countyscore
53.7
County Score
Water Quality 86Income & Jobs 75.4Lawn Care 74.9

County Report Card

About Knox County, Ohio

Outperforming the National Average

Knox County boasts a composite score of 53.7, comfortably exceeding the national median of 50.0. This puts the county in the upper tier of U.S. counties for overall quality of life.

Leading the Buckeye State

The county’s 53.7 score significantly outperforms the Ohio state average of 48.6. It stands out as a high-performing region within the state, blending economic health with community safety.

Pure Water and Strong Incomes

Knox County excels with a water score of 86.0 and a robust income score of 75.4. A median household income of $73,988 provides residents with a strong financial foundation and high resource quality.

Rising Costs and Tax Burdens

The lowest scores appear in cost (32.5) and tax (32.9), suggesting that living here comes at a premium. An effective tax rate of 1.074% and rising home values of $218,300 create a tighter monthly budget for some.

A Premium Choice for Families

Knox County is a top-tier destination for established families seeking safety, high incomes, and excellent infrastructure. The higher cost of entry is offset by the county’s superior scores in public health and schools.

2040608010032.932.571.662.359.575.4398657.9Tax32.9Cost32.5Safety71.6Health62.3Schools59.5Income75.4Risk39Water86Weather57.953.7/100
This county
National avg
4 above average2 below average

Knox County DNA

Foverall

How Knox County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Knox County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Water Quality (86/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (32.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
32.9-19.1
Cost
32.5-15.5
Safety
71.6+16.599999999999994
Health
62.3+12.299999999999997
Schools
59.5
Income
75.4+24.400000000000006
Risk
39-8
Water
86+28
Weather
57.9
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Whether buying or refinancing in Knox County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$218,300

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$925/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$218,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$37,000/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $73,988/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

4.8

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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Nearby counties

Morrow County
Ohio
51.7
Licking County
Ohio
37.9
Richland County
Ohio
37.8
Holmes County
Ohio
56.3
Coshocton County
Ohio
52.8
Delaware County
Ohio
38.6
Ashland County
Ohio
52.8
Franklin County
Ohio
41.9

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 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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Knox County

via CostByCounty

Knox County: Near National Affordability Norm

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Knox County

via IncomeByCounty

Knox County nearly matches national income

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Knox County

via CrimeByCounty

Knox County Ranks Among Nation's Safest

Knox County is exceptionally secure with a safety score of 98.9. Its total crime rate of 679.9 per 100K is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Top-Tier Safety Compared to Ohio Average

With a safety score of 98.9, Knox County easily outperforms the Ohio state average of 97.8. The county's total crime rate is less than half the state average of 1,412.3 per 100K.

Lower Crime Rates Than Nearby Licking County

Knox County stays much safer than neighbors like Licking County, which sees nearly three times the total crime rate. Its safety profile mirrors other high-performing Ohio counties like Lake and Logan.

Extremely Low Violent Crime Incidents

Violent crime is extremely rare here, occurring at a rate of just 46.3 per 100K. Property crime accounts for 633.6 incidents per 100K, which is still far below the national property crime rate.

Smart Security for Knox County Residents

Maintaining this high level of safety starts with basic home security measures. Simple upgrades like motion-activated lighting can further deter potential property theft in rural and suburban areas.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Knox County

via SchoolsByCounty

Serving 7,700 Students in Central Ohio

Knox County manages 19 public schools across six districts, enrolling a total of 7,728 students. The system is built around 10 elementary schools and 6 high schools to support a growing community.

Exceptional Graduation Success

Knox County boasts an impressive 93.2% graduation rate, well above the Ohio state average of 88.3%. This academic success is paired with a school score of 55.5, outperforming the state median despite modest per-pupil spending of $7,114.

Mount Vernon City Anchors the County

The Mount Vernon City district is the largest, hosting 8 schools and 3,536 students. Fredericktown Local and Centerburg Local also play significant roles, each serving over 1,000 students in their respective communities.

Small-Town Feel and Rural Roots

Education here is characterized by 11 rural and 8 town-based schools, where the average enrollment is a manageable 407 students. Mount Vernon High School is the largest institution with 1,036 students, while smaller elementary schools provide a more intimate setting.

Relocate to Knox County's Quality Districts

If you value high graduation rates and a close-knit school community, Knox County is an ideal destination. Browse available homes to secure your place in these highly-rated districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Knox County

via RiskByCounty

Knox County maintains lower-than-average risk

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Knox County

via WaterByCounty

Perfect Compliance Grade for Knox County

Knox County earns an A grade with zero health violations recorded over the last five years. This perfect record stands in sharp contrast to the Ohio state average violation rate of 32.9 per 100K.

Local Water Bodies Show No Impairment

The 2022 ATTAINS reporting cycle assessed 4 water bodies and found a 0.0% impairment rate. All monitored sites successfully meet the standards set by the Clean Water Act.

Strategic Water Quality Monitoring

Seven monitoring sites in the county recorded 1,013 measurements over the last five years. Local experts focus their testing on physical characteristics and inorganics to track water health.

Kokosing River Discharge Drops Significantly

The Kokosing River at Mount Vernon is currently flowing at 123 cfs, which is just 53% of its long-term mean. This significant decline from the 232 cfs average reflects a notably dry season for the basin.

Conservation During Low Flow Periods

With a perfect A grade and zero impairments, your drinking water is exceptionally secure. Residents should focus on water conservation efforts as the Kokosing River flows at roughly half its typical capacity.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Knox County

via WeatherByCounty

A Cooler Pocket of the Midwest

Knox County is one of the cooler areas in the region, averaging just 49.2°F annually. This puts it well below the national median and results in longer, more intense winters.

One of Ohio's Coldest Counties

Knox County’s 49.2°F average is significantly colder than the Ohio state average of 51.5°F. It also records 33 inches of snow, making it one of the snowiest spots in the state's central interior.

More Snow Than Any Neighbor

With 33 inches of annual snow, Knox far exceeds the 20.1 inches found in Holmes County. It also sees only 8 extreme heat days, fewer than any other county in this group.

Mild Summers and Harsh Winters

Knox County enjoys mild summers with a 69.4°F average and very few 90°F days. However, winters are tough, featuring a 27.8°F average and nearly three feet of total snowfall.

Invest in High-Quality Winter Gear

A reliable snowblower and heavy winter insulation are mandatory for the 33 inches of annual snow. The mild summer climate means air conditioning is used less frequently than in southern Ohio.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Knox County

via SoilByCounty

Knox County's acidic silt base

Knox County features an average pH of 5.71, which is more acidic than the state average of 5.97 and the national median of 6.5. While specific taxonomic orders are not classified here, the soil requires careful management to balance its chemistry. Maintaining proper pH is the first step for local growers to ensure plant health.

The fine touch of silty soil

This soil is almost half silt at 49.9%, paired with 30.9% sand and a light 16.2% clay content. The high silt and sand levels create a soil that is easy to till and work in the spring. However, the lower clay content means it may struggle to hold onto fertilizers compared to heavier soils.

Solid water capacity, average organic matter

Knox County holds an available water capacity of 0.180 in/in, nearing the state average of 0.186 in/in. The organic matter content stands at 4.15%, which is slightly lower than the Ohio average of 4.85% but still double the national average. This creates a reliable growing environment that holds moisture well during the summer.

Understanding Knox County's water flow

Dominant drainage classes are not currently mapped for this county's soil profile. Given the high silt and sand percentages, the soil likely offers decent natural aeration and moderate drainage. Farmers should monitor for erosion, as silty soils can be sensitive to runoff during heavy Ohio rains.

Spring planting in Zone 6a

The 6a hardiness zone supports a wide variety of cool-weather crops like kale, peas, and root vegetables. These silty soils are particularly friendly to carrots and potatoes that prefer fewer obstructions as they grow. Your Knox County garden is ready for a productive season with just a little organic compost.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Knox County

via LawnByCounty

Solid Growing Conditions in Knox County

Knox County earns a 74.9 lawn difficulty score, making it much more manageable than the national average of 50.0. Located in Hardiness Zone 6a, the county offers a reliable environment for traditional cool-season grasses. It remains a competitive spot for low-maintenance landscaping compared to much of the country.

Cooler Summers Benefit Knox Turf

The county enjoys 42.8 inches of annual rain, which is over an inch higher than the Ohio state average. With only 8 extreme heat days per year, grass is less likely to enter mid-summer dormancy compared to neighboring regions. The 2,747 growing degree days provide a steady, manageable pace for the mowing season.

Sandy Loam Potential in Knox Soils

A soil pH of 5.71 indicates a need for slight alkalinity adjustments to hit the optimal 6.0 range. The soil profile contains 30.9% sand and 16.2% clay, which generally facilitates better movement of air and water to roots. Although specific drainage class data is limited, these ratios typically prevent the heavy compaction found in high-clay areas.

Short Drought Spells Preserve Knox Lawns

Over the last year, Knox County saw only 6 weeks of drought conditions, and currently remains free of any abnormally dry areas. To stay ahead of future dry periods, residents can mulch clippings back into the lawn to retain moisture. This practice provides a natural buffer during the short intervals between rains.

Optimal Seeding Timing for Knox County

Perennial ryegrass and fine fescues thrive in Zone 6a, especially given the county's relatively low heat stress. Aim to seed after the final frost on May 1, or better yet, in early September before the October 10 first frost arrives. This timing ensures young grass establishes itself before the cold Ohio winter sets in.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Knox County's county score?
Knox County, Ohio has a composite county score of 53.7 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 Ohio?
Knox County ranks #27 among all counties in Ohio 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, Ohio?
The median annual property tax in Knox County is $2,345, with an effective tax rate of 1.07%. This earns Knox County a tax score of 32.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Knox County?
The median household income in Knox County, Ohio is $73,988 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Knox County earns an income score of 75.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Knox County, Ohio a good place to live?
Knox County scores 53.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #27 in Ohio. 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.