CountyScore

Johnson County

Iowa · IA

#98 in Iowa
61
County Score

County Report Card

About Johnson County, Iowa

Johnson County exceeds national standards

Johnson County's composite score of 61.0 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 22%, marking it as a solid-performing American county. Its advantage stems particularly from strong health outcomes and high incomes that support a robust local economy.

Below average for Iowa statewide

Johnson County scores 61.0, significantly below Iowa's state average of 69.3, placing it among the lower-tier performers statewide. This gap reflects higher housing costs and elevated taxes that offset the county's income and health strengths.

Health and income drive the economy

Johnson County boasts a health score of 83.1—the highest among these eight counties—and an income score of 32.2 with a median household income of $74,721. These strengths reflect a vibrant, educated workforce and strong healthcare infrastructure anchored by major employers and institutions.

Housing costs and taxes weigh heavily

The cost score of 65.8 reflects median home values of $293,100 and rent of $1,104 per month, significantly above state norms. Combined with a 1.565% effective tax rate, these expenses create barriers for budget-conscious newcomers despite the county's economic vitality.

Best for high-earners valuing health care

Johnson County suits affluent professionals, families with strong dual incomes, and those prioritizing access to world-class health and educational institutions. The premium housing costs are offset by superior health outcomes and economic opportunities for those who can afford the higher cost of living.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax58.3Cost65.8SafetyComing SoonHealth83.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome32.2Risk12.6WaterComing Soon
🏛58.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠65.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼32.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤83.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡12.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Johnson County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Northwest Hills Planning Region
Connecticut
61
Median income: $91,035
Hendry County
Florida
61
Median income: $53,044
Richmond County
Georgia
61
Median income: $53,197
Whiteside County
Illinois
61
Median income: $64,536
Clinton County
New York
61
Median income: $69,208

Deep Dives

Johnson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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