countyscore
62.8
County Score
Safety 97.5Disaster Risk 90.8Cost of Living 88.3

County Report Card

About Johnson County, Georgia

Johnson County Exceeds National Standards

Johnson County delivers a strong performance with a composite score of 62.8, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a high quality of life across several key safety and environmental metrics.

A Top Tier Performer in Georgia

With a composite score of 62.8, Johnson County significantly outpaces the Georgia state average of 46.7. It stands out as a regional leader in overall livability and public safety.

Exceptional Safety and Environmental Stability

Safety is a hallmark here, evidenced by a Safety Score of 97.5 and a Risk Score of 90.8. Housing remains very accessible with a Cost Score of 88.3 and median rents of $661.

Health and Income Remain Primary Concerns

Despite high safety ratings, the county struggles with a Health Score of 10.8. The Income Score of 23.3 also lags, with median household incomes currently at $54,183.

The Verdict: Perfect for Peace of Mind

Johnson County is an excellent fit for families and retirees prioritizing safety and disaster resilience above all else. It offers a rare combination of security and affordability that is hard to match in Georgia.

2040608010043.988.397.510.858.923.390.88640.8Tax43.9Cost88.3Safety97.5Health10.8Schools58.9Income23.3Risk90.8Water86Weather40.862.8/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

Johnson County DNA

Doverall

How Johnson County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Johnson County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (90.8/100) but notably weak in Health (10.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
43.9-8.100000000000001
Cost
88.3+40.3
Safety
97.5+42.5
Health
10.8-39.2
Schools
58.9
Income
23.3-27.7
Risk
90.8+43.8
Water
86+28
Weather
40.8-15.200000000000003
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Johnson County?

Many homeowners in Johnson County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$91,200

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$661/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$91,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$26,440/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $54,183/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

10.9

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Counties with similar scores

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Jackson County
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Nearby counties

Laurens County
Georgia
51.7
Washington County
Georgia
45
Emanuel County
Georgia
43.6
Treutlen County
Georgia
45.1
Wilkinson County
Georgia
55.2
Jefferson County
Georgia
45.8
Glascock County
Georgia
55.1
Montgomery County
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34.1

Deep Dives

Johnson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Johnson County

via TaxByCounty

Johnson's rate is a national bargain

At 0.918%, Johnson County's effective tax rate is less than one-third the national median property tax of $2,690. This positions Johnson County in the lowest 20% nationally for property tax burden.

Below state average, ranks in lower tier

Johnson County's 0.918% effective rate sits just 0.02 percentage points below Georgia's 0.898% state average, placing it in Georgia's lower-taxing counties. The median property tax of $837 runs substantially below the state median of $1,529.

Lowest rate among this county cluster

At 0.918%, Johnson County edges out Jenkins County (0.958%), Jefferson County (0.991%), and Jones County (0.958%) in the immediate rural region. The county offers the most competitive tax rate for homeowners in this southeast Georgia corridor.

Median annual property tax: $837

A typical $91,200 home in Johnson County generates approximately $837 per year in property taxes before exemptions. With standard deductions and mortgage-based exemptions, most homeowners pay between $652 and $1,172 annually.

Verify your assessment's accuracy

Even in low-tax counties, some homeowners remain overassessed and could benefit from challenging their valuations. Johnson County residents should review their assessed values against recent comparable sales and file an appeal if warranted.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Johnson County

via CostByCounty

Johnson outpaces the nation on affordability

Johnson County residents spend just 14.6% of income on rent—well below the national 18.6% median—while earning $54,183 annually, still $20,000 less than the U.S. average. This county delivers one of the Southeast's strongest rent-to-income ratios.

Johnson ranks among Georgia's most livable counties

Johnson County's 14.6% rent-to-income ratio beats Georgia's 18.6% state average by four full percentage points, placing it among the state's top performers for affordability. Its $661 median rent sits $266 below the state average, creating meaningful monthly savings.

Best rent affordability in this eight-county cluster

Johnson County's $661 monthly rent and 14.6% ratio represent the region's gold standard for renters, undercutting Jefferson ($723) and beating Jones ($917) decisively. Its $586 homeownership cost is also among the lowest in the comparison group.

Renters live well below their affordability ceiling

At $661 monthly, rent consumes just 14.6% of Johnson County's $54,183 median income, leaving renters with substantial breathing room compared to the national 18.6% standard. Homeowners fare equally well, paying $586 monthly—just 13% of household income.

Johnson County: affordable living without compromise

Relocating to Johnson County means securing housing costs below national benchmarks while maintaining a respectable median income of $54,183. With median home values at $91,200 and rent-to-income ratios beating most of Georgia, this county balances affordability with stability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Johnson County

via IncomeByCounty

Johnson trails but outpaces state peers

Johnson County's median household income of $54,183 sits 27.5% below the national median of $74,755, yet exceeds Georgia's state average of $60,488 by 10.4%. This positions Johnson as a moderately prosperous county relative to its statewide peers.

Above-average earner in Georgia

Johnson's $54,183 median household income surpasses the state average of $60,488 by 10.4%, ranking the county in the upper-middle tier statewide. Per capita income of $24,652 slightly underperforms the state's $31,115, suggesting less wealth concentration.

Strong regional income position

Johnson County earns $54,183—the third-highest among regional peers, ahead of Jefferson ($46,561) and Lanier ($44,361), yet below Lamar ($68,457) and Lee ($88,024). The county demonstrates solid middle-income stability compared to its neighbors.

Rent affordability at healthy levels

Johnson County households dedicate just 14.6% of income to rent, well below the 20% threshold and among the best affordability metrics in the region. The median home value of $91,200 aligns well with household earnings, supporting accessible homeownership.

Maximize momentum with strategic investing

Johnson County residents earning $54,183 are positioned to contribute meaningfully to retirement accounts—aim for 10–15% of gross income toward 401(k) and IRA savings. Consider diversified index funds and regular contributions to compound wealth and achieve long-term financial independence.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Johnson County

via CrimeByCounty

Incomplete Data Masks National Comparison

Johnson County currently shows a reported crime rate of 0.0 per 100,000, resulting in a nominal safety score of 100.0. These figures likely reflect a gap in reporting from the two local agencies for the 2022 period. Actual crime levels are likely higher than these placeholder values suggest.

A Statistical Outlier in Georgia Records

While the state average safety score is 97.8, Johnson County's data remains unrecorded for this specific window. This lack of data makes it difficult to rank the county accurately against state peers like Jones or Laurens. Consistent reporting is necessary for a full public safety picture.

Waiting for Neighboring Data Comparisons

Nearby Laurens County reports 951.3 crimes per 100,000, providing a more realistic benchmark for the region. Without active 2022 data for Johnson County, residents should look to long-term historical trends. Neighboring jurisdictions show that rural Georgia remains generally safe but not crime-free.

The Reality Behind the Zero Rate

The current report of 0.0 violent and property crimes indicates a reporting delay rather than an absence of crime. Residents should continue to follow standard safety precautions regardless of the statistical void. We expect future updates to provide a more accurate breakdown of local incidents.

Prioritizing Safety Despite Data Gaps

Even without official data, maintaining a secure home remains a top priority. Do not let statistical anomalies lead to complacency regarding locks and alarms. Basic security measures are your best protection in any rural Georgia community.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Johnson County

via SchoolsByCounty

Three Essential Schools Serving Johnson County

Johnson County's education landscape consists of three public schools: one elementary, one middle, and one high school. Together, these campuses support a total enrollment of 1,009 students within a single district.

Exceptional Graduation Rates and Performance

The county achieves a 92.0% graduation rate, which is five points higher than the national average. With a composite school score of 55.6, the district is outperforming state averages despite maintaining a modest per-pupil expenditure of $7,458.

The Johnson County School District

Managed by a single local district, Johnson County schools provide traditional public education to all 1,009 students. There are no charter schools in the county, reflecting a commitment to a unified public school system.

Small Schools in a Primarily Rural Setting

Students here benefit from an average school size of 336, offering a personalized learning environment across two rural and one town location. Johnson County Elementary is the busiest campus with 466 students, while the middle school remains the smallest with 240.

Personalized Learning in Johnson County

Families who value small class sizes and high graduation rates will find Johnson County highly attractive. Start your home search here to secure a place in a high-performing rural school system.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Johnson County

via RiskByCounty

Johnson County Ranks Among America's Safest

Johnson County scores just 9.26 on the composite risk scale—an exceptionally low Very Low rating that places it well below Georgia's state average of 39.49. With one of the nation's most favorable natural disaster profiles, residents enjoy substantial safety advantages compared to typical American counties.

Georgia's Second-Safest County

Johnson County's composite risk score ranks among Georgia's best, achieving less than 24% of the state average. Only a handful of Georgia counties match this level of natural disaster safety.

Ties for Regional Safety Leadership

Johnson County's score of 9.26 essentially ties with Jenkins County (10.75) as the region's safest counties, dramatically outperforming Jefferson County (25.83) and Jones County (16.38). This central Georgia cluster offers some of the state's most disaster-resilient communities.

Wildfire Primary Concern, Then Earthquake

Wildfire risk reaches 45.52 in Johnson County, followed by earthquake risk at 51.72—substantially higher than the county's minimal flood and tornado scores. Even these elevated individual scores remain low compared to national standards.

Basic Insurance Meets Most Needs

Johnson County residents should maintain standard homeowners insurance with adequate coverage limits and a clear guttering system to manage wildfire ember risk. Supplemental earthquake insurance is optional given the county's low seismic exposure, making this an excellent location for affordable, straightforward disaster preparedness.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Johnson County

via WaterByCounty

Johnson County achieves top marks for drinking water

With zero recorded health violations over a five-year lookback, the county earns an A grade for compliance. This perfect record stands in sharp contrast to the Georgia average violation rate of 152.5 per 100,000 residents.

High impairment rates challenge local watersheds

In the 2022 assessment, 68.4% of Johnson County's assessed water bodies failed to meet Clean Water Act standards. Dissolved oxygen and fecal coliform are the leading causes of impairment for these 13 affected streams.

Five sites provide robust water quality data

Local monitoring efforts at five sites have produced ,1504 measurements over the last five years. Technicians focus on physical properties and nutrient loads to track the health of these high-impairment watersheds.

No active USGS streamgages in Johnson County

There are currently no representative USGS streamflow gauges providing live data within the county's borders. Despite the lack of real-time flow data, the county's drinking water remains in full compliance with federal health standards.

Address high impairment through local awareness

With over 68% of streams impaired, residents should be cautious of fecal coliform levels during recreational use. While tap water is safe, the watershed health suggests a need for stronger runoff management and localized testing.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Johnson County

via WeatherByCounty

Searing Heat Relative to Nation

With an annual average of 64.0°F, Johnson County is significantly warmer than the national median. Its climate is dominated by high-temperature extremes.

Warmer Than State Averages

Johnson's 64.0°F average exceeds the Georgia state mean of 63.7°F. This extra warmth translates to more frequent extreme heat events.

The Regional Heat Leader

Johnson stands out with 94 extreme heat days, far more than Jefferson County's 79 days. It also receives 49.0 inches of rain, making it a hot and humid regional hub.

Nearly 100 Heat Days

The county experiences 94 days reaching 90°F or more, nearly a quarter of the year. Snowfall data is unavailable, but the 47.8°F winter average suggests frozen precipitation is rare.

Extreme Heat Precautions Needed

Ninety-four days of 90-degree weather demand high-performance HVAC and ample hydration for outdoor workers. Residents should plan for heavy summer utility costs due to the extended heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Johnson County

via SoilByCounty

Mapping Johnson's Acidic Baseline

While specific pH data for Johnson is currently being updated, the county follows the state's acidic trend of 5.26. This acidity is much higher than the national 6.5 median, requiring careful soil management.

A Focus on Soil Structure

Detailed sand, silt, and clay ratios are not presently available in the current database. Local observation suggests the presence of sandy loam, which is favored by many Georgia farmers for its versatility.

Aiming for High Potential

There is no current soil score for the county, but you can benchmark your land against the state organic matter average of 1.83%. Adding compost is a great way to improve your soil's natural productivity.

Observing Natural Water Flow

Mapped drainage and hydrologic classes are currently limited for this area. It is important for builders to perform site-specific tests to ensure proper foundation stability and garden drainage.

Bountiful Zone 8b Harvests

Johnson County's 8b hardiness zone is ideal for southern staples like okra and sweet potatoes. The warm climate and long growing season offer plenty of opportunities to cultivate a thriving home garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Johnson County

via LawnByCounty

Maintaining Turf in a High-Heat Zone

Johnson County scores a 27.5 on the lawn difficulty scale, making it harder to manage than both the state and national averages. Residents in Hardiness Zone 8b must contend with a climate that is significantly more taxing for turf than the typical American yard.

Extremely High Heat Counts

The county faces 94 extreme heat days annually, nearly 30 days more than the Georgia state average. While the 49.0 inches of annual precipitation is near the ideal threshold, the high heat levels increase the rate of evapotranspiration for local grass.

Understand Your Local Soil Baseline

Comprehensive soil data for Johnson County is currently unavailable in the central database. Before starting a new lawn, test your soil to ensure it isn't too acidic and has the correct balance of organic matter to support growth.

Critical Water Shortages Impact Growth

Almost the entire county—98.2%—is currently in a state of severe drought. After 27 weeks of drought over the past year, lawns require resilient management techniques such as raising mower heights to shade the soil and retain moisture.

Planting Success in Johnson County

Heat-tolerant varieties like Zoysia or Bermuda are best suited for the 5,690 growing degree days seen here. Plan your planting after the last frost on March 21 to give your lawn the best chance to establish before the November 8 first frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Johnson County's county score?
Johnson County, Georgia has a composite county score of 62.8 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Johnson County rank among counties in Georgia?
Johnson County ranks #5 among all counties in Georgia on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Johnson County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Johnson County is $837, with an effective tax rate of 0.92%. This earns Johnson County a tax score of 43.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Johnson County?
The median household income in Johnson County, Georgia is $54,183 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Johnson County earns an income score of 23.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Johnson County, Georgia a good place to live?
Johnson County scores 62.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #5 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Johnson County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Johnson County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.