 64.6 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 Crook County rank among counties in Wyoming?
Crook County ranks #4 among all counties in Wyoming 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 Crook County, Wyoming?
The median annual property tax in Crook County is $1,522, with an effective tax rate of 0.55%. This earns Crook County a tax score of 80.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Crook County?
The median household income in Crook County, Wyoming is $71,209 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Crook County earns an income score of 69.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Crook County, Wyoming a good place to live?
Crook County scores 64.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #4 in Wyoming. The best way to evaluate Crook 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 Crook County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛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.