countyscore
52.4
County Score
Lawn Care 70.9Soil Quality 69.2Cost of Living 64.3

County Report Card

About Knox County, Indiana

Outperforming the National Median

Knox County achieves a composite score of 52.4, edging out the national median of 50.0. This score indicates a quality of life that is slightly above the typical American county experience.

A Stable Indiana Performer

With a 52.4 overall score, Knox County remains close to the Indiana state average of 55.9. It represents a steady, middle-of-the-pack option for Hoosiers seeking consistency without extreme trade-offs.

Affordable Living and Low Taxes

Affordability is the main draw here, supported by a cost score of 64.3 and median rents of just $782. Low property taxes (60.2 score) further ease the financial burden on residents.

Lower Earning Potential and Risk

The local economy faces pressure with an income score of 35.1 and a median household income of $58,863. Modest safety and risk scores also suggest room for improvement in community resilience.

Ideal for Budget-Conscious Households

Knox County is a great fit for retirees or workers in local industries who value low housing costs and tax efficiency. It offers a balanced, affordable lifestyle for those who don't require high-ceiling metro salaries.

Score breakdown

Tax60.2Cost64.3Safety44.2Health50.7Schools48.3Income35.1Risk44.7Water50.4Weather57.9
🏛60.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠64.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼35.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡44.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤50.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓48.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡44.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧50.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤57.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨69.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱70.9
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 →
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Nearby counties

Lawrence County
Illinois
55.7
Daviess County
Indiana
58.1
Pike County
Indiana
64.3
Crawford County
Illinois
52.5
Gibson County
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55.9
Wabash County
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55.3
Sullivan County
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57.4
Martin County
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70.3

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 slightly above national median

Knox County's effective tax rate of 0.725% is well above the national median of 0.630%, placing it in the upper half nationally. However, because median home values here ($123,500) are significantly lower than the nation's ($281,900), actual tax bills remain modest.

Ranks highest among Indiana counties

Knox County's 0.725% effective rate is the highest among these eight Indiana counties and exceeds the state average of 0.671%. Despite the steeper rate, median taxes of $895 stay below Indiana's state median of $1,199 due to lower home values.

Steepest rate in south-central region

Knox County's 0.725% effective rate is substantially higher than Lawrence County (0.604%) and Madison County (0.764%) nearby. Only Lake County to the north approaches this level, at 0.925%.

What $123,500 home costs annually

A typical Knox County homeowner with a $123,500 home pays approximately $895 in annual property taxes. With mortgage, that figure rises to $1,028; without, to $714—relatively affordable given the county's steep tax rate.

Appeals could reduce your burden

Even in Knox County's lower-valued market, many homeowners carry assessments above fair market value. A property tax appeal is free and can yield real savings, particularly for those whose assessments haven't been updated in several years.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Knox County

via CostByCounty

Knox County offers affordable rents nationally

With a rent-to-income ratio of 15.9%, Knox County is nearly aligned with the national average despite a median household income of $58,863—below the national median of $74,755. Monthly rents of $782 are notably low, making this county an outlier for affordability.

One of Indiana's most affordable counties

Knox County's 15.9% rent-to-income ratio sits almost exactly at the state average of 15.6%, and its $782 median rent is $101 below Indiana's average of $883. This combination ranks Knox among Indiana's most housing-accessible counties.

Low rents anchor the region

Knox County's $782 rent is the lowest among comparable counties in this analysis, undercutting Lawrence County ($800) and matching affordability trends in rural Indiana. Despite lower incomes, Knox residents spend less on housing as a percentage of earnings than many neighboring areas.

Minimal housing burden allows financial flexibility

Renters dedicate only 15.9% of income to housing, while homeowners spend roughly 15.4% on mortgage costs, leaving Knox residents room for savings and other expenses. The median home value of $123,500 is the lowest in this county cluster, reflecting accessible homeownership.

Budget-conscious renters should explore Knox

Knox County delivers some of the lowest housing costs in Indiana paired with manageable rent-to-income ratios, ideal if you prioritize affordability over urban amenities. Compare it with neighboring Lawrence County ($800 rent, $65,551 income) to assess similar low-cost regions.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Knox County

via IncomeByCounty

Knox County income lags national standard

Knox County's median household income of $58,863 falls 21.3% below the national median of $74,755, reflecting economic challenges that many rural Indiana counties face. Per capita income here is $33,762, notably lower than the national average, signaling limited wealth accumulation across the population.

Below-average income for Indiana

Knox County's median household income ranks below Indiana's state average of $68,681, placing it among the lower-earning counties statewide. This gap of nearly $10,000 reflects structural economic differences compared to stronger regional markets.

Struggling compared to nearby counties

Knox County's $58,863 median income trails LaGrange County ($83,741) by 30% and Kosciusko County ($73,922) by 20%. Only Lawrence County ($65,551) and Madison County ($62,632) in this regional group earn less, indicating Knox County faces competitive income headwinds.

Housing remains manageable despite income gaps

Knox County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.9% suggests housing costs stay within the affordable range, supported by a median home value of $123,500. However, lower incomes mean households have less cushion for unexpected expenses and savings goals.

Strategic saving critical for Knox County

With household incomes running 21% below the national average, Knox County residents should prioritize building emergency funds and exploring lower-cost investment vehicles like index funds. Consider tapping into local workforce development programs and education initiatives to increase earning potential for your family.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Knox County

via CrimeByCounty

A high safety score in Knox County

Knox County earns a high safety score of 98.0, reflecting a secure community environment. Its total crime rate of 1253.2 per 100K is nearly 50% lower than the national average of 2,385.5. Three reporting agencies coordinate to maintain this level of public safety.

Comparing Knox to the Indiana average

Knox County's total crime rate of 1253.2 per 100K sits above the Indiana state average of 693.8. Its safety score of 98.0 is slightly below the statewide benchmark of 98.9. Despite this, the county remains a low-risk area for serious criminal activity.

Low violent crime sets Knox apart

Knox County reports a remarkably low violent crime rate of 33.2 per 100K, far lower than the state average of 102.9. This makes it one of the safer regions in Southern Indiana regarding personal safety. Local law enforcement focus remains on property-related incidents which make up the bulk of the data.

Understanding the crime mix in Knox

Property crime accounts for nearly all local offenses, with a rate of 1220.0 per 100K residents. In contrast, violent crime is almost non-existent at 33.2 per 100K. This data suggests that while theft is a concern, physical safety is extremely high.

Secure your property in Knox County

Protecting your home from property crime is the best way to stay safe in Knox County. Ensure all entry points are well-lit and consider installing a basic security camera system. Simple habits like locking vehicles and garage doors prevent most local crimes.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Knox County

via HealthByCounty

Knox County faces health challenges

At 73.7 years, Knox County life expectancy falls 1.2 years below the U.S. average of 74.9 years. With 18.3% reporting poor or fair health, the county exceeds the national average of 21% who experience daily health struggles.

Below-average health outcomes statewide

Knox County's 73.7-year life expectancy trails Indiana's 75.1-year average by 1.4 years, placing it among the lower performers in the state. The poor/fair health rate of 18.3% also signals ongoing wellness concerns.

Struggling compared to neighbors

Knox County's life expectancy of 73.7 years ranks among the lowest in its region, trailing Johnson County (76.2 years) by 2.5 years. However, Knox does offer 214 mental health providers per 100,000—among the highest in the state.

Moderate insurance gaps persist

Knox County's 7.8% uninsured rate is slightly below the state average of 8.4%, but access remains limited. The county offers only 72 primary care providers per 100,000, below state needs and creating delays in routine care.

Check your insurance options now

With 7.8% of Knox County residents uninsured and primary care access limited, having coverage is essential. Visit healthcare.gov to review plans and find providers, or call 1-800-MEDICARE for personalized assistance.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Knox County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse School Districts in Southwest Indiana

Knox County provides education through 13 public schools across four distinct districts, serving a total of 5,289 students. The system consists of seven elementary, one middle, and five high schools. This layout ensures specialized secondary education options for residents throughout the county.

Exceptional Graduation Outcomes and Solid Scores

The county achieves a remarkable 95.7% graduation rate, significantly higher than the national 87.0% average. Its school score of 53.3 also surpasses the Indiana state average of 51.7. Investment is consistent with state trends, as per-pupil spending of $5,519 slightly exceeds the Indiana average of $5,507.

Vincennes Community Leads Local Education

Vincennes Community School Corp is the largest district, operating seven schools for 2,836 students. South Knox and North Knox School Corporations manage the remaining student population with a focused, traditional public school model. No charter schools operate within the county, maintaining a centralized district structure.

A Blend of Town and Rural Settings

Education in Knox County happens in intimate settings, with an average school size of 441 students. The locale is split almost evenly between rural areas and established towns, offering families different lifestyle choices. Lincoln High School is the largest campus with 765 students, while many other schools offer much smaller, close-knit environments.

Establish Roots in a High-Achieving District

High graduation rates and competitive school scores make Knox County an attractive option for home buyers. Whether you prefer a home in historic Vincennes or a rural property near South Knox Elementary, you will find schools that outperform state benchmarks. Start your home search today to join a community that values academic success.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Knox County

via RiskByCounty

Knox County risks stay below state

Knox County's composite risk score of 55.31 rates as relatively low and sits just 9.79 points above Indiana's state average of 45.52. This makes Knox one of the state's safer counties, though residents still face meaningful hazard exposure.

Safer than most Indiana counties

Knox County ranks among Indiana's lower-risk counties at 55.31, outperforming the majority of state communities in overall disaster vulnerability. Its "relatively low" rating reflects more balanced hazard distribution rather than extreme exposure to any single threat.

Knox balances risk with neighbors

Knox County (55.31) sits between Johnson County (74.65) to the north and Lawrence County (47.77) to the east, making it a middle ground for risk exposure. Its lower score reflects reduced tornado danger compared to nearby Johnson County.

Earthquakes and tornadoes lead threats

Earthquake risk dominates Knox County at 90.49—the highest exposure of all hazard types—while tornado risk at 60.97 represents the second major concern. Flooding at 53.44 rounds out the primary hazards, though wildfire exposure remains minimal at 8.21.

Don't skip earthquake insurance

Knox County's exceptional earthquake risk score of 90.49 makes standalone earthquake insurance a critical investment, as standard homeowners policies exclude seismic damage. Ensure tornado and hail coverage is included in your primary policy given the 60.97 tornado risk.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Knox County

via WeatherByCounty

Hot Summers in Southwest Indiana

Knox County is warmer than the national median with an annual average temperature of 55.0°F. The climate is characterized by long, hot summers and relatively short winters.

A Warm Spot on the State Map

This 55.0°F average puts the county well above the Indiana state mark of 52.2°F. It is one of the warmest agricultural hubs in the southwestern corner of the state.

More Heat than Northern Neighbors

Knox experiences more extreme heat than its neighbor Sullivan, recording 32 days above 90°F annually. Its 46.6 inches of rain exceeds the state average by nearly three inches.

Extreme Heat and Rare Snow

Summers are hot, with a July average of 76.8°F and 32 days of extreme heat. Winters are easy on shovelers, as the county receives only 11.8 inches of snow.

Plan Around Peak Summer Heat

High-capacity cooling systems are a necessity to handle the 32 days of extreme heat. Outdoor activities should be planned for the mornings to avoid peak afternoon temperatures.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Knox County

via SoilByCounty

Young Inceptisols Anchor the Wabash Valley

Knox County is dominated by Inceptisols, which are relatively young soils with early horizon development. The average pH of 6.20 is slightly more acidic than the national median but remains higher than the Indiana average of 6.08.

Heavy Silty Clay Requires Careful Handling

The soil contains 53.3% silt and 18.2% clay, creating a silty clay texture that feels smooth but heavy. This mix provides great structure for plant roots but can become dense and difficult to work when it is too wet or too dry.

Healthy Organic Matter Supports Local Farms

Organic matter levels sit at 3.54%, which is well above the national average of 2.0%. However, the available water capacity of 0.190 in/in is slightly lower than the state average, meaning crops may need more attention during summer dry spells.

Managing Poorly Drained Hydrologic Group D

This county is characterized as poorly drained and belongs to Hydrologic Group D, which has very low infiltration rates. Farmers often utilize tiling to manage excess water and prevent root rot in these heavy soils.

Warm Zone 6b Offers Longer Seasons

As one of the southern counties in Zone 6b, Knox County offers a longer growing season for melons and peppers. With a solid soil score of 69.2, your garden will thrive if you provide adequate drainage.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Knox County

via LawnByCounty

Knox County Faces Standard Indiana Challenges

Knox County carries a lawn difficulty score of 70.9, placing it right in line with the Indiana state average. Located in Hardiness Zone 6b, it offers a slightly longer growing window than its northern neighbors but requires more attention to heat stress.

High Heat Demands Careful Mowing

The county experiences 32 extreme heat days per year, significantly higher than the state average of 20. This heat, paired with 3,991 growing degree days, means your mowing schedule will be aggressive from late spring through early autumn.

Managing Poorly Drained Silty Clay

The soil pH is a healthy 6.20, but the silty clay texture and poorly drained classification can lead to waterlogging. Regular aeration is essential here to prevent soil compaction and ensure oxygen reaches the root zone.

Drought Stress Hits the Entire County

Currently, 100% of Knox County is classified as abnormally dry, and the area has endured nine weeks of drought in the past year. Deep, infrequent watering is necessary to help grass roots dive deeper into the silty clay.

Utilize a Long Season for Success

The frost-free window extends from April 11 to October 30, offering plenty of time for Turf-Type Tall Fescue to establish. This heat-tolerant grass is the perfect choice for the 32 annual days reaching 90 degrees or higher.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Knox County's county score?
Knox County, Indiana has a composite county score of 52.4 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 Indiana?
Knox County ranks #63 among all counties in Indiana 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, Indiana?
The median annual property tax in Knox County is $895, with an effective tax rate of 0.72%. This earns Knox County a tax score of 60.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Knox County?
The median household income in Knox County, Indiana is $58,863 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Knox County earns an income score of 35.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Knox County, Indiana a good place to live?
Knox County scores 52.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #63 in Indiana. 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.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.