IncomeBy County

Knox County, Kentucky

Income Data

U.S. Census Bureau ACS
-41% vs. Kentucky average
$33,153
Median Household Income
$21,277
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$33,153
-41% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$21,277
-46% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
30.4%
income as % of home value
Rank in Kentucky
#117 / 120
by median household income

Economic Indicators

Unemployment Rate
N/A
Labor Force Participation
N/A

How Knox County Compares

Knox County$33,153
Kentucky Average$55,909
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$33,153
Median Household Income
$21,277
Per Capita Income
$109,200
Median Home Value
30.4%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Income Advisory: Knox County

Income Verdict

Knox County has a median household income of $33,153 and per capita income of $21,277 — a gap of $11,876, suggesting a higher share of single-earner or non-family households.

Housing Affordability

With median gross rent at $631/month and a median household income of $33,153, rent consumes approximately 22.8% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.

Economic Context

A median household income of $33,153 indicates below-average earnings, which may limit discretionary spending and make households sensitive to cost-of-living increases. Per capita income of $21,277 suggests below-average individual earnings, which may reflect local employment mix or industrial composition.

Neighbor Context

Knox County earns approximately 40.7% below the Kentucky state median household income of $55,909.

Data Story

About Household Income in Knox County, Kentucky

Knox faces severe income shortfall versus nation

Knox County's median household income of $33,153 trails the national median of $74,755 by $41,602—a staggering 56% gap. This places Knox among the lowest-income counties in the United States and reflects decades of economic decline in eastern Kentucky.

Kentucky's most economically vulnerable county

Knox's $33,153 median income ranks at or near the bottom of Kentucky counties, 41% below the state average of $55,909. Per capita income of $21,277 is also among Kentucky's lowest, indicating widespread individual income constraints.

Most distressed county in eastern Kentucky cluster

Knox County's median household income of $33,153 is the lowest among all eight counties examined, trailing even Knott ($37,736). This reflects Knox's acute exposure to coal industry collapse with limited economic diversification.

Housing affordability crisis in Knox County

A rent-to-income ratio of 22.8% indicates Knox households spend nearly 1/4 of income on housing, approaching crisis levels. Even with a median home value of only $109,200, housing costs consume a disproportionate share of scarce household resources.

Build resilience before wealth growth

Knox County residents should focus on stabilizing income and reducing debt before pursuing investments. Local economic development initiatives, job training programs, and community banks can provide pathways to improved financial footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Knox County, Kentucky?
The median household income in Knox County, Kentucky is $33,153, 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 $21,277, 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 $33,153.
How does Knox County compare to the Kentucky average?
Knox County's median household income of $33,153 is lower than the Kentucky state average of $55,909. The per capita income is $21,277, compared to the state average of $29,616.
What is the per capita income in Knox County, Kentucky?
The per capita income in Knox County, Kentucky is $21,277, 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 Kentucky?
Knox County's median household income of $33,153 is below the Kentucky average of $55,909. The per capita income of $21,277 is also lower than the state average of $29,616. 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 Kentucky?
Knox County ranks #117 out of 120 counties in Kentucky by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $33,153 and per capita income of $21,277, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Knox County

$
1.00x

Your income is above the Knox County median

County median: $33,153 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

-41%

vs. National Median

-56%

vs. Knox County MedianAbout equal
vs. Kentucky Average▼ 41% below
vs. National Median▼ 56% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent4.4x

Your monthly income ($2,763) vs. median rent ($631/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Counties with Similar Income Levels

Hancock County
Georgia
$33,182
+0%
Leflore County
Mississippi
$33,188
+0%
Humphreys County
Mississippi
$32,976
-1%
Dimmit County
Texas
$33,409
+1%
Magoffin County
Kentucky
$33,632
+1%
Jeff Davis County
Texas
$32,625
-2%
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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.

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