Knox
Kentucky

What stands out

What stands out about Knox County: violent crime is among the highest in America (6.0 per 1,000), the overdose death rate is among the lowest in America (-999 per 100,000), and the median household income is in the bottom 3% of American counties ($34,254). Within Kentucky it ranks 5th of 120 counties for violent crime.

Where you are

You live in Knox County, Kentucky. 30,207 people live here with you. The population held steady at 0.1% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +129).

Kentucky moved to a flat income tax, 3.5% for 2026, and exempts the first $31,110 of pension and retirement income per person. It has an inheritance tax, but spouses, children, parents and siblings are exempt. Home prices are among the lowest in the country outside Louisville and Lexington, and the state has some of the cheapest electricity, much of it still coal-fired.

Money

The typical household here brings in $34,254 a year, lower than 97% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $43,409. Unemployment runs 5.3%, higher than 92% of American counties. 7% of workers work from home.

Kentucky takes 3.5% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,199 a year.

Home

The median home costs $140K, cheaper than 88% of American counties, about 2.4 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $669 a month. Property tax is 0.76% of home value, roughly $826 a year on that median home, lower than 60% of American counties. 64% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 6.0 per 1,000 residents, higher than almost every county in America.

A child born here can expect to live 70.6 years, shorter than 95% of American counties. There are 17 active physicians in the county, about 5.6 per 10,000 people. 10.7% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.86 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 76% of American counties. 79% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 67 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 56% of eligible voters turned out. Under Kentucky law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is banned with narrow exceptions, and marijuana is medical only.

Weather and risk

The year averages 57°F, highs near 69 and lows near 46, warmer than 56% of American counties. About 60 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 42 out of 100, safer than 58% of American counties; the county has had 39 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 191 Mbps down, slower than 54% of American counties. There are 0 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.4 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.