Is Crawfordville Safe, Pros and cons of living in Crawfordville

Crawfordville, Florida, offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and natural beauty, situated conveniently near the state capital of Tallahassee and within easy reach of the Gulf of Mexico. This census-designated place in Wakulla County provides a lifestyle that appeals to those seeking a peaceful environment away from the hustle and bustle of larger cities, while still offering access to amenities and opportunities. Its proximity to the Apalachicola National Forest and numerous waterways adds to its appeal for outdoor enthusiasts.

The community is characterized by a strong sense of local identity and a growing population, attracting new residents with its affordable cost of living and a generally safe environment. Crawfordville serves as a hub for Wakulla County, combining residential areas with essential services and a developing economic base, making it an attractive option for families and individuals alike.

Is it Safe to Live in Crawfordville?

Crawfordville generally presents a safe environment for its residents. The overall crime rate in Crawfordville is significantly lower than both the national and state averages. Specifically, violent crimes are reported to be 61% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This translates to a lower risk, with a chance of becoming a victim of crime in Crawfordville being approximately 1 in 115 (as reported by AreaVibes).

Further supporting its safety profile, Crawfordville ranks favorably in terms of crime statistics. It is considered safer than 63% of cities in the United States (as reported by AreaVibes). Year over year, crime in Crawfordville has decreased by 7% (as reported by AreaVibes). The violent crime rate is also notably low, with a rate of 1.792 per 1,000 residents in a typical year, placing it in the 83rd percentile for safety nationally, meaning it is safer than 83% of U.S. cities (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

Housing and Living Costs

Crawfordville offers a cost of living that is generally considered more affordable than the national average. The overall cost of living in Crawfordville is 3% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). However, housing costs in Crawfordville are 2% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).

The median home value in Crawfordville was $255,500 in 2024, showing a modest increase from the previous year (as reported by Data USA). The homeownership rate stands at a healthy 76.1%, which is higher than the national average (as reported by Data USA). For renters, the median rent price is approximately $1,344 per month (as reported by Point2Homes), with most rentals falling between $1,001 and $1,500 per month (as reported by RentCafe).

Job Market and Economy

The job market in Crawfordville is steadily growing, with employment increasing by approximately 0.985% from the previous year, reaching about 3.18k employed individuals (as reported by Data USA). The median household income in Crawfordville was $82,656 in 2024, reflecting an 11.4% growth from the prior year (as reported by Data USA). This income level positions Crawfordville favorably compared to some surrounding areas.

Major employers in the area contribute to the local economy, providing diverse employment opportunities. While specific large-scale employers are not detailed in all sources, the presence of retail giants like Walmart and Publix, along with service-oriented businesses, indicates a varied employment landscape (as reported by Indeed.com). Additionally, the planned expansion of Point Blank Enterprises, a major body armor manufacturer, is set to bring approximately 300 direct jobs and 213 support jobs to Wakulla County by the end of 2025 (as reported by Wakulla County government news). The average pay and benefits associated with these new jobs are expected to reach $60,000 annually.

Climate and Weather

Crawfordville experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. The average temperature ranges from a low of 39°F in January to a high of 92°F in July (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Snowfall is virtually nonexistent, ensuring the area remains snow-free throughout the year.

Annual precipitation is substantial, with about 58 inches falling each year, and June typically being the wettest month (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Humidity tends to peak during the summer months, from June through September, contributing to muggy conditions. The spring and fall seasons offer a more balanced climate with warmth and lower humidity, making them particularly pleasant times to experience Crawfordville’s weather.

Education and Schools

The educational landscape in Crawfordville is served by the Wakulla County School District, which generally performs above the state average on standardized tests. The district includes several well-regarded public schools. Riversink Elementary School, Wakulla Middle School, and Shadeville Elementary School are among the top-ranked public schools in the area (as reported by Niche). Shadeville Elementary School, in particular, is noted for ranking among the top 20% of elementary schools in Florida, with strong performance in math and science (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).

Crawfordville public schools show strong proficiency scores, with an average math proficiency of 59% and a reading proficiency of 57%, both exceeding the Florida state averages (as reported by Niche). The student-teacher ratio across the district is generally favorable, with Crawfordville Elementary School having a ratio of 16:1 (as reported by Niche). Overall, the schools in Crawfordville are well-regarded, offering a quality educational environment for students.

Demographics and Lifestyle

Crawfordville is home to a diverse population, with White residents forming the largest demographic group at approximately 72.4% (as reported by Niche). This is followed by Black or African American residents at about 16% and Hispanic residents at around 7.5% (as reported by Niche). The total population of Crawfordville was recorded at 4,853 in the 2020 census, with recent estimates indicating a growing population that is projected to reach nearly 6,000 in the coming years (as reported by World Population Review).

The median age in Crawfordville is around 42 years (as reported by World Population Review), indicating a community with a balanced age distribution. The lifestyle in Crawfordville is often described as tranquil, benefiting from its proximity to natural attractions like the Apalachicola National Forest and the Gulf of Mexico, offering ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and a relaxed pace of life.