Cost of Living in Knox County, Kentucky
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 #912 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 29%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Knox County, Kentucky
Knox faces serious affordability crunch
Knox County renters spend 22.8% of income on rent, exceeding Kentucky's state average of 17.0% and reflecting a median household income of just $33,153—less than half the national median. This southeastern Kentucky county represents one of America's most economically challenged areas.
Among Kentucky's poorest, most burdened
Knox County's 22.8% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Kentucky's worst, placing severe pressure on households already earning 55% below the national average. The county's $631 median rent is among the state's lowest, yet still consumes an outsized share of limited incomes.
Lowest incomes, persistent struggle
Knox County's median household income of $33,153 is the lowest in this analysis, and its 22.8% rent-to-income ratio reflects that economic reality. While rents are cheap in absolute terms, the earnings base is too weak to create genuine affordability.
Every dollar stretched thin
Knox County renters allocate 22.8% of their $33,153 income to $631 monthly rent, leaving limited cushion for food, utilities, healthcare, and transportation. Homeowners are more fortunate: $492 monthly payments (17.8% of income) on $109,200 median homes, suggesting homeownership offers more financial stability when accessible.
Move here only with external income
Knox County's bargain housing prices appeal to retirees on fixed incomes and remote workers, but discourage traditional job seekers. If considering relocation, ensure your income is recession-proof and independent of local employment—the county's economics cannot support wage-based moves.
Cost of Living Advisory: Knox County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Knox County is affordable. The median rent is $631/month against a median household income of $33,153, putting rent at 22.8% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $631/month rent versus $492/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $139/month cheaper — a 22% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $25,240/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $21,086/year. With a median household income of $33,153, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Knox County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Kentucky, Knox County is less affordable than Butler County by roughly 8% ($631/mo vs $688/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Knox County
Rent Burden
22.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$774
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.8%
of gross income
The median home in Knox County may be a stretch
Median home value is $109,200. Estimated monthly cost: $872 vs. your max of $774.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
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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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