Choosing between Fort Worth, Texas, and Knoxville, Tennessee, can be a tough decision as both cities have unique advantages. Each city offers a different living experience, a variety of job opportunities, distinctive cultural activities, and varied tax structures. While Fort Worth tends to be more diverse and dynamic with a stronger local economy, Knoxville is renowned for its stunning landscapes and lower cost of living. Let’s delve deeper into these comparisons to make an informed decision.
Distance between
Fort Worth, TX and
Knoxville, TN : 795.1 miles
Fort Worth's population is larger by 386%. Its population has grown by 400,814 people (75.0%) since 2000. The population of Knoxville has grown by 18,758 people (10.8%) during that time.
While both Fort Worth and Knoxville are relatively safe cities, they have different crime rates. Fort Worth, TX, has a slightly higher-than-average crime rate compared to the rest of the country, but the majority of these are property crimes rather than violent crimes. Knoxville, on the other hand, has a below-average crime rate which contributes to its reputation as a safe, family-friendly city.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 3,166 registered sex offenders living in Fort Worth and 612 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Fort Worth is 270 to 1; the ratio in Knoxville is 304 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents in Fort Worth is near to than in Knoxville.
Cost of Living
While both cities offer an affordable cost of living compared to many U.S cities, Knoxville's lower living expenses stand out. The cost of living in Knoxville is significantly lower primarily due to the affordability of housing. However, Fort Worth also offers a reasonably affordable lifestyle, particularly for families and retirees.
Income Tax
In terms of state income tax, Texas, including Fort Worth, does not have a state income tax. Conversely, Tennessee implemented an income tax only on certain interest and dividend income but abolished it entirely as of 2021.
Property Tax
Property taxes in Fort Worth tend to be higher compared to Knoxville. Texas has some of the highest property tax rates in the country, although they vary by county. Tennessee, including Knoxville, has lower property tax rates on average.
Sales Tax
The sales tax in Fort Worth is notably higher than Knoxville's. Texas has a state sales tax of 6.25%, with an overall rate of 8.25% in Fort Worth. Tennessee has a sales tax rate of 7%, with Knoxville levying an additional 2.25%.
Income
Type
Fort Worth
Knoxville
Estimated median household income
$68,235
$45,700
Estimated per capita income
$34,106
$31,855
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
95.4
86.5
If you make $50,000 in Knoxville, you will have to make $55,145 in Fort Worth to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Geographically, Fort Worth is part of the Texas Plains, known for its flat landscape. The city of Knoxville is surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains and the Tennessee River, offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures.
Both cities have robust educational systems. Fort Worth is home to Texas Christian University, while Knoxville boasts the University of Tennessee. Primary and secondary education in both cities are highly rated with multiple school districts and various public and private school options.
Fort Worth’s economy is highly diversified, with strengths in sectors like aviation, healthcare, and oil and gas while Knoxville has significant sectors like manufacturing, education, and retail. Both cities also possess robust employment markets with plenty of opportunities for job seekers.
Biggest Employers
The biggest employers in Fort Worth are American Airlines, Lockheed Martin, and BNSF Railway. In Knoxville, major employers include Covenant Health, the University of Tennessee, and the Tennessee Valley Authority.
There were 7,236 building permits issued in Fort Worth in 2012 (4810 more than in 2011) compared to 261 building permits issued in Knoxville in 2012 (94 more than in 2011).
In Fort Worth (Tarrant County), 41.4% voted for Democrats and 57.1% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Knoxville (Knox County), 34.5% voted for Democrats and 63.7% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Fort Worth
Knoxville
Fort Worth
Knoxville
Fort Worth
Knoxville
2020
49.3%
41.8%
49.1%
56.9%
1.6%
1.3%
2016
43.2%
34.9%
51.8%
58.8%
5.0%
6.3%
2012
41.4%
34.5%
57.1%
63.7%
1.4%
1.8%
2008
43.8%
37.8%
55.5%
60.9%
0.7%
1.3%
2004
37.0%
37.0%
62.5%
62.1%
0.5%
0.9%
2000
36.9%
40.6%
60.9%
57.9%
2.3%
1.5%
1996
41.6%
22.6%
50.9%
74.4%
7.5%
3.0%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Fort Worth
Knoxville
Fort Worth
Knoxville
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
17.3%
29.7%
33.3%
32.9%
CATHOLIC CHURCH
11.1%
5.1%
1.9%
1.3%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
2.2%
0.2%
0.9%
0.5%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.5%
0.4%
0.9%
0.5%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.3%
1.6%
1.3%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.3%
1.0%
0.8%
1.4%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.3%
0.5%
0.9%
0.9%
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.1%
0.4%
0.4%
0.7%
CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
0.0%
0.5%
0.3%
1.3%
Weather
Weather in Fort Worth is generally warmer with less humidity compared to Knoxville. Fort Worth experiences a more extensive heat period in the summer compared to Knoxville. Knoxville, however, has a typical 4-season climate, which includes mild winters and hot, humid summers.
Weather and climate
Type
Fort Worth
Knoxville
Temperature - Average
65°F
57.4°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
71.4%
76.7%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
34.1%
39%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
82.1%
90%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
48%
51%
Precipitation - Yearly average
35 in
52.1 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
4.2 in
18 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
22.8%
16.8%
Sunshine amount - Average
66.6%
62.4%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
20%
26%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
74%
67%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
54%
41%
Wind speed - Average
10.3 mph
6.5 mph
Average climate in Fort Worth, Texas
Average climate in Knoxville, Tennessee
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Fort Worth
Knoxville
Fort Worth
Knoxville
Fort Worth
Knoxville
Fort Worth
Knoxville
Knoxville
Knoxville
Fort Worth
Knoxville
Fort Worth
Knoxville
2018
67
71
N/A
0.17
5.8
0.6
27.1
28.8
N/A
N/A
17.0
N/A
N/A
9.4
N/A
0.6
2017
67
68
N/A
0.16
6.2
0.6
27.2
30.6
N/A
N/A
16.5
N/A
N/A
8.5
N/A
0.2
2016
56
71
N/A
0.18
6.3
0.8
25.5
32.7
N/A
N/A
19.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.5
2015
61
68
N/A
0.17
6.5
0.8
24.8
28.8
0.009
N/A
26.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.8
2014
56
62
0.22
0.14
6.8
N/A
26.6
29.2
0.011
N/A
23.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.6
2013
64
60
0.25
0.14
6.4
N/A
26.5
28.9
N/A
N/A
22.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.6
2012
87
92
0.26
0.16
7.8
N/A
30.3
32.1
N/A
N/A
24.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.4
2011
79
91
0.23
0.20
7.9
N/A
30.7
34.0
N/A
N/A
28.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.6
2010
70
94
0.23
0.18
8.5
0.9
27.7
32.3
N/A
N/A
29.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.9
2009
81
66
0.25
0.17
8.7
0.7
29.5
28.7
0.018
N/A
23.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.7
2008
69
96
0.25
0.18
9.6
N/A
25.8
33.2
0.023
N/A
32.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.5
2007
75
105
0.30
0.16
10.6
N/A
24.6
35.5
0.017
N/A
36.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.6
2006
90
98
0.34
N/A
10.2
N/A
29.7
30.2
0.024
N/A
36.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.3
2005
102
108
0.34
N/A
10.9
N/A
28.4
27.7
N/A
N/A
34.6
N/A
11.3
N/A
0.9
N/A
2004
78
103
0.39
N/A
10.6
N/A
25.4
24.9
0.015
N/A
41.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2003
82
112
0.40
N/A
11.1
N/A
27.2
23.4
0.010
N/A
40.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.8
2002
94
112
0.37
N/A
11.8
N/A
25.8
28.3
N/A
N/A
35.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.4
2001
16
109
0.48
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
28.9
N/A
N/A
35.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.3
2000
17
122
0.55
N/A
N/A
11.8
N/A
25.2
N/A
N/A
34.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.5
Natural disasters
Type
Fort Worth
Knoxville
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
249.6%
64.8%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
562.8%
177.6%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
23%
13%
Transportation
Public transportation options are available in both cities. Fort Worth has the Trinity Metro transportation system, while Knoxville offers the Knoxville Area Transit (KAT). Both cities have accessible highways and interstates for commuting.
Transport
Type
Fort Worth
Knoxville
Amtrak stations
1
0
Amtrak stations nearby
1
0
FAA registered aircraft
2
366
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
19
19
Means of transportation to work
Type
Fort Worth
Knoxville
Bicycle
0.1%
0%
Bus
0.4%
0.6%
Carpooled
11%
5.5%
Car alone
85.8%
91.4%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
1.3%
1.5%
Average travel time to work
Type
Fort Worth
Knoxville
Average
28.5 min
26.5 min
Other means
25.3 min
20.9 min
Public transportation
41.8 min
33.4 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Fort Worth
Knoxville
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
87.6%
91.4%
In 2 person carpool
8.5%
6.8%
In 3 person carpool
2.5%
0.7%
In 4 person carpool
1.1%
0.5%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.3%
0.2%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate in both Fort Worth and Knoxville are reasonably priced. Knoxville, however, is a bit more affordable with a lower median home cost.
Neighborhoods
Both cities offer a range of neighborhoods from urban to suburban, each with its own charm and appeal. Fort Worth has an exciting downtown area while the suburbs offer quiet, family-friendly communities. Knoxville offers distinctive neighborhoods such as Old City and Bearden with unique boutiques and eclectic eateries.
Houses and residents
Type
Fort Worth
Knoxville
Houses
361,341
94,457
Average household size (people)
2.8
2.2
Median year apartment built
1991
1978
Median year house/condo built
1995
1964
Length of stay in the house since moving in
11.2 years
13.2 years
Houses occupied
334,286 (92.5%)
85,151 (90.1%)
Houses occupied by owners
185,197 (55.4%)
40,535 (47.6%)
Houses occupied by renters
149,089 (44.6%)
44,616 (52.4%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,068
$882.25
Median monthly housing costs
$1,328
$945
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$288,576
$134,979
Estimated median house or condo value
$249,000
$193,600
Median numbers of rooms
5.3
5
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.2
4.1
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.3
6.2
Median house price - detached houses
$279,885
$261,152
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$185,738
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$337,081
$206,216
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$298,062
$237,681
Median house price - mobile homes
$58,470
$92,571
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$279,957
$225,200
Median house price - All housing units
$279,281
$256,619
Median house age
29
49
Renting percentage
40.8%
50.8%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,235.2
1,019.4
House value disparities
31.8%
34.8%
Household income disparities
43.6%
47.9%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$106,170
$76,198
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$72,147
$58,442
Housing units without a mortgage
2,986 (2.4%)
497 (1.9%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
3,696 (3%)
1,206 (4.7%)
Housing units with a mortgage
121,099 (97.6%)
25,330 (98.1%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
66 (0.1%)
167 (0.6%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
5,171 (4.2%)
1,649 (6.4%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
8
10
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.8%
2.6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.7%
1.8%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Fort Worth
Knoxville
One, detached
65.4%
54.1%
One, attached
2.9%
5.2%
Two
1.6%
3.2%
3 or 4
4.1%
4.2%
5 to 9
5.8%
8.3%
10 to 19
6.5%
9.2%
20 to 49
4.6%
6.5%
50 or more
7.0%
8.7%
Mobile homes
2.1%
0.7%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
27,257
6,351
State government workers
8,587
7,257
Unpaid family workers
392
197
Industries and Occupations
Fort Worth's major industries include aerospace, defense, healthcare, and information technology. Knoxville, on the other hand, has a substantial presence in manufacturing, retail, and the burgeoning tech start-up scene. Both cities offer a variety of occupations and career paths.
Both Fort Worth and Knoxville have excellent healthcare systems. Fort Worth has top-rated hospitals such as Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital. Likewise, Knoxville is served by well-established health systems like the University of Tennessee Medical Center.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Fort Worth
Knoxville
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Fort Worth boasts modern infrastructure with a growing focus on renewable energy, while Knoxville maintains a blend of historic and contemporary infrastructure. Both cities have strong networks of public libraries, parks, and other community resources.
Infrastructure
Type
Fort Worth
Knoxville
Hospitals
76
20
TV stations
25
15
Arenas or stadiums
7
2
Bank branches located here
175
152
Bank institutions located here
42
38
Main business address for public companies
24
6
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
3
6
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Fort Worth
Knoxville
1999
3,575
1,372
2000
2,473
1,152
2001
2,109
886
2002
1,701
1,367
2003
2,183
1,014
2004
3,202
1,080
2005
4,261
1,218
2006
4,161
1,159
2007
2,871
701
2008
1,256
329
2009
585
222
Culture and Food
The culture in both cities is rich and diverse. Fort Worth is known for Western heritage and Tex-Mex cuisine, while Knoxville offers a blend of Appalachian culture and southern hospitality featuring local favorites like biscuits and gravy and fried chicken.
Sports Teams
Sports enthusiasts have plenty to enjoy in both cities. Fort Worth residents can enjoy professional sports like the Dallas Cowboys (NFL) and the Texas Rangers (MLB). Knoxville, home to the University of Tennessee, offers the vibrant college sports scene.
Fort Worth, TX
Knoxville, TN
Fort Worth, TX and 
Knoxville, TN : 795.1 miles
