countyscore
65.5
County Score
Safety 90.6Cost of Living 84Disaster 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.

2040608010025.98490.664.761.147.270.348.241.7Tax25.9Cost84Safety90.6Health64.7Schools61.1Income47.2Risk70.3Water48.2Weather41.765.5/100
This county
National avg
4 above average2 below average

Knox County DNA

D+overall

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 (84/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (25.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
25.9-26.1
Cost
84+36
Safety
90.6+35.599999999999994
Health
64.7+14.700000000000003
Schools
61.1
Income
47.2
Risk
70.3+23.299999999999997
Water
48.2-9.799999999999997
Weather
41.7-14.299999999999997
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$127,700

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$647/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$127,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$25,880/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $64,636/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

35.9

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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Counties with similar scores

Jasper County
Indiana
Median income: $77,314
65.6
Putnam County
Indiana
Median income: $78,378
65.4
Hart County
Kentucky
Median income: $52,285
65.6
Trimble County
Kentucky
Median income: $66,027
65.6
Prairie County
Montana
Median income: $51,250
65.6
Greeley County
Nebraska
Median income: $63,929
65.4
Putnam County
Ohio
Median income: $84,928
65.4
Perkins County
South Dakota
Median income: $66,908
65.6

Nearby counties

Bon Homme County
South Dakota
61.6
Yankton County
South Dakota
43.4
Cedar County
Nebraska
66.7
Pierce County
Nebraska
63.7
Boyd County
Nebraska
68.5
Hutchinson County
South Dakota
65.1
Antelope County
Nebraska
68
Charles Mix County
South Dakota
55.1

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 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

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

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 65.5 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 Nebraska?
Knox County ranks #29 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 $1,472, with an effective tax rate of 1.15%. This earns Knox County a tax score of 25.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Knox County?
The median household income in Knox County, Nebraska is $64,636 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Knox County earns an income score of 47.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Knox County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Knox County scores 65.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #29 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.
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.