Small-Town Living in the Heart of Texas Ranch Country

Crowell is a rural community of approximately 1,065 residents in Foard County, with a median home value of $69,700 and median household income of $62,188 according to Census Bureau estimates. The town has no formally mapped neighborhoods but centers around its historic downtown and the highly-rated Crowell ISD, which earned an A rating from the Texas Education Agency. Agriculture remains the economic backbone, with the sector paying an average of $61,115 annually per county employment data. With 75% homeownership and a median age of 52, this is a stable, older community offering some of Texas's most affordable real estate.

History

Foard County was created in 1891 and named for Confederate officer Robert L. Foard, with Crowell quickly becoming the county seat and commercial center. The area's history includes the famous 1860 Battle of Pease River where Cynthia Ann Parker was rescued, and the impressive 1909 courthouse still serves as the architectural and governmental heart of the community.

ZIP Codes Compared

Crowell functions as a single unified community without distinct ZIP code areas or neighborhood price variations. The housing market is uniformly affordable across town, with most properties reflecting similar values regardless of location within the small incorporated area.

Demographics

Crowell's population is predominantly White at 82%, with a Hispanic population of 11.1% and minimal racial diversity beyond that. The median age of 52 is significantly higher than the state average, reflecting a community of established families and retirees rather than young professionals or first-time buyers.

Economy

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting dominate the local economy with average pay of $61,115, reflecting the ranching heritage that has sustained Foard County since its founding. Retail trade and food service provide additional employment but at considerably lower wages, typical of small rural Texas towns where the land drives the economy.

Schools

Crowell ISD serves the town's 189 students and earned an A rating from the Texas Education Agency, offering a small-school environment where students receive individual attention. With just one school district covering the entire community, families have a straightforward choice and strong local investment in educational outcomes.

Cost of Living

With a median home value of $69,700 and median rent of $572 per month according to Census data, Crowell offers housing costs far below state and national averages. The tradeoff is limited employment diversity and distance from urban amenities, but for budget-conscious buyers or retirees, the affordability is exceptional.

Homeowners Associations

Crowell has no registered homeowners associations, reflecting the town's rural character and the absence of master-planned subdivisions. Property owners enjoy complete freedom over their land use and home modifications without HOA restrictions or fees.

About Crowell

Crowell sits in the rolling plains of northwest Texas, a town of just over a thousand people where the pace is slow and the sense of history runs deep. This is the county seat of Foard County, established in 1891 when the county was carved from surrounding territories and named for Robert L. Foard, a Confederate officer and prominent Texas lawyer from Columbus. The town grew up alongside the railroad and quickly became the commercial center for ranching operations that still define the area's economy today.

Daily life in Crowell revolves around Main Street, where you'll find Crowell State Bank handling the financial needs of local families and the Longhorn Ranch Steakhouse serving as a gathering spot for residents. The Fire Hall Museum and Foard County Museum preserve artifacts and stories from the town's frontier past, including exhibits related to the famous 1860 Battle of Pease River where Cynthia Ann Parker was rescued by Texas Rangers just miles from present-day Crowell. The First Assembly of God and the historic First Christian Church, organized in 1906, anchor the town's spiritual life.

The population here skews older, with a median age of 52, reflecting a community where many families have deep roots spanning generations. Three-quarters of residents own their homes, and the tight-knit character means neighbors know each other by name. Crowell High School serves as a community hub for Friday night football games and school events. The Crowell Inn provides lodging for the occasional visitor or family member passing through. The impressive Foard County Courthouse, built in 1909 after the first courthouse proved too small, stands as the architectural centerpiece of downtown. Life here means accepting that amenities are limited and the nearest city is a drive away, but for those seeking quiet, affordable living in authentic ranch country, Crowell delivers exactly that.

Classification

Type

Incorporated Place

Class Code

C1

Identifiers

GEOID

4817948

State FIPS

48

Place FIPS

17948

Statistics

Neighborhoods

0

Population

770

Geography

Geometry

polygon

Area

5 km²

County

Foard

Data Source

Primary Source

tiger

Census Reference

QuickFacts

Frequently Asked Questions About Crowell

Is Crowell a good place to live?

Crowell is an excellent choice for people seeking authentic small-town Texas living at rock-bottom prices, but it requires accepting significant tradeoffs in amenities and employment options. With a median home value of $69,700 according to Census Bureau estimates, housing costs are among the lowest in the state, making homeownership accessible even on modest incomes. The town offers a safe, tight-knit community where neighbors know each other and the Crowell ISD earned an A rating from the Texas Education Agency despite serving just 189 students. However, the population of approximately 1,065 means limited shopping, dining, and entertainment options beyond the Longhorn Ranch Steakhouse and a handful of local businesses. The median age of 52 reflects a community of established families and retirees rather than young professionals, and job opportunities center heavily on agriculture and ranching. For those who value affordability, safety, and rural character over urban conveniences, Crowell delivers genuine small-town Texas living.

What is the cost of living in Crowell?

Crowell's cost of living is exceptionally low, driven primarily by housing costs far below state and national averages. The median home value of $69,700 according to Census data represents a fraction of what similar properties cost in Texas metros, while median rent of $572 per month makes rental housing equally affordable. The median household income of $62,188 provides comfortable purchasing power in this market, where three-quarters of residents own their homes. However, the limited local economy means many residents either work in agriculture, which pays an average of $61,115 according to county employment data, or commute to larger towns for employment. Retail and food service jobs pay considerably less at around $18,000 to $21,000 annually. Everyday expenses like groceries and utilities align with rural Texas norms, generally lower than urban areas but with fewer shopping options requiring occasional drives to larger communities. For retirees on fixed incomes or buyers prioritizing homeownership over career advancement, Crowell's economics are highly favorable.

How are the schools in Crowell?

Crowell ISD serves the community's educational needs with a single district rated A by the Texas Education Agency, an impressive achievement for a small rural system. With just 189 students total, the district offers an intimate learning environment where teachers know every student personally and can provide individualized attention difficult to replicate in larger systems. The school system traces its roots to shortly after the town's 1891 founding, when commissioners divided Foard County into nine school districts including one for Crowell. Today's consolidated district serves as a community hub, with Crowell High School events drawing townspeople together for football games and school activities. The small size means limited course offerings and extracurricular options compared to larger districts, but families value the safety, personal relationships, and strong community investment in student success. For parents prioritizing small class sizes and a close-knit school community over extensive program diversity, Crowell ISD delivers quality education in a traditional small-town setting.

Is Crowell good for families?

Crowell works well for families who value safety, affordability, and small-town values, though it lacks the amenities and opportunities that many modern families expect. The A-rated Crowell ISD provides quality education in an intimate setting where teachers know every student, and the exceptionally low median home value of $69,700 according to Census estimates makes homeownership accessible even for single-income households. The town offers a safe environment where children can play freely and neighbors look out for each other, with community gathering spots like the First Christian Church and local museums providing wholesome activities. However, families should consider that the median age of 52 indicates relatively few young families currently call Crowell home, meaning limited peer groups for children and fewer youth-oriented activities beyond school events. Entertainment and shopping require drives to larger towns, and employment opportunities for both parents may be limited unless working in agriculture or willing to commute. For families seeking to escape urban pressures and raise children in a traditional small-town environment where a dollar stretches far, Crowell offers genuine benefits, but it requires accepting a slower pace and fewer conveniences.

Considering a Move to Crowell or Foard County?

Whether you're drawn to Crowell's affordable real estate, small-town atmosphere, or proximity to ranch country, a Texas Ally advisor can help you navigate the local market and find the right property. We understand rural Texas communities and can connect you with opportunities that match your needs and budget.