Knox County Public RecordsTennessee

As of 2023, Knox County, TN has a population of approximately 497,000. About 16.7% are under 18 and 16.9% are aged 65 or older; the median age is 38. Females constitute 51.8% and males 48.2% of residents. Racially, the county is 82% White, 8.3% Black or African American, 2.7% Asian, and 5.1% Hispanic or Latino (any race), with small percentages of other groups, reflecting moderate diversity.

Knox County, TN boasts 94 public schools, including 18 high schools, serving over 60,000 students. Nearly 89% of adults hold a high school diploma, while 34% possess a bachelor’s degree or higher. The district’s average graduation rate is 90%, with several high schools—such as Farragut and Bearden—consistently scoring above state averages. School safety initiatives include resource officers in all schools. Knox County offers robust educational programs, including STEM, IB, and advanced placement courses, supporting diverse student needs and strong adult education opportunities through Knox County Schools’ Adult Education program.

Knox County, TN, had an unemployment rate of 2.8% as of early 2024. Major employment sectors include healthcare (17%), education (12%), retail trade (11%), and manufacturing (9%). Occupationally, 24% work in office/administrative roles, 18% in sales, and 15% in management. About 85% of workers commute by car, with a mean travel time of 23 minutes; approximately 80% work within the county. Notably, the University of Tennessee and Tennova Healthcare are among the largest employers in the area.

Knox County, TN has a homeownership rate of about 63%, with median home values around $330,000 in 2024—a rise of over 6% from 2023. Median monthly rent is approximately $1,400, and single-family homes dominate the market, followed by apartments and townhomes. Popular neighborhoods include West Hills, Fountain City, and Farragut. Property taxes are comparatively low, with a county rate of $1.55 per $100 assessed value. The local market remains competitive, with limited inventory driving up both rental and purchase prices across Knoxville and its surrounding communities.

Knox County, TN, had approximately 308,000 registered voters as of 2024. The county conducts primary, general, and special elections, with polling at around 80 locations. In the 2020 presidential election, results were 57% Republican and 41% Democrat. Key issues include education funding and property taxes. The Knox County Election Commission administers elections, ensuring compliance and voter access. The Republican and Democratic parties are active locally. Early voting is popular: in 2022, 49% of voters cast ballots before Election Day. Voter turnout averages 65% in presidential years and 42% in midterms.

Knox County, TN, has a crime rate slightly higher than the national average. In 2022, the violent crime rate was approximately 5.1 incidents per 1,000 residents, while the property crime rate reached 29.7 per 1,000. Reported offenses include theft, burglary, and assault, with Knoxville city contributing significantly to these numbers. The Knox County Sheriff's Office actively promotes crime prevention and encourages community reporting, maintaining an online database for transparency. Overall, while crime exists, ongoing efforts aim to enhance public safety and awareness.