countyscore
67.7
County Score
Safety 97.5Schools 88Cost of Living 79.1

County Report Card

About Johnson County, Illinois

An Elite National Composite Score

Johnson County earns an exceptional composite score of 67.7, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. It ranks among the top counties for balanced livability across the country.

A Standout Performer in Illinois

This county significantly outperforms the Illinois state average of 52.8. It provides a level of affordability and safety that is difficult to find elsewhere in the state.

Exceptional Safety and School Quality

With a safety score of 97.5 and a school score of 88.0, this county is a leader in family-oriented metrics. Its cost score of 79.1 also makes it very affordable, with median rent at just $634.

Significant Water Infrastructure Challenges

The water score is quite low at 15.8, indicating a primary area for infrastructure improvement. While the tax score of 20.3 is high for Illinois, it still represents a 1.317% effective rate.

The Ultimate Choice for Families

Johnson County is a premier destination for families who prioritize safety and top-tier education on a budget. It offers a high quality of life with some of the most accessible housing in the region.

Score breakdown

Tax20.3Cost79.1Safety97.5Health60.1Schools88Income55.4Risk48.9Water15.8Weather63
🏛20.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠79.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼55.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤60.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓88
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡48.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧15.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤63
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨57.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱56
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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Pope County
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Deep Dives

Johnson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Johnson County

via TaxByCounty

Johnson County offers exceptional tax relief

At 1.317%, Johnson County boasts the lowest effective property tax rate among all comparable counties, and significantly undercuts the national median of 1.825%. Residents pay just $1,952 annually in property taxes—30% less than the typical American household at $2,690.

Best tax rate in all of Illinois

Johnson County ranks 1st among Illinois's 102 counties with an effective rate of 1.317%, a full 50 basis points below the state average of 1.831%. Its median property tax of $1,952 is among the lowest in the state, offering exceptional value for residents.

Dramatically outpaces regional competitors

Johnson County's 1.317% effective rate crushes nearby southern Illinois counties—Jefferson (1.711%), Jersey (1.752%), and Jo Daviess (1.745%) all carry substantially higher burdens. At $1,952, Johnson's median tax is hundreds less than any neighboring county, making it Illinois's tax haven.

A $148,200 home costs just $1,952 yearly

The median Johnson County home valued at $148,200 generates an estimated annual property tax of only $1,952. Including mortgage insurance, total escrow payments reach approximately $2,337 annually—the lowest in the region.

Even low rates warrant assessment review

Even in tax-friendly Johnson County, roughly one in five homeowners may face inflated assessments. A free appeal can ensure your valuation reflects true market value and prevent overpaying, regardless of your county's overall tax rate.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Johnson County

via CostByCounty

Johnson County offers exceptional rent savings

Johnson County renters spend just 11.7% of income on rent, among the lowest ratios in the nation and well below the U.S. average of roughly 15%. Though household income of $65,203 runs below the national median, remarkably low rents of $634 create genuine affordability for budget households.

Illinois's most affordable county for renters

At 11.7% rent-to-income, Johnson County ranks at the top of Illinois affordability, significantly outperforming the state average of 14.7%. Median rent of $634 stands 24% below the state median of $837, making it the cheapest option in Illinois.

Dramatically cheaper than surrounding counties

Johnson County's $634 rent is 26% lower than Jefferson County's $862 and 20% lower than Knox County's $725. With the lowest owner costs ($735/month) among comparable southern Illinois counties, Johnson offers the region's best value proposition.

Johnson County's exceptional rent profile

Renters pay just $634/month while homeowners average $735/month, consuming only 11.7% and 13.5% of household income respectively. Despite the lowest median income ($65,203) among these eight counties, Johnson's rock-bottom housing costs deliver the strongest real affordability.

The Illinois affordability champion

If budget is your primary concern, Johnson County delivers unmatched housing affordability in Illinois. You'll stretch your dollars further here than anywhere else in the state, though median incomes suggest considering remote work or entrepreneurial opportunities.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Johnson County

via IncomeByCounty

Johnson County Falls Below National Average

Johnson County's median household income of $65,203 lags the national median of $74,755 by $9,552. This 13% shortfall indicates residents earn less than their counterparts across most of the United States.

Below Illinois State Median

At $65,203, Johnson County trails Illinois's state median of $68,580 by roughly $3,400. The county's per capita income of $28,028 notably falls short of the state average of $36,009.

Income Challenges in Southern Illinois

Johnson County earns about $14,000 less than nearby Jersey County and roughly $9,750 below Jo Daviess County. The county faces steeper income competition than most regional neighbors, reflecting local labor market conditions.

Housing Costs Are Most Manageable Here

Johnson County's 11.7% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest among all eight counties—excellent news for affordability. A median home value of $148,200 paired with moderate incomes creates strong housing value.

Start Small, Think Big in Johnson County

Lower incomes make wealth-building more challenging but not impossible—Johnson County's affordable housing frees up resources for savings. Begin with a small emergency fund, take full advantage of any employer benefits, and explore low-cost index funds to build financial resilience.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Johnson County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional safety marks for Johnson County

Johnson County currently holds a perfect safety score of 100.0, with a reported crime rate of 0.0 per 100,000 residents. This stands in stark contrast to the national total crime rate of 2,385.5.

A statistical leader for safety in Illinois

The county's 100.0 safety score exceeds the Illinois state average of 98.7. While three agencies report data, the lack of recorded crimes suggests an exceptionally peaceful environment or highly localized reporting.

Comparing Johnson to Southern Illinois neighbors

Johnson County reports significantly less activity than the state average total crime rate of 835.0. Residents benefit from an environment where both property and violent crimes are virtually non-existent in the 2022 data.

Breaking down the zero-crime statistics

Both violent and property crime rates sit at 0.0 per 100,000, which is unusual compared to national averages of 369.8 and 2,015.7 respectively. This data reflects a highly secure community during the 2022 reporting period.

Maintaining a peaceful community

Even with a perfect safety score, proactive measures like neighbor watch groups help sustain this quiet atmosphere. Ensuring all three reporting agencies stay engaged with the community keeps Johnson County a regional leader in safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Johnson County

via HealthByCounty

Johnson County faces significant health strain

Life expectancy in Johnson County stands at 75.8 years, roughly 3 years below the U.S. average of 78.9 years. Nearly 1 in 5 residents (19.0%) reports poor or fair health, substantially exceeding the national average of 12%.

Below-average health within Illinois

At 75.8 years, Johnson County's life expectancy trails Illinois's 76.0-year state average, though only slightly, and ranks among the state's lower performers. The uninsured rate of 6.9% exceeds the state average of 6.3%.

Regional health disparities evident

Johnson County's 75.8-year life expectancy falls substantially behind high-performing Kendall (80.5 years) and Jo Daviess (79.9 years), reflecting significant regional health inequality. The 19.0% poor/fair health rate is among the worst in the comparison group.

Critical primary care shortage

Johnson County faces a severe shortage of primary care providers with only 7 per 100,000 residents—the lowest in the state data reviewed—though mental health providers are plentiful at 871 per 100,000. The 6.9% uninsured rate compounds these access challenges.

Find care in your community

With limited local primary care options and rising uninsured rates, Johnson County residents should connect with community health centers and explore insurance marketplace plans. Telehealth and regional referral programs can help bridge care gaps.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Johnson County

via SchoolsByCounty

Quality Education in a Rural Setting

Johnson County operates a small but efficient network of 7 public schools serving 1,722 students. The infrastructure is divided among 6 districts, primarily consisting of 5 elementary schools and 2 high schools. This arrangement ensures that students remain in their local communities from preschool through graduation.

Elite Graduation Rates and Solid Scores

Johnson County boasts an exceptional graduation rate of 96.3%, far exceeding the national average of 87%. The county invests $9,435 per pupil, slightly more than the state average, resulting in a strong school score of 62.1. These metrics indicate a highly successful educational environment despite the smaller scale of the county.

Goreville and Vienna Lead the Pack

Goreville CUD 1 is the largest district, serving 624 students across two schools. The county maintains a traditional educational model with zero charter schools. Other key contributors include Vienna SD 55 and Vienna HSD 133, which together provide education for over 700 students.

Purely Rural Learning Environments

All 7 schools in Johnson County are classified as rural, offering a consistent and quiet atmosphere for all students. The average school size is 246 students, with Goreville Elementary being the largest at 452 enrollees. Even the smallest schools, like Buncombe Cons SD 43 with 62 students, benefit from this intimate rural character.

Peaceful Living Near Exceptional Schools

If you are searching for a home where the graduation rate is among the highest in the state, Johnson County is a top contender. The rural setting and small school sizes offer a unique and supportive environment for growing families. Browse local listings to find a home that puts your children in the path of these high-achieving districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Johnson County

via RiskByCounty

Johnson County's risk falls below state average

Johnson County's composite risk score of 51.08 sits comfortably below Illinois's state average of 54.46, earning a relatively low risk rating. The county's balanced hazard profile avoids extreme exposure to any single disaster type, making it among the safer areas statewide.

Lower-risk county in Illinois

With a score of 51.08 versus the state average of 54.46, Johnson County ranks in the safer half of Illinois counties. The county's earthquake risk of 91.00 stands out as notably high, but other hazards remain moderate to low.

Safest among southern Illinois counties

Johnson County's 51.08 score is substantially lower than Jefferson County (77.23) to the north and comparable to Jo Daviess County (51.30) in the far north. This positions Johnson as one of the safer options in its region.

Earthquakes pose the main threat here

Johnson County's earthquake risk of 91.00 is its dominant natural hazard, though tornado risk of 56.04 and hurricane risk of 38.09 remain moderate. Flood and wildfire risks are relatively subdued at 37.88 and 11.26 respectively.

Earthquake insurance is the priority

Johnson County residents should prioritize earthquake insurance given the county's 91.00 seismic risk score—among the highest statewide. Standard homeowners insurance is typically sufficient for tornado and flood exposure, but earthquake coverage is a prudent investment for this location.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Johnson County

via SoilByCounty

The Acidic Alfisols of Johnson

Johnson County is dominated by Alfisols, which are forest-derived soils with an average pH of 5.92. This is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5, requiring careful management for most traditional field crops.

Silt Loam Textures and Workability

The dominant texture is silt loam, characterized by 67.5% silt and 20.8% clay. While easy to till, the low sand content of 11.7% means these soils can become compacted if worked when too wet.

Lower Fertility and Water Capacity

Organic matter sits at 1.77%, trailing the state average of 2.94% by a wide margin. The available water capacity of 0.201 in/in is also slightly below the state average, necessitating consistent irrigation in dry seasons.

Well-Drained but Slow Infiltration

The soil is classified as well-drained, yet it falls into Hydrologic Group C, which indicates a slow rate of water transmission when thoroughly wet. This combination is common in the rolling hills of southern Illinois where runoff is a concern.

Warm Climate Gains in Zone 7a

As a Zone 7a region, Johnson County enjoys a long growing season perfect for heat-loving okra and peppers. Acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas will naturally thrive in this soil's low pH environment.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Johnson County

via LawnByCounty

Southern Challenges in Zone 7a

Johnson County presents a more difficult environment with a lawn score of 56.0, the lowest among its neighbors. While it still beats the national median of 50.0, it falls well below the Illinois state average of 69.8. Being in hardiness zone 7a means your lawn must withstand milder winters but significantly more intense summer heat.

High Rainfall Meets Intense Summer Sun

The county receives a generous 49.4 inches of rain annually, placing it at the very top of the ideal range for grass growth. However, residents must manage a staggering 41 extreme heat days per year, far exceeding the state average of 27. This combination creates high humidity and heat stress, which can lead to fungal issues if not managed carefully.

Managing Acidic Silt Loam Soils

The soil here is classified as well-drained silt loam with a pH of 5.92, which is slightly more acidic than grass prefers. You will likely need to apply lime to bring the pH into the 6.0-7.0 sweet spot for better fertilizer efficiency. The 20.8% clay content helps with nutrient retention, but the well-drained nature means moisture can move quickly during heat waves.

Brief but Frequent Dry Periods

Johnson County experienced only 16 weeks in drought over the past year, the lowest in this group. While 100% of the county is currently abnormally dry, the lack of severe drought classifications is a positive sign. Watering deeply during those 41 heat days is essential to prevent your turf from entering a protective dormancy.

Heat-Tolerant Varieties are Essential

In zone 7a, heat-tolerant turf like turf-type tall fescue or even warm-season Zoysia grass is your best strategy. Because local frost dates vary, monitor soil temperatures to find the perfect window for seeding in the early fall. Choosing the right variety is the most important step in overcoming the county's high heat-day count.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Johnson County's county score?
Johnson County, Illinois has a composite county score of 67.7 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 Illinois?
Johnson County ranks #5 among all counties in Illinois 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, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Johnson County is $1,952, with an effective tax rate of 1.32%. This earns Johnson County a tax score of 20.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Johnson County?
The median household income in Johnson County, Illinois is $65,203 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Johnson County earns an income score of 55.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Johnson County, Illinois a good place to live?
Johnson County scores 67.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #5 in Illinois. 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.