Cost of Living in Knox County, Illinois
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Knox County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Knox County ranks #950 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 30%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Knox County, Illinois
Knox County offers budget-friendly housing
Knox County renters spend 16.3% of income on rent, slightly above the U.S. average of roughly 15%, yet with the lowest household income in this group at $53,291. The $725 rent represents solid value, though paired with below-average incomes, affordability stress remains meaningful.
Below state average with modest rents
Knox County's 16.3% rent-to-income ratio slightly exceeds Illinois's 14.7% state average, though median rent of $725 runs 13% below the state median of $837. Strong rent affordability is tempered by the lowest household incomes in this county set.
Cheaper than Jefferson, pricier than Johnson
Knox County's $725 rent falls between Johnson County's bargain $634 and Jefferson County's $862, positioning it in the middle of southern Illinois options. Owner costs ($814) match the region's lower end, making Knox competitive for both renters and homebuyers.
Knox County's modest housing costs
Renters pay $725/month while homeowners average $814/month, consuming roughly 16% and 18% of household income respectively. The median home value of $104,900 is among the lowest in this group, offering accessible homeownership despite limited household income.
Affordable but income-limited county
Knox County delivers low housing costs, but the region's household income of $53,291 demands careful budgeting beyond housing. Consider Johnson County for even lower rents or evaluate opportunities for income growth before committing to relocation here.
Cost of Living Advisory: Knox County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Knox County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $725/month in gross rent, with 32.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Knox County pay $725/month on average, compared to $814/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 11%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $29,000/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $34,886/year. With a median household income of $53,291, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 32.0% of renter households in Knox County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Illinois, Knox County is less affordable than Washington County by roughly 7% ($725/mo vs $776/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Knox County
Rent Burden
16.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,243
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.3%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Knox County
Median home value is $104,900. Estimated monthly cost: $837 vs. your max of $1,243.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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