TennesseePop. 195,185Mid-size cities
Is Knoxville a Good Place to Live? Knoxville, Tennessee: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Knoxville ranks #897 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #165 of 256 mid-size cities and #14 of 20 in Tennessee. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (3.2%, #18 of 241) and fast population growth (+1.5%, #30 of 241), and trails on low household income ($54,039, #236 of 256) and high violent crime (685 per 100,000, #203 of 235).
Knoxville by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Knoxville's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Knoxville?
Knoxville's cost of living index is 92.6, 7% below the US level of 100 and #351 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,191/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $370,699, 11% above the typical Tennessee home ($334,108).
| Measure | Knoxville | TennesseeTN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 92.6#351 of 1,308 | 91.9 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $370,699#562 of 1,187 | $334,108 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,712/mo#520 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $239,700#359 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,191/mo#429 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 4.4x#690 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 26.4%#1117 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Tennessee is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Knoxville housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Knoxville is in the Knoxville, TN metro.
Tennessee housing market →Is Knoxville safe?
Knoxville recorded 685 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.1 times the US rate of 328 and 39% above Tennessee's 492. That ranks #961 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #203 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Knoxville Police Department. Property crime runs 2,361 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Knoxville | TennesseeTN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 685#961 of 1,085 | 492 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 2,361#819 of 1,085 | 1,637 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Tennessee is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Knoxville?
The median household in Knoxville earns $54,039, 35% below the US figure of $83,163 and 25% below Tennessee ($71,997). Unemployment is 3.2% (US 4.3%). 20.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Knoxville | TennesseeTN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $54,039#1168 of 1,312 | $71,997 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.2%#155 of 1,058 | 3.5% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 20.2%#1118 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +1.5%#153 of 1,132 | +0.9% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Tennessee is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Knoxville?
The median resident of Knoxville is 33.5 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 34.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #625 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 46.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Knoxville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 33.5 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 34.6%#625 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 46.6% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Knoxville's schools and health?
Knoxville's 47 public schools graduate 91% of students in four years (Tennessee 90.4%), with 14.6 students per teacher and $11,187 spent per pupil. 36% of adults are obese and 12.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Knoxville | TennesseeTN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 91%#291 of 1,063 | 90.4% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 14.6#390 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $11,187#1043 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 36%#866 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 12.6%#885 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 22%#1287 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 12.9%#944 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Tennessee is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 27,660 students are enrolled in Knoxville's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Knoxville?
The average commute in Knoxville is 20.2 minutes (Tennessee 26.5); 1% of workers take transit and 13.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Knoxville scores 11.5 of 20 (above average walkable), #535 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 75.8°F and winters 39.5°F, with 55.8 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Knoxville | TennesseeTN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 20.2 min#357 of 1,312 | 26.5 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 2.4%#89 of 1,312 | 7.7% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 73.1% | 75% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1% | 0.5% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 3.2% | 1.2% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.3% | 0.1% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 13.2% | 12.7% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 11.5#535 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Tennessee is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 47.9 | 26.4 | 5.2 |
| Feb | 52.5 | 29.3 | 5.1 |
| Mar | 61.3 | 35.7 | 5.3 |
| Apr | 70.8 | 43.8 | 5.3 |
| May | 78.5 | 53.8 | 4.5 |
| Jun | 85.5 | 62 | 4 |
| Jul | 88.3 | 66.2 | 5.8 |
| Aug | 87.9 | 64.8 | 3.4 |
| Sep | 82.9 | 58.6 | 4.1 |
| Oct | 72.3 | 45.7 | 3.1 |
| Nov | 60.6 | 34.7 | 4.1 |
| Dec | 51.1 | 29.7 | 5.9 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Knoxville Exp Stn.
| Measure | Knoxville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 57.9°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 75.8°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 39.5°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 55.8 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Knoxville Exp Stn.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Knoxville?
Knox County's air had a median air quality index of 46, and 63% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Knox County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, ice storm, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 79% of US counties.
| Measure | Knoxville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 46#700 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.11%#318 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Knox County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Knox County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.023% | 86% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0013% | 66% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0089% | 50% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.065% | 28% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Knoxville compare with similar-size cities?
Knoxville is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #165 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 195,185.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knoxville, TNPop. 195,185 | #897 | 51.8 | $54,039 | $1,191/mo | 685 | 20.2 min |
| Overland Park, KSPop. 200,306 | #116 | 67.9 | $104,834 | $1,515/mo | 161 | 19.7 min |
| Sunrise Manor, NVPop. 200,218 | #1275 | 40.0 | $58,421 | $1,397/mo | no data | 28.3 min |
| Grand Rapids, MIPop. 198,535 | #948 | 50.9 | $69,108 | $1,266/mo | 894 | 19 min |
| Montgomery, ALPop. 197,494 | #1152 | 46.5 | $56,811 | $1,089/mo | 645 | 20.7 min |
| Peoria, AZPop. 196,906 | #489 | 58.2 | $95,815 | $1,843/mo | 253 | 28.2 min |
| Vancouver, WAPop. 195,300 | #737 | 54.3 | $81,338 | $1,702/mo | 556 | 23.2 min |
| Huntington Beach, CAPop. 195,240 | #400 | 60.0 | $120,919 | $2,510/mo | 182 | 28.4 min |
| Providence, RIPop. 191,767 | #617 | 56.4 | $68,119 | $1,408/mo | 287 | 25 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Knoxville compare with the rest of Tennessee?
Knoxville ranks #14 of the 20 Tennessee cities we track, with a score of 51.8 against Tennessee's statewide 57.1. Its households earn 25% below the Tennessee median. Violent crime is 39% above the statewide rate. Homes are 11% above the typical Tennessee home.
| City | Rank in TN | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Franklin, TNPop. 87,133 | #1 | 69.5 | $119,528 | $1,923/mo | 171 |
| Brentwood, TNPop. 45,556 | #2 | 68.0 | $182,088 | $2,825/mo | 62 |
| Collierville, TNPop. 51,515 | #3 | 67.6 | $138,598 | $1,691/mo | 175 |
| Spring Hill, TNPop. 55,765 | #4 | 63.4 | $112,013 | $1,844/mo | part year |
| Hendersonville, TNPop. 63,091 | #5 | 61.5 | $97,200 | $1,653/mo | 140 |
| Lebanon, TNPop. 44,788 | #6 | 60.3 | $72,848 | $1,306/mo | 266 |
| Bartlett, TNPop. 56,876 | #7 | 59.1 | $102,070 | $1,638/mo | 262 |
| Gallatin, TNPop. 48,532 | #8 | 58.9 | $77,518 | $1,395/mo | 180 |
| Smyrna, TNPop. 56,692 | #9 | 58.3 | $81,926 | $1,461/mo | 333 |
| Murfreesboro, TNPop. 161,445 | #10 | 57.1 | $80,108 | $1,481/mo | 404 |
| Johnson City, TNPop. 72,222 | #11 | 55.6 | $57,254 | $1,023/mo | 417 |
| Columbia, TNPop. 45,441 | #12 | 54.1 | $63,719 | $1,197/mo | 371 |
| Clarksville, TNPop. 176,456 | #13 | 53.4 | $69,303 | $1,307/mo | 366 |
| Knoxville, TNPop. 195,185 | #14 | 51.8 | $54,039 | $1,191/mo | 685 |
| Cleveland, TNPop. 48,829 | #15 | 51.6 | $58,559 | $1,034/mo | 547 |
| Kingsport, TNPop. 56,262 | #16 | 51.3 | $52,490 | $907/mo | 572 |
| Chattanooga, TNPop. 185,783 | #17 | 50.9 | $64,523 | $1,256/mo | 680 |
| Nashville, TNPop. 690,130 | #18 | 50.4 | $77,371 | $1,586/mo | 961 |
| Jackson, TNPop. 68,435 | #19 | 44.4 | $53,032 | $1,145/mo | 727 |
| Memphis, TNPop. 618,980 | #20 | 37.4 | $51,736 | $1,181/mo | 1,853 |
All 20 Tennessee cities we track, by overall score. Tennessee statewide: median income $71,997, violent crime 492.3 per 100,000.
How is Knoxville's score calculated?
Knoxville scores 51.8 out of 100, #897 of 1,312 (grade C, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Tennessee's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Knoxville. Similar-size median 52.9.
48.3 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Knoxville's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
46.4 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Knoxville. Similar-size median 53.8.
39.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Knoxville's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
58.2 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Knoxville's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
77.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Knoxville. Similar-size median 51.2.
26.4 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Knoxville. Similar-size median 42.1.
59.0 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Knoxville. Similar-size median 50.1.
53.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Knoxville's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
55.3 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
63.6 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Knoxville's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Knoxville has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Knoxville
Is Knoxville, TN a good place to live?
Knoxville ranks #897 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #165 of 256 mid-size cities and #14 of 20 in Tennessee. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (3.2%, #18 of 241) and fast population growth (+1.5%, #30 of 241), and trails on low household income ($54,039, #236 of 256) and high violent crime (685 per 100,000, #203 of 235).
What is the cost of living in Knoxville?
Knoxville's cost of living index is 92.6, 7% below the US level of 100 and #351 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,191/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $370,699, 11% above the typical Tennessee home ($334,108).
What is the crime rate in Knoxville?
Knoxville recorded 685 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.1 times the US rate of 328 and 39% above Tennessee's 492. That ranks #961 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #203 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Knoxville Police Department. Property crime runs 2,361 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Knoxville?
The median household in Knoxville earns $54,039, 35% below the US figure of $83,163 and 25% below Tennessee ($71,997). Unemployment is 3.2% (US 4.3%). 20.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Knoxville?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,191/mo (Census), #429 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,712/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 26.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Knoxville?
The typical home value in Knoxville is $370,699, up 1.1% in a year, against $334,108 for Tennessee and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $239,700.
How are the public schools in Knoxville?
Knoxville's 47 public schools graduate 91% of students in four years (Tennessee 90.4%), with 14.6 students per teacher and $11,187 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Knoxville?
The average commute is 20.2 minutes, #357 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.5 minutes across Tennessee. 2.4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Knoxville?
Knoxville averages 57.9°F over the year, 75.8°F in summer and 39.5°F in winter, with 55.8 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Knoxville walkable?
Knoxville scores 11.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #535 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Knoxville at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Knox County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, ice storm, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 79% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Knoxville?
Knox County's air had a median air quality index of 46, and 63% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Knoxville?
Knoxville has 195,185 residents. The median resident of Knoxville is 33.5 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 34.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #625 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 46.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Knoxville compare with the rest of Tennessee?
Knoxville ranks #14 of the 20 Tennessee cities we track, with a score of 51.8 against Tennessee's statewide 57.1. Its households earn 25% below the Tennessee median. Violent crime is 39% above the statewide rate. Homes are 11% above the typical Tennessee home.
What cities are similar in size to Knoxville?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Knoxville's population of 195,185 are Overland Park, KS (#116 overall), Sunrise Manor, NV (#1275 overall), Grand Rapids, MI (#948 overall), Montgomery, AL (#1152 overall), and Peoria, AZ (#489 overall). Knoxville is #897.