Median Income
$80,385
7% higher than US avg
Home Value
$139,900
50% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
400/100K
5% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
24.1%
28% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$675
42% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.9%
15% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.7%
25% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.1%
51% lower than US avg
How Knoxville Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,137
Median Age43.3 yrs
Density1,335/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans9.2%
Economy
A
Median Income$80,385
Per Capita$34,118
Unemployment2.7%
Poverty6.1%
County GDP$2,449M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$139,900
Rent$675
Ownership84.8%
Zillow$154,639
Housing Units1,299
Rent Burden47.9%
Crime
F
Violent400/100K
Property3,282/100K
Health
Obesity36.9%
Uninsured7.0%
Smoking14.5%
Depression24.0%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain40.5 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation774 ft (236 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+24.1%
High School+96.5%
Graduate+5.9%
School Score5.23
Community
2024 VoteR 54% / D 44%
Commute19 min
Broadband85.9%
EV Stations4
Libraries9
Is Knoxville a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Knoxville receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. 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 $80,385, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.7%. Only 6.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Knoxville is $139,900, 50% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $675 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 400 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,282 per 100,000, 67% above the national average.
Education
24.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Knoxville experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 40.5 inches, including 25.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Knoxville has a population of 3,137 with a density of 1,335 people per square mile, spread across 2.4 square miles. The median age is 43.3 years, 11% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.8% female and 44.2% male. The city is predominantly White (96.1%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.2% of residents. 9.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 8.2% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 96.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
43.3yrs
Median Age
11% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Knoxville vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.2%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.8%
87% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Knoxville vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Knoxville is $80,385, which is 7% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,118 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $894, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 980 business establishments, including 130 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Knoxville vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $80,385 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,118 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $894 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $62,190 |
| Gini Index | 0.462 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.7% |
| 25% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.1% |
| 51% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 980 |
| County GDP | $2,449M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 130 |
| Healthcare | 124 |
| Retail | 154 |
| Manufacturing | 30 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,480 |
| 85% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.63% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 88.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.7% |
The median home value in Knoxville is $139,900, 50% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $154,639, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 96.9% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $675 (42% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 84.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,299 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1961. The average annual property tax is $6,480 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 47.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $139,900 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $154,639 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $108 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.9% |
| Price Drops | 33.3% |
| Inventory | 3 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $675 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 47.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 84.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 84.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 15.2% |
| Housing Units | 1,299 |
| Median Year Built | 1961 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,480 |
| 85% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.63% |
In Knoxville, 36.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 29.9% have high blood pressure. 14.5% are current smokers. 20.7% report binge drinking. 21.6% are physically inactive. 24.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.6% experience frequent mental distress. 7.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,053. The dentist ratio is 1:2,861. 75.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Knoxville vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.9% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.9% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 6.4% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.5% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.6% |
| Depression | 24.0% |
| Mental Distress | 18.6% |
| Physical Distress | 12.4% |
| Short Sleep | 37.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.6% |
| Uninsured | 7.0% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,053 |
| Dentists | 1:2,861 |
| Mental Health | 1:515 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.9% |
| Dental Visits | 60.2% |
| Premature Death | 9,889/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 75.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 124 |
Knoxville has a violent crime rate of 400 per 100,000 residents, 5% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,282 per 100,000, 67% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 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 | 399.5/100K |
| 5% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,281.8/100K |
| 67% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 18 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 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 23°F in January while summers reach 74°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 40.5 inches. The area receives 25.4 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 774 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 50.4°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 774 ft (236 m) |
| Area | 2.4 sq mi (6.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,335/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.9069°N, 90.2857°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Knox County County |
| Nearest Airport | General Downing - Peoria International (PIA)
35 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.5"
7% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.29"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 57.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 49.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 66.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M4.2 on Jun 28, 2004.
| Jun 28, 2004 |
12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois |
M4.2 |
131 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
115 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
659 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 19 fatalities, 542 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF4 |
68 km |
3 |
| Jul 13, 2004 |
EF4 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF4 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1981 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1976 |
EF4 |
47 km |
0 |
| Apr 4, 2023 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 2004 |
EF3 |
93 km |
8 |
| May 10, 2003 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1981 |
EF3 |
81 km |
1 |
| Aug 15, 1978 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Mar 4, 1976 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1975 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1975 |
EF3 |
39 km |
2 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 3 (1,206 ac, 1999).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1999 |
UNIT 3 |
1,206 |
71 km |
| 2002 |
HSB 03 2 |
1,130 |
72 km |
| 2000 |
DESTRUST A |
756 |
72 km |
| 2006 |
HSB 003 |
674 |
71 km |
| 2004 |
HSB 009 |
608 |
72 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
62°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.2 in |
|
Knoxville has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 23°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.3 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (1.4").
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) |
$250 ($150–$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200–$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100–$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800–$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75–$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150–$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25–$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50–$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400–$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100–$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60–$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50–$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150–$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000–$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400–$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500–$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500–$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000–$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000–$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800–$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200–$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000–$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30–$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75–$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50–$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00–$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50–$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50–$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00–$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00–$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60–$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80–$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30–$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50–$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75–$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200–$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30–$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600–$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500–$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200–$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25–$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400–$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000–$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50–$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100–$400) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,346 |
| Toddler | $1,090 |
| Preschool | $1,119 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $686 |
| Toddler | $686 |
| Preschool | $636 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Knoxville
What is the population of Knoxville?
Knoxville has a population of 3,137 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 1,335 people per square mile, spread across 2.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.8% female and 44.2% male.
Is Knoxville expensive to live in?
Knoxville has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $80,385, 7% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $139,900 (50% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $675 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Knoxville safe?
The violent crime rate in Knoxville is 400 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,282 per 100,000 (above 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 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 40.5 inches, with 25.4 inches of snow. 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 2.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $894. There are 980 business establishments in the area, including 130 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 4.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Knoxville?
The median home value in Knoxville is $139,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $154,639. For renters, the median monthly rent is $675. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 84.8%. The average annual property tax is $6,480.
How are the schools in Knoxville?
Schools in Knoxville score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 24.1% of adults in Knoxville hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.5% have completed high school. 5.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Knoxville?
The obesity rate in Knoxville is 36.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.5% of adults are smokers. 21.6% are physically inactive. 24.0% of residents report depression. 7.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 75.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,053.
What is transportation like in Knoxville?
The average commute in Knoxville is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 88.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Knoxville?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Knoxville is 96.1% White. 98.2% of residents speak only English at home. 9.2% of the population are military veterans. 8.2% of residents have a disability. 96.6% have health insurance coverage.
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