countyscore
65.3
County Score
Safety 90.6Cost of Living 81.9Disaster Risk 70.3

County Report Card

About Knox County, Nebraska

A National Leader in Livability

Knox County shines with a composite score of 65.3, ranking it significantly higher than the national median of 50.0. Its performance highlights the appeal of rural Nebraska living.

Outperforming the State of Nebraska

Scoring well above the Nebraska state average of 59.3, Knox County is a regional standout. It balances high public safety with impressive housing affordability compared to its neighbors.

Exceptional Safety and Low Costs

Safety is a hallmark here with a score of 90.6, paired with an excellent Cost score of 81.9. Median rents are remarkably low at just $692 per month.

Tax Burden and Water Quality

The county faces some pressure from a 24.8 Tax score and a moderate 48.2 Water score. While not critical, these areas represent the primary opportunities for local improvement.

Ideal for Safe, Affordable Living

Knox County is a premier choice for families and retirees looking for a secure community with low living expenses. It provides a high quality of life for those prioritizing physical safety and housing value.

Score breakdown

Tax24.8Cost81.9Safety90.6Health64.7Schools61.1Income53.7Risk70.3Water48.2Weather41.7
🏛24.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠81.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼53.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡90.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤64.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓61.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡70.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧48.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤41.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨51.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱51.7
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

Bon Homme County
South Dakota
61.9
Yankton County
South Dakota
42.9
Cedar County
Nebraska
67.3
Pierce County
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Boyd County
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Hutchinson County
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Antelope County
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Charles Mix 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 County taxes run below national average

Knox County's effective tax rate of 1.220% sits 5% below the national median of 1.281%. The median property tax of $1,426 is notably lower than the national median of $2,690, reflecting the county's modest home values.

Lower-tax county in Nebraska

At 1.220%, Knox County ranks in the lower half of Nebraska counties by effective rate, about 5% below the state average of 1.281%. Approximately 50 Nebraska counties tax property at higher rates than Knox.

Competitive rates in northeast Nebraska

Knox County's 1.220% rate aligns closely with Cedar and Holt counties in the region. This consistency makes northeast Nebraska attractive for property owners seeking predictable, moderate tax environments.

Median home costs $1,426 annually

The median Knox County home valued at $116,900 carries an annual property tax of $1,426. Whether homeowners have mortgages or own outright, their tax obligation remains relatively consistent at around $1,400-$1,500.

Free assessments review available

Knox County homeowners who believe their properties are overvalued can request a no-cost assessment review from the county assessor. Owners dissatisfied with initial responses can file formal appeals through the county's established process.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Knox County

via CostByCounty

Knox County achieves solid rental affordability

Knox County renters spend just 12.8% of their income on rent, sitting comfortably below national affordability thresholds and demonstrating genuine housing security. With median household income of $64,821 and modest rents of $692, local renters enjoy meaningful financial flexibility.

Knox County beats Nebraska's affordability average

Knox County's 12.8% rent-to-income ratio sits well below Nebraska's 14.2% state average, making it one of the state's more affordable counties. At $692 monthly, Knox rents rank among the lowest statewide, supporting strong affordability.

Lowest rents with solid middle-income support

Knox County's $692 monthly rent ranks lowest among all peers while its $64,821 income sits solidly in the regional middle, creating excellent affordability conditions. This combination positions Knox renters best for financial comfort in the county group.

Knox County balances rent and ownership well

Renters pay $692 monthly while homeowners spend $652 on mortgages for homes valued at $116,900—remarkably balanced costs across tenure types. Together, housing consumes about 13% of household income, leaving Knox families approximately $8,400 annually freed from rent or mortgage obligations relative to national averages.

Knox County rewards budget-conscious relocators

If you value housing affordability, Knox County delivers with the region's lowest rents ($692) and competitive income levels ($64,821). Whether renting at 12.8% of income or buying at $116,900, Knox offers genuine financial breathing room for newcomers.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Knox County

via IncomeByCounty

Knox County Below National Income Standard

Knox County's median household income of $64,821 falls $9,934 short of the national median of $74,755, positioning it in the lower-middle range nationally. The county maintains modest economic stability but lags broader U.S. prosperity trends.

Near State Average, Competitive Standing

Knox County earns $64,821 against Nebraska's state average of $66,880, just $2,059 below the median. The county's per capita income of $32,687 slightly trails the state average of $36,101, reflecting a balanced workforce.

Knox Among Mid-Range County Earners

Knox County's $64,821 median ranks fourth among eight counties profiled, comfortably above lower-earning Keith and Kimball counties but below stronger performers like Kearney and Lancaster. The county maintains steady economic footing relative to regional peers.

Excellent Housing Affordability Profile

Knox County's 12.8% rent-to-income ratio ranks second-best among profiled counties, indicating strong housing affordability despite limited median income. A median home value of $116,900 remains highly accessible for working families.

Capitalize on Affordable Cost of Living

Knox County's low housing burden creates opportunity for residents to redirect savings toward retirement accounts, education investments, and wealth diversification. Even modest income earners can build meaningful wealth through consistent monthly contributions to tax-advantaged accounts.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Knox County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety Records in Knox County

Knox County is exceptionally safe, with a total crime rate of only 178.3 per 100,000 residents. This performance is nearly 13 times better than the national average, earning a safety score of 99.7.

Outperforming Nebraska State Safety Standards

The county far exceeds the Nebraska average safety score of 99.0. Its total crime volume is less than one-third of the state average of 626.7.

High Regional Safety Relative to Urban Centers

Compared to Lancaster County’s rate of 3,133.9, Knox is an oasis of calm. It maintains much lower incident rates than many other central Nebraska counties due to strong community policing.

Zero Violent Crimes Reported Locally

Local agencies reported zero violent crimes in 2022, a major achievement for the community. Property crime is also minimal, occurring at a rate of 178.3 per 100,000 people.

Helping Knox County Stay Safe

Knox County’s safety is a community asset that residents can help maintain. Use smart doorbells to keep an eye on your property and support the county's low-crime reputation.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Knox County

via HealthByCounty

Knox County matches U.S. longevity

At 77.5 years, Knox County's life expectancy meets the national average of 76.4 years almost exactly. However, 17.0% of residents report poor or fair health, indicating higher rates of chronic disease than many U.S. peers.

Perfectly aligned with state average

Knox County's 77.5-year life expectancy matches Nebraska's state average precisely, placing it squarely in the middle of state performance. Its 9.0% uninsured rate is slightly above the state average of 8.1%, suggesting modest coverage gaps.

Mid-tier health and provider availability

Knox County's life expectancy (77.5) falls between Kearney County's strong 79.6 and Kimball County's weak 76.0. Its provider availability is solid with 48 primary care and 72 mental health providers per 100K, placing it well above the lowest-resourced rural counties.

Reasonable access, moderate coverage gaps

Knox County's 9.0% uninsured rate represents a modest but real challenge—around 1 in 11 residents lack coverage. With 48 primary care providers per 100K, residents have decent access to routine care, though specialists and mental health services may require travel.

Close the coverage gap

Knox County's uninsured rate is above average, and getting covered strengthens your health security. Explore Nebraska's health plans and community health centers to find affordable options that fit your family's needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Knox County

via SchoolsByCounty

Vast Network of Rural Schools

Knox County manages a surprisingly large network of 15 public schools serving ,1735 students across 7 different districts. The landscape is evenly split with 7 elementary schools and 7 high schools, plus one middle school, ensuring widespread access for rural families.

High Scores and Robust Investment

The county achieves an impressive composite school score of 63.5, significantly higher than the Nebraska state average of 59.1. This quality is backed by per-pupil spending of $12,679, which nearly meets the national average and exceeds the state average by over $2,000.

Multiple Districts Serve Knox Communities

The county's education is decentralized across 7 districts, with Creighton Community Public Schools and Bloomfield Community Schools being the largest. There are no charter schools, meaning students attend one of the 15 local public campuses.

The Essence of Rural Education

Every single school in Knox County is classified as rural, with an average size of 116 students per campus. Crofton Elementary is the largest school at 180 students, while most other campuses maintain even smaller, highly familiar environments.

Explore Homes in Top-Scoring Districts

With such high school scores and deep per-pupil investment, Knox County is a standout choice for families. Look for homes in Crofton, Creighton, or Bloomfield to take advantage of these well-funded rural school systems.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Knox County

via RiskByCounty

Knox County's disaster risk

Knox County scores 29.71 on the national composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating but sitting above the national average. This reflects moderate exposure to natural hazards, particularly tornadoes and wildfires.

Above-average risk for Nebraska

Knox County's composite risk of 29.71 exceeds Nebraska's state average of 25.80, making it one of the more vulnerable counties in the state. Tornado and wildfire risks drive this elevated profile.

Compared to nearby counties

Knox County's risk (29.71) is substantially higher than Keya Paha County (1.46), Johnson County (4.58), and Keith County (13.77), but comparable to Kearney County (30.95). Only Lincoln County (48.57) and Lancaster County (90.74) exceed its vulnerability in the broader region.

Your top natural hazards

Wildfire risk dominates Knox County at 81.39—the county's most significant hazard—followed closely by tornado risk at 53.24. Flood risk (31.33) ranks third, reflecting the county's vulnerable position for multiple major hazards.

Insurance for peace of mind

Knox County residents face meaningfully elevated tornado and wildfire risks and should prioritize comprehensive coverage for both hazards. Standard homeowners policies exclude wildfire, and tornado coverage often requires a separate rider; review your options with your agent.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Knox County

via WeatherByCounty

A classic continental cycle

Knox County's 49.1°F average temperature sits below the national median. It features the dramatic seasonal shifts typical of the upper Missouri River valley.

Slightly cooler than state average

The county's 49.1°F average is just below the Nebraska average of 49.7°F. However, its 27.7 inches of rain is slightly higher than the state's 25.9-inch norm.

Higher snowfall than southern peers

Knox receives 38.6 inches of snow, far more than Lancaster County's 28.0 inches. It is also wetter than Kearney County, which receives 25.7 inches of rain.

Harsh winters and hot Julys

January is cold with an average of 21.5°F and heavy snow totaling 38.6 inches. July rebounds to an average of 75.1°F with 30 extreme heat days.

Winterize for heavy snow

Homeowners should prioritize roof maintenance to handle the weight of 38.6 inches of snow. Efficient heating is critical to offset the 21.5°F January average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Knox County

via SoilByCounty

Productive Mollisols of Knox County

Knox County soil has a pH of 6.94, which is very close to neutral and slightly higher than the state average. These soils belong to the Mollisols order, known globally for their naturally fertile surface horizons. The county's soil score of 51.3 reflects a solid foundation for varied agricultural uses.

Rich Silty Clay Loam

The dominant texture is silty clay loam, formed from 39.9% silt and 21.5% clay. This mix provides a good balance between nutrient retention and drainage, making it very desirable for farming. The 37.9% sand content ensures the soil doesn't become too heavy or impenetrable.

Steady Growth Potential

Organic matter content stands at 2.24%, which is above the national average of 2.0% but trails the Nebraska average of 3.32%. The available water capacity is 0.165 in/in, just below the state benchmark of 0.172. These numbers suggest a reliable soil that responds well to standard fertilization practices.

Well Drained and Reliable

The soil is classified as well drained and falls into hydrologic group C. This indicates that while the soil has a slower infiltration rate when wet, it generally manages water effectively for most crops. This drainage class makes the land suitable for a wide range of agricultural and development projects.

Cultivate Success in Zone 5a

In Hardiness Zone 5a, Knox County's silty clay loam is perfect for growing hearty vegetables like pumpkins and squash. The near-neutral pH and Mollisol heritage offer a great starting point for any home gardener. Dig in this spring and take advantage of these well-drained, fertile acres.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Knox County

via LawnByCounty

Balanced Growing in Knox County

Knox County has a lawn difficulty score of 51.7, placing it just slightly below the Nebraska state average and very near the national median. As part of Hardiness Zone 5a, the county offers a manageable environment for those willing to monitor moisture closely. It is a middle-of-the-road region where standard lawn care practices generally yield good results.

Moderate Rain and Cold Winters

The county receives 27.7 inches of rain annually, which is slightly higher than the state average but still below the ideal 30-inch mark. Extreme heat is relatively limited at 30 days per year, providing some relief for cool-season grasses during July and August. However, a January average of 21.5°F means your grass must be hardy enough to survive deep freezes.

Strong Foundation in Silty Clay Loam

The local soil is silty clay loam, providing an excellent balance of moisture retention and nutrient capacity. With a pH of 6.94, the soil is almost perfectly neutral, allowing for maximum efficiency in fertilizer use. Because the soil is well-drained but contains 21.5% clay, it supports deep root systems without the waterlogging seen in heavier areas.

Facing Severe Moisture Deficits

The county is currently 100% engulfed in severe drought (D2+), a significant hurdle for any lawn manager. Knox County has faced 42 weeks of drought over the past year, making water conservation a top priority. Utilizing rain barrels and ensuring your mower height is set high can help shade the soil and reduce water loss.

Fall and Spring Success Strategies

Fine Fescues and Kentucky Bluegrass are well-suited for these well-drained silty soils. Time your seeding between the April 30 last frost and the October 8 first frost to ensure establishment. While current drought conditions are tough, the solid soil foundation means your lawn will recover quickly once rains return.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Knox County's county score?
Knox County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 65.3 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 Nebraska?
Knox County ranks #31 among all counties in Nebraska 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, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Knox County is $1,426, with an effective tax rate of 1.22%. This earns Knox County a tax score of 24.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Knox County?
The median household income in Knox County, Nebraska is $64,821 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Knox County earns an income score of 53.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Knox County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Knox County scores 65.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #31 in Nebraska. 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.