Knox County's composite score of 71.9 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 44%, placing it among top-tier American counties. It matches Johnson County for the strongest performance in this profile.
2 / 5
Strongest performer statewide
Knox County scores 71.9 against Nebraska's state average of 71.2, tying for the highest rank among these eight counties. It represents the best of what Nebraska counties deliver.
3 / 5
Affordability and tax efficiency lead
Knox County shines with the highest cost score (86.2) among all eight counties and exceptional tax efficiency at 1.220% effective rate. Median rent of $692/month is the lowest in this group.
4 / 5
Risk and income need work
Knox County's risk score of 70.3 is notably lower than top performers, suggesting greater vulnerability to economic or environmental shocks. Income score of 25.7 and median household income of $64,821 also lag behind targets.
5 / 5
Perfect for frugal families
Knox County is ideal for budget-conscious families and retirees seeking minimal housing costs and favorable taxes with moderate livability trade-offs. It maximizes affordability without sacrificing essential services.
Knox County's composite score of 71.9 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 44%, placing it among top-tier American counties. It matches Johnson County for the strongest performance in this profile.
Strongest performer statewide
Knox County scores 71.9 against Nebraska's state average of 71.2, tying for the highest rank among these eight counties. It represents the best of what Nebraska counties deliver.
Affordability and tax efficiency lead
Knox County shines with the highest cost score (86.2) among all eight counties and exceptional tax efficiency at 1.220% effective rate. Median rent of $692/month is the lowest in this group.
Risk and income need work
Knox County's risk score of 70.3 is notably lower than top performers, suggesting greater vulnerability to economic or environmental shocks. Income score of 25.7 and median household income of $64,821 also lag behind targets.
Perfect for frugal families
Knox County is ideal for budget-conscious families and retirees seeking minimal housing costs and favorable taxes with moderate livability trade-offs. It maximizes affordability without sacrificing essential services.
Score breakdown
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Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.