countyscore
53.1
County Score
Lawn Care 70.9Soil Quality 69.2Cost of Living 65.5

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.

2040608010062.765.544.250.748.337.644.750.457.9Tax62.7Cost65.5Safety44.2Health50.7Schools48.3Income37.6Risk44.7Water50.4Weather57.953.1/100
This county
National avg
2 above average2 below average

Knox County DNA

Foverall

How Knox County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Knox County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (65.5/100) but notably weak in Income (37.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
62.7+10.700000000000003
Cost
65.5+17.5
Safety
44.2-10.799999999999997
Health
50.7
Schools
48.3
Income
37.6-13.399999999999999
Risk
44.7
Water
50.4
Weather
57.9
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

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$137,700

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$796/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$137,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,840/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $61,237/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

19.4

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Lawrence County
Illinois
55.7
Daviess County
Indiana
57.6
Pike County
Indiana
62.9
Crawford County
Illinois
51.8
Gibson County
Indiana
55.6
Wabash County
Illinois
55.4
Sullivan County
Indiana
58.3
Martin County
Indiana
70.6

Deep Dives

Knox County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 53.1 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 Indiana?
Knox County ranks #62 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 $933, with an effective tax rate of 0.68%. This earns Knox County a tax score of 62.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Knox County?
The median household income in Knox County, Indiana is $61,237 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Knox County earns an income score of 37.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Knox County, Indiana a good place to live?
Knox County scores 53.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #62 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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