Knox County, Tennessee: Complete Real Estate Guide
Explore Knox County—home to Knoxville, the University of Tennessee, and diverse communities from vibrant urban neighborhoods to peaceful suburban enclaves. Discover why Knox County is one of Tennessee's fastest-growing and most dynamic counties.
Last Updated: November 18, 2025 | By Tracy Southard, Local Real Estate Expert
Knox County at a Glance
| Population | ~480,000 |
| Median Home Price | $295,000 |
| County Seat | Knoxville |
| Major Communities | Knoxville, Farragut, Bearden, Powell, Halls, Karns |
| School District | Knox County Schools (90+ schools) |
| Major University | University of Tennessee |
| Airport | McGhee Tyson (20 min from downtown) |
About Knox County
Knox County is Tennessee's third-most populous county with approximately 480,000 residents. Centered around Knoxville, the county offers remarkable diversity—from the vibrant urban energy of downtown to the suburban comfort of Farragut, from historic neighborhoods in Bearden to rural communities in North and East Knox County.
The University of Tennessee anchors the community, bringing SEC athletics, cultural amenities, research innovation, and a steady stream of educated professionals. The county's economy is diversified across healthcare, education, manufacturing, technology, and service industries. This economic strength, combined with a relatively low cost of living for a growing metro area, continues to attract newcomers from across the country.
Knox County's geography is stunning—rolling hills, river valleys, and mountain views create beautiful settings throughout the area. The Tennessee River winds through the county, creating waterfront opportunities. The Great Smoky Mountains are less than an hour away, providing world-class outdoor recreation. This combination of urban amenities, natural beauty, and Southern hospitality defines the Knox County lifestyle.
Major Communities in Knox County
Knoxville
Population: ~190,000 | Median Home Price: $285,000
The county seat and economic engine, Knoxville offers diverse neighborhoods from historic districts to modern developments, a thriving downtown, University of Tennessee, and comprehensive urban amenities.
Learn more about Knoxville →Farragut
Population: ~24,000 | Median Home Price: $425,000
Highly sought-after suburb in West Knox County known for excellent schools (Farragut High School is top-rated), upscale neighborhoods, modern amenities, and proximity to both Knoxville and the lake. Popular with families and professionals.
Bearden
Character: Established neighborhood | Median Home Price: $350,000
A well-established area in West Knoxville featuring tree-lined streets, quality schools (Bearden High School), walkable commercial districts, and a mix of housing from charming older homes to new construction.
Powell
Population: ~14,000 | Median Home Price: $265,000
Located in North Knox County, Powell offers suburban living with good schools (Powell High School), shopping amenities, and more affordable housing than West Knoxville while maintaining convenient access to downtown.
South Knoxville
Character: Revitalizing urban area | Median Home Price: $240,000
Across the river from downtown, South Knoxville has experienced significant revitalization. The Urban Wilderness trail system, local businesses, and housing affordability attract young professionals and outdoor enthusiasts.
Knox County Real Estate Market
Market Overview
Knox County's real estate market is characterized by diversity and opportunity. With a median home price around $295,000, the county offers options for various budgets and preferences. The market has transitioned to a more balanced state in 2025 after several years of rapid appreciation, creating opportunities for both buyers and sellers.
West Knox County, including Farragut and Bearden, commands premium prices due to top-rated schools and established neighborhoods. Downtown and Fourth and Gill appeal to urbanites seeking walkability and historic character. North, East, and South Knox County offer more affordable entry points while still providing good access to employment and amenities.
Market Dynamics by Area
West Knox & Farragut: Median prices $350,000-$500,000. Highly competitive for homes in top school zones. New construction active in several developments. Inventory moves quickly.
Downtown & Urban Core: Median prices $250,000-$400,000. Mix of condos, townhomes, and historic homes. Strong demand from young professionals, UT employees, and empty nesters.
North, East & South Knox: Median prices $200,000-$300,000. More affordable options, larger lots, good schools in specific areas. Popular with first-time buyers and those prioritizing value.
What Tracy is Seeing
"Knox County's size means there's truly something for everyone. I work with buyers who prioritize Farragut schools and are willing to pay premium prices, and others who find incredible value in Powell, Halls, or South Knoxville. The key is understanding what matters most to you—schools, commute, walkability, lot size, price—and then finding the pocket of Knox County that delivers. The market varies significantly by area, so local expertise is essential. I've seen buyers miss great opportunities because they didn't know about certain neighborhoods, and others overpay because they didn't understand the nuances. That's where a local agent adds tremendous value."
Knox County Schools
Knox County Schools is Tennessee's third-largest school district, operating over 90 schools serving approximately 58,000 students. School quality varies across the large district, making it essential to research specific schools when home shopping.
Top-Rated High Schools
- Farragut High School (consistently top-rated in Tennessee)
- Bearden High School (strong academics and athletics)
- West High School (highly-rated, West Knoxville)
- Hardin Valley Academy (newer school, growing reputation)
- Powell High School (solid academics, North Knox)
Magnet & Specialty Programs
Knox County offers magnet schools and specialty programs including L&N STEM Academy, Pellissippi State Technical Community College programs, and various career and technical education pathways. The district provides Advanced Placement courses, dual enrollment opportunities, and comprehensive special education services.
Private Schools
Knox County has numerous private school options including Webb School of Knoxville, Christian Academy of Knoxville, Knoxville Catholic High School, Concord Christian School, and others serving various grade levels and educational philosophies.
Economy & Lifestyle
Employment & Economy
Knox County's economy is diverse and growing. Major employers include the University of Tennessee (11,000+ employees), Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Covenant Health, Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA headquarters), and numerous manufacturing, technology, and service companies. The partnership between UT and Oak Ridge creates a unique research and innovation ecosystem that attracts companies and talent.
Key industries include advanced manufacturing, healthcare, education, energy, and increasingly, technology startups. The county's business-friendly environment, educated workforce, and strategic location have attracted corporate relocations and expansions. Remote work has also brought professionals who can work from anywhere but choose Knox County for affordability and quality of life.
Recreation & Culture
Knox County offers extensive recreation through its park system, greenways, the Urban Wilderness in South Knoxville, and proximity to the Tennessee River and Great Smoky Mountains. Cultural amenities include the Tennessee Theatre, Knoxville Museum of Art, numerous music venues, and year-round festivals.
University of Tennessee athletics, particularly football at Neyland Stadium, create unmatched community excitement. The Vol Navy tradition—boats gathering on the Tennessee River before home games—is uniquely Knoxville. From farmers markets to craft breweries to outdoor concerts, Knox County provides entertainment for all interests.
Why Choose Knox County
Affordability
Cost of living approximately 10% below national average. No state income tax. Housing options from under $200,000 to luxury properties.
Education
Multiple top-rated public schools, excellent private school options, and the University of Tennessee providing world-class higher education.
Economic Opportunity
Diverse, growing economy with major employers across industries. Strong job market in healthcare, education, manufacturing, and technology.
Outdoor Recreation
Tennessee River, numerous lakes, extensive greenway system, the Urban Wilderness, and 30-minute access to the Smoky Mountains.
Urban Amenities
Vibrant downtown, diverse dining and entertainment, arts and culture, SEC sports, and all the conveniences of a metro area.
Strategic Location
Major interstate crossroads (I-40/I-75), McGhee Tyson Airport with direct flights nationwide, and 2-4 hours from Nashville, Atlanta, Charlotte, and Asheville.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median home price in Knox County, TN?
The median home price in Knox County, TN is approximately $295,000 as of 2025. Prices vary significantly by area, with West Knoxville and Farragut typically ranging $350,000-$500,000, while North and East Knox County offer more affordable options starting around $200,000.
Is Knox County a good place to live?
Yes, Knox County offers diverse living options from urban Knoxville to suburban Farragut to rural communities. Benefits include relatively affordable cost of living, good schools in many areas, proximity to the University of Tennessee, access to outdoor recreation, and a growing economy.
What cities are in Knox County?
Knox County includes Knoxville (the county seat and largest city), Farragut, and portions of several other communities. The county encompasses diverse neighborhoods from downtown Knoxville to suburban West Knox, South Knoxville, North Knox, and rural areas.
What are property taxes in Knox County?
Knox County property tax rates are approximately $2.50-$2.75 per $100 of assessed value. Tennessee has no state income tax, which helps offset property tax costs.
Are Knox County schools good?
Knox County Schools includes many highly-rated schools, particularly in areas like Farragut, Bearden, and West Knoxville. Schools such as Farragut High School, Bearden High School, and West High School are consistently top-rated. School quality varies across the large district, so researching specific schools is important.
What is the population of Knox County?
Knox County has a population of approximately 480,000, making it the third-most populous county in Tennessee. The population has grown steadily, driven by economic opportunity, the University of Tennessee, and quality of life factors.
Find Your Perfect Home in Knox County
As a real estate agent serving Knox County, I help buyers navigate this diverse market to find the right community, school zone, and home for their unique needs. From Farragut to South Knoxville, I know the neighborhoods that will fit your lifestyle.
Contact Tracy Today:
Get in TouchAbout the Author: Tracy Southard is a licensed real estate agent with Realty Executives Associates, specializing in Knox County and East Tennessee. With over 600 successful transactions and extensive knowledge of Knox County neighborhoods, schools, and market dynamics, Tracy helps buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals.
Published: November 18, 2025 | Last Updated: November 18, 2025