Southwest Knox, West Illinois, IL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
13,211
-0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$65,461/yr
4.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
6,594
1.0% year-over-year change

Southwest Knox population

How many people live in Southwest Knox

Southwest Knox is home to 13,211 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.4% of Southwest Knox locals are male, and 49.6% are female.

Total population
13,211
-0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.4%
6,652
Female
49.6%
6,559
Value Percent YoY change
Male 6,652 50.4% 0.1%
Female 6,559 49.6% -0.2%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Southwest Knox is 45, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.8% are children under 15, then 13.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.7% of the population, while another 24.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 21.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
45.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.8%
15 to 24
13.2%
25 to 44
22.7%
45 to 64
24.4%
Over 65
21.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,348 17.8% 1.6%
15 to 24 1,741 13.2% 0.7%
25 to 44 3,000 22.7% -0.7%
45 to 64 3,226 24.4% -1.4%
Over 65 2,896 21.9% 0.3%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Southwest Knox, 96.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 84% of locals are Caucasian, 6.1% are African American and 1.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 6.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.1%
Non-citizens
2.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 12,791 96.8% 0.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 148 1.1% -22.5%
Non-citizens 272 2.1% -5.9%
Racial breakdown
White
84%
Black or African American
6.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
1.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.9%
Other
1.8%
Value Percent
White 11,095 84%
Black or African American 805 6.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 7 0%
Asian 158 1.2%
Two or more races 909 6.9%
Other 236 1.8%

Households in Southwest Knox

A peek inside Southwest Knox households

Southwest Knox has 5,885 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 54% are families, while the remaining 46% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
5,885
1.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,708
Family households
3,176
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,708 46% 1.9%
Family households 3,176 54% 1.1%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Southwest Knox

The housing landscape of Southwest Knox

Southwest Knox's housing consists of 6,594 units, with 75.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.2% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 3.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
6,594
1.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 4,998 75.8%
1 unit, attached 81 1.2%
2 units 347 5.3%
3 or 4 units 193 2.9%
5 to 9 units 213 3.2%
10 to 19 units 178 2.7%
20 to 49 units 49 0.7%
50 or more units 278 4.2%
Mobile home 258 3.9%
Homes built since 2020
4
100.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Southwest Knox

In Southwest Knox, the median construction year is 1956. About 36.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 3.1% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 3.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 2,387 36.2% -1.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 399 6% 2.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 881 13.4% -10.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 568 8.6% 5.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,368 20.8% 7.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 283 4.3% 15.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 293 4.4% -6.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 205 3.1% 20.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 205 3.1% 15.8%
Built in 2020 or later 4 0.1% 100.0%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Southwest Knox occupancy rates

Out of the 5,885 occupied housing units in Southwest Knox, 68.3% are owner-occupied, while 31.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 10.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
5,885
1.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,866
Owner occupied
4,019
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,866 31.7% -3.1%
Owner occupied 4,019 68.3% 3.7%
Unoccupied housing units
10.8%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Southwest Knox housing costs

Housing costs in Southwest Knox come to a median of $766 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $771.

Median housing costs per month
$766/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Southwest Knox
$771/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Southwest Knox

Southwest Knox education at a glance

About 41% of the population in Southwest Knox went to high school, while 24.9% pursued college studies. Another 12.6% earned an associate degree and 12.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 282 2.7% -2.4%
High school diploma 4,287 41% -4.8%
College diploma 2,607 24.9% 3.0%
Associate degree 1,322 12.6% 3.7%
Bachelor's degree 1,317 12.6% 6.4%
Graduate degree 643 6.2% 1.9%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Southwest Knox

How much people earn in Southwest Knox

The average annual household income in Southwest Knox was $80,471 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $65,461, reflecting a +4.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Southwest Knox
$80,471/year
1.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Southwest Knox
$65,461/year
4.6% year-over-year change

Southwest Knox income by age

In Southwest Knox, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $95,516. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $73,034 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $38,673, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $43,438 in earnings. Overall, 84.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $38,673 133.3%
25 - 44 $95,516 -0.9%
45 - 64 $73,034 2.7%
Over 65 $43,438 -1.4%
Above poverty level
10,547
Below poverty level
1,935
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 10,547 84.5% 1.4%
Below poverty level 1,935 15.5% -7.9%

Employment in Southwest Knox

Workforce and job types in Southwest Knox

71.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 28.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.2% run their own businesses, 64.7% are employed by private companies, and 14.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
4,213
Blue collar
1,713
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 4,213 71.1% 3.6%
Blue collar 1,713 28.9% 0.1%
Employer type
Self employees
6.2%
Private companies
64.7%
Governmental workers
14.7%
Not for profit companies
14.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 368 6.2% -1.1%
Private companies 3,834 64.7% -0.3%
Governmental workers 871 14.7% 15.2%
Not for profit companies 853 14.4% 5.7%

Transportation in Southwest Knox

How people get around in Southwest Knox

In Southwest Knox, the average commute time is 7 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 93.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4.7% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
7 min
40.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 5,151 93.4% 0.5%
Taxicab 49 0.9% N/A
Bus or trolleybus 38 0.7% 5.6%
Bicycle 19 0.3% 72.7%
Walk 258 4.7% 25.9%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

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FAQs about Southwest Knox demographics 

What is the total population of Southwest Knox?

Southwest Knox has a total population of 13,211 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -0.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Southwest Knox?

The gender ratio in Southwest Knox is as follows:
  • 50.4% males (6,652 residents)
  • 49.6% females (6,559 residents)

What is the median age in Southwest Knox?

The median age in Southwest Knox is 45.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Southwest Knox?

The age distribution in Southwest Knox is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.8% (2,348 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.2% (1,741 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.7% (3,000 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.4% (3,226 residents)
  • Over 65: 21.9% (2,896 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Southwest Knox?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Southwest Knox is as follows:
  • White: 84% (11,095 residents)
  • Black or African American: 6.1% (805 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (7 residents)
  • Asian: 1.2% (158 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.9% (909 residents)
  • Other: 1.8% (236 residents)

What percentage of the population in Southwest Knox are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.8% of the population in Southwest Knox.

How many housing units are there in Southwest Knox?

There are 6,594 housing units in Southwest Knox, reflecting a +1.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Southwest Knox and what is the average household size?

Southwest Knox has a total of 5,885 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Southwest Knox?

Southwest Knox has a median household income of $65,461, representing a +4.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Southwest Knox?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 71.1% (4,213 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 28.9% (1,713 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.2% (368 residents)
  • Private companies: 64.7% (3,834 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.7% (871 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 14.4% (853 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025