Knox County's composite score of 68.9 ranks 38 percentage points above the national median of 50.0. This reflects solid performance across the dimensions where data is available.
2 / 5
Right at Ohio's statewide average
At 68.9, Knox County essentially matches Ohio's statewide average composite score of 68.8. It ranks in the middle band of Ohio's 88 counties for overall livability.
3 / 5
Strong incomes and reasonable costs
Knox County boasts a median household income of $73,988 with an income score of 31.7, among the highest in this group. The cost score of 75.7 and median home value of $218,300 offer solid value for the income level.
4 / 5
Moderate tax burden, limited data
The effective tax rate of 1.074% is slightly higher than lowest-burden peers in this group. Safety, health, schools, and water quality data are not yet available, preventing full livability assessment.
5 / 5
A balanced choice for middle-income households
Knox County appeals to families seeking stable incomes and reasonable housing costs without extreme affordability pressures. It's a middle-ground option among Ohio counties, with solid fundamentals and room to grow.
Knox County's composite score of 68.9 ranks 38 percentage points above the national median of 50.0. This reflects solid performance across the dimensions where data is available.
Right at Ohio's statewide average
At 68.9, Knox County essentially matches Ohio's statewide average composite score of 68.8. It ranks in the middle band of Ohio's 88 counties for overall livability.
Strong incomes and reasonable costs
Knox County boasts a median household income of $73,988 with an income score of 31.7, among the highest in this group. The cost score of 75.7 and median home value of $218,300 offer solid value for the income level.
Moderate tax burden, limited data
The effective tax rate of 1.074% is slightly higher than lowest-burden peers in this group. Safety, health, schools, and water quality data are not yet available, preventing full livability assessment.
A balanced choice for middle-income households
Knox County appeals to families seeking stable incomes and reasonable housing costs without extreme affordability pressures. It's a middle-ground option among Ohio counties, with solid fundamentals and room to grow.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛72.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Knox County taxes track near the national baseline
With an effective tax rate of 1.074% and a median tax bill of $2,345, Knox County sits close to but slightly below the national median of $2,690. The county's rate places it in the middle range nationally, neither particularly expensive nor exceptionally cheap.
Below Ohio average but solidly middle-tier
Knox County's 1.074% effective rate falls short of Ohio's 1.148% state average, keeping median taxes at $2,345 versus the state median of $2,145. The county ranks in the middle of Ohio's 88 counties for property tax burden.
Moderate taxes in a varied regional landscape
Knox County's 1.074% rate sits between Jefferson County's lower 1.012% and Licking County's higher 1.256%, making it a middle option in central Ohio. Regional variation is substantial, with rates ranging nearly 50% between the lowest and highest nearby counties.
What you actually pay each year
On Knox County's median home value of $218,300, homeowners pay approximately $2,345 annually in property taxes without a mortgage, or $2,371 with one. That breaks down to roughly $196 per month—moderate compared to state and national standards.
Appeals could lower your property tax bill
Significant numbers of Knox County homeowners carry assessed values above their homes' true market worth and qualify for tax reduction appeals. Contact your county auditor's office to request a reassessment review—many homeowners successfully reduce their annual bills by hundreds of dollars.
Knox County's 15.0% rent-to-income ratio beats the national average, supported by a median household income of $73,988—nearly matching the U.S. median of $74,755. Housing costs here align closely with national affordability benchmarks, making it a solid middle ground for cost-conscious relocators.
Ohio's Affordability Sweet Spot
At 15.0%, Knox County ranks below Ohio's 15.6% state average for rent-to-income ratio, placing it among the more affordable counties statewide. Median rent of $925 runs $52 above the state median, but stronger incomes here offset that cost premium.
Mid-Range Rents, Strong Earnings
Knox County's $925 median rent falls squarely between lower-cost Jefferson ($792) and higher-cost Lake ($1,073), while its $73,988 median income exceeds all nearby comparisons. This income-to-rent balance makes Knox County competitive for both renters and potential homebuyers.
Balanced Housing and Income
Monthly rent of $925 and owner costs of $1,050 consume 15.0% and roughly 17% of median income respectively, leaving Knox County households with breathing room for other expenses. The $218,300 median home value reflects strong property equity potential in the region.
Knox Offers Stability and Value
Knox County is ideal for families balancing affordability with homeownership ambitions, offering incomes and housing costs closely aligned with national norms. Explore Knox if you want region mid-range pricing without sacrificing earning potential.
Knox County's median household income of $73,988 nearly mirrors the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it just 1% below the national norm. This alignment signals an economy in sync with broader American earning patterns.
Above Ohio's median income
Knox ranks in the upper third of Ohio's 88 counties, earning $5,887 more than the state median of $68,101. Per capita income of $34,636 approaches the state average of $35,642, indicating broadly distributed earning potential.
Outperforms regional peers
Knox edges out Richland County and significantly surpasses Ashland County among central Ohio's smaller metros. Yet it trails nearby Licking County's $81,033 and Lake County's $77,952, reflecting its middle position in regional income hierarchy.
Rent absorbs modest share
Knox's 15.0% rent-to-income ratio is among Ohio's best, well below the 17% affordability ceiling and giving renters breathing room. Median home value of $218,300 is above state average but accessible given the county's solid income base.
Knox County: stable foundation for growth
With near-national-average income and affordable rent, Knox residents are well-positioned to invest and save. Explore employer 401(k) matching, HSAs, and mortgage refinancing opportunities to accelerate wealth-building without financial stress.
With a life expectancy of 76.3 years, Knox County outperforms the national average of 78.0 years by 1.7 years—a solid showing for a rural Ohio community. Only 16.7% of residents report poor or fair health, better than the national rate of 17.8%.
Above-average health outcomes for Ohio
Knox County's 76.3-year life expectancy ranks above the Ohio state average of 74.8 years, placing it in the healthier half of Ohio counties. The county's strong performance reflects successful community health initiatives and relatively stable healthcare infrastructure.
Strongest life expectancy in its region
Knox County leads its neighboring counties with a 76.3-year life expectancy, outpacing Jefferson County (71.8 years) by 4.5 years and Lucas County (73.4 years) by 2.9 years. The county's 16.7% poor/fair health rate also ranks among the best in the region.
Higher uninsured rate signals coverage gap
Knox County's uninsured rate stands at 8.7%, slightly above Ohio's 7.5% average, indicating some residents lack consistent coverage. The county maintains 40 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 221 mental health providers per 100,000, providing moderate access to care.
Close the coverage gap in Knox County
If you're among Knox County's uninsured residents, now is the time to act. Visit healthcare.gov or contact your local health department to explore Medicaid expansion, Marketplace plans, and employer coverage options available to you.
Knox County's composite risk score of 61.04 falls slightly above the national median and carries a Relatively Low rating. This county represents a safer-than-average natural hazard exposure profile for the region.
Among Ohio's safer counties
With a score of 61.04 compared to Ohio's state average of 55.03, Knox County ranks in the middle-to-lower tier of the state's risk landscape. It remains below several neighboring counties in overall exposure.
Tornado risk stands out locally
Knox County's tornado risk of 64.31 significantly exceeds its other hazard exposures and outpaces many neighboring counties. However, its overall composite score remains competitive with surrounding areas, indicating balanced hazard distribution.
Tornadoes and floods are key threats
Tornado risk reaches 64.31 in Knox County, making severe weather the primary natural disaster concern. Flooding (71.98) ranks as the second major hazard, while earthquake exposure (48.54) and other risks remain relatively modest.
Invest in storm and flood coverage
Knox County residents should prioritize homeowners insurance with full wind and tornado coverage given the elevated tornado risk. Adding flood insurance is also recommended, particularly for properties near streams and low-lying areas.