Mount Vernon
RANK #140 / 996 NAT · #14 / 49 OH · POP 62,657
1YR FORECAST: +4.1%
5YR OUTLOOK: +34%
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.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
| 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 ranks #140 out of 996 U.S. counties on the Boom Town Index with a score of 86/100, putting it in the top tier nationally. Job growth of +1.3% and a median household income of $71,246 point to a county with active economic momentum.
By national standards, Knox County is quite affordable. Homes here have a median value of $197,400, and the income-to-home-value ratio of 0.36 is well above the U.S. average — especially with median rent at just $878/month. Residents can generally buy a home without being cost-burdened.
Employers in Knox County are hiring — job growth of +1.3% — but the population is close to flat (+0.4% YoY). Home values moved +5.2% over the past year. Labor demand is outpacing local population growth, which tends to tighten wages and housing.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 3.5% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Knox County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.
Home values climbed +5.2% year-over-year, which is a solid pace of appreciation. The median home in Knox County is now valued at $197,400. That kind of growth typically reflects sustained demand rather than speculative frenzy.