Cost of Living in Knoxville, IA
Population 7,493 · Iowa · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Knoxville offers a notably favorable income-to-housing ratio for its region. The typical home — $148,000 — costs less than 2.1 times median household income of $70,136, a threshold many coastal markets passed a decade ago. An unemployment rate of 1.9% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Geographically, Knoxville is about 30 miles southeast of Des Moines, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 20% lower than Des Moines' $184,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Knoxville
The median home value in Knoxville is $147,600 — 52% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $810/month, 38% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $70,136/year is 6% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.9%, below the national average of 4.8%. Iowa's top state income tax rate is 5.7% and the combined sales tax is 6.9%. The climate averages highs of 59.5°F and lows of 39.6°F. Overall, Knoxville has a cost of living index of 54 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 46% less expensive.
Knoxville has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 30 | 35 | 49 | 62 | 71 | 80 | 84 | 82 | 76 | 63 | 48 | 35 |
| Low °F | 13 | 17 | 28 | 39 | 51 | 61 | 64 | 61 | 53 | 41 | 29 | 19 |
| Precip" | 1.02 | 1.35 | 2.31 | 3.84 | 4.78 | 5.60 | 3.85 | 4.22 | 3.16 | 2.89 | 1.94 | 1.61 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Knoxville, IA?
Knoxville has a cost index of 54 (100 = national average). It is 46% below the national average.
What is average rent in Knoxville, IA?
The median gross rent in Knoxville is $810 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Knoxville?
The median home value in Knoxville is $147,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Knoxville?
The median household income in Knoxville is $70,136 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Knoxville, IA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Knoxville is 6.9%. The Iowa state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Knoxville, IA affordable?
Yes, Knoxville is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 54 — about 46% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Knoxville?
Knoxville has average high temperatures of 59.5°F and average lows of 39.6°F. Annual precipitation is 36.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Knoxville at a Glance
- Population
- 7,493
- Median Income
- $70,136
- Home Value
- $147,600
- Median Rent
- $810/mo
- Unemployment
- 1.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 59.5°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.9%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Iowa Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
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