Is Crawfordsville Safe, Pros and cons of living in Crawfordsville

Crawfordsville, Indiana, offers a blend of small-town charm and accessible amenities, making it a potential destination for those seeking a quieter pace of life. Situated in west central Indiana, it serves as the county seat of Montgomery County. The city is known for its historical significance and its role as a principal city within its Micropolitan Statistical Area. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview for individuals considering a move to Crawfordsville, covering various aspects of life in the community.

With a population hovering around 16,500 residents, Crawfordsville presents a community size that balances a sense of familiarity with sufficient resources. The demographic makeup reflects a predominantly White population, with smaller percentages of other racial and ethnic groups. The median age is in the mid-30s, indicating a community with a mix of younger families and established residents. Understanding these foundational aspects can help paint a clearer picture of the town’s social fabric and community dynamics.

Is it Safe to Live in Crawfordsville?

Crime Overview

Crawfordsville’s overall crime rate is generally considered to be near the national average, with a slight tendency to be lower than many U.S. cities (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Your likelihood of being a victim of any crime in Crawfordsville is approximately 1 in 120 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The city’s crime rate is lower than about 33% of communities in Indiana (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

However, when examining violent crimes specifically, the rate in Crawfordsville is higher than in many communities across America (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The chance of being a victim of violent crime, such as robbery or assault, is about 1 in 535, equating to a rate of 2 per 1,000 inhabitants (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Property crime rates, including theft and burglary, are around 6 per 1,000 residents, which is considered average for cities of all sizes in the U.S. (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Safety Perceptions and Trends

Despite the statistics on violent crime, some sources indicate that Crawfordsville’s property crime rate is significantly lower than the national average, with a notable decrease over the past few decades (as reported by AreaVibes). The total crime rate in Crawfordsville is reported to be approximately 60.9% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents (as reported by AreaVibes). This suggests a potentially safer environment for property, though caution regarding violent crime is still warranted.

NeighborhoodScout’s analysis, using FBI crime data, positions Crawfordsville as safer than most comparably sized cities across America (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). CrimeGrade.org gives Crawfordsville a B- for violent crime, indicating a rate slightly lower than the average U.S. city, and ranks it in the 56th percentile for safety (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Residents often perceive the northeast part of the city as the safest (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

Housing and Cost of Living

Housing Market Trends

The housing market in Crawfordsville is described as competitive, with homes selling relatively quickly (as reported by Redfin). The average home price in Crawfordsville was around $208,000 in a recent month, showing an increase of over 15% compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin). Another report indicates a median home value of approximately $219,773, with a 2% increase in value over the past year (as reported by Zillow).

The median sale price for a home in Crawfordsville was recently reported as $196,000, with homes selling in about 14 days on average (as reported by Redfin). In contrast, another source states the median home value is $137,171 (as reported by Livability.com), and another lists the median home price at $134,100 (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). These varying figures may reflect different data collection periods or methodologies.

Rental Market and Affordability

For those considering renting, the average rent in Crawfordsville is reported to be around $850 per month (as reported by Zillow). Another source indicates a median rental price of $790 per month, noting a year-over-year decrease in rent prices (as reported by Realtor.com). Zumper reports a median rent of $925 as of April 2026, with specific averages for apartments and houses (as reported by Zumper).

Overall, Crawfordsville is considered an affordable place to live, with a cost of living index of 85 compared to the national average of 100 (as reported by AreaVibes). Housing costs in Crawfordsville are significantly lower than the national average, by about 39% (as reported by AreaVibes). This affordability extends to other areas, with healthcare, utilities, and transportation also being below the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).

Job Market and Economy

Major Employers

Crawfordsville and its surrounding Montgomery County host a variety of major employers. Key industries include manufacturing and retail, with companies such as Nucor Steel, Penguin Random House, and Acuity Brands Lighting Inc. being significant contributors to the local economy (as reported by Hoosiers by the Numbers). Walmart Supercenter also provides substantial employment opportunities within the retail sector.

Educational institutions like South Montgomery Community School Corp and North Montgomery School Corp are also listed among the major employers, highlighting the importance of the education sector in the area. Other notable employers include LSC Communications and Heritage Products, further diversifying the employment landscape (as reported by Hoosiers by the Numbers).

Salary and Unemployment

The average annual salary in Crawfordsville is approximately $46,017, which translates to about $22.12 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Salaries can range significantly, with the 25th percentile around $32,108 and the 75th percentile around $56,559 annually (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Some specialized roles, like Pediatric Nurse Practitioner or Controller, may offer higher compensation.

Information on the specific unemployment rate for Crawfordsville is not directly available, but data for the broader region indicates an annual unemployment rate for Crawford County, Indiana, was around 3.5% as of early 2024 (as reported by FRED). This figure is subject to fluctuations and is part of a larger state and national economic context.

Climate and Demographics

Weather Patterns

Crawfordsville experiences a climate characterized by long, warm, humid summers and short, freezing, snowy, and windy winters. The city is partly cloudy throughout the year. Temperatures typically range from a low of 21°F in January to a high of 84°F in July, rarely dropping below 2°F or exceeding 91°F (as reported by Weather Spark). The warm season extends from late May through September.

The area receives a substantial amount of precipitation, with wet days occurring more frequently during the spring and summer months. June typically sees the most wet days, while January has the fewest. Average annual rainfall is around 43 inches, with about 19-20 inches of snowfall per year (as reported by Livability.com and World Climate).

Population and Demographics

As of the 2020 census, Crawfordsville had a population of 16,306, with recent estimates indicating slight growth (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau and Neilsberg). The median age is around 37.6 years, with a balanced distribution between males and females (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau). The population is predominantly White, with Hispanic or Latino individuals making up a smaller percentage (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau).

The city’s demographic profile also includes a significant portion of residents under 18 and those aged 65 and older. A large majority of residents live in urban areas, contributing to the city’s community feel. The household structure shows that over a quarter of households include children under the age of 18 (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau).

Education and Community

School System

Crawfordsville Community Schools serves the local student population, receiving an overall B grade from Niche. The district has a student-teacher ratio of approximately 14 to 1. State test scores indicate that about 35% of students are proficient in math and 35% in reading (as reported by Niche). Crawfordsville High School, part of this district, also holds a B overall grade from Niche, with a student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1.

While state test proficiency scores may vary, student and alumni reviews for Crawfordsville High School often highlight positive experiences with teachers and a supportive learning environment. The school offers a range of extracurricular activities and is considered above average within the state’s public school system (as reported by Niche).

Community Life

Living in Crawfordsville offers residents a sparse suburban feel, with a tendency towards conservative values, and most residents own their homes (as reported by Niche). The community is active, with various events and public meetings often listed on the city’s official website. The city’s historical significance, often referred to as the “Athens of Indiana,” is reflected in its architecture and local pride.

The city provides essential services and amenities, including parks and recreation facilities, a regional airport, and a police department. Crawfordsville’s location, about 49 miles west-northwest of Indianapolis, offers a balance between a smaller-town setting and proximity to a major metropolitan area for additional opportunities and services (as reported by Wikipedia).