Knox County, Tennessee

Income Data

+21% vs. Tennessee average
$71,662
Median Household Income
$41,957
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$71,662
+21% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$41,957
+6% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
25.6%
income as % of home value
Rank in Tennessee
#16 / 95
by median household income

How Knox County Compares

Knox County$71,662
Tennessee Average$58,994
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$71,662
Median Household Income
$41,957
Per Capita Income
$279,700
Median Home Value
25.6%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Knox County, Tennessee

Knox nears national income levels

Knox County's median household income of $71,662 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by just 4.1%, positioning it among Tennessee's highest-performing counties. This reflects Knoxville's role as a regional economic and educational hub.

Tennessee's income leader by far

At $71,662, Knox County ranks as the highest-income county in Tennessee, 21.5% above the state average of $58,994. Per capita income of $41,957 exceeds the state average by 33.3%, reflecting higher education and professional employment.

Significantly outearns rural counterparts

Knox County's $71,662 far surpasses all regional rural counties: Jefferson ($63,084), Humphreys ($59,333), Hickman ($57,223), and Houston ($54,475). The gap reflects urban concentration, university employment, and regional corporate headquarters.

Housing still strains budgets

Despite higher incomes, Knox's 19.8% rent-to-income ratio suggests housing costs consume nearly one-fifth of household earnings. The median home value of $279,700 means homeownership requires substantial down payments and mortgages.

Maximize professional wealth-building tools

Knox County's higher-income households should take full advantage of employer retirement plans, HSAs, and investment accounts. Working with a fiduciary financial advisor to optimize tax strategies and diversify assets can substantially amplify long-term wealth creation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Knox County, Tennessee?
The median household income in Knox County, Tennessee is $71,662, 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 $41,957, 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 $71,662.
How does Knox County compare to the Tennessee average?
Knox County's median household income of $71,662 is higher than the Tennessee state average of $58,994. The per capita income is $41,957, compared to the state average of $31,458.
What is the per capita income in Knox County, Tennessee?
The per capita income in Knox County, Tennessee is $41,957, 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.
Why is Knox County income higher than the Tennessee average?
Knox County's median household income of $71,662 is higher than the Tennessee average of $58,994. This difference of $12,668 can be attributed to factors such as local industry mix, proximity to major employment centers, educational attainment levels, and cost of living. Counties with higher incomes often have a greater concentration of professional and technical occupations.
How does Knox County rank for income in Tennessee?
Knox County ranks #16 out of 95 counties in Tennessee by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $71,662 and per capita income of $41,957, it falls in the top third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Knox County

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Your income is above the Knox County median

County median: $71,662 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

+21%

vs. National Median

-4%

vs. Knox County MedianAbout equal
vs. Tennessee Average21% above
vs. National Median4% below

Income Adequacy

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Your monthly income ($5,972) vs. median rent ($1,180/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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