Knoxville 74 Excellent
Knoxville Livability #224 ranked city in Illinois#4,273 ranked city in the USARanks better than 85% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Knoxville

PROS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    Residents in this area benefit from an affordable cost of living. This includes goods and services, transportation, housing, utilities, groceries and healthcare.

  • Crime Crime

    This area is characterized by a crime rate, per 100,000 individuals, that falls well below the national average, indicating its potential as a very safe place to live.

  • Housing Housing

    The housing category in this area boasts higher than average scores, likely influenced by a positive home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Earning a high health and safety score depends on factors such as good air quality and the availability of essential health facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors, and fire stations.

  • Ratings Ratings

    Local residents have positive feedback regarding the convenience of amenities, parks, public transit, the friendliness of neighbors, the strong sense of community, and the overall safety of the area.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    It appears that many amenities may not be conveniently situated within walking distance, potentially necessitating the use of a vehicle or public transit.

  • Commute Commute

    Commuters in this area may experience longer-than-average work commute times due to limited public transportation access.

What's it like Living in Knoxville?

Knoxville, Illinois is a small-sized city with a population of 3,234 residents. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (97% White). Given that fact, Knoxville could be considered less diverse than other cities. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Knoxville will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 19 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.

Are you trying to ascertain if living in Knoxville is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a great experience before moving to any new city in Illinois, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, health & safety, employment, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in Knoxville and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Knoxville to Illinois and the national average.

The livability score in Knoxville is 74 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 84th percentile of all cities across America. Based on the scores for each individual category, Knoxville has been rewarded with high marks for crime (A+), cost of living (A+), employment (B) and housing (A+). Knoxville does not score well for the following: amenities (F). It might be a good idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.

Ensuring a sense of security is paramount for the majority of residents in any area. Low crime rates exert a positive influence on various aspects, including home prices, rates of home appreciation and the cultivation of positive community dynamics and social cohesion. In the case of Knoxville, it boasts a notably low violent crime rate of 72 crimes per 100,000 residents, which significantly outperforms the national average.

The Knoxville unemployment rate of 2.2% has continued to decrease over the years and is now well below the national average. The result could lead to reduced poverty and inequality in the area, higher wages and increased economic growth. This is a positive sign in the overall health of the local economy.

Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Knoxville market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.

Knoxville real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Knoxville. The median home price for Knoxville homes is $194,065, which is 37.1% lower than the Illinois average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Knoxville, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2, which is 42.9% lower than the Illinois average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Knoxville

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Knoxville?

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Compare Knoxville, IL Livability

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      Knoxville transportation information

      Statistic Knoxville Illinois National
      Average one way commute19min29min26min
      Workers who drive to work88.1%73.4%76.4%
      Workers who carpool8.2%8.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%9.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.6%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.0%3.1%2.8%
      Working from home3.1%4.4%4.6%
      Source: The Knoxville, IL data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.