Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, Knox County, Texas, had a population of 3,353. The median age was about 44 years. The gender distribution was approximately 50.5% male and 49.5% female. Racially, the county was 75.8% White, 7.3% Black or African American, 1.1% Native American, and 13.9% from other races, with 31% identifying as Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Elections

Knox County, TX, had approximately 2,488 registered voters as of 2022. Administered by the Knox County Elections Office, residents vote in federal, state, county, and local elections, typically at 7 precinct polling locations. In the 2020 presidential election, 84% voted Republican and 15% Democrat. Recent issues include rural infrastructure and school funding. The county leans strongly Republican, with the GOP dominating local offices. Election results and registration details are published by the Texas Secretary of State; voter turnout in general elections often exceeds 60%.

Education, Employment and Housing

Knox County, TX, serves about 500 K-12 students across three school districts, including Knox City-O'Brien CISD and Munday CISD. The county's high school graduation rate is around 92%, but only about 10% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, significantly below the Texas state average. Public schools have an average GreatSchools rating of 5/10. School safety records are strong, with few reported incidents. Educational programs focus on basic academics and vocational training, with limited advanced placement and dual-credit offerings due to the small size of the districts. Adult education and GED programs are available locally.

As of 2022, Knox County, TX had an employment rate of approximately 49.4% among residents aged 16 and over. The leading industries are agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting (20%), health care and social assistance (18%), and educational services (10%). Top occupations include management (18%), office and administrative support (12%), and sales (11%). The mean commute time is about 16.8 minutes, with most residents commuting locally within the county; over 80% drive alone, and less than 1% use public transportation. Major employment centers include Munday, Knox City, and Benjamin.

Knox County, TX, has a homeownership rate of about 75%, with median home values around $57,000 (2023). Median gross rent is approximately $605 per month. The housing market is stable, with slow appreciation due to rural trends. Most homes are single-family detached houses, built before 1980. Communities like Munday, Knox City, and Benjamin feature close-knit neighborhoods. Property tax rates average 1.52% of assessed value, lower than many urban counties. The county's affordability and small-town lifestyle attract long-term residents and retirees seeking a quiet pace and low housing costs.

County Crime & Safety

Knox County, TX, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to state averages. In 2022, the county reported approximately 85 total crimes, with 8 violent crimes (including 1 robbery and 2 aggravated assaults) and 77 property crimes. The crime rate stands at about 16.7 per 1,000 residents, notably lower than Texas’s average of 27.1. Most incidents involve theft and minor property damage. Residents are generally proactive about safety, and the Knox County Sheriff’s Office encourages regular crime reporting and community involvement to uphold public security.