Median Income
$70,136
7% lower than US avg
Home Value
$147,600
48% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
164/100K
57% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
31.3%
7% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$810
30% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.3%
29% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.2%
67% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.5%
56% lower than US avg
How Knoxville Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population7,493
Median Age42.2 yrs
Density1,622/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans6.9%
Economy
A
Median Income$70,136
Per Capita$38,253
Unemployment1.2%
Poverty5.5%
County GDP$2,878M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$147,600
Rent$810
Ownership74.3%
Zillow$201,025
Housing Units3,703
Rent Burden24.7%
Crime
F
Violent164/100K
Property1,604/100K
Health
Obesity41.3%
Uninsured6.9%
Smoking15.7%
Depression23.1%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.5 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation911 ft (278 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+31.3%
High School+94.3%
Graduate+6.3%
School Score6.25
Community
2024 VoteR 68% / D 30%
Commute22 min
Broadband82.6%
EV Stations2
Libraries5
Is Knoxville a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Knoxville receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Knoxville offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Knoxville is $70,136, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.2%. Only 5.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Knoxville is $147,600, 48% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $810 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Knoxville is below the national average at 164 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,604 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
31.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.3% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Knoxville experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Knoxville has a population of 7,493 with a density of 1,622 people per square mile, spread across 4.6 square miles. The median age is 42.2 years, 8% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.2% female and 44.8% male. The city is predominantly White (94.6%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.5% of residents. 6.9% of the population are veterans. 21.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.2yrs
Median Age
8% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Knoxville vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.5%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.5%
81% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Knoxville vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Knoxville is $70,136, which is 7% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $38,253. The average weekly wage is $1,222, 15% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,062 business establishments, including 80 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 13.9% of workers work from home.
Income: Knoxville vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $70,136 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $38,253 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,222 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $84,851 |
| Gini Index | 0.429 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.2% |
| 67% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.5% |
| 56% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,062 |
| County GDP | $2,878M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 80 |
| Healthcare | 105 |
| Retail | 126 |
| Manufacturing | 44 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,610 |
| 60% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.80% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 13.9% |
The median home value in Knoxville is $147,600, 48% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $201,025, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 92.9% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $810 (30% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 74.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 3,703 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1967. The average annual property tax is $5,610 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 24.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $147,600 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $201,025 |
| Median List Price | $189,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $189,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $182 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 92.9% |
| Price Drops | 31.8% |
| Inventory | 22 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $810 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $956 |
| Rent Burden | 24.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 74.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 74.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 25.7% |
| Housing Units | 3,703 |
| Median Year Built | 1967 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,610 |
| 60% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.80% |
In Knoxville, 41.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 30.8% have high blood pressure. 15.7% are current smokers. 22.6% report binge drinking. 23.2% are physically inactive. 23.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.1% experience frequent mental distress. 6.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,043. The dentist ratio is 1:1,682. 70.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Knoxville vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.3% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.8% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.7% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.2% |
| Depression | 23.1% |
| Mental Distress | 18.1% |
| Physical Distress | 12.1% |
| Short Sleep | 30.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.4% |
| Uninsured | 6.9% |
| 20% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,043 |
| Dentists | 1:1,682 |
| Mental Health | 1:637 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.3% |
| Dental Visits | 68.0% |
| Premature Death | 6,618/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 70.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 105 |
Knoxville has a violent crime rate of 164 per 100,000 residents, 57% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,604 per 100,000, 18% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Knoxville receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Knoxville vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 164.3/100K |
| 57% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,604.3/100K |
| 18% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 15 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.4 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Knoxville experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 275 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 37.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 911 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 49.9°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 911 ft (278 m) |
| Area | 4.6 sq mi (12.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,622/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.3185°N, 93.1026°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Marion County County |
| Nearest Airport | Des Moines International (DSM)
33 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.5"
1% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.49"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 34.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 13.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 96.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
593 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 20 fatalities, 304 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF5 |
93 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF4 |
92 km |
6 |
| Sep 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 |
EF4 |
63 km |
2 |
| May 20, 1959 |
EF4 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
53 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF3 |
48 km |
1 |
| Aug 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
17 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Mar 22, 1991 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1978 |
EF3 |
73 km |
6 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 (1,050 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 |
1,050 |
33 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
939 |
93 km |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
94 km |
| 2011 |
IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 |
510 |
91 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
2.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
2.8 in |
|
Knoxville has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 21°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 41.3 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (2.5").
Average costs for common services in Knoxville. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $702 |
| Toddler | $605 |
| Preschool | $605 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $474 |
| Toddler | $466 |
| Preschool | $466 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Knoxville
What is the population of Knoxville?
Knoxville has a population of 7,493 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,622 people per square mile, spread across 4.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.2% female and 44.8% male.
Is Knoxville expensive to live in?
Knoxville is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $70,136, 7% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $147,600 (48% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $810 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Knoxville safe?
Knoxville is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 164 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,604 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Knoxville receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Knoxville?
Knoxville has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Knoxville?
The job market in Knoxville is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,222. There are 1,062 business establishments in the area, including 80 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 13.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Knoxville?
The median home value in Knoxville is $147,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $201,025. For renters, the median monthly rent is $810. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 74.3%. The average annual property tax is $5,610.
How are the schools in Knoxville?
Schools in Knoxville score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 31.3% of adults in Knoxville hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.3% have completed high school. 6.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Knoxville?
The obesity rate in Knoxville is 41.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.7% of adults are smokers. 23.2% are physically inactive. 23.1% of residents report depression. 6.9% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 70.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,043.
What is transportation like in Knoxville?
The average commute in Knoxville is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 75.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 13.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Knoxville?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Knoxville is 94.6% White. 97.5% of residents speak only English at home. 6.9% of the population are military veterans. 21.1% of residents have a disability. 96.4% have health insurance coverage.
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