Knox County's composite score of 65.0 sits 30% above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 42% of U.S. counties. This above-average performance signals a genuinely livable community by national standards.
2 / 5
Competitive within Texas
Knox's 65.0 score falls just shy of Texas's state average of 66.8, keeping it firmly in the middle range of Texas counties. The county holds its own in a state with notably high average livability.
3 / 5
Exceptional housing affordability
Knox County's standout strength is its Cost Score of 87.6, the highest among these eight counties, with median home values of just $66,800 and rent averaging $661/month. This makes Knox one of the most affordable places to live in the region.
4 / 5
Income and taxes need attention
The county's Income Score of 20.1 reflects median household income of $56,304, among the lowest in the group, while its Tax Score of 49.9 signals room for improvement. Complete data on safety, health, and schools would clarify the full livability picture.
5 / 5
Ideal for ultra-budget-conscious settlers
Knox County is perfect for retirees, first-time homebuyers, or anyone seeking rock-bottom housing costs in a stable Texas community. The tradeoff: modest income levels mean careful financial planning is essential.
Knox County's composite score of 65.0 sits 30% above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 42% of U.S. counties. This above-average performance signals a genuinely livable community by national standards.
Competitive within Texas
Knox's 65.0 score falls just shy of Texas's state average of 66.8, keeping it firmly in the middle range of Texas counties. The county holds its own in a state with notably high average livability.
Exceptional housing affordability
Knox County's standout strength is its Cost Score of 87.6, the highest among these eight counties, with median home values of just $66,800 and rent averaging $661/month. This makes Knox one of the most affordable places to live in the region.
Income and taxes need attention
The county's Income Score of 20.1 reflects median household income of $56,304, among the lowest in the group, while its Tax Score of 49.9 signals room for improvement. Complete data on safety, health, and schools would clarify the full livability picture.
Ideal for ultra-budget-conscious settlers
Knox County is perfect for retirees, first-time homebuyers, or anyone seeking rock-bottom housing costs in a stable Texas community. The tradeoff: modest income levels mean careful financial planning is essential.
Score breakdown
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🏛49.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
At 71.0 years, Knox County's life expectancy ranks among the lowest in Texas—nearly 8 years below the national average of 78.9 years. About 23% of residents report poor or fair health, signaling widespread health challenges.
Knox County struggles in state rankings
Knox's 71.0-year life expectancy falls 3.3 years below Texas's average of 74.3 years, placing the county in Texas's lower tier for health outcomes. The uninsured rate of 20.9% also exceeds the state average, compounding access barriers.
Knox has highest uninsured rate nearby
Knox County's 20.9% uninsured rate is the worst among its regional neighbors—worse than Kleberg (19.1%), La Salle (22.4% but better primary care), and Lamar (18.2%). With only 30 primary care providers per 100,000, Knox also faces provider scarcity.
Scarce providers, limited mental health data
Knox offers just 30 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the lowest among its peers—leaving residents traveling long distances for routine care. Mental health provider data is unavailable, suggesting potential gaps in behavioral health services.
One in five Knox residents lack coverage
With 20.9% uninsured, Knox County faces real healthcare access barriers that directly impact life expectancy and health outcomes. Explore your coverage options at healthcare.gov or call 2-1-1 Texas to find affordable health insurance plans today.
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.