56.1
County Score
Safety 97.5Soil Quality 76.2Lawn Care 75.7

County Report Card

About Knox County, Illinois

Outperforming the National Median

Knox County earns a composite score of 56.0, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. It offers a quality of life that is highly competitive on a national scale.

Exceeding the Illinois State Average

With a score of 56.0, the county beats the Illinois state average of 52.8. It serves as an affordable alternative to the state's more expensive metropolitan regions.

Exceptional Safety and Housing Affordability

Knox County scores a near-perfect 97.5 in safety and a strong 67.2 in cost. This makes it incredibly affordable, with median home values sitting at just $104,900.

Low Income and Tax Pressures

Income is a challenge with a score of 21.3 and a median household income of $53,291. Taxes also remain a burden, scoring 3.7 with a 1.948% effective rate.

Ideal for Retirees or Stable Earners

This county is perfect for those who value maximum safety and affordable homeownership. It is a great fit for retirees or those with stable incomes who want their dollars to go further.

Score breakdown

Tax3.7Cost67.2Safety97.5Health53Schools57.4Income21.3Risk42.9Water54.4Weather53
🏛3.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠67.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼21.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
53
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓57.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
42.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧54.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤53
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨76.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱75.7
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Knox County?

Many homeowners in Knox County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Deep Dives

Knox County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Knox County

via TaxByCounty

Knox County taxes slightly above national

Knox County's effective property tax rate of 1.948% sits modestly above the national median of 1.825%, placing it in the upper-middle tier of U.S. counties. Its median tax of $2,044 falls 24% below the national median of $2,690, reflecting lower home values despite the higher rate.

Mid-range among Illinois counties

Knox County ranks 51st among Illinois's 102 counties with a 1.948% effective rate, sitting above the state average of 1.831%. Its median property tax of $2,044 runs 27% below the state median of $2,782, making it one of Illinois's more affordable communities in absolute dollars.

Mid-tier rate with lowest home values

Knox County's 1.948% rate ranks in the middle of the examined counties, yet its median home value of $104,900 is by far the lowest. This creates a favorable dynamic: a moderate tax rate applied to the region's least expensive properties yields among the lowest median bills.

A $104,900 home costs $2,044 yearly

The median Knox County home valued at just $104,900 generates an estimated annual property tax of $2,044. With mortgage insurance included, homeowners pay approximately $2,257 annually—among the lowest in the eight-county comparison despite a above-average tax rate.

Smaller bills still merit careful review

Even with lower absolute tax bills, Knox County homeowners should verify their assessments remain accurate and fair. A successful appeal can provide meaningful savings and ensure your valuation reflects current market conditions.

Cost of Living in Knox County

via CostByCounty

Knox County offers budget-friendly housing

Knox County renters spend 16.3% of income on rent, slightly above the U.S. average of roughly 15%, yet with the lowest household income in this group at $53,291. The $725 rent represents solid value, though paired with below-average incomes, affordability stress remains meaningful.

Below state average with modest rents

Knox County's 16.3% rent-to-income ratio slightly exceeds Illinois's 14.7% state average, though median rent of $725 runs 13% below the state median of $837. Strong rent affordability is tempered by the lowest household incomes in this county set.

Cheaper than Jefferson, pricier than Johnson

Knox County's $725 rent falls between Johnson County's bargain $634 and Jefferson County's $862, positioning it in the middle of southern Illinois options. Owner costs ($814) match the region's lower end, making Knox competitive for both renters and homebuyers.

Knox County's modest housing costs

Renters pay $725/month while homeowners average $814/month, consuming roughly 16% and 18% of household income respectively. The median home value of $104,900 is among the lowest in this group, offering accessible homeownership despite limited household income.

Affordable but income-limited county

Knox County delivers low housing costs, but the region's household income of $53,291 demands careful budgeting beyond housing. Consider Johnson County for even lower rents or evaluate opportunities for income growth before committing to relocation here.

Income & Jobs in Knox County

via IncomeByCounty

Knox County Faces Significant Income Gap

Knox County's median household income of $53,291 trails the national median of $74,755 by a substantial $21,464. This 29% shortfall represents one of the widest income gaps among Illinois counties.

Among Illinois's Lowest-Income Counties

At $53,291, Knox County ranks well below Illinois's state median of $68,580—roughly $15,300 behind. The county's per capita income of $29,614 significantly lags the state average of $36,009, indicating structural economic challenges.

Knox County Struggles Regionally

Knox County earns roughly $7,900 less than Johnson County and about $25,800 below Jersey County. Among the eight surveyed counties, Knox faces the steepest income disadvantage, suggesting limited employment opportunities.

Housing Affordable but Income-Strained

Knox County's 16.3% rent-to-income ratio offers relative affordability, while median home values of $104,900 rank among the lowest regionally. However, modest incomes leave limited room for other essential expenses and savings.

Build Resilience Through Smart Planning

Knox County's lower incomes require disciplined financial planning and creative strategies to build wealth. Focus on low-cost debt repayment, maximize any available tax credits or employer benefits, and explore free or low-cost financial literacy resources to establish a foundation for future security.

Safety in Knox County

via CrimeByCounty

Knox County reports minimal criminal activity

Knox County currently holds a safety score of 100.0, as reporting agencies show a crime rate of 0.0 per 100,000. This is an exceptional deviation from the national average of 2,385.5.

Topping the state for safety statistics

The county's 100.0 safety score is well above the Illinois average of 98.7. While five agencies report data, the lack of recorded crimes in 2022 suggests an exceptionally secure environment for residents.

Quiet stats compared to Illinois averages

With a total crime rate of 0.0, Knox County is significantly below the state average rate of 835.0. This indicates a much lower crime volume than neighboring regional centers.

Zero crimes reported across categories

Data shows 0.0 violent and 0.0 property crimes per 100,000 residents for the reporting period. This reflects a very high level of public safety compared to national property crime rates of 2,015.7.

Staying safe in a low-crime county

Residents should maintain good security habits like locking vehicles and using porch lights to keep these numbers low. Consistent reporting to the five local agencies ensures the community remains well-monitored.

Health in Knox County

via HealthByCounty

Knox County faces serious health challenges

Knox County's life expectancy of 74.7 years lags the U.S. average of 78.9 years by over 4 years. With 20.8% of residents reporting poor or fair health—the highest in this county group—Knox faces acute health disparities.

Among Illinois's worst health outcomes

At 74.7 years, Knox County's life expectancy trails Illinois's 76.0-year state average and ranks among the state's lowest performers. The uninsured rate of 6.6% slightly exceeds the state average of 6.3%.

Stark disparities in region

Knox County's 74.7-year life expectancy significantly trails high-performing Kendall (80.5 years), Jo Daviess (79.9 years), and Kane (79.8 years). The 20.8% poor/fair health rate is the worst among all comparison counties.

Adequate providers, uninsured gaps remain

Knox County has reasonable primary care availability at 49 providers per 100,000 residents and mental health services at 194 per 100,000, yet 6.6% of residents remain uninsured. This coverage gap compounds health challenges despite available providers.

Close coverage gaps now

Knox County residents should prioritize health insurance enrollment to access available primary care and preventive services. Community health centers and local navigators can help connect uninsured residents with affordable marketplace and Medicaid options.

Schools in Knox County

via SchoolsByCounty

Traditional Town Schooling in Knox County

Knox County provides a structured educational landscape for 6,451 students across 23 public schools. Managed by 5 districts, the system includes 7 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, and 10 high schools. This ensures that even in a smaller county, there is ample access to secondary education options.

Consistent Performance and Balanced Spending

Knox County matches the national graduation rate average of 87.0% and holds a school score of 57.0. The county's per-pupil expenditure of $9,339 is in line with the Illinois state average of $9,250. This indicates a stable and predictable educational environment that mirrors broader state and national trends.

Galesburg CUSD 205 Anchors the County

Galesburg CUSD 205 is the central pillar of the county's education, serving 3,928 students across 8 schools. Knoxville CUSD 202 also plays a significant role, providing for 961 students. There are no charter schools in the county, emphasizing a community-driven, traditional public school model.

The Classic American Town Experience

With 18 of its 23 schools located in town settings, the county offers a classic community-centric school feel. The average school size is 403 students, though Galesburg Senior High School is much larger with 1,762 students. For a more intimate setting, Williamsfield CUSD 210 serves just 295 students across its entire district.

Find Your Home in a Community-Focused District

Knox County is perfect for families seeking a stable, town-based lifestyle with accessible public schools. Whether you are looking for the resource-rich environment of Galesburg or the smaller feel of Knoxville, you will find a welcoming community here. Use our school data to find a home in a district that matches your family's needs.

Disaster Risk in Knox County

via RiskByCounty

Knox County slightly exceeds state average risk

Knox County's composite risk score of 57.16 slightly exceeds Illinois's state average of 54.46, placing it in the relatively low-risk category. The county's profile reflects balanced exposure across multiple hazards without severe vulnerability to any single threat.

Slightly above-average risk statewide

With a score of 57.16 versus the state average of 54.46, Knox County ranks just above the midpoint in statewide risk. Tornado exposure of 67.81 drives the county's overall score, while flood and earthquake risks remain moderate.

Comparable to nearby rural counties

Knox County's 57.16 score exceeds Jo Daviess County (51.30) and Johnson County (51.08) but trails Kendall County (80.25) and Jefferson County (77.23). This positions it among the safer counties in its region.

Tornadoes pose the main hazard

Knox County's tornado risk of 67.81 is its most significant natural disaster threat, though still below statewide averages for the most vulnerable counties. Flood risk of 49.36 and earthquake risk of 58.43 are moderate, while wildfire risk of 1.11 is virtually nonexistent.

Standard coverage with tornado focus

Knox County residents should maintain comprehensive homeowners insurance with special attention to tornado coverage or purchase a separate rider. Consider developing a family emergency plan and identifying a safe room, as tornado remains the most likely significant hazard for this location.

Weather & Climate in Knox County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler than the national median

Knox County averages 49.9°F annually, which is cooler than the national median. It receives 39.1 inches of precipitation, making it a fairly typical representative of the central corn belt.

Trailing the state temperature average

The average annual temperature of 49.9°F is about three degrees cooler than the Illinois average of 52.8°F. Precipitation is also slightly lower than the state mark of 41.7 inches.

A bridge between north and south

Knox is notably warmer than Jo Daviess County, which averages 47.4°F. However, it sees about double the snowfall of Jersey County, recording 24.2 inches annually.

Four distinct seasons of weather

The county experiences 15 days of 90°F heat in the summer and a cold winter average of 25.4°F. Snowfall is moderate for Illinois, totaling 24.2 inches per year.

Prepare for typical Illinois extremes

A standard HVAC system is necessary to navigate 15 extreme heat days and freezing winter lows. Snow tires or a reliable shovel are recommended for the two feet of annual snowfall.

Soil Quality in Knox County

via SoilByCounty

Solid Agricultural Foundations in Knox

Knox County's soil features an average pH of 6.46, which is nearly identical to the national median of 6.5. This balanced acidity facilitates easy nutrient uptake for both row crops and garden perennials.

Classic Silt-Clay Balance

The soil contains 67.0% silt and 22.8% clay, with just 10.2% sand. This mix creates a classic Illinois profile that is heavy enough to hold nutrients but silty enough to remain workable for farmers.

Efficient Water Use and Stable Matter

Organic matter is 2.23%, which is healthy by national standards but slightly lower than the Illinois average of 2.94%. Its available water capacity of 0.211 in/in is superior to the state average, providing good drought resistance.

High-Quality Midwestern Land

With a soil score of 76.2, Knox County outperforms the state average of 73.6 for land productivity. Although specific drainage class data is limited, these scores suggest the soil is generally reliable for both agriculture and construction.

Reliable Results in Zone 5b

In hardiness zone 5b, Knox County is well-suited for traditional Midwestern staples like beans, corn, and tomatoes. The high water capacity ensures that your garden will remain resilient even during the hottest weeks of July.

Lawn Care in Knox County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable Conditions for Knox County Lawns

Knox County earns a high lawn difficulty score of 75.7, making it easier to manage than both the state and national averages. The 5b hardiness zone is a classic northern climate, perfectly suited for the most popular US turfgrasses. You are working with one of the more forgiving environments for residential lawn care.

Mild Summers and Ideal Rainfall

With only 15 extreme heat days per year, Knox County lawns avoid much of the summer stress found in southern Illinois. The 39.1 inches of annual precipitation is near the center of the ideal range, supporting steady growth. A 3,196 growing degree day count provides ample time for spring recovery and fall preparation.

Consistent Soil for Sturdy Turf

The soil pH of 6.46 is nearly ideal for turfgrass, allowing for maximum nutrient availability without significant adjustment. The ground contains 22.8% clay and only 10.2% sand, creating a soil that holds water well but might benefit from aeration. This composition is excellent for building a deep, resilient root system.

Navigating Current Severe Drought

Despite the high lawn score, 49.1% of the county is currently in severe drought, following 30 weeks of dry conditions over the past year. During these times, it is vital to let the lawn go dormant rather than applying shallow, frequent water. Once the drought breaks, the clay-heavy soil will help the lawn bounce back quickly by retaining new moisture.

Maximize Your Seeding Window

The primary growing season falls between the April 21 spring frost and the October 19 fall frost. Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue blends work very well here, providing a mix of beauty and durability. Aim to seed in early September to take advantage of cooling air and still-warm soil for fast germination.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Knox County's county score?
Knox County, Illinois has a composite county score of 56.1 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Knox County rank among counties in Illinois?
Knox County ranks #38 among all counties in Illinois on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Knox County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Knox County is $2,044, with an effective tax rate of 1.95%. This earns Knox County a tax score of 3.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Knox County?
The median household income in Knox County, Illinois is $53,291 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Knox County earns an income score of 21.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Knox County, Illinois a good place to live?
Knox County scores 56.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #38 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate Knox County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Knox County with other counties side by side.