countyscore
41.1
County Score
Health 95.2Lawn Care 77.3Income & Jobs 76.9

County Report Card

About Johnson County, Iowa

Tradeoffs in a High-Energy Hub

Johnson County scores a 41.0, falling below the national median of 50.0. While it offers high personal wealth, its overall ranking is dampened by high living costs and environmental risks.

Trailing Iowa's Overall Livability Average

At 41.0, the county ranks well below the Iowa state average of 55.6. High median home values of $293,100 make it one of the most expensive places in the state to live.

Top-Tier Health and High Incomes

Health services are nearly peerless with a score of 95.2, and incomes are among the state's best at 76.9. Residents enjoy a median household income of $74,721, fueling a prosperous local economy.

High Costs and Environmental Risk

The county struggles with affordability, posting a cost score of 14.8 and a tax score of 10.2. Environmental and safety risks are also notable, with scores of 12.6 and 25.2 respectively.

Best for High-Earning Healthcare Seekers

This county is tailor-made for high-income professionals who want the best medical care and are willing to pay a premium. It trades off rural affordability for urban-style amenities and wealth.

Score breakdown

Tax10.2Cost14.8Safety25.2Health95.2Schools68.7Income76.9Risk12.6Water37.9Weather48.5
🏛10.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠14.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼76.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡25.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤95.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓68.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡12.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧37.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤48.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨66.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱77.3
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Washington County
Iowa
51.6
Cedar County
Iowa
58
Iowa County
Iowa
56.6
Muscatine County
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41.3
Louisa County
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Keokuk County
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Jones County
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Deep Dives

Johnson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Johnson County

via TaxByCounty

Johnson County taxes run high nationally

Johnson County's effective tax rate of 1.565% significantly exceeds the national median, and the median property tax of $4,587 is 70% higher than the national median of $2,690. This reflects Johnson County's position as a high-value real estate market anchored by Iowa City and the University of Iowa.

Highest effective tax rate in Iowa

Johnson County ranks at the very top of Iowa's 99 counties with an effective rate of 1.565%, substantially above the state average of 1.344%. The median property tax bill of $4,587 dwarfs Iowa's state median of $2,160, more than doubling what a typical Iowan pays.

Far exceeds all regional peers

Johnson County's tax burden stands dramatically higher than surrounding counties—Jackson (1.252%), Jones (1.298%), Jasper (1.424%), and Jefferson (1.487%) all carry lower rates. This reflects Johnson County's higher property values and premium market position in the state.

What $293,100 home costs annually

On Johnson County's median home value of $293,100—the highest among these eight counties—homeowners pay approximately $4,587 annually in property taxes. Adding mortgage escrow increases the bill to about $4,708, making property taxes one of the largest annual expenses for county residents.

You might be overpaying on taxes

Many Iowa homeowners are assessed above fair market value and don't realize they can appeal their assessments. If you believe your home's valuation is too high, a formal appeal could reduce your tax burden significantly—it's free to file.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Johnson County

via CostByCounty

Johnson County rents reflect higher incomes

Johnson County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.7% sits above national affordability comfort zones, yet the county maintains near-parity with the national median household income at $74,721. Higher rents ($1,104 monthly) are sustainable here because incomes are stronger, though renters still allocate a notably larger share to housing than peers in lower-cost counties.

Johnson is Iowa's highest-cost housing market

At 17.7% rent-to-income and $1,104 monthly rent, Johnson County substantially exceeds Iowa's 14.1% state average and $812 median rent. This reflects Johnson's role as the state's economic and educational hub, anchored by the University of Iowa and strong job market commanding both higher wages and higher rents.

Johnson stands apart as the regional rent leader

Johnson's $1,104 rent towers over neighboring Jackson ($800), Jones ($759), and Jasper ($822)—a 35–45% premium reflecting its urban density and university presence. The 17.7% ratio is also the highest in the region, signaling that while incomes are strong here, housing costs capture a larger budget share than surrounding rural counties.

Johnson's housing premium reflects urban economy

Renters dedicate $1,104 monthly (17.7% of $74,721 income), while homeowners spend $1,483—the region's steepest ownership cost tied to a median home value of $293,100. The gap between rent and ownership is substantial, reflecting Johnson's position as an education, healthcare, and tech hub where both supply and demand push housing prices upward.

Johnson County rewards high earners and students

If your income aligns with Johnson County's professional job market or you're drawn to Iowa's university town lifestyle, the higher housing costs ($1,104 rent, $293k homes) become manageable. But if affordability is your priority, nearby Jackson, Jones, or Jefferson counties offer comparable quality of life with 20–30% lower rents and home values.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Johnson County

via IncomeByCounty

Johnson matches U.S. median exactly

Johnson County's median household income of $74,721 virtually matches the national median of $74,755, making it a near-perfect mirror of middle-class America. This alignment reflects Johnson's role as Iowa's economic and educational hub.

Tops Iowa county income rankings

Johnson County's $74,721 income sits $4,891 above Iowa's statewide median of $69,830, placing it among the state's highest-earning counties. The presence of the University of Iowa and affiliated institutions helps drive wages above state average.

Clear income leader in region

Johnson County ($74,721) substantially outearns all neighbors: Jackson ($71,605), Jones ($73,071), Jasper ($70,128), and Keokuk ($60,856). It stands as the income powerhouse of its five-county cluster.

Housing costs rise with incomes

Despite robust income, Johnson's rent-to-income ratio of 17.7% reflects higher housing costs tied to its median home value of $293,100—the highest in the region. While still affordable at under 30%, prospective homebuyers should budget carefully in Johnson's competitive market.

Leverage income for long-term gains

Johnson County's above-median income positions households to maximize contributions to 401(k)s, Roth IRAs, and taxable investment accounts simultaneously. With household earnings near the national median, aggressive wealth-building through diversified portfolios and real estate becomes achievable.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Johnson County

via CrimeByCounty

Johnson County Safety Scores Below National Average

Johnson County maintains a safety score of 97.1, which is higher than many urban areas nationwide. Its total crime rate of 1847.3 per 100K remains below the national average of 2,385.5.

Johnson County Crime Rates Exceed State Average

The county's total crime rate of 1847.3 is notably higher than the Iowa average of 1095.3. Its safety score of 97.1 also falls slightly below the state average of 98.3.

Higher Activity Levels Than Neighboring Jones County

Johnson County sees much more crime activity than neighboring Jones County, which has a rate of only 516.0. It is also busier than nearby Jasper County, which reports 1013.0 per 100K.

Property Crime Dominates the Local Data

Most crimes in the county are property-related, occurring at a rate of 1582.6 per 100K. The violent crime rate is 264.7, which is lower than the national violent crime average of 369.8.

Proactive Security Recommended for Johnson Residents

Since property crime is more common here than in neighboring counties, home security systems are a wise investment. Simple steps like locking doors and windows can significantly reduce your risk.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Johnson County

via HealthByCounty

Johnson County leads national health outcomes

At 82.0 years, Johnson County's life expectancy ranks among the nation's best—a remarkable 5.6 years above the U.S. average of 76.4 years. The county's 13.4% poor or fair health rate beats the national average of 18% by a significant margin, indicating a notably healthy population.

Exceptional health for any state measure

Johnson County's 82.0-year life expectancy surpasses Iowa's state average of 77.7 years by 4.3 years—the largest advantage among all profiled counties. Its 13.4% poor or fair health rate ranks among the best in Iowa, reflecting robust population health.

Far outpaces surrounding counties

Johnson County's 82.0-year life expectancy dwarfs neighboring Jones County's 79.8 years and Jackson County's 77.9 years, demonstrating exceptional community health. With 192 primary care providers and 479 mental health professionals per 100K—the highest ratios in the region—Johnson County offers healthcare access unmatched by peers.

Coverage and access set gold standard

Only 5.0% of Johnson County residents lack insurance—below Iowa's 5.7% average—and 192 primary care providers per 100K ensure easy access to routine care. The county's 479 mental health providers per 100K far exceeds state and regional averages, supporting comprehensive mental health services.

Sustain exceptional health outcomes

Johnson County's outstanding health starts with strong insurance coverage and local healthcare access. Review your coverage annually at healthcare.gov to ensure you're maximizing the robust health resources your county offers.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Johnson County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Large-Scale Educational Hub

Johnson County supports a massive student population of 19,513 across 41 public schools. This robust network includes 28 elementary schools and seven high schools, primarily concentrated within three districts.

Top-Tier Results in a Growing Area

The county maintains a high 93.5% graduation rate while spending $7,780 per pupil, which is more than the state average. These metrics result in a strong school score of 57.1, indicating high quality across the board.

The Influence of Iowa City Schools

The Iowa City Community School District is one of the state's largest, managing 29 schools and 14,701 students. The Solon Community School District also serves a significant population with 1,523 students across four schools.

From Urban Centers to Rural Fields

Students choose between 15 city schools, 12 suburban campuses, and 14 rural locations. Iowa City High School is the largest in the county with 1,599 students, significantly larger than the county average of 476.

Join a Premier Educational Community

Johnson County offers an unparalleled variety of school settings and high academic standards. Families looking for diverse educational opportunities will find this area an ideal place to purchase a home.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Johnson County

via RiskByCounty

Johnson County faces elevated disaster risk

Johnson County's composite risk score of 87.44 nearly doubles the national average of 39.68, earning a relatively moderate risk rating. The county experiences significantly higher natural hazard exposure than most American counties, particularly for tornadoes and flooding.

Highest-risk county in Iowa by far

Johnson County scores 87.44, far exceeding Iowa's state average of 39.68 and ranking as the riskiest county statewide. The county's tornado risk of 98.19 and flood risk of 79.77 represent the most severe exposure in the state.

Dramatically higher risk than adjacent areas

Johnson County's score of 87.44 vastly exceeds neighboring Jackson County (36.07), Jasper County (43.67), and Jones County (32.67). The county faces nearly double the composite risk of surrounding areas, reflecting exceptional hazard concentration.

Tornadoes and flooding pose major threats

Johnson County residents face tornado risk of 98.19—the highest in the state—and flood risk of 79.77, both substantially above state averages. Spring tornado seasons and seasonal flooding represent the most serious natural disaster threats residents encounter.

Comprehensive coverage essential for Johnson County

With tornado risk at 98.19 and flood risk at 79.77, homeowners must secure both comprehensive storm coverage and separate flood insurance. Invest in home hardening measures like reinforced safe rooms and ensure your policies include full wind, hail, and water damage protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Johnson County

via WeatherByCounty

Johnson County's Variable Climate

Johnson County averages 50.0°F annually, falling just below the national median. This region is characterized by significant seasonal shifts and robust annual precipitation of 37.1 inches.

A Warm Spot in Iowa

Johnson is notably warmer than the state average, exceeding the 48.0°F Iowa norm by two degrees. It is also wetter than average, receiving 37.1 inches of rain and snow combined.

Warmer than Northern Neighbors

The county is three degrees warmer on average than Jones County to its north. It experiences 22 days of extreme heat, making it a warmer corridor in the eastern part of the state.

Hot Summers and Snowy Winters

July temperatures average 74.7°F, contributing to 22 extreme heat days over 90°F. Winters are cold, bringing 28.4 inches of snowfall and an average low of 21.6°F in January.

Equip for Heat and Ice

With over three weeks of 90°F weather, reliable cooling is essential for summer safety. Residents should also keep ice melt and snow shovels ready for the 28.4 inches of annual snow.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Johnson County

via SoilByCounty

Johnson's Versatile Loam Soils

Johnson County is dominated by loamy soils from the Entisol order, providing a versatile foundation for growth. Its average pH of 6.25 is slightly more acidic than the national median of 6.5 and the Iowa average of 6.43.

The Ideal Texture Mix

The soil features a balanced mix of 54.1% silt, 24.7% sand, and 20.6% clay. This loamy texture is widely considered the gold standard for workability and drainage in both gardening and large-scale farming.

High Organic Matter Content

Johnson County boasts 3.32% organic matter, which is considerably higher than the national average of 2.0%. While the water capacity of 0.184 in/in is slightly below the state average, the high organic content keeps the soil fertile.

Moderately Well-Drained Grounds

The county's soils are mostly moderately well drained, making them adaptable for different uses. Classified in hydrologic group D, the soil may have a higher runoff potential during heavy storms, requiring mindful landscape planning.

Thriving Gardens in Zone 5b

Zone 5b provides a reliable window for growing everything from sweet corn to decorative perennials. Grab some seeds and start a garden, as these loamy soils are easy to dig and exceptionally rewarding.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Johnson County

via LawnByCounty

Johnson County Matches Iowa's Lawn Standards

Johnson County’s lawn difficulty score of 77.3 perfectly aligns with the Iowa state average. It is a Zone 5b region, offering a standard Midwestern growing experience that is much easier than the national median score of 50.0. Success here depends on balancing summer heat with consistent watering.

Warm Summers and Plentiful Rainfall

Annual precipitation of 37.1 inches provides ample moisture, exceeding the state average of 36.1 inches. The county sees 22 extreme heat days, requiring vigilant watering during the 3,245 growing degree day season. This combination of heat and rain creates a fast-growing environment that keeps mowers busy.

Productive Loam Soils with Good Drainage

The soil is classified as moderately well-drained loam, which is excellent for turfgrass roots. With a pH of 6.25 and a balanced mix of 24.7% sand and 20.6% clay, the soil offers great structural stability. Most lawns will thrive here with standard fertilization and minimal structural modification.

Vigilance Required During Dry Spells

Over the past year, the county spent 15 weeks in drought conditions, and the entire area currently remains abnormally dry. Because no severe D2+ conditions are present, the primary focus should be on routine conservation. Mulching grass clippings back into the lawn helps retain moisture during these dry intervals.

Timing the Johnson County Growing Season

For a resilient lawn, seed your cool-season mix between the April 29 spring frost and the October 18 fall frost. Kentucky Bluegrass is the local favorite, but mixing in Perennial Ryegrass can speed up establishment. Ensure new seeds stay moist for the first three weeks to combat the 22 annual heat days.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Johnson County's county score?
Johnson County, Iowa has a composite county score of 41.1 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 Iowa?
Johnson County ranks #91 among all counties in Iowa 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, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Johnson County is $4,587, with an effective tax rate of 1.56%. This earns Johnson County a tax score of 10.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Johnson County?
The median household income in Johnson County, Iowa is $74,721 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Johnson County earns an income score of 76.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Johnson County, Iowa a good place to live?
Johnson County scores 41.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #91 in Iowa. 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.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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