countyscore
47.3
County Score
Income & Jobs 90.3Water Quality 86Lawn Care 83.1

County Report Card

About Johnson County, Indiana

Falling Just Shy of the National Median

Johnson County earns a composite score of 47.3, placing it slightly below the national median of 50.0. While it remains a competitive place to live, it sits in the lower half of counties across the United States.

Trailing the Indiana Average

The county's overall score of 47.3 trails the Indiana state average of 55.9. This suggests that while Johnson County provides high-value services, other Indiana counties may offer a more balanced cost-to-benefit ratio.

A Powerhouse for Local Incomes

Johnson County excels in wealth with an income score of 90.3, driven by a median household income of $87,227. Residents also benefit from exceptional water quality (86.0) and a robust health score of 69.1.

High Costs and Environmental Risks

Housing affordability is a significant hurdle here, reflected in a cost score of 15.9 and monthly rents averaging $1,208. The county also faces environmental vulnerabilities with a risk score of 25.4.

Best for High-Earning Professionals

This county is a premier choice for professionals who prioritize high incomes and excellent health infrastructure over housing bargains. It suits families who can navigate the higher cost of living in exchange for suburban stability.

Score breakdown

Tax60.7Cost15.9Safety45.5Health69.1Schools38.7Income90.3Risk25.4Water86Weather56
🏛60.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠15.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼90.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡45.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤69.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓38.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡25.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤56
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨79.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱83.1
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

Shelby County
Indiana
48.5
Marion County
Indiana
26
Brown County
Indiana
68.2
Morgan County
Indiana
62.9
Bartholomew County
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53.6
Hendricks County
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47.5
Hancock County
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Monroe County
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43.3

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 above national average

Johnson County's effective tax rate of 0.720% sits notably higher than the national median of 0.630%, placing it in the higher tier nationally. At a median tax bill of $1,875 on a median home valued at $260,400, residents here pay more property tax per home than most American counties.

Ranks in top third statewide

Johnson County's 0.720% effective rate exceeds Indiana's state average of 0.671% by 0.049 percentage points. This puts Johnson among Indiana's higher-taxing counties, though median taxes ($1,875) remain below the national median of $2,690.

Higher taxes than most neighbors

Johnson County's 0.720% rate is higher than nearby Kosciusko County (0.598%) and LaGrange County (0.542%), but lower than Lake County's 0.925%. Compared to regional peers, Johnson County falls squarely in the moderate-to-high range.

What $260,400 home costs annually

A typical Johnson County homeowner with a $260,400 home pays approximately $1,875 in annual property taxes. With mortgage, that figure rises to $1,899; without, to $1,829—a meaningful annual expense for household budgets.

Many homeowners could reduce taxes

Johnson County homeowners may be paying more than necessary: many properties are overassessed relative to market value. Filing an appeal with your county assessor's office costs nothing and could lower your annual tax bill significantly.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Johnson County

via CostByCounty

Johnson County rents outpace the nation

Renters here spend 16.6% of income on housing, above the national rent-to-income ratio of roughly 15.5%. With a median household income of $87,227—well above the national median of $74,755—Johnson County residents earn more but also pay steeper rents of $1,208 per month.

Slightly less affordable than most Indiana counties

Johnson County's 16.6% rent-to-income ratio ranks it near the middle of Indiana affordability, slightly higher than the state average of 15.6%. While median rents here are $325 above the state average of $883, incomes are also proportionally higher.

Pricier rents in this regional cluster

Johnson County's $1,208 median rent significantly exceeds nearby Kosciusko County ($995) and LaGrange County ($816), reflecting stronger regional demand. However, its 16.6% rent-to-income ratio is competitive with Kosciusko County's 16.1%, thanks to Johnson's higher income levels.

Housing takes a steady slice of earnings

Johnson County residents allocate roughly 16.6% of income to rent or 16.9% to mortgage payments, totaling about one-third of income when combined. The median home value of $260,400 with monthly owner costs of $1,230 reflects a stable homeownership market.

Consider Johnson for higher earnings

If you're comparing counties, Johnson offers above-average income potential at $87,227 median household income, offsetting its higher housing costs. Weigh it against nearby LaGrange County ($83,741 income, lower rents) or Kosciusko County ($73,922 income, mid-range housing) to find your best fit.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Johnson County

via IncomeByCounty

Johnson County outpaces US income norm

Johnson County's median household income of $87,227 ranks well above the national median of $74,755—a 16.6% advantage that places this county in the upper tier nationally. With per capita income at $42,884, Johnson County residents earn significantly more than the typical American household, reflecting a strong local economy.

Top earner among Indiana counties

Johnson County leads Indiana with a median household income 27% above the state average of $68,681. This ranking reflects the county's economic strength and makes it one of the most prosperous communities in the state.

Highest income in regional comparison

Johnson County's $87,227 median household income substantially exceeds nearby Kosciusko County ($73,922) and LaPorte County ($70,452). The county's income advantage reflects strong employment and business opportunities in the region.

Strong income supports local living costs

A rent-to-income ratio of 16.6% indicates housing is comfortably affordable for Johnson County households, well below the 30% threshold that signals affordability strain. The median home value of $260,400 aligns with the county's robust income levels, supporting homeownership across the community.

Build on Johnson County's income strength

With household incomes 16% above the national average, Johnson County residents have solid ground to invest in retirement accounts, diversified portfolios, and long-term wealth building. Consider working with a financial advisor to maximize employer retirement benefits and plan for education savings—your county's income advantage is an asset to grow.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Johnson County

via CrimeByCounty

Johnson County is safer than national averages

Johnson County maintains a safety score of 98.1 out of 100, indicating a secure environment for residents. Its total crime rate of 1218.9 per 100K residents is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This data shows the county is performing well on a national scale.

Tracking slightly behind state safety levels

While safe nationally, Johnson County's 98.1 safety score is just below the Indiana state average of 98.9. The county's total crime rate of 1218.9 per 100K is higher than the state average of 693.8. Local officials monitor these trends across nine reporting agencies to maintain public trust.

Vigilance compared to neighboring regions

Johnson County experiences a higher crime rate than the state average, but remains much safer than nearby urban centers like Marion County. With 1218.9 crimes per 100K, it serves as a relatively quiet suburban alternative to its northern neighbor. The county benefits from consistent reporting from its nine local law enforcement agencies.

Property crimes dominate local reports

Violent crime remains very low at just 58.7 per 100K residents, which is a fraction of the national 369.8 average. Most reported incidents are property crimes, which occur at a rate of 1160.2 per 100K. Residents are far more likely to experience theft or burglary than any form of physical confrontation.

Simple steps for property security

Since property crime accounts for the vast majority of local incidents, securing your home is a top priority. Use smart locks and motion-activated lighting to deter opportunistic theft. Staying connected with neighbors through local watch programs adds an extra layer of protection.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Johnson County

via HealthByCounty

Johnson County outlives the nation

At 76.2 years, Johnson County residents live about 1.3 years longer than the U.S. average of 74.9 years. Just 16.7% of residents report poor or fair health, below the national average of 21%, signaling a healthier population overall.

Best life expectancy in Indiana

Johnson County ranks among Indiana's healthiest, with a life expectancy 1.1 years above the state average of 75.1 years. The county's poor/fair health rate of 16.7% also beats the state trend, reflecting stronger overall wellness.

Johnson stands out regionally

Johnson County's 76.2-year life expectancy significantly outpaces neighboring Knox (73.7 years) and Madison counties (73.2 years). The county also boasts 80 primary care providers per 100,000—higher than most peers in the region.

Strong insurance coverage and access

Only 6.7% of Johnson County residents lack health insurance, well below Indiana's 8.4% average. With 80 primary care providers and 133 mental health providers per 100,000, residents have above-average access to care.

Keep your coverage strong

Johnson County's low uninsured rate shows what coverage can do. If you're among the 6.7% without insurance, or if your coverage has gaps, visit healthcare.gov or your state marketplace to explore affordable options today.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Johnson County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Robust Suburban Education Infrastructure

Johnson County manages a substantial educational network with 39 public schools serving 27,742 students across seven districts. The landscape includes 24 elementary, eight middle, and seven high schools. This infrastructure supports a growing population with a focus on comprehensive K-12 coverage.

High Graduation Rates Despite Lean Spending

The county boasts an impressive 93.0% graduation rate, outperforming both the state average of 92.6% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. While the per-pupil expenditure of $5,029 sits below the Indiana average of $5,507, the county maintains a school score of 50.9. These figures suggest efficient resource management to achieve competitive academic outcomes.

Leading Districts and Large-Scale High Schools

Center Grove Community School Corp is the county's largest provider, educating 9,537 students across nine schools. Clark-Pleasant and Franklin Community districts follow, collectively serving over 11,000 additional students. Notably, there are no charter schools in the county, with all students attending traditional public institutions.

Suburban Learning with Significant Scale

School life here is predominantly suburban, with 29 schools in suburb locales and 10 in rural settings. The average school size is 730 students, though Center Grove High School operates at a much larger scale with 2,851 students. Families can expect well-populated campuses that offer diverse extracurricular and academic programs.

Find Your Home Near Top-Tier Schools

With graduation rates exceeding national standards, Johnson County is a premier destination for families prioritizing education. Explore homes near Center Grove or Franklin to secure a spot in some of the region's most established districts. School quality remains a primary driver for property values and community stability in this area.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Johnson County

via RiskByCounty

Johnson County's risk profile

Johnson County scores 74.65 on the national composite risk scale, rating as relatively low despite sitting well above Indiana's state average of 45.52. This elevated score reflects concentrated vulnerability to specific hazards rather than broad disaster exposure across all threat types.

Above average risk in Indiana

Johnson County ranks among Indiana's higher-risk counties, though its "relatively low" rating means it still falls below the most vulnerable communities nationally. Within the state, Johnson County's 74.65 score places it in the upper tier of risk exposure.

Riskier than nearby Madison County

Johnson County (74.65) faces slightly higher overall risk than Madison County (77.26) to its north, but both share similar tornado vulnerability. Compared to Knox County (55.31) to the south, Johnson County experiences substantially elevated hazard exposure.

Tornadoes and earthquakes dominate

Tornado risk scores 89.31 in Johnson County, making severe convective storms the primary natural disaster threat—comparable to statewide danger. Earthquake risk at 81.55 represents the second major concern, though flooding at 78.91 also demands serious preparation.

Secure coverage for tornadoes now

Johnson County residents should prioritize comprehensive homeowners insurance that explicitly covers tornado and wind damage, given the 89.31 tornado risk score. Review coverage limits for earthquake protection as well, particularly if your home sits near fault zones or on seismically active ground.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Johnson County

via WeatherByCounty

Central Indiana's Continental Climate

Johnson County tracks an annual average of 51.6°F, which is slightly cooler than the national median. It experiences the classic humid continental climate of the central United States.

Reflecting the State Temperature Benchmark

The county sits just below the Indiana state average of 52.2°F. Its central location makes it a benchmark for the state's typical weather patterns.

Predictable Weather for the Metro Area

Its climate closely matches that of Marion and Shelby counties in the Indianapolis metro area. Precipitation levels of 45.4 inches are slightly above the state average of 43.9 inches.

Balanced Seasons with Moderate Snow

Summers feature 18 days of extreme heat and a July peak of 74.0°F. Winter brings 16.9 inches of snow and an average temperature of 29.4°F during the coldest months.

Prepare for a Balanced Climate

A dual-season HVAC approach is best for the 18 heat days and freezing winter nights. Residents should prepare for moderate snow accumulation that typically clears within a few days.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Johnson County

via SoilByCounty

Prime Alfisols Define Johnson County Soils

Johnson County features Alfisols, a highly productive soil order known for its natural fertility. With an average pH of 6.37, these soils sit remarkably close to the national median of 6.5 and remain higher than the Indiana state average of 6.08.

A Perfectly Balanced Silt Loam Mix

The ground here consists of 52.8% silt and 19.4% clay, resulting in a classic silt loam texture. This composition offers an ideal balance of easy workability for farmers and strong nutrient retention for growing crops.

High Water Capacity Fuels Local Growth

The county boasts an available water capacity of 0.208 in/in, surpassing the state average of 0.202. While the 3.35% organic matter is lower than the state average, it still significantly exceeds the national average of 2.0%.

Reliable Natural Drainage for Stable Building

The land is classified as well-drained and falls into Hydrologic Group B, meaning it has a moderate infiltration rate when wet. These characteristics make it excellent for both large-scale agriculture and residential development.

Ideal Conditions for Zone 6a Gardening

The 6a hardiness zone and high 79.6 soil score make Johnson County one of the best spots in Indiana for a home garden. You can successfully grow a wide variety of vegetables, particularly heavy-feeders like corn and tomatoes.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Johnson County

via LawnByCounty

Prime Conditions for Johnson County Lawns

Johnson County earns a high lawn difficulty score of 83.1, making it far easier to maintain than the national average of 50.0 and the state average of 71.0. Its location in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a provides a stable environment for most cool-season grasses.

Balanced Moisture and Growing Heat

The county receives 45.4 inches of annual precipitation, falling right within the ideal range for healthy turf. With 3,303 growing degree days and only 18 extreme heat days, lawns face fewer stress events than the state average of 20 days.

Silt Loam Provides an Ideal Base

Johnson County features well-drained silt loam soil with a near-perfect pH of 6.37. The balance of 19.4% clay and 26.5% sand allows for excellent root penetration and nutrient retention without frequent amendments.

Strong Resistance to Dry Spells

With only four weeks spent in drought over the last year and 2.2% of the area currently abnormally dry, local lawns are remarkably resilient. Homeowners can maintain vibrant green spaces with minimal supplemental watering during the peak summer months.

Start Your Lawn in Late April

Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall Fescue thrive here, especially when seeded after the last spring frost on April 20. Aim to establish new growth before the first fall frost hits around October 19 for the best results.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Johnson County's county score?
Johnson County, Indiana has a composite county score of 47.3 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 Indiana?
Johnson County ranks #77 among all counties in Indiana 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, Indiana?
The median annual property tax in Johnson County is $1,875, with an effective tax rate of 0.72%. This earns Johnson County a tax score of 60.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Johnson County?
The median household income in Johnson County, Indiana is $87,227 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Johnson County earns an income score of 90.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Johnson County, Indiana a good place to live?
Johnson County scores 47.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #77 in Indiana. 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.