CountyScore

Knox County

Tennessee · TN

#85 in Tennessee
66
County Score

County Report Card

About Knox County, Tennessee

Above average but trailing peers in region

Knox County scores 72.3, well above the national median of 50.0 by 22.3 points, but it ranks lowest among the eight Tennessee counties in this survey. This reflects an urban core with higher incomes offset by notably higher housing costs.

Underperforms most Tennessee counties

Knox County's score of 72.3 falls below Tennessee's state average of 76.3 by 4 points, making it the weakest performer among the surveyed counties. The gap primarily reflects housing cost pressures.

Highest income potential in survey

Knox County excels with an income score of 30.2 and median household income of $71,662—the highest of all eight counties. A tax score of 88.9 and effective rate of 0.476% provide additional fiscal efficiency.

Housing costs significantly exceed peers

The cost score of 70.3 reflects median gross rent of $1,180/month and median home values of $279,700—substantially higher than all other counties reviewed. This housing affordability gap narrows the overall livability advantage despite strong incomes.

Right for high earners accepting costs

Knox County suits employed professionals and established families earning $70,000+ who prioritize urban amenities, job markets, and income potential over housing affordability. It trades affordability for opportunity and urban lifestyle.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax88.9Cost70.3SafetyComing SoonHealth68.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome30.2Risk7.9WaterComing Soon
🏛88.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠70.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼30.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤68.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡7.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Knox County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Craighead County
Arkansas
66
Median income: $57,615
Putnam County
Georgia
66
Median income: $64,163
Hendricks County
Indiana
66
Median income: $99,988
Boyd County
Kentucky
66
Median income: $60,659
Daviess County
Kentucky
66
Median income: $65,323

Deep Dives

Knox County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Knox County

via TaxByCounty

Knox County's taxes are below average

Knox County's 0.476% effective tax rate falls in the bottom 20% nationally, well below the 0.71% national median. Despite higher property values, the median annual tax of $1,332 remains just half the national median of $2,690.

Slightly below Tennessee average

Knox County's 0.476% rate runs slightly below Tennessee's 0.511% state average, positioning it in the lower-tax half of the state's 95 counties. The median tax of $1,332 exceeds the state average of $1,016 due to higher median home values of $279,700.

Higher values, lower rates than neighbors

Knox County's median home value of $279,700 is substantially higher than rural neighbors like Jackson County ($135,200) and Houston County ($150,100), yet its 0.476% rate beats most regional counties. Only Jefferson County (0.471%) and Johnson County (0.384%) tax at lower effective rates.

What your $279,700 home costs

Knox County homeowners with the median-valued property pay approximately $1,332 annually in property taxes. With mortgage and insurance considerations, the total climbs to around $1,364 per year.

Knoxville-area homeowners should appeal

Knox County's rapid growth has led to numerous property reassessments. A free appeal with the assessor can challenge inflated valuations and potentially reduce your annual tax bill substantially.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Knox County

via CostByCounty

Knox ranks above national affordability pressure

Knox County's 19.8% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national benchmark, driven by a median rent of $1,180/month—the region's highest. However, the county's strong median household income of $71,662 (nearly at the national average of $74,755) partially absorbs this premium housing cost burden.

Tennessee's least affordable county for renters

Knox County's 19.8% rent-to-income ratio is the worst among all Tennessee counties studied, exceeding the state average of 17.6% by 2.2 percentage points. The median rent of $1,180 dwarfs the state average of $860, reflecting Knox's status as Tennessee's urban affordability outlier.

Dramatically higher costs than all rural peers

Knox's $1,180 median rent vastly exceeds every rural neighbor—$495 above Houston, $541 above Johnson, and $300 above Jefferson. The 19.8% ratio tops every county in the region, making Knox the price leader for housing in this Tennessee market.

High rent and high home values mark the county

Renters in Knox dedicate 19.8% of the $71,662 median income to $1,180/month rent, while homeowners invest 18.2% in monthly ownership costs ($1,088/month). The $279,700 median home value—the region's highest—requires nearly 4.7 years of gross household income, a substantial barrier for first-time buyers.

Knox suits those prioritizing urban opportunities

Knox County's high housing costs reflect Tennessee's strongest urban economy and job market, centered on Knoxville. Relocate here if career growth and urban amenities justify the $1,180 rent and $279,700 median home value, significantly above all rural alternatives.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Knox County

via IncomeByCounty

Knox nears national income levels

Knox County's median household income of $71,662 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by just 4.1%, positioning it among Tennessee's highest-performing counties. This reflects Knoxville's role as a regional economic and educational hub.

Tennessee's income leader by far

At $71,662, Knox County ranks as the highest-income county in Tennessee, 21.5% above the state average of $58,994. Per capita income of $41,957 exceeds the state average by 33.3%, reflecting higher education and professional employment.

Significantly outearns rural counterparts

Knox County's $71,662 far surpasses all regional rural counties: Jefferson ($63,084), Humphreys ($59,333), Hickman ($57,223), and Houston ($54,475). The gap reflects urban concentration, university employment, and regional corporate headquarters.

Housing still strains budgets

Despite higher incomes, Knox's 19.8% rent-to-income ratio suggests housing costs consume nearly one-fifth of household earnings. The median home value of $279,700 means homeownership requires substantial down payments and mortgages.

Maximize professional wealth-building tools

Knox County's higher-income households should take full advantage of employer retirement plans, HSAs, and investment accounts. Working with a fiduciary financial advisor to optimize tax strategies and diversify assets can substantially amplify long-term wealth creation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Knox County

via HealthByCounty

Knox County leads on life expectancy and health

Knox County residents enjoy a life expectancy of 74.2 years, just 0.3 years below the U.S. average of 74.5 years—the best outcome among all regional peers. Only 17.2% report poor or fair health, compared to 17.8% nationally, placing Knox at the national standard. Knox stands out as a statewide and regional health leader.

Knox ranks 5th in Tennessee health outcomes

At 74.2 years, Knox County's life expectancy exceeds Tennessee's 72.4-year state average by 1.8 years, ranking it among the state's healthiest counties. The county's 17.2% poor/fair health rate is the best in the region and below the state average. Knox's superior outcomes reflect strong healthcare infrastructure and economic opportunity.

Healthcare leader outpaces all regional neighbors

Knox County's 74.2-year life expectancy significantly exceeds every neighbor—Jefferson (72.9 years), Johnson (72.3 years), and Houston (70.9 years). Its uninsured rate of 9.8% is the lowest in the region, and its 109 primary care providers per 100K is more than double most peers. With 441 mental health providers per 100K, Knox has unmatched behavioral health capacity.

Robust healthcare infrastructure supports residents

At 9.8%, Knox County's uninsured rate is the region's lowest, meaning most residents can access needed care without financial barriers. The county's 109 primary care providers per 100K and exceptional 441 mental health providers per 100K create minimal wait times and comprehensive care options. This infrastructure translates directly to better health outcomes.

Keep your coverage current and complete

Even with Knox County's excellent healthcare access, staying insured ensures continuous, affordable care. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to verify your coverage and explore options that fit your budget. Strong insurance coverage strengthens your family's health and financial security.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Knox County

via RiskByCounty

Knox County faces highest state risks

Knox County scores 92.11 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the relatively moderate category and significantly above Tennessee's state average of 52.45. This elevated rating reflects substantial exposure across nearly all major natural hazard types.

Highest-risk county in Tennessee

With a score of 92.11, Knox County ranks as Tennessee's highest-risk county for natural disaster exposure, nearly double the state average of 52.45. The county faces compounding hazards across tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, and windstorms—requiring comprehensive preparedness.

Far exceeds neighboring counties

Knox County (92.11) dramatically outpaces all neighboring counties in composite risk, with scores nearly 2-3 times higher than surrounding areas. The county's tornado risk (96.72) and earthquake risk (96.76) both rank among the nation's highest, substantially exceeding regional peers.

Multiple severe hazards converge

Knox County faces exceptional tornado risk (96.72) and earthquake risk (96.76)—among the highest in the nation—while also dealing with significant flood risk (92.78) and elevated wildfire exposure (62.98). This convergence of multiple major hazards makes Knox one of Tennessee's most disaster-prone counties.

Comprehensive multi-hazard coverage critical

Knox County homeowners should obtain full coverage for tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, and windstorms through policies or additional riders, as standard homeowners insurance excludes floods and earthquakes. Safe room construction, emergency supplies, and detailed family disaster plans are essential given the county's exceptional, compounding hazard exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.