Knox County's composite score of 61.6 exceeds the national median of 50.0, positioning it solidly in the upper half of American counties. This confirms meaningful livability strengths rooted in affordability.
2 / 5
Nearly at the Illinois average
Knox County scores 61.6, just below Illinois's state average of 62.1, placing it in the solid middle-to-upper tier of the state's counties. It represents dependable, straightforward livability.
3 / 5
Outstanding affordability and low taxes
Knox County's cost score of 83.1 and tax score of 47.5 reflect genuine value, with rent at $725/month, homes at $104,900, and an effective tax rate of 1.948%. These figures make it one of the state's most accessible counties for budget-conscious residents.
4 / 5
Lowest incomes in the county group
Knox County's income score of 18.2 and median household income of $53,291 are the lowest in this set, requiring residents to stretch tight budgets further. Safety, health, and school data gaps limit fuller assessment.
5 / 5
Ideal for thrifty retirees and remote workers
Knox County is perfect for retirees on fixed incomes, remote workers, and families who can live on modest earnings while prioritizing rock-bottom costs. It's authentic small-town Illinois at its most affordable.
Knox County's composite score of 61.6 exceeds the national median of 50.0, positioning it solidly in the upper half of American counties. This confirms meaningful livability strengths rooted in affordability.
Nearly at the Illinois average
Knox County scores 61.6, just below Illinois's state average of 62.1, placing it in the solid middle-to-upper tier of the state's counties. It represents dependable, straightforward livability.
Outstanding affordability and low taxes
Knox County's cost score of 83.1 and tax score of 47.5 reflect genuine value, with rent at $725/month, homes at $104,900, and an effective tax rate of 1.948%. These figures make it one of the state's most accessible counties for budget-conscious residents.
Lowest incomes in the county group
Knox County's income score of 18.2 and median household income of $53,291 are the lowest in this set, requiring residents to stretch tight budgets further. Safety, health, and school data gaps limit fuller assessment.
Ideal for thrifty retirees and remote workers
Knox County is perfect for retirees on fixed incomes, remote workers, and families who can live on modest earnings while prioritizing rock-bottom costs. It's authentic small-town Illinois at its most affordable.
Score breakdown
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🏛47.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.