Knox County, Illinois

-22% vs. Illinois average
$53,291
Median Household Income
$29,614
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$53,291
-22% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$29,614
-25% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
50.8%
income as % of home value
Rank in Illinois
#96 / 102
by median household income

Economic Indicators

Unemployment Rate
N/A
Labor Force Participation
N/A

How Knox County Compares

Knox County$53,291
Illinois Average$68,580
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$53,291
Median Household Income
$29,614
Per Capita Income
$104,900
Median Home Value
50.8%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Income Advisory: Knox County

Income Verdict

Knox County has a median household income of $53,291 and per capita income of $29,614 — a gap of $23,677, suggesting a higher share of single-earner or non-family households.

Housing Affordability

With median gross rent at $725/month and a median household income of $53,291, rent consumes approximately 16.3% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.

Economic Context

With a median household income of $53,291, residents of Knox County likely face budget constraints in higher-cost regions but may find cost of living manageable locally. Per capita income of $29,614 suggests below-average individual earnings, which may reflect local employment mix or industrial composition.

Neighbor Context

Knox County earns approximately 22.3% below the Illinois state median household income of $68,580.

Data Story

About Household Income in Knox County, Illinois

Knox County Faces Significant Income Gap

Knox County's median household income of $53,291 trails the national median of $74,755 by a substantial $21,464. This 29% shortfall represents one of the widest income gaps among Illinois counties.

Among Illinois's Lowest-Income Counties

At $53,291, Knox County ranks well below Illinois's state median of $68,580—roughly $15,300 behind. The county's per capita income of $29,614 significantly lags the state average of $36,009, indicating structural economic challenges.

Knox County Struggles Regionally

Knox County earns roughly $7,900 less than Johnson County and about $25,800 below Jersey County. Among the eight surveyed counties, Knox faces the steepest income disadvantage, suggesting limited employment opportunities.

Housing Affordable but Income-Strained

Knox County's 16.3% rent-to-income ratio offers relative affordability, while median home values of $104,900 rank among the lowest regionally. However, modest incomes leave limited room for other essential expenses and savings.

Build Resilience Through Smart Planning

Knox County's lower incomes require disciplined financial planning and creative strategies to build wealth. Focus on low-cost debt repayment, maximize any available tax credits or employer benefits, and explore free or low-cost financial literacy resources to establish a foundation for future security.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Knox County, Illinois?
The median household income in Knox County, Illinois is $53,291, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Knox County?
The per capita income in Knox County is $29,614, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $53,291.
How does Knox County compare to the Illinois average?
Knox County's median household income of $53,291 is lower than the Illinois state average of $68,580. The per capita income is $29,614, compared to the state average of $36,009.
What is the per capita income in Knox County, Illinois?
The per capita income in Knox County, Illinois is $29,614, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Knox County a low-income area in Illinois?
Knox County's median household income of $53,291 is below the Illinois average of $68,580. The per capita income of $29,614 is also lower than the state average of $36,009. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Knox County rank for income in Illinois?
Knox County ranks #96 out of 102 counties in Illinois by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $53,291 and per capita income of $29,614, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Knox County

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1.00x

Your income is above the Knox County median

County median: $53,291 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

-22%

vs. National Median

-29%

vs. Knox County MedianAbout equal
vs. Illinois Average22% below
vs. National Median29% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent6.1x

Your monthly income ($4,441) vs. median rent ($725/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.