RANK #72 / 996 · POP 62,657 · OH
PROJECTED GROWTH: +3.1%
Gambier, Ohio, home to Kenyon College, offers a distinctive starting point for understanding Knox County. This private liberal arts college, founded in 1824, is the oldest in Ohio and contributes to the area's intellectual and cultural atmosphere. Located in central Ohio, Knox County is approximately an hour northeast of Columbus, providing a balance of rural living with access to a major city. The community maintains a relaxed feel, characterized by rolling hills, picturesque farmland, and woodlands. Outdoor recreation is a notable feature, with nearly 35 miles of multi-use trails like the Kokosing Gap Trail, and opportunities for hiking, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking along the Kokosing and Mohican State Scenic Rivers.
Life in Knox County is shaped by its blend of small-town environments and connections to larger urban areas. Mount Vernon, the county seat, serves as an economic hub with historic neighborhoods and local businesses. The public school systems in the county are considered above average. The local economy is supported by a manufacturing base, along with healthcare and educational services. Recent economic developments include investments in manufacturing operations and broader initiatives focused on community development and workforce training.
Above national median (4.7x)
Below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 5.3x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Frasier Solar Project
Open Road Renewables
|
$120M | Under Construction |
|
Becker Mining America, Inc. Expansion
Becker Mining Systems
|
$50M | Operating |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Knox County has a Boom Town Index score of 93/100, ranking #72 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +1.3% and a median household income of $71,246, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Knox County is $197,400 with median rent at $878/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3609, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.4% year-over-year. Job growth: +1.3%. Home values changed +5.2% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 3.5% of Knox County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.