countyscore
66
County Score
Safety 92.6Cost of Living 86Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Knox County, Missouri

Well Above National Performance

Knox County boasts a high composite score of 66.0, significantly outperforming the national median of 50.0. This places it in the upper tier of American counties for overall quality of life.

A Leading Missouri County

With a 66.0 composite score, Knox County easily clears the Missouri state average of 50.3. It stands out as one of the premier locations for livability in the state.

Top-Tier Safety and Affordability

The county is incredibly safe, earning a safety score of 92.6. Living here is also highly affordable, with a cost score of 86.0 and median rent of only $661.

Lower Earnings and Health Scores

While housing is cheap, the income score of 21.4 indicates lower typical earnings for the region. Health access also trails other metrics with a score of 26.6.

A Haven for Secure, Low-Cost Living

Knox County is perfect for retirees or families who prioritize safety and low overhead above all else. With homes averaging $97,200, it offers one of the best cost-of-living profiles in the state.

20406080100538692.626.666.421.4798652Tax53Cost86Safety92.6Health26.6Schools66.4Income21.4Risk79Water86Weather5266/100
This county
National avg
5 above average2 below average

Knox County DNA

D+overall

How Knox County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Knox County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (86/100) but notably weak in Income (21.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
53
Cost
86+38
Safety
92.6+37.599999999999994
Health
26.6-23.4
Schools
66.4+12.400000000000006
Income
21.4-29.6
Risk
79+32
Water
86+28
Weather
52
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$97,200

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$661/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$97,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$26,440/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $53,333/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

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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Counties with similar scores

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Platte County
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Calhoun County
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Stanton County
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Grant County
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Median income: $72,957
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Clay County
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Median income: $75,938
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Buffalo County
South Dakota
Median income: $47,000
65.9

Nearby counties

Shelby County
Missouri
60.1
Scotland County
Missouri
60.6
Adair County
Missouri
44.3
Lewis County
Missouri
62.1
Macon County
Missouri
52.6
Clark County
Missouri
55.1
Schuyler County
Missouri
55.5
Marion County
Missouri
42.3

Deep Dives

Knox County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Knox County

via TaxByCounty

Knox County taxes above state average

At 0.802%, Knox County's effective tax rate exceeds Missouri's 0.733% average, though the median property tax of just $780 remains far below the national median of $2,690. Lower home values—the median sits at just $97,200—keep absolute tax bills modest despite a relatively high rate.

Knox ranks in upper-middle tier statewide

Knox County's 0.802% effective rate places it solidly above the Missouri average, positioning it in the upper-middle range of the state's 115 counties. The low median property tax of $780 reflects the county's affordable housing market, not its tax structure.

Knox taxes higher than most western neighbors

Knox County's 0.802% rate exceeds nearly all regional peers, with only Jefferson County at 0.839% running higher among the eight-county group. Lawrence County (0.606%), Johnson County (0.684%), and Laclede County (0.652%) all offer notably lower rates.

A $97,200 home costs about $780 yearly

The median Knox County homeowner pays approximately $780 annually in property taxes—the lowest absolute bill in this region. With a mortgage, that typically rises to $1,000; without one, it drops to $656.

Rural homeowners should verify assessments too

Even in affordable markets like Knox County, properties can be overassessed relative to true market value. If your property's assessed value seems out of step with comparable homes, file an appeal with the county assessor.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Knox County

via CostByCounty

Knox County: Missouri's affordability standout

Knox County renters spend only 14.9% of income on rent, well below the national burden of 18.3%, making it one of the most affordable counties nationally. Though median income of $53,333 falls below the U.S. average, housing costs are exceptionally low at just $661 monthly.

Best-in-class Missouri affordability

Knox County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.9% bests Missouri's state average of 15.6%, while its $661 median rent is the lowest among comparable counties. This combination makes Knox a standout for budget-conscious residents across income levels.

Significantly cheaper than regional peers

Knox County's $661 rent is 27% cheaper than Jasper County ($904) and nearly 40% cheaper than Jefferson County ($972). Despite lower regional incomes, Knox delivers exceptional affordability that outpaces most neighboring counties by a wide margin.

Housing leaves room in small budgets

Renters pay just $661 monthly while homeowners average $619 from a $53,333 median household income. Housing accounts for only 14–15% of pre-tax income, allowing residents to stretch limited earnings across other essential expenses.

Unbeatable affordability for rural preference

Knox County is Missouri's best choice for renters and buyers prioritizing low housing costs and rural living. If affordable housing is your primary goal and you're willing to trade urban amenities for small-town life, Knox County delivers unmatched value.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Knox County

via IncomeByCounty

Knox earns well below national

Knox County's median household income of $53,333 lags the U.S. median of $74,755 by $21,422 annually. This significant gap means Knox households earn roughly 71 cents for every dollar earned nationally, placing the county in lower-income territory.

Among Missouri's lowest earners

Knox County's $53,333 median income ranks among Missouri's lowest, trailing the state average of $59,503 by more than $6,000. Per capita income of $26,225 also significantly lags the state average of $31,011, indicating economic challenges.

Knox struggles versus nearby peers

Knox County ($53,333) earns less than all surveyed neighbors, including Laclede County ($50,825) by a narrow margin, but faces steeper gaps with Jasper ($57,525) and Johnson County ($67,123). This pattern suggests Knox is among the region's most economically distressed counties.

Housing is genuinely affordable

Knox's rent-to-income ratio of 14.9% ranks well below the national 18% standard, providing relief for renters. Median home values of just $97,200 offer the state's most accessible homeownership pathway, making housing costs negligible relative to income.

Start small, build momentum

Knox County residents should prioritize building emergency savings of $500–$1,000 before investing, then explore low-cost index funds and employer retirement benefits. Even modest monthly contributions to savings accounts and automated investments can create meaningful financial security over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Knox County

via CrimeByCounty

Extraordinary Safety Scores in Knox County

Knox County reports a total crime rate of just 106.0 per 100,000, dwarfing the national average of 2,385.5. The county achieves a nearly perfect safety score of 99.8.

Among the Safest in Missouri

Knox County’s safety score of 99.8 far exceeds the state average of 97.0. However, with only one agency reporting, residents should interpret these exceptionally low numbers with caution.

Significantly Safer Than Lewis County

Knox County’s crime rate of 106.0 is less than a quarter of neighboring Lewis County's rate of 480.7. This makes Knox one of the lowest-crime areas in the entire Northeast Missouri region.

Zero Violent Crimes Reported

Data shows zero violent crimes per 100,000 residents, a rare statistic nationwide. The minimal property crime rate of 106.0 indicates that criminal activity is an infrequent occurrence for this community.

Keep Your Community Secure

While crime is statistically very low, maintaining community ties and looking out for neighbors is key. Simple precautions like locking vehicles at night help preserve the county's safe environment.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Knox County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Unified Community School System

Knox County operates a highly centralized school system with just two public schools serving a total of 491 students. Both schools are managed by a single district, Knox Co. R-I, which oversees all public education for the county. This small-scale infrastructure includes one elementary school and one high school.

Exceptional Graduation Success and Targeted Investment

The county achieves a remarkable 95.0% graduation rate, far outpacing the national average of 87%. Investment is also strong locally, with $7,265 spent per pupil, which is nearly $1,000 more than the Missouri state average. These factors contribute to an impressive school score of 56.7, well above both state and national medians.

One District Supporting Every Student

Knox Co. R-I is the sole provider of public education in the county, educating all 491 enrolled students. There are no charter schools, meaning the local community's resources and attention are fully focused on this single district. This structure fosters a tight-knit educational environment from preschool through graduation.

A Small-Scale, Rural Learning Environment

All schools in Knox County are located in rural settings, reflecting the area's agricultural character. Knox Co. Elementary is the largest building with 249 students, while the high school serves 242 students. With an average school size of 246, students benefit from one of the most intimate public school settings in Missouri.

Quiet Living with High-Performing Schools

Knox County offers a unique opportunity for families seeking a high-performing rural district with a 95% graduation rate. The consolidated nature of the school system makes choosing a home simple, as all residents are served by the same high-scoring district. Consider this area if you value a small community where every student is well-known by their peers and teachers.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Knox County

via RiskByCounty

Knox ranks among safest counties

Knox County's composite risk score of 21.02 places it well below the national average with a Very Low rating. Residents face significantly less natural disaster exposure than most U.S. counties.

One of Missouri's safest counties

Knox County's 21.02 score ranks among the lowest in Missouri, sitting far below the state average of 50.56. The county offers substantially lower natural hazard exposure than most Missouri communities.

Safest county in the region

Knox County (21.02) faces dramatically lower risk than neighbors Lewis County (27.39) and all surrounding areas. It represents one of the safest natural disaster environments in northern Missouri.

Minimal hazard exposure countywide

Knox County's highest risk comes from wildfire (35.27) and flood (23.28), both well below state averages. Overall natural disaster risk remains limited and manageable across the county.

Standard insurance remains appropriate

Knox County homeowners can rely on standard homeowners insurance for adequate protection; flood insurance is optional but inexpensive. The county's low-risk profile means residents can allocate insurance budgets confidently without excess coverage.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Knox County

via WaterByCounty

Knox County Achieves an A Grade

Knox County maintains a perfect compliance record with zero health violations reported in the last five years. This 0.0 violation rate stands in sharp contrast to the statewide average of 81.5 per 100,000. Local water systems are operating with a high level of safety and reliability.

Watershed Health Indicators Currently N/A

The federal §303(d) assessment has not yet been applied to the water bodies within Knox County. As a result, there is no official data on the percentage of impaired water bodies for this region. Monitoring coverage has not yet reached the federal reporting threshold for these watersheds.

Limited Monitoring Footprint in Knox County

The county has 3 active monitoring sites that have generated 436 measurements over the past five years. Efforts focus on physical properties, nutrients, and cyanotoxins. While the site count is low, these targeted measurements provide essential data on primary water risks.

South Fabius River Near Record Lows

The South Fabius River above Newark is flowing at 29 cfs, a mere 17% of its long-term mean. This critical low flow impacts a drainage area of 211 square miles. Such extreme reductions in discharge can lead to stagnant water and increased temperature.

Conserve Water During Extreme Low Flow

While drinking water is perfectly compliant, the South Fabius River is experiencing a severe drought at 17% of normal flow. Residents should practice water conservation to alleviate pressure on local sources. Additionally, be mindful of potential algal growth that can occur in slow-moving, low-volume rivers.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Knox County

via WeatherByCounty

Precipitation Trends in Knox County

While temperature data is currently limited for Knox County, its 42.4 inches of annual precipitation is higher than the national average. This moisture supports the region's agricultural landscape.

Snowier Than the Missouri Average

Knox County receives 19.8 inches of annual snowfall, which is significantly higher than many other Missouri counties. Its total precipitation of 42.4 inches is slightly lower than the state average of 43.8 inches.

A Northern Snow Leader

Knox County stands out regionally for its 19.8 inches of snow, nearly double what Howard County receives. This suggests a much colder winter profile than counties just a few hours south.

Significant Snowfall Defines the Year

Although specific summer and winter temperature averages are unavailable, the 19.8 inches of annual snowfall indicates a robust winter season. The county remains consistently wet with over 42 inches of total precipitation.

Winter Readiness is Key in Knox

Given the 19.8-inch snow average, residents should prioritize heavy-duty winter gear and vehicle winterization. High annual precipitation also makes consistent home drainage and roof maintenance important.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Knox County

via SoilByCounty

Near-Neutral pH in Knox County

Knox County soils boast a pH of 6.41, nearly matching the national median of 6.5. This near-neutral balance is ideal for nutrient availability and reflects an impressive overall soil score of 78.4.

A Stable Silt-Clay Blend

The composition consists of 61.3% silt and 22.7% clay, with very little sand at 15.9%. This mix provides a stable, dense medium that prevents fertilizers from leaching away too quickly.

Top-Tier Water Holding Capacity

At 0.213 in/in, the available water capacity is among the best in the state, far exceeding the 0.183 in/in average. The organic matter content is 2.66%, offering a healthy foundation for diverse agricultural uses.

Navigating Subaqueous Soil Records

Dominant records indicate subaqueous drainage, meaning these soils are frequently saturated or underwater. Proper site selection is critical in Knox County to ensure garden beds have the drainage they need to thrive.

Hardy Crops for Zone 6a

The colder winters of Zone 6a are perfect for hardy root vegetables and berries. This county's excellent water capacity and neutral pH provide a premium environment for any aspiring gardener.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Knox County

via LawnByCounty

Solid Growing Potential in Knox

Knox County earns a respectable lawn score of 65.7, outperforming the state average of 63.7. This 6a hardiness zone is well-suited for northern grass varieties that prefer cooler temperatures.

Reliable Rainfall for Cool-Season Grass

The county averages 42.4 inches of rain annually, providing a consistent water supply for thirsty lawns. This precipitation level is just slightly below the Missouri state average but falls within the ideal range for turf.

Perfect pH but Drainage Challenges

A soil pH of 6.41 is nearly perfect for nutrient absorption, requiring few chemical amendments. However, a 22.7% clay content and subaqueous drainage class mean you must manage water carefully to avoid root rot.

Recovering from Significant Drought

Last year saw 37 weeks of drought, and 100% of the county currently faces abnormally dry conditions. With 1.7% of the area in severe drought, prioritize moisture retention through mulching and proper mowing heights.

Focus on Cold-Hardy Cultivars

Hardy cool-season grasses are the most successful choice for the 6a climate in Knox County. Focus on improving soil drainage in the spring to prepare your lawn for any summer dry spells.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Knox County's county score?
Knox County, Missouri has a composite county score of 66 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 Missouri?
Knox County ranks #3 among all counties in Missouri 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, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Knox County is $780, with an effective tax rate of 0.80%. This earns Knox County a tax score of 53/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Knox County?
The median household income in Knox County, Missouri is $53,333 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Knox County earns an income score of 21.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Knox County, Missouri a good place to live?
Knox County scores 66/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #3 in Missouri. 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 Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.