Median Income
$74,224
1% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
187/100K
51% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
42.1%
25% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,234
6% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.5%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.9%
19% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.7%
22% lower than US avg
How Fort Knox Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population8,715
Median Age24.3 yrs
Density430/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 59%
Veterans21.9%
Economy
A
Median Income$74,224
Per Capita$30,794
Unemployment2.9%
Poverty9.7%
County GDP$7,341M
Commute12 min
Housing
A+
Rent$1,234
Ownership0.7%
Zillow$207,414
Housing Units2,539
Rent Burden19.9%
Crime
F
Violent187/100K
Property1,495/100K
Health
Obesity34.5%
Smoking23.3%
Heart Disease7.0%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (13°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain54.4 in/yr
Sunny Days299/yr
Elevation713 ft (217 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+42.1%
High School+95.7%
Graduate+19.2%
School Score5.41
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 34%
Commute12 min
Broadband93.5%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Fort Knox a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Fort Knox receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine. Fort Knox offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Fort Knox is $74,224, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.9%. 9.7% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $1,234 per month.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Fort Knox is below the national average at 187 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,495 per 100,000, 24% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 42.1% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 95.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Fort Knox enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 299 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 54.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Fort Knox has a population of 8,715 with a density of 430 people per square mile, spread across 20.3 square miles. The median age is 24.3 years, 38% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.4% female and 55.6% male. The city is predominantly White (59.4%), with 2.4% Hispanic, 16% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 82.3% of residents, while 17.7% speak Spanish. 21.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 9.7% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 92.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
24.3yrs
Median Age
38% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Fort Knox vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
82.3%
5% above US avg
Spanish
17.7%
32% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Fort Knox vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Fort Knox is $74,224, which is 1% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,794 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,073, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 3,704 business establishments, including 220 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Fort Knox vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $74,224 |
| 1% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,794 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,073 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $65,489 |
| Gini Index | 0.463 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.9% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.7% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,704 |
| County GDP | $7,341M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 220 |
| Healthcare | 391 |
| Retail | 399 |
| Manufacturing | 68 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,461 |
| 1% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.20 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 12.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 70.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.3% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $207,414. Monthly rent averages $1,234 (6% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $794 for a one-bedroom to $984 for a two-bedroom apartment. 0.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 2,539 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1976. The average annual property tax is $3,461. 19.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,234 |
| 6% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $719 |
| 1 Bedroom | $794 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $984 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,277 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,442 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 0.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 0.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 99.3% |
| Housing Units | 2,539 |
| Median Year Built | 1976 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,461 |
| 1% below US avg |
In Fort Knox, 34.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 7.0% of residents, above the national average. 38.0% have high blood pressure. 23.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.6% report binge drinking. 33.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 14.9% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,666. The dentist ratio is 1:1,065. 68.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Fort Knox vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.5% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.5% |
| Heart Disease | 7.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 38.0% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 9.3% |
| Cancer | 6.4% |
| Kidney Disease | 3.2% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 23.3% |
| 66% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.1% |
| Mental Distress | 14.9% |
| Physical Distress | 15.1% |
| Short Sleep | 38.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.7% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:1,666 |
| Dentists | 1:1,065 |
| Mental Health | 1:219 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.3% |
| Dental Visits | 62.7% |
| Premature Death | 10,822/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 68.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 391 |
Fort Knox has a violent crime rate of 187 per 100,000 residents, 51% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,495 per 100,000, 24% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 18 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Fort Knox receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Fort Knox vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 186.9/100K |
| 51% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,495.3/100K |
| 24% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 18 |
| Traffic Accidents | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.4 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Fort Knox enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 299 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 54.4 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 4.5 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 713 feet.
Temperature
33°F Jan (1°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 55.5°F |
| 3% above US avg |
| January Average | 33°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 299 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 713 ft (217 m) |
| Area | 20.3 sq mi (52.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 430/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.8916°N, 85.9672°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Hardin County County |
| Nearest Airport | Louisville Muhammad Ali International (SDF) 23 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
54.4"
43% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
4.61"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0470 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.2 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 75.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 33.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 56.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
25 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.8 on May 11, 2025.
| Dec 7, 2000 |
7 km W of Evansville, Indiana |
M3.9 |
147 km |
| Jan 24, 1990 |
6 km WNW of Alton, Indiana |
M3.9 |
54 km |
| Jan 27, 1990 |
6 km N of Alton, Indiana |
M3.8 |
52 km |
| May 30, 2023 |
6 km W of Calhoun, Kentucky |
M3.0 |
126 km |
| Nov 28, 1998 |
6 km SW of Bremen, Kentucky |
M2.9 |
131 km |
| Aug 20, 2015 |
6 km SE of Lawrenceburg, Kentucky |
M2.8 |
100 km |
| Jan 28, 1991 |
9 km SW of Sacramento, Kentucky |
M2.8 |
134 km |
| May 11, 2025 |
11 km SE of High Bridge, Kentucky |
M2.8 |
120 km |
| Aug 15, 2001 |
5 km SSE of Spottsville, Kentucky |
M2.7 |
126 km |
| Mar 6, 2000 |
0 km E of Darmstadt, Indiana |
M2.7 |
142 km |
| Mar 9, 1990 |
8 km ENE of New Amsterdam, Indiana |
M2.7 |
34 km |
| Mar 21, 1990 |
1 km W of Spring Mill, Kentucky |
M2.7 |
39 km |
| Jan 12, 2023 |
4 km E of Burgin, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
111 km |
| Aug 4, 2023 |
11 km ENE of Lancaster, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
134 km |
| Feb 27, 2020 |
5 km SW of Bremen, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
130 km |
| Sep 12, 2015 |
5 km SE of Corydon, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
150 km |
| Aug 26, 2000 |
6 km N of Boonville, Indiana |
M2.6 |
117 km |
| Jan 8, 1995 |
Kentucky |
M2.6 |
131 km |
| Mar 22, 1990 |
9 km E of Rochester, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
106 km |
| Jan 29, 1990 |
11 km S of Paoli, Indiana |
M2.6 |
76 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
474 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 92 fatalities, 1,527 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF5 |
71 km |
6 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF5 |
53 km |
31 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF4 |
63 km |
11 |
| May 28, 1996 |
EF4 |
35 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
76 km |
11 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
39 km |
3 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
81 km |
4 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
20 km |
3 |
| Apr 27, 1971 |
EF4 |
94 km |
6 |
| Dec 11, 2021 |
EF3 |
72 km |
1 |
| Feb 28, 2011 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2004 |
EF3 |
72 km |
1 |
| May 23, 2000 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1998 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1997 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1997 |
EF3 |
58 km |
1 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: FLOATING MILL HOLLOW (2,422 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
FLOATING MILL HOLLOW |
2,422 |
77 km |
| 2008 |
BROOKS KNOB |
2,225 |
80 km |
| 2012 |
FY2012 CRYSTAL CAVE BROADCAST BURN |
2,221 |
76 km |
| 2010 |
JOPPA CHURCH |
2,037 |
81 km |
| 2004 |
JIM LEE |
1,770 |
82 km |
| 2009 |
TEMPLE HILL |
1,628 |
79 km |
| 2009 |
JIM LEE |
1,613 |
82 km |
| 2007 |
Big Woods |
1,500 |
73 km |
| 2008 |
GOBLIN KNOB |
1,445 |
74 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
1,336 |
55 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,057 |
53 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
959 |
54 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
910 |
53 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
892 |
53 km |
| 2024 |
LONG RUN RX |
774 |
58 km |
| 2010 |
RICEVILLE RX |
671 |
77 km |
| 2007 |
DENNISON FERRY RX |
655 |
76 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
641 |
71 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
584 |
58 km |
| 2010 |
ROCKHOUSE HOLLOW RX |
581 |
56 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
33°F (1°C) |
3.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
37°F (3°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| March |
46°F (8°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| April |
56°F (13°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
4.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
2.6 in |
Driest |
| November |
47°F (8°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| December |
37°F (3°C) |
4.1 in |
|
Fort Knox has a seasonal temperature swing of 43°F / from 33°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 46.2 inches, with March being the wettest month (4.6") and October the driest (2.6").
Average costs for common services in Fort Knox. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$226 ($135–$361) |
| Specialist Visit |
$316 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$316) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,984 ($722–$4,510) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$226 ($135–$361) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$271 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($361–$902) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$316) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$361 ($135–$722) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,314 ($3,608–$10,824) |
| Roof Repair |
$902 ($361–$1,804) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,118 ($4,961–$13,530) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,353 ($451–$3,157) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,530 ($4,510–$27,060) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,510 ($1,804–$9,020) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,353 ($722–$2,706) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$902) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,255 ($902–$4,510) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$226) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.70 ($2.71–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.16 ($2.26–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.43 ($2.26–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.06 ($2.71–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.61–$6.77) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$226) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,804 ($1,082–$3,157) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.22–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$226) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,082 ($541–$2,255) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$902 ($451–$1,804) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$361 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$902 ($361–$2,255) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,275 ($4,510–$27,060) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$271 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$361) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $655 |
| Toddler | $557 |
| Preschool | $557 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $531 |
| Toddler | $514 |
| Preschool | $514 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Fort Knox
What is the population of Fort Knox?
Fort Knox has a population of 8,715 residents and is located in Kentucky. The population density is 430 people per square mile, spread across 20.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 24.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 44.4% female and 55.6% male.
Is Fort Knox expensive to live in?
Fort Knox is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.2 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $74,224, 1% below the national average of $75,149. Renters pay a median of $1,234 per month.
Is Fort Knox safe?
Fort Knox is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 187 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,495 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Fort Knox receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Fort Knox?
Fort Knox enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 33°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 299 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 54.4 inches, with 4.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Fort Knox?
The job market in Fort Knox is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,073. There are 3,704 business establishments in the area, including 220 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 12 minutes, and 3.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Fort Knox?
For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,234. Fair market rent is $794 for a 1-bedroom and $984 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 0.7%. The average annual property tax is $3,461.
How are the schools in Fort Knox?
Schools in Fort Knox score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 42.1% of adults in Fort Knox hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 95.7% have completed high school. 19.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Fort Knox?
The obesity rate in Fort Knox is 34.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 23.3% of adults are smokers. 33.1% are physically inactive. 68.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,666.
What is transportation like in Fort Knox?
The average commute in Fort Knox is 12 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 70% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Fort Knox?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Fort Knox is 59.4% White, 16% Black or African American, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino. 82.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 17.7% speak Spanish. 21.9% of the population are military veterans. 9.7% of residents have a disability. 92.7% have health insurance coverage.