countyscore
51.9
County Score
Disaster Risk 96.2Property Tax 86.8Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Crowley County, Colorado

Slightly above national average with mixed results

Crowley County's composite score of 51.8 marginally exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 1.8 points, placing it at the 52nd percentile. This narrow advantage masks significant internal disparities between strong and weak dimensions, characteristic of rural agricultural counties.

Right at Colorado's average

Crowley scores 0.6 points above the state average of 51.2, placing it squarely at the median of Colorado counties. The county represents a typical Colorado rural experience without clear competitive advantages or disadvantages versus peers.

Risk management and water resources excel

Crowley scores exceptionally on risk management (96.2) and water resources (86.0), providing environmental security and resource abundance. The county also demonstrates reasonable tax efficiency (86.8) and cost accessibility (51.3) with a median home value of $106,700, the lowest among these eight counties.

Income and health lag significantly

The county's critical weaknesses are income (10.4) with median household income of $47,563 and health (26.4), suggesting minimal economic opportunity and inadequate healthcare infrastructure. School quality (31.7) also trails state averages, limiting educational advancement pathways for young residents.

Suits retirees seeking lowest housing costs

Crowley County appeals to retirees and fixed-income households seeking Colorado's most affordable housing on stable ground with secure water access. The county demands acceptance of limited earning potential and healthcare quality in exchange for unbeatable property costs and environmental stability.

Score breakdown

Tax86.8Cost51.3Safety60.2Health26.4Schools31.7Income10.4Risk96.2Water86Weather29.2
🏛86.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠51.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼10.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡60.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤26.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓31.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡96.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤29.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨17.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱42.7
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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Nearby counties

Otero County
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40.3
Kiowa County
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Lincoln County
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Bent County
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Deep Dives

Crowley County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Crowley County

via TaxByCounty

Crowley taxes rank among nation's highest

Crowley County's effective rate of 0.492% ranks well above the national median of 0.370%, placing it roughly in the 75th percentile. On a $106,700 median home, residents pay $525 annually—far below the national median property tax of $2,690.

Colorado's highest tax rate county

At 0.492%, Crowley County carries Colorado's highest effective property tax rate, significantly exceeding the state average of 0.393%. The county's median tax of $525 remains well below the state average of $1,560, reflecting very modest home values.

Eastern plains leader in rates

Crowley's 0.492% rate is substantially higher than neighboring Cheyenne County (0.461%) and surpasses all other Colorado rural counties. This eastern plains county imposes the state's steepest effective property tax burden.

Median home costs $525 yearly

On Crowley's $106,700 median home, annual property taxes run approximately $525. Mortgage holders pay $562, while those without mortgages pay $467.

Appeal your assessment

Many Colorado property owners are overassessed relative to market value and can appeal their valuations to save hundreds annually. If you believe your home is assessed too high, your county assessor's office can walk you through the process.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Crowley County

via CostByCounty

Crowley faces above-average affordability stress

Crowley County's rent-to-income ratio of 24.6% exceeds the national average, meaning renters dedicate nearly one-quarter of earnings to rent. Combined with a below-average median income of $47,563, this eastern county faces real affordability pressure.

Above state average, high affordability stress

Crowley's 24.6% rent-to-income ratio ranks well above Colorado's state average of 20.2%, placing it among the state's least affordable counties. The median rent of $976 exceeds Colorado's median by $223, straining household budgets.

Pricier than Cheyenne, costlier than Conejos

Crowley's $976 median rent falls between Cheyenne ($862) and Chaffee ($1,514), but its lower income makes the burden more severe. Rent consumes 24.6% of income here versus just 15.3% in Cheyenne, despite only $114 more monthly rent.

Nearly one-quarter goes to rent

On a median household income of $47,563, Crowley renters spend $976 monthly—24.6% of earnings—competing with Chaffee County for the highest burden ratios. Homeowners spend 17.3% of income on ownership costs, making home-buying more attractive than renting.

Crowley offers lowest home values trade-off

This county's $106,700 median home values are among Colorado's lowest, making ownership the best path for relocators with modest down payments. However, rental affordability remains challenged, favoring those ready to buy.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Crowley County

via IncomeByCounty

Crowley's income gap mirrors rural struggle

Crowley County's median household income of $47,563 falls $27,192 short of the national median of $74,755, representing a 36% deficit. This income shortfall typifies agriculture-dependent counties across the southern Great Plains.

Bottom tier in Colorado income rankings

Crowley County's $47,563 median household income ranks among the lowest in Colorado, trailing the state average of $74,792 by $27,229. The county's economy remains tightly tethered to farming, ranching, and limited manufacturing.

Crowley edges Conejos in struggling south

Crowley's $47,563 slightly surpasses Conejos ($47,209) but both lag significantly behind the state average, reflecting shared economic challenges across southern Colorado plains. Costilla County's $36,519 income reveals deepening poverty as you move south and west.

Low housing costs provide Crowley's silver lining

Crowley's 24.6% rent-to-income ratio and median home value of $106,700 represent rare affordability advantages for this low-income county. Housing accessibility allows families to preserve more of their $47,563 income for other essentials.

Crowley families should maximize modest savings capacity

With median household income at $47,563 and affordable housing, Crowley residents can dedicate modest amounts to emergency funds and employer retirement plans. Long-term discipline in these savings vehicles, even $50–100 monthly, builds meaningful security over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Crowley County

via CrimeByCounty

Crowley County Ranks Highly for Safety

Crowley County earns a safety score of 98.6, with a total crime rate of 916.6 per 100K. This is significantly better than the national total crime rate of 2,385.5.

Stronger Safety Than State Average

The county's safety score of 98.6 beats the Colorado average of 97.1. Its total crime rate of 916.6 per 100K is also roughly half of the state average.

Comparative Safety in the Region

Crowley County has a slightly higher crime rate than Cheyenne County's 753.1 but remains very safe. A single reporting agency provides the data for the county's current safety profile.

Violent and Property Crime Analysis

Violent crime occurs at a rate of 190.2 per 100K, while property crime is 726.4. Both metrics remain well below national levels, making the area relatively secure.

Simple Steps for Continued Safety

With property crime as the primary concern, residents should focus on securing valuables and outdoor equipment. Maintaining a visible security presence can help deter the 726.4 property crimes per 100K.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Crowley County

via HealthByCounty

Crowley's life expectancy lags nation

At 70.1 years, Crowley County residents live 8.2 years less than the U.S. average of 78.3 years. With 23.9% reporting poor or fair health—more than double the national rate—the county faces some of America's steepest health barriers.

Second-lowest in Colorado

Crowley County's 70.1-year life expectancy is nearly 8 years below Colorado's 78.2-year average, ranking second-lowest in the state. The 23.9% poor/fair health rate places it among Colorado's most-stressed counties.

Rural southeast health crisis

Crowley (70.1 years) sits between Costilla County (69.9 years) and Conejos County (72.7 years) in a band of rural counties with severe health challenges. Limited provider data compounds uncertainty, making it unclear if residents can access available care even when insured.

Good uninsured rate, poor visibility

Crowley's 8.9% uninsured rate is slightly better than Colorado's 9.7%, yet provider data remains unavailable—obscuring whether residents can actually reach care. Rural workforce shortages and population decline likely explain both the coverage paradox and the provider data gap.

Start with insurance coverage

Crowley's low uninsured rate shows residents understand coverage's value—you can too. Explore Colorado's health marketplace to ensure you have protection.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Crowley County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined Schooling on the Plains

Crowley County operates a highly efficient school infrastructure consisting of one elementary and one high school. These two facilities serve a total enrollment of 379 students under a single unified district. This simple structure ensures that all students in the county follow a consistent curriculum from kindergarten through graduation.

Exceptional Graduation and Efficient Spending

Crowley County boasts an impressive 90% graduation rate, far exceeding the Colorado state average of 83.1% and the national average of 87%. It achieves these results with a lean per-pupil expenditure of $5,911, well below the state's $7,447 average. The school score of 51.2 confirms that academic performance remains competitive.

Unified Under Crowley County Re-1-J

Crowley County School District No. Re-1-J manages every student and facility in the county. Enrollment is nearly evenly split, with 191 students at the elementary level and 188 at the junior/senior high level. There are no charter schools, keeping all educational resources within the traditional district system.

Balanced Rural Campus Life

Both schools are located in rural settings, maintaining the county's agricultural and small-town character. With an average school size of 190 students, the environment is small enough for familiarity but large enough for competitive sports and extracurriculars. Crowley County Elementary and Crowley County Junior/Senior High are the twin pillars of local youth life.

High Performance in a Quiet Setting

Crowley County is a hidden gem for families prioritizing high graduation rates and district efficiency. Buying a home here means joining a community that consistently outperforms national education benchmarks. Explore the area to find affordable living paired with proven academic success.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Crowley County

via RiskByCounty

Crowley County sits among America's safest

With a composite risk score of just 3.88, Crowley ranks in the very low category, making it one of the safest counties in the nation. The eastern Colorado plains experience minimal natural disaster exposure.

Colorado's lowest-risk county tier

Crowley's 3.88 score sits far below Colorado's 40.67 state average, placing it among the state's safest counties. Residents face dramatically lower natural hazard exposure than most Coloradans.

Safest on the plains corridor

Crowley (3.88) is comparable to nearby Cheyenne County (3.02) and slightly safer than Custer County (3.91). All three represent Colorado's low-risk eastern and mountain fringe.

Wildfire is the only material hazard

Crowley's wildfire risk of 62.66 is modest and its only noteworthy exposure; flood risk is negligible at 6.42. Tornado and earthquake risks remain minimal, both under 22.

Standard insurance covers your needs well

Your very low risk profile means standard homeowners coverage addresses most exposures effectively. A routine annual policy review and basic home maintenance will keep you well-protected.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Crowley County

via WeatherByCounty

Crowley: Hottest Spot in Eastern Colorado

At 52.1°F, Crowley County is nearly 2.6 degrees warmer than the U.S. median of 49.5°F, placing it in the nation's warmer counties. Its 11.2 inches of annual precipitation fall well below the national median of 15.2 inches, creating a semi-arid High Plains climate. This county represents the outer edge of Colorado's truly hot summer zone.

Crowley Ranks Among Colorado's Warmest

Crowley County's 52.1°F average makes it the second-warmest county in Colorado (behind Cheyenne's 51.3°F), sitting 6.1 degrees above the state average. The county's 11.2 inches of precipitation rank among Colorado's driest, falling 4.8 inches below the state average of 16.0 inches. This combination of heat and aridity is extreme even for Colorado's eastern plains.

Hottest of the Southeast Plains

Crowley County is nearly as warm as Cheyenne County to the north (51.3°F) and significantly warmer than neighboring Bent County to the west and Otero County to the south. Its 86 days above 90°F far exceed Huerfano County's much cooler mountain-influenced climate. Compared to Kiowa County to the northeast, Crowley experiences notably more extreme heat.

Extreme Summer Heat, Sparse Snow

Crowley County experiences 86 days per year above 90°F—the most extreme heat count in this dataset—with July averaging 77.5°F and January dropping to 28.6°F. Annual snowfall totals just 14.1 inches, one of Colorado's lightest snow totals, and melts quickly due to spring sun intensity. The summer-to-winter temperature swing of nearly 49 degrees demands versatile climate adaptation.

Prepare for Intense Heat and Wind

Residents need heavy-duty air conditioning for 86+ annual days above 90°F, plus superior insulation and window coverings to manage solar heat gain. The combination of high heat, low precipitation (11.2 inches), and constant wind creates rapid evaporation; outdoor work and recreation must happen early morning or evening, May through August. Winter preparation is lighter than plains counties to the north, but wind protection and emergency supplies remain essential year-round.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Crowley County

via SoilByCounty

Highly Alkaline Lowland Soils

Crowley County has a notably high average pH of 7.71, indicating strong alkalinity. This exceeds both the state average of 7.29 and the national median of 6.5. Its overall soil score of 17.5 is lower than the state benchmark of 31.3, highlighting significant management challenges.

Clay-Rich Soil Profile

The composition includes 46.9% sand, 27.9% silt, and a substantial 25.2% clay. This high clay content can make the soil heavy and difficult to work when wet. It also leads to slower drainage, which requires careful irrigation planning.

Retaining Moisture in Silt

Organic matter is low at 1.14%, roughly half of the Colorado average of 2.18%. However, the available water capacity of 0.140 in/in slightly beats the state average. This means the soil is capable of holding on to irrigation water in an arid landscape.

Slower Infiltration Rates

While drainage classes are unlisted, the 25.2% clay content suggests the soil is prone to slow water infiltration. Proper drainage is essential to prevent salt buildup, which is a common issue in alkaline, clay-heavy soils. Managing runoff is key for both agriculture and local construction.

Salt-Tolerant Planting Choices

Situated in Zone 5b, this area is well-suited for alfalfa and cereal grains that handle alkalinity well. Gardeners can succeed by adding sulfur and organic matter to lower the pH for more sensitive plants. Focus on drought-tolerant species to build a resilient and productive landscape.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Crowley County

via LawnByCounty

Crowley County: Heat, Sun, and High Effort

Crowley County scores a 42.7 for lawn difficulty, outperforming the Colorado state average of 37.4 but still presenting unique challenges. As a Zone 5b region, you have plenty of growing potential, but the environment is much harsher than the national median of 50.0. Success here requires a strategy built for heat and alkaline soil.

Battling Extreme Heat Days

Crowley County endures a staggering 86 extreme heat days per year, more than triple the state average of 27. While the 11.2 inches of annual rain is low, the 3,440 growing degree days provide a long, productive season if you can keep the grass from scorching. Your mowing schedule will be intense from May through early October.

Managing Alkaline and Clay-Heavy Soil

Your soil pH of 7.71 is notably alkaline, which can cause 'iron chlorosis' or yellowing of the grass blades. With 25.2% clay content, your soil holds water longer than sandy areas but can easily become compacted under heat and foot traffic. Regular aeration and sulfur applications will be necessary to keep your soil breathable and nutritionally balanced.

Short Drought Cycles but High Evaporation

You've only seen 14 weeks of drought in the past year, and currently, less than 2% of the county is abnormally dry. However, the 86 days of extreme heat mean water evaporates almost instantly from the soil. Focus on evening or early morning watering to ensure your grass actually absorbs the moisture before the sun takes it back.

Picking Heat-Tolerant Turf for 5b

Because of your high heat, consider heat-tolerant Tall Fescue or native Buffalo grass, which thrives in Zone 5b. Start your lawn after the May 2nd frost to maximize your long, 3,440-degree-day growing season. Your county offers a great opportunity for a lush lawn if you can manage the alkaline soil and intense summer sun.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Crowley County's county score?
Crowley County, Colorado has a composite county score of 51.9 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 Crowley County rank among counties in Colorado?
Crowley County ranks #31 among all counties in Colorado 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 Crowley County, Colorado?
The median annual property tax in Crowley County is $525, with an effective tax rate of 0.49%. This earns Crowley County a tax score of 86.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Crowley County?
The median household income in Crowley County, Colorado is $47,563 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Crowley County earns an income score of 10.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Crowley County, Colorado a good place to live?
Crowley County scores 51.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #31 in Colorado. The best way to evaluate Crowley 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 Crowley 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.