Town in McLennan County, part of the Waco metro
Living in Crawford, TX
11th of 745Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people
Overall score 98 of 100
1st of 24 in the Waco area
Crawford gets an overall grade of A+ and ranks 11th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on internet access and schools, and trails on getting around. It is a strong pick for families, young professionals and remote workers.
- Good for families
- Good for young professionals
- Good for remote workers
- Top-rated schools
- Well connected
- Getting around scores low (17 of 100)
- Population
- 934+5.4% since 2020
- Median rent
- $97031% lower than Texas
- Median home value
- $238,60016% lower than Texas
- Household income
- $88,458Median
- Average commute
- 26 minOne way
- Violent crime
- No dataNo full-year report
What it's like to live in Crawford
Crawford sits about 15 miles from downtown Waco, in the Waco metro. 934 people lived here in 2025, up 5.4% from 2020. It is spread out.
The median age is 44.2, 32% of households have children, 91% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $88,458 a year (13% higher than the Texas median).
Pros of living in Crawford
- Lower rent. Median rent is $970, 31% lower than the Texas median.
Cons of living in Crawford
No clear weak spots in our data.
Who Crawford suits
- FamiliesA reasonable fit. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 99% for families.
- Young professionalsA reasonable fit: household income is 13% higher than the Texas median, with 2 restaurants and 1 cafe in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 85% for young professionals.
- Remote workersA reasonable fit: 98% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $970 is 31% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 99% for remote workers.
- People on a budgetA reasonable fit: the median rent of $970 is 31% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 78% for people on a budget.
Crawford report card
Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Crawford with other US towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. Schools, safety and errands compare it with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.
Cost of living: grade B+
Median rent $970, homes cost 2.7x income.
73 of 100 vs US townsJobs and income: grade A-
Median household income $88,458, 2.8% unemployed.
82 of 100 vs US townsSchools: grade A
2 rated campuses, 100% rated A or B.
92 of 100 vs TX townsSafety: no grade
No full year of crime data from local police.
No score vs TX townsErrands and things to do: no grade
0 grocery stores, 2 restaurants, 2 parks mapped in town.
No score vs TX townsGetting around: grade D
Average commute 26 min, 11% work from home.
17 of 100 vs US townsEducation levels: grade B+
28% have a bachelor’s degree.
73 of 100 vs US townsHealth: grade B
8.8% of adults uninsured.
70 of 100 vs US townsHome ownership: grade A
91% of homes owner-occupied.
90 of 100 vs US townsInternet access: grade A
98% of homes have broadband.
94 of 100 vs US towns
Where Crawford stands out compared with Texas
Better than Texas
- Homes owned by the people living in them: 91%29 points higher than Texas (63%)
- Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent: 32%19 points lower than Texas (52%)
- Median rent: $97031% lower than Texas ($1,403)
Worse than Texas
- Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 28%6 points lower than Texas (34%)
- Workers who walk, bike or take transit: 0%3 points lower than Texas (2.6%)
Cost of living in Crawford
Rent is the cost most newcomers feel first. The median rent in Crawford is $970 a month, 31% lower than the Texas median of $1,403. To keep that rent at 30% of income, a household needs to earn about $39,000 a year. Right now 32% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.
HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $1,029 for a one-bedroom, $1,297 for a two-bedroom and $1,693 for a three-bedroom (fiscal year 2027). These figures include utilities and describe a modest unit, so newer apartments often ask for more.
The median home is worth $238,600, 16% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $1,306 before tax, or $1,661 with property tax. That is $691 a month more than the median rent, so renting is the cheaper monthly choice unless you plan to stay for years.
Texas has no state income tax, but property taxes are among the highest in the country. The median homeowner in Crawford pays $4,258 a year, about the same as the Texas median of $4,232. Budget for it, along with homeowners insurance, which our numbers do not include.
Typical rent by apartment size
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent31% lower than Texas | $970 | $1,403 | $1,413 |
| Median home value16% lower than Texas | $238,600 | $283,800 | $332,700 |
| Home value to income25% lower than Texas | 2.7x | 3.6x | 4.1x |
| Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent19 points lower than Texas | 32% | 52% | 51% |
| Median property tax per yearAbout the same as Texas | $4,258 | $4,232 | $3,119 |
| Homes owned by the people living in them29 points higher than Texas | 91% | 63% | 65% |
| Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas | 1976 | 1992 | 1980 |
Monthly cost to buy a median home
- Mortgage payment
- $1,306
- Property tax
- $355
- Median rent, for comparison
- $970
Based on a $238,600 home in Crawford, 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28% (Freddie Mac average, week of 2026-10-01). Property tax is the median paid locally, or the county median where the local figure is not published. Insurance and fees are not included.
Schools in Crawford
Crawford has 2 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 100% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Crawford ISD.
Top-rated campuses include Crawford Elementary. The average rating score across all campuses is 91 out of 100, against a Texas median of 81.
Texas districts usually assign students by attendance zone rather than the closest campus, so check the zone for a specific address with the district before you sign a lease or buy.
Ratings are the 2025 Texas Education Agency A to F accountability ratings. Always check which school serves a specific address with the district.
Top-rated schools
- ACrawford ElementaryElementary, Crawford ISD92 of 100
- BCrawford High SchoolOther, Crawford ISD89 of 100
Daily life in Crawford
Everyday places mapped inside Crawford, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Tonkawa Falls City Park.
The average one-way commute is 26 minutes, 4% shorter than the Texas average. 11% of workers work from home. Fewer than 3% walk, bike or take transit to work, so plan on driving for almost everything.
Downtown Waco is about 15 miles away in a straight line. Many people who live in Crawford work elsewhere in the metro, so test the drive at rush hour before you commit.
The median household income is $88,458, income per person is $42,441, unemployment is 2.8% and 28% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.
Jobs, income and education
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household income13% higher than Texas | $88,458 | $78,476 | $80,734 |
| Income per person4% higher than Texas | $42,441 | $40,752 | $44,673 |
| Unemployment rate2 points lower than Texas | 2.8% | 5.3% | 5.2% |
| People below the poverty line9 points lower than Texas | 4.6% | 14% | 12% |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher6 points lower than Texas | 28% | 34% | 36% |
| Adults with a high school diploma or higher11 points higher than Texas | 97% | 86% | 90% |
| Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance11 points lower than Texas | 8.8% | 20% | 11% |
| Homes with broadband internet7 points higher than Texas | 98% | 91% | 91% |
Getting to work
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average commute4% lower than Texas | 26 min | 27 min | 26 min |
| Workers who work from home3 points lower than Texas | 11% | 14% | 15% |
Who lives in Crawford
Median age 44.2 years. 32% of households have children.
Race and ethnicity
Shown for information only. It is never part of any grade.
Weather in Crawford
Crawford has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 95°F and January lows about 34°F. There are about 94 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 38 inches of rain a year.
Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Mcgregor, 7 mi away. Orange months average 90°F or more.
Natural hazard risk
Source: FEMA National Risk Index, December 2025, Census tract level averaged for the city. Check the FEMA flood map for any address before you buy.
Places near Crawford
Nearby, Valley Mills gets a D, McGregor gets a D+ and Willow Grove gets an A+. Each is graded against Texas places of its own size, so a small town and a big city can both earn an A.
- DValley MillsTown, 1,136 people7 mi
- D+McGregorTown, 5,761 people8 mi
- A+Willow GroveTown, 2,080 people9 mi
- A-China SpringTown, 1,126 people12 mi
- A+WoodwayTown, 9,570 people13 mi
- AHewittSmall city, 16,432 people17 mi
Crawford in the Waco area
How it ranks among 24 places in the metro.
- 1A+Crawford1,020 people15 mito downtown
- 2A+Willow Grove2,080 people6 mito downtown
- 3A+Woodway9,570 people5 mito downtown
- 4ALorena1,497 people12 mito downtown
Living in Crawford: common questions
Is Crawford, TX a good place to live?
Crawford gets an overall grade of A+ and ranks 11th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on internet access and schools, and trails on getting around. It is a strong pick for families, young professionals and remote workers.
How much does it cost to live in Crawford?
Median rent in Crawford is $970 a month, 31% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $238,600, 16% lower than the Texas median. A median home costs 2.7x the median household income, compared with 3.6x across Texas. With 20% down at a 7.28% rate, the monthly payment on a median home is about $1,661, including property tax.
Are the schools good in Crawford?
We found 2 rated public school campuses inside Crawford. 100% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 92 of 100 compared with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.
What is the weather like in Crawford?
Summers in Crawford peak at about 95°F in July, and January nights fall to about 34°F. Expect around 94 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 38 inches of rain.
How long is the commute in Crawford?
The average one-way commute is 26 min, 4% lower than the Texas average. About 11% of workers work from home. It is about 15 miles from downtown Waco.
Sources: US Census Bureau 2020-2024 ACS 5-year and 2025 population estimates, CDC PLACES 2025, Texas Education Agency 2025 ratings, FBI Crime Data Explorer, FEMA National Risk Index, NOAA climate normals, HUD fair market rents, Overture Maps. Updated 2026-10-04. How we grade.