Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, Crawford County, KS, had a population of 38,972. The median age was 32.4 years. Females made up 50.1% and males 49.9%. Racially, the county was 86.1% White, 3.8% Black or African American, 2.1% Asian, 0.5% Native American, and 5.8% Hispanic or Latino of any race, with 4.0% identifying as two or more races.

Elections

Crawford County, KS, has about 24,000 registered voters as of 2024. Voters participate in local, state, and federal elections, with turnout ranging from 50% (midterms) to 65% (presidential). In recent presidential elections, Republicans have received about 55% of the vote, Democrats 43%. The county has 12 polling locations, administered by the Crawford County Clerk’s Office. Major local issues include school funding and economic development. Voter registration is split: 49% Republican, 33% Democrat, 18% unaffiliated. Voting is overseen by a bipartisan election board, ensuring transparency and compliance with Kansas state election laws.

Education, Employment and Housing

Crawford County, KS, serves around 8,000 K-12 students across 16 public and private schools, including Pittsburg High School and Girard High School. Graduation rates average 89%, while 20% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. ACT scores in the region average 20.7. The county emphasizes school safety, investing in security and mental health programs. It offers adult education and technical programs through Fort Scott Community College and Pittsburg State University, with strong dual-credit high school options. School districts receive an average rating of 6/10 from GreatSchools.

As of 2022, Crawford County, KS had an employment rate of approximately 58.6%. Major industries include education/health services (29%), retail trade (14%), and manufacturing (13%). The most common occupations are office/administrative support (13%), sales (10%), and production roles (10%). The average commute time is about 17.9 minutes, with over 80% of workers driving alone to work. Major employment centers include Pittsburg, which accounts for a significant portion of local jobs, as many residents work and reside within the county.

Crawford County, KS, has a homeownership rate of approximately 59%, with median home values around $118,000 as of 2023. Median gross rent is about $750 per month. Housing types range from historic single-family homes in Pittsburg’s neighborhoods to modern apartments and duplexes. The property market has seen steady appreciation of 4-5% annually since 2020. Key areas include Pittsburg, Girard, and Frontenac. Property tax rates average 1.34% of assessed value. The market offers affordable options for both homeowners and renters, with new developments expanding housing choices countywide.

County Crime & Safety

In Crawford County, KS, the crime rate remains below the national average, with a reported 2023 violent crime rate of 2.3 per 1,000 residents, compared to the US average of 4.0. Property crime was reported at 14.6 per 1,000, slightly lower than the national figure of 19.6. The Crawford County Sheriff's Office actively encourages crime reporting through both traditional and anonymous channels, enhancing public safety efforts. Local law enforcement continues community engagement and patrols to maintain a safe environment and reduce crime rates further.