CountyScore

Knox County

Indiana · IN

#57 in Indiana
71
County Score

County Report Card

About Knox County, Indiana

Strong Performer, National Perspective

Knox County's composite score of 71.0 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it comfortably in the top half of American counties. This above-average ranking reflects solid livability across multiple dimensions.

Inline with State Average

Knox County matches Indiana's average composite score of 71.2, indicating it represents the typical experience for Indiana residents. Among the state's 92 counties, it performs at the midpoint—neither leading nor lagging.

Affordability Is the Star Here

Knox County's cost score of 83.0 is its signature strength, with median home values of just $123,500 and rent at $782/month—among Indiana's most affordable. Low taxes (0.725% effective rate, score of 81.9) further enhance purchasing power.

Income and Health Need Attention

The income score of 21.8 is concerning, reflecting a median household income of $58,863—below both state and national norms. Health outcomes also lag at 69.2, suggesting potential public health challenges worth monitoring.

Best for Budget-First Settlers

Knox County is ideal for individuals or families prioritizing affordability above all else, from retirees on fixed incomes to first-time homebuyers. The low cost of living makes it accessible, though lower incomes and health scores suggest this is a simpler economic landscape.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax81.9Cost83SafetyComing SoonHealth69.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome21.8Risk44.7WaterComing Soon
🏛81.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠83
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼21.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤69.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡44.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Knox County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Blount County
Alabama
71
Median income: $61,096
Clarke County
Alabama
71
Median income: $49,167
Dale County
Alabama
71
Median income: $53,955
Boone County
Arkansas
71
Median income: $54,195
Hempstead County
Arkansas
71
Median income: $47,654

Deep Dives

Knox County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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