countyscore
49.1
County Score
Cost of Living 87.4Disaster Risk 82.2Safety 71.1

County Report Card

About Knox County, Texas

Competitive Standing Near the National Median

Knox County earns a composite score of 49.1, placing it just slightly below the national median of 50.0. This performance suggests it competes well with counties across the country in overall quality of life.

Outperforming the Texas State Average

With a score of 49.1, Knox County sits comfortably above the Texas state average of 41.9. It ranks as a higher-than-average performer among the 254 counties in the state.

Exceptional Affordability and Low Risk

The county excels in cost and safety, posting a Cost Score of 87.4 and a Risk Score of 82.2. Housing is remarkably inexpensive, with median home values sitting at just $66,800.

Significant Hurdles in Water and Tax

Water quality is a major concern with a score of 2.5, while the Tax Score is quite low at 4.5. The effective tax rate of 1.862% and a health score of 12.0 represent the primary areas for local improvement.

A Haven for Safety and Savings

Knox County is an ideal fit for retirees or remote workers looking for maximum safety and extremely low housing costs. Residents must be prepared for limited local healthcare and water infrastructure challenges.

204060801004.587.471.11260.728.382.22.536.3Tax4.5Cost87.4Safety71.1Health12Schools60.7Income28.3Risk82.2Water2.5Weather36.349.1/100
This county
National avg
3 above average5 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 Cost of Living (87.4/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (2.5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
4.5-47.5
Cost
87.4+39.400000000000006
Safety
71.1+16.099999999999994
Health
12-38
Schools
60.7
Income
28.3-22.7
Risk
82.2+35.2
Water
2.5-55.5
Weather
36.3-19.700000000000003
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$66,800

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$661/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$66,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$26,440/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $56,304/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

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

Foard County
Texas
55.3
Baylor County
Texas
57.7
King County
Texas
65.5
Haskell County
Texas
44.5
Cottle County
Texas
61.5
Hardeman County
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Wilbarger County
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Throckmorton County
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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 run higher than most

Knox County's effective tax rate of 1.862% significantly exceeds the national median property tax rate of 0.84%, placing it in the higher tier nationally. Homeowners here pay a median of $1,244 annually—well below the national median of $2,690—because properties are valued far lower than the U.S. average of $281,900.

Above average for Texas property taxes

Knox County's 1.862% effective rate ranks above Texas's state average of 1.276%, making it one of the higher-taxing counties in the state. The median annual tax of $1,244 trails the state median of $2,193, reflecting Knox County's lower median home values of $66,800.

Comparison across North Texas

Knox County's rate of 1.862% substantially exceeds neighboring Lamar County (0.951%) and Lamb County (1.192%), though it is lower than La Salle County's 1.561%. Among this regional cluster, Knox County ranks as one of the most tax-intensive by effective rate despite its modest home values.

What your taxes look like here

On Knox County's median home value of $66,800, expect an annual property tax bill of roughly $1,244. Mortgage payers often see an additional $623 rolled into escrow, bringing total annual costs to approximately $1,867.

You might owe less than you think

Many Knox County homeowners are assessed above fair market value—a common issue in lower-value rural markets. If your assessed value seems out of line with recent sales in your area, filing a protest with the county appraisal district could save you hundreds annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Knox County

via CostByCounty

Knox County rents are a bargain

With a rent-to-income ratio of 14.1%, Knox County residents spend significantly less on housing than the typical American household. This falls well below the national affordability threshold of 30%, making it one of the most accessible rental markets in the country.

Among Texas's most affordable

Knox County's 14.1% rent-to-income ratio beats Texas's state average of 18.1%, ranking it in the upper tier of housing affordability across all 254 Texas counties. Median rent here is just $661 monthly—30% cheaper than the state average of $963.

A regional housing bargain

Knox County offers some of the lowest rents in its region, with neighbors like Lamar County ($897/month) and Leon County ($798/month) charging substantially more. Its $661 monthly rent and modest $66,800 median home value make it particularly attractive to budget-conscious renters and first-time homebuyers.

Where your housing dollar goes

Knox County residents with a median household income of $56,304 allocate just $661 to rent or $597 to mortgage payments monthly. This means the typical household dedicates only 14% of income to rental housing or slightly over 12% to ownership—leaving substantial room for other expenses.

Consider Knox for affordability

If you're relocating on a modest budget, Knox County's combination of low rents, affordable home prices, and minimal housing-cost burden makes it worth serious consideration. Compare it against nearby alternatives like Leon County ($798 rent) or Lamar County ($897 rent) to find your best fit.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Knox County

via IncomeByCounty

Knox County earns well below U.S. median

Knox County's median household income of $56,304 is 25% lower than the national median of $74,755, placing it among lower-income counties nationwide. This significant gap underscores the rural economic challenges facing North Texas.

Among Texas's lower-income counties

Knox County ranks in the bottom tier of Texas counties with income 13% below the state median of $64,737. The county's dependence on agriculture and small-scale manufacturing limits wage growth compared to urban centers.

Slightly below regional peers

Knox County's $56,304 income trails Lamb County ($56,997) but closely mirrors La Salle County ($55,469), reflecting shared rural Texas economics. Nearby Lamar County ($61,122) performs better, suggesting geographic variation within the region.

Excellent housing affordability advantage

Knox County's 14.1% rent-to-income ratio is exceptionally low, placing it well below the 15% benchmark and among the most affordable in Texas. With median home values at just $66,800, homeownership here remains highly accessible even for modest earners.

Leverage low housing costs for wealth building

Knox County's remarkable housing affordability frees up substantial cash flow for investing and savings compared to national standards. Residents here can aggressively fund retirement accounts, education savings, or down payments for investment properties with minimal strain on household budgets.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Knox County

via CrimeByCounty

An Elite National Safety Rating

Knox County earns a stellar safety score of 98.9, far outperforming the rest of the country. Its total crime rate of 690.1 per 100K is less than one-third of the national average.

Outperforming the Texas Average

The county is significantly safer than the Texas average, which holds a safety score of 96.8. Local crime rates stay well below the state's average total rate of 2,052.5 per 100K.

Regional Leader in Public Safety

With only 120.0 violent crimes per 100K, Knox stands out as a regional safety leader. Three reporting agencies coordinate to maintain this much quieter environment compared to urban neighbors.

Violent Crime is Extremely Rare

Violent crime occurs at less than half the national rate, totaling only 120.0 per 100K. Property crime accounts for 570.1 per 100K, representing the majority of the very few incidents reported.

Maintain Your Small-Town Security

While crime rates are low, basic home security and neighborly vigilance remain your best defenses. Simple habits like locking doors and lighting entryways help preserve this high level of safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Knox County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Education in North Texas

Knox County manages a focused education system consisting of just four public schools serving 748 students. These facilities are distributed across three distinct districts to serve the county's small population. The landscape is characterized by schools that often combine multiple grade levels on a single campus.

High Investment and Strong Outcomes

The county invests $9,518 per pupil, significantly outspending the Texas state average of $7,498. This investment pays off with an 87.9% graduation rate that beats the national average. The overall school score of 57.9 also exceeds both state and national medians.

Munday CISD Sets the Standard

Munday CISD is the largest district in the county, managing two schools with a total enrollment of 409 students. Knox City-O'Brien CISD and Benjamin ISD serve the remaining student population through K-12 integrated campuses. There are currently no charter schools operating within the county lines.

A Purely Rural School Experience

All four schools in Knox County are classified as rural, providing a tight-knit community feel for every student. The average school size is just 187 students, ensuring personalized attention in every classroom. Munday Elementary is the largest campus with 216 students, while Benjamin School is the smallest with 130.

Rural Charm with Educational Excellence

Knox County offers a unique opportunity for families seeking high-performing rural schools with small class sizes. Real estate in Munday or Knox City provides direct proximity to districts that outpace state performance benchmarks. Explore available homes where community and education go hand-in-hand.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Knox County

via RiskByCounty

Knox County faces minimal national risk

Knox County's composite risk score of 17.84 places it well below the national average, earning a "Very Low" rating. The county's remote location and distance from major hazard zones create one of Texas's safest natural disaster profiles.

Among Texas's safest counties

With a composite score of 17.84 versus Texas's state average of 49.00, Knox County ranks as one of the state's lowest-risk areas. This score reflects limited exposure to most major natural hazards.

Safer than comparable Texas counties

Knox County's risk score of 17.84 is substantially lower than neighboring Lamb County (61.23) and La Salle County (22.55). Among its peers, Knox stands out as exceptionally protected from major disaster exposure.

Wildfire presents the clearest threat

Wildfire risk of 43.67 represents Knox County's most elevated hazard, though still below state averages. Tornado and hurricane risks remain minimal at 28.15 and 28.99 respectively.

Standard homeowners coverage generally sufficient

Knox County's low overall risk profile means standard homeowners insurance typically provides adequate protection for most residents. Nonetheless, those in rural areas should maintain defensible space and brush clearance to reduce wildfire vulnerability.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Knox County

via WaterByCounty

Knox County Violation Rate Exceeds State Average

Knox County receives an F grade due to 57 health violations in its drinking water systems. Its violation rate of 1,477.8 per 100,000 people is nearly triple the Texas average of 581.9.

Local Watershed Health Status Unassessed

Federal authorities have not yet evaluated the water bodies in Knox County for §303(d) compliance. The share of impaired water bodies and primary contaminant causes remain officially unrecorded for this area.

Limited Water Quality Monitoring Records

Data availability is sparse, with only three monitoring sites providing 468 measurements over five years. Records focus on physical properties, inorganics, and major non-metal characteristics.

North Wichita River Flows at Record Lows

The North Wichita River near Truscott reports a current flow of 2 cfs. This is just 4% of its long-term mean of 55 cfs, highlighting severe hydrologic stress in the county.

Prioritize Filtration and Testing in Knox County

The exceptionally high violation rate suggests that residents should consider additional home filtration and regular water testing. Severe drought conditions also mean source water quality may be more variable.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Knox County

via WeatherByCounty

Knox County's North Central Heat

Knox County averages 64.4°F, roughly 10 degrees higher than the national median. It receives 25.6 inches of rain, trailing the state average of 31.9 inches.

Just Under the State Average

At 64.4°F, Knox is just under the 65.5°F Texas state average. It represents the classic semi-arid climate of North Central Texas.

Warmer than King County

Knox is warmer than King County, which averages 62.5°F. It also sees slightly less snow, with 2.8 inches compared to King's 3.3 inches.

Scorching July and Cool Winters

Extreme heat occurs 115 days a year, with July temperatures averaging 84.8°F. Winters are cool at 45.2°F, occasionally bringing 2.8 inches of snow to the region.

Budgeting for Temperature Swings

Budget for high electricity costs during the 115 days of extreme heat. Ensure your home is insulated against the January lows that average 43.6°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Knox County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Soil Profiles in Knox County

The soil in Knox County shows a pH level of 7.59, which is considerably more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. While taxonomic data is limited, the overall soil health score of 22.0 sits below the state average of 28.8.

A Balanced Mix of Sand and Clay

The ground consists of 44.3% sand, 29.7% silt, and 26.0% clay. This moderate clay content provides decent nutrient retention, though the high sand percentage helps with initial workability.

High Water Storage Despite Lower Organic Matter

Organic matter levels sit at 1.18%, which is lower than the Texas state average of 1.66%. However, the available water capacity of 0.144 in/in actually exceeds the state benchmark of 0.133 in/in.

Heavy Runoff Potential in Group D Soils

The county is dominated by hydrologic group D, indicating soil that has a high runoff potential when wet. These soils typically have very slow infiltration rates, requiring careful management during heavy Texas rains.

Gardening Success in Zone 8a

Knox County sits in hardiness zone 8a, which is ideal for winter wheat and cotton. With proper irrigation to manage the alkaline pH, local gardeners can see great success with heat-tolerant vegetables.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Knox County

via LawnByCounty

Tough Growing Conditions in Knox County

With a lawn difficulty score of 25.5, Knox County is more challenging for gardening than the state average of 31.7. This score places it well below the national median of 50.0, primarily due to arid conditions in hardiness zone 8a. Residents must work harder than their neighbors to keep turf green through the summer.

Dry Climate with Extreme Summer Peaks

The county receives just 25.6 inches of rain annually, missing the ideal lawn threshold of 30 inches. Homeowners must manage 115 extreme heat days, which exceeds the state average of 105 days. These factors create a high-evaporation environment that requires careful irrigation scheduling to prevent grass dormancy.

Alkaline Soil and Sandy Foundations

Soil here is moderately alkaline with a pH of 7.59, slightly above the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. The ground is composed of 44.3% sand and 26.0% clay, offering a balance that requires regular organic amendments to hold nutrients. Adding sulfur can help lower the pH and make nutrients more available to your grass.

Managing Moderate Drought and Water Use

Knox County faced 24 weeks of drought over the last year, and currently, half the county is under severe drought conditions. To conserve water, mow at a higher setting to shade the soil and reduce evaporation. These practices are essential since 100% of the county remains abnormally dry.

Starting Strong After the Spring Frost

Bermuda and Buffalo grass are excellent choices for the semi-arid climate and alkaline soil of zone 8a. Aim to seed or sod after the last spring frost on March 28 but before the extreme July heat arrives. Early April is the prime window to establish a resilient lawn that can handle the 115 days of 90-degree weather.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Knox County's county score?
Knox County, Texas has a composite county score of 49.1 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 Texas?
Knox County ranks #69 among all counties in Texas 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, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Knox County is $1,244, with an effective tax rate of 1.86%. This earns Knox County a tax score of 4.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Knox County?
The median household income in Knox County, Texas is $56,304 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Knox County earns an income score of 28.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Knox County, Texas a good place to live?
Knox County scores 49.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #69 in Texas. 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.