RentData

Average Rent in Knox County, IN↑ Rents rising 6.1% YoY🔻 7th cheapest in IN

HUD FY2027 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 36,108

Data review: HUD FY2027Sources: HUD, Zillow, Census, BLSMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Knox County, IN has rental prices ranging from $769/month to $1,333/month in 2027, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $775/month — 45% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $58,863/year, spending $775/month on a 1-bedroom represents 16% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Knox County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,014/month, Knox County ranks #75 most expensive of the 81 cities tracked in Indiana — more affordable than 63% of all US cities in our data.

The Knox County Rental Market

The Knox County, IN area has a population of about 36,108 and 34% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Knox County, IN have risen by $58/month (6.1%) over the past year, from $956 to $1,014. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Knox County, IN without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $31,000. The local median household income of $58,863 exceeds that threshold by $27,863, making Knox County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Knox County, IN has an unemployment rate of 3.5%, 0.4 percentage points below the national average of 3.9%. Strong employment conditions typically sustain rental demand, as workers relocate to the area and local residents maintain stable housing.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2027
Studio
$769
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$775
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,014
↑6.1% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,332
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,333
Affordable
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Is Knox County, IN Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Affordability Index(30% income rule)

To rent a 2BR
$40,560/year
Local median income: $58,863
To buy a median home
—/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,014/month and 20% down on a — home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in INlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Gary$1,117$1,176$1,429$1,739—
Franklin County$841$950$1,148$1,503—
Cincinnati$1,052$1,128$1,442$1,897—
Anderson$1,011$1,017$1,331$1,743—
Indianapolis$1,187$1,336$1,536$1,991—
Louisville$976$1,058$1,276$1,629—

Rent or Buy in Knox County?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Knox County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$1,014/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 4 years — worth it if you stay 4+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $1,014/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Knox County

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Knox County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Knox County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in IN

See how Knox County ranks statewide

⚖️Compare Knox County

Side-by-side rent & cost of living with any city

📋IN Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections