countyscore
56.5
County Score
Cost of Living 94.6Lawn Care 66.4Weather & Climate 63.5

County Report Card

About Knox County, Kentucky

Above the National Median

Knox County earns a composite score of 56.5, placing it comfortably above the national median of 50.0. Its overall livability is buoyed by some of the most affordable housing in the country.

Stable Kentucky Performance

Knox County's score of 56.5 is nearly identical to the Kentucky state average of 58.6. It represents a typical regional experience where low living costs help balance out lower wage opportunities.

Maximum Housing Affordability

The county shines with a cost score of 94.6 and a median gross rent of only $631 per month. Education is also a bright spot, with a school score of 62.1 that beats many neighboring districts.

Significant Income Gaps

The income score of 0.6 is a major challenge, as the median household income sits at $33,153. Health and risk scores are also low, staying below 30.0, which suggests limited local healthcare and infrastructure resilience.

A Haven for Bargain Hunters

Knox County is perfectly suited for those who need to minimize housing expenses above all other factors. It is an accessible choice for individuals who can find work remotely or within the local school system.

Score breakdown

Tax59.3Cost94.6Safety53.5Health27.3Schools62.1Income0.6Risk25.3Water53.3Weather63.5
🏛59.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠94.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼0.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡53.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤27.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓62.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡25.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧53.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤63.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱66.4
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

Bell County
Kentucky
53
Whitley County
Kentucky
64.4
Clay County
Kentucky
56.3
Laurel County
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Leslie County
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Claiborne County
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McCreary County
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Harlan County
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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 taxes run well below national levels

Knox County's 0.735% effective rate is below the national median of 0.85%, and its median property tax of $803 is roughly 70% lower than the national median of $2,690. This rural southeastern Kentucky county delivers substantial property tax savings compared to typical U.S. counties.

Slightly above Kentucky's average

Knox's 0.735% rate modestly exceeds Kentucky's state average of 0.719%, placing it slightly on the higher side for the state. The median tax of $803 falls well below Kentucky's state median of $1,093, reflecting Knox's lower home values relative to its effective rate.

Among the region's middle tier

Knox County's 0.735% rate ranks slightly above Knott County (0.719%) and Lawrence County (0.678%), but well below Jessamine (0.771%) and far below Kenton (1.004%). It occupies a stable middle position within eastern Kentucky's tax structure.

What $109,200 home costs yearly

A typical Knox County homeowner pays approximately $803 per year in property taxes on a median-valued $109,200 home. With a mortgage, that rises to $1,245; without one, it drops to $569.

Review your assessment for potential savings

Knox County homeowners should verify their assessed values match current market conditions, as overassessment is common statewide. Requesting a reassessment review could uncover errors that reduce your annual tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Knox County

via CostByCounty

Knox faces serious affordability crunch

Knox County renters spend 22.8% of income on rent, exceeding Kentucky's state average of 17.0% and reflecting a median household income of just $33,153—less than half the national median. This southeastern Kentucky county represents one of America's most economically challenged areas.

Among Kentucky's poorest, most burdened

Knox County's 22.8% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Kentucky's worst, placing severe pressure on households already earning 55% below the national average. The county's $631 median rent is among the state's lowest, yet still consumes an outsized share of limited incomes.

Lowest incomes, persistent struggle

Knox County's median household income of $33,153 is the lowest in this analysis, and its 22.8% rent-to-income ratio reflects that economic reality. While rents are cheap in absolute terms, the earnings base is too weak to create genuine affordability.

Every dollar stretched thin

Knox County renters allocate 22.8% of their $33,153 income to $631 monthly rent, leaving limited cushion for food, utilities, healthcare, and transportation. Homeowners are more fortunate: $492 monthly payments (17.8% of income) on $109,200 median homes, suggesting homeownership offers more financial stability when accessible.

Move here only with external income

Knox County's bargain housing prices appeal to retirees on fixed incomes and remote workers, but discourage traditional job seekers. If considering relocation, ensure your income is recession-proof and independent of local employment—the county's economics cannot support wage-based moves.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Knox County

via IncomeByCounty

Knox faces severe income shortfall versus nation

Knox County's median household income of $33,153 trails the national median of $74,755 by $41,602—a staggering 56% gap. This places Knox among the lowest-income counties in the United States and reflects decades of economic decline in eastern Kentucky.

Kentucky's most economically vulnerable county

Knox's $33,153 median income ranks at or near the bottom of Kentucky counties, 41% below the state average of $55,909. Per capita income of $21,277 is also among Kentucky's lowest, indicating widespread individual income constraints.

Most distressed county in eastern Kentucky cluster

Knox County's median household income of $33,153 is the lowest among all eight counties examined, trailing even Knott ($37,736). This reflects Knox's acute exposure to coal industry collapse with limited economic diversification.

Housing affordability crisis in Knox County

A rent-to-income ratio of 22.8% indicates Knox households spend nearly 1/4 of income on housing, approaching crisis levels. Even with a median home value of only $109,200, housing costs consume a disproportionate share of scarce household resources.

Build resilience before wealth growth

Knox County residents should focus on stabilizing income and reducing debt before pursuing investments. Local economic development initiatives, job training programs, and community banks can provide pathways to improved financial footing.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Knox County

via CrimeByCounty

Knox County Safety and National Trends

Knox County maintains a safety score of 98.3, which is significantly better than the national average. Its total crime rate of 1052.7 per 100K is less than half the U.S. average of 2,385.5. Three reporting agencies manage the safety of the county's residents.

Assessing Knox County Within Kentucky

Knox County's safety score of 98.3 is just below the state average of 98.8. The total crime rate of 1052.7 is also higher than the state's average of 786.2. While safe by national standards, it experiences more frequent crime than the typical Kentucky county.

Local Comparisons: Knox vs Laurel

Knox County’s crime rate of 1052.7 per 100K is slightly lower than that of nearby Laurel County (1129.1). Both counties share similar safety profiles that are safer than the U.S. average but busier than the Kentucky average. This suggests a consistent regional trend in crime activity.

Property and Violent Crime Breakdown

The violent crime rate in Knox County is 158.9 per 100K, which is double the state average of 78.1. Property crime is more prevalent at 893.8 per 100K, though this remains well below the national 2,015.7. Local safety efforts focus on curbing these property-related incidents.

Proactive Home Security in Knox

Enhancing your home's security with deadbolts and alarm systems is a practical way to address the local property crime rate. Active community watch programs can also play a major role in deterring local theft. Taking these steps helps maintain the security of your neighborhood.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Knox County

via HealthByCounty

Knox County trails national health standards

Knox's 69.5-year life expectancy falls 4.3 years short of the U.S. average, and 27.3% report poor or fair health versus the national 21%. These gaps reflect serious underlying health challenges across the county.

Below-average health outcomes for Kentucky

Knox's 69.5-year life expectancy runs 2.7 years below Kentucky's 72.2-year average, and 27.3% report poor or fair health compared to the state's 25%. The county ranks among the state's lower-performing regions.

Among the region's most challenged counties

Knox's 69.5-year life expectancy mirrors Johnson County (69.4 years) but exceeds Knott County (67.1 years), placing it in the middle of a troubled region. Only 27 primary care providers per 100K means accessing care requires travel.

Provider shortages limit daily care access

Knox's 7.3% uninsured rate slightly exceeds the state average, but only 27 primary care providers per 100K and 94 mental health providers create significant access barriers. Many residents lack convenient options for routine or specialist care.

Explore coverage and local resources

Call 1-855-4-KYNECT or visit kynect.ky.gov to check if you qualify for Medicaid or other affordable plans. Ask your local health department about community clinics and telehealth services that bring care closer to home.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Knox County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Broad Network for Knox County Youth

Knox County is home to 20 public schools that provide education for 5,410 students across two districts. The infrastructure includes seven elementary schools, two middle schools, and eight high schools, reflecting a strong emphasis on secondary options. This variety of levels ensures that students have specialized facilities for every stage of their education.

Strong Investment in Student Success

Knox County outpaces the state in education spending with a per-pupil expenditure of $8,345. The graduation rate of 90.5% remains higher than the national average of 87%, showcasing effective results. Furthermore, the county's school score of 56.7 is slightly better than the Kentucky state average of 55.3.

Two Districts Serving a Growing Community

The Knox County district is the primary provider with 15 schools and 3,943 students, while Barbourville Independent serves 692 students. No charter schools are active in the county, meaning all public funds support the traditional district schools. This dual-district system offers families a choice between a larger county network and a smaller independent city school.

Community-Scale Learning in Town Settings

Schools in Knox County average 301 students, offering a scale that allows for personalized attention. Fourteen schools are located in town settings, while six remain in rural areas, providing a balanced geographic mix. Knox Central High School is the largest in the area with 761 students, providing a traditional high school experience.

Invest in a Home Near Quality Schools

With per-pupil spending well above the state average, Knox County demonstrates a clear commitment to its public schools. Families moving to the area can choose between the town-based Barbourville schools or the broader Knox County system. High graduation rates and stable academic scores make this an excellent region for home-buying families.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Knox County

via RiskByCounty

Knox faces elevated national risk

Knox County's composite risk score of 74.71 exceeds the national average substantially, with a "Relatively Low" rating. This Appalachian county experiences moderate-to-high exposure across multiple natural hazards.

High-risk county for Kentucky

Knox's score of 74.71 far exceeds Kentucky's 44.21 state average, ranking it among the state's highest-risk counties. Elevation and forest cover drive much of this elevated hazard profile.

Wildfire risk leads mountain counties

Knox County's wildfire risk of 84.73 is the highest among neighboring Laurel, Rockcastle, and Clay counties. Its earthquake risk of 70.23 also exceeds most peer counties in the region.

Wildfires and earthquakes are critical

Wildfire risk at 84.73 and earthquake risk at 70.23 dominate Knox County's hazard profile. Tornado risk at 61.42 and flood risk at 71.66 add substantial secondary threats.

Multi-layer insurance strategy essential

Wildfire risk demands aggressive property hardening—clear defensible space and use fire-rated materials on roof and siding. Secure earthquake coverage through your agent, bundled with flood and comprehensive homeowners policies.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Knox County

via WeatherByCounty

Above average heat and moisture

Knox County averages 56.0°F annually, which is slightly warmer than the national median. Its humid subtropical climate brings heavy annual rainfall to the southeastern Kentucky hills.

Typical temperatures but higher rain

Knox matches the state average temperature of 56.2°F almost perfectly at 56.0°F. However, it is much wetter than the state average, receiving 53.8 inches of rain compared to the Kentucky norm of 50.6.

Wetter than Johnson County

Knox County is significantly wetter than Johnson County, receiving over 7 inches more rain annually. It also experiences more extreme heat, with 29 days over 90°F compared to Johnson's 25.

Warm summers and wet winters

Summers reach a July average of 75.9°F and include 29 days of extreme heat. Winters are moderate with a January average of 34.9°F, though the 53.8 inches of annual rain means many wet winter days.

Invest in high-quality rain gear

With 53.8 inches of annual precipitation, waterproof gear and home drainage systems are vital. Prepare for 29 days of extreme summer heat by servicing your HVAC system early in the spring.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Knox County

via SoilByCounty

The Chemistry of the Cumberland

Specific soil taxonomy for Knox County is not currently listed, but the regional pH typically aligns with the Kentucky average of 5.80. This level is more acidic than the national median of 6.5, which influences what types of crops and trees grow best. Knowledge of this acidity helps farmers make better decisions about soil amendments.

Texture and Soil Workability

While sand, silt, and clay data points are currently missing from the record, their balance remains critical for local drainage. A healthy mix allows water to penetrate the surface without causing stagnant pools or rapid erosion. Residents should pay attention to how their soil feels to gauge its current workability.

Rich State-Level Soil Health

Knox County land benefits from a state organic matter average of 3.55%, far surpassing the national average of 2.0%. Combined with an average water capacity of 0.186 in/in, these soils have the potential to be very productive. This richness is a key asset for the county’s agricultural and forest land alike.

Water Movement in Knox County

The dominant drainage class and hydrologic group for this area are currently unavailable in our database. In river-fed counties like Knox, understanding how your specific plot handles water is vital for both farming and construction. Careful observation of seasonal water tables is recommended for all land users.

Growing Seasons in Zone 7a

Knox County’s 7a hardiness zone offers a reliable window for growing everything from berries to leafy greens. The temperate climate is conducive to a wide variety of gardening projects, whether for hobby or subsistence. Now is the perfect time to explore the diverse plant life that this Kentucky soil can support.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Knox County

via LawnByCounty

Typical Kentucky Lawn Care Challenges

Knox County matches the state average with a lawn difficulty score of 66.4, making it more manageable than the national average of 50.0. The 7a hardiness zone provides a balanced environment for several popular grass varieties.

Ample Rain and High Growing Energy

Annual rainfall of 53.8 inches exceeds the ideal maximum, while 3,895 growing degree days fuel rapid grass expansion. With 29 extreme heat days, your lawn will grow quickly and require frequent mowing throughout the summer.

Managing High-Moisture Soils

Data regarding specific soil composition is currently unavailable for Knox County. To ensure your lawn thrives, focus on improving drainage to handle the high annual precipitation and prevent waterlogged root systems.

Consistent Moisture Throughout the Year

The area spent only 3 weeks in drought over the last year, and current reports show no abnormally dry areas. Because the county gets significant rain, your primary concern is managing moisture levels rather than fighting extreme dryness.

Best Grasses for Knox County

Heat-tolerant varieties like Bermuda grass handle the 29 annual heat days well, though tall fescue remains a local favorite. Plan for spring planting after the last frost on April 19th for the best chance of success.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Knox County's county score?
Knox County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 56.5 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 Kentucky?
Knox County ranks #80 among all counties in Kentucky 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, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Knox County is $803, with an effective tax rate of 0.74%. This earns Knox County a tax score of 59.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Knox County?
The median household income in Knox County, Kentucky is $33,153 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Knox County earns an income score of 0.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Knox County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Knox County scores 56.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #80 in Kentucky. 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.