countyscore
44.9
County Score
Water Quality 86Soil Quality 69.8Lawn Care 69.8

County Report Card

About Johnson County, Missouri

Approaching National Standards

Johnson County earns a 44.9 composite score, bringing it closer to the national median of 50.0 than many of its neighbors. It presents a balanced profile across several key livability dimensions.

A Competitive Player in Missouri

The county's 44.9 score is slightly below the Missouri state average of 50.3. It maintains a solid middle-of-the-pack standing when compared to the 114 other counties in the state.

Excellent Infrastructure and Tax Relief

Johnson County excels in water quality with a score of 86.0 and offers a tax score of 64.8. The effective tax rate of 0.684% is one of the more attractive rates in the state for homeowners.

Safety Scores Need Improvement

The county faces challenges in public safety, reflected in its safety score of 27.0. While cost and income scores are moderate, this lower safety ranking impacts the overall composite average.

Best for Pragmatic Homeowners

Johnson County is ideal for residents who prioritize low property taxes and reliable infrastructure. It offers a stable environment with a median household income of $67,123.

Score breakdown

Tax64.8Cost34.1Safety27Health52.2Schools41.3Income59.3Risk45.1Water86Weather53
🏛64.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠34.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼59.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡27
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤52.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓41.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡45.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤53
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨69.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱69.8
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

Lafayette County
Missouri
56.2
Cass County
Missouri
33.2
Henry County
Missouri
44.5
Pettis County
Missouri
41.1
Jackson County
Missouri
35.7
Ray County
Missouri
42.2
Clay County
Missouri
45.5
Bates County
Missouri
45.2

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 offers below-average tax rates

At 0.684%, Johnson County's effective tax rate sits comfortably below Missouri's 0.733% average and well below the national median of 0.935%. The median property tax of $1,515 on a home valued at $221,400 reflects lower rates despite moderate home prices compared to national norms.

Johnson ranks among Missouri's lowest-tax counties

Johnson County's 0.684% rate places it in the lower quartile of Missouri's 115 counties, offering property owners some of the state's best tax rates. The median tax bill of $1,515, while above the state median of $1,199, reflects the county's relatively high home values rather than high tax burden.

Johnson offers competitive rates in the region

At 0.684%, Johnson County ties with Lawrence County as one of the region's lowest-tax options, trailing only Laclede County (0.652%). Compared to Jasper (0.739%) and Jefferson (0.839%), Johnson delivers clear tax savings for homeowners.

A $221,400 home costs about $1,515 yearly

The typical Johnson County homeowner pays approximately $1,515 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, escrow requirements typically increase that to $1,549; without a mortgage, it drops to $1,470.

Even low-tax counties have overassessed homes

Johnson County's favorable rates don't mean every property is assessed correctly. Homeowners who believe their assessed value exceeds the property's true market worth should file an appeal with the county assessor.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Johnson County

via CostByCounty

Johnson County near national average

Johnson County renters devote 16.2% of income to housing, slightly below the national burden of 18.3%, suggesting moderate affordability. Median household income of $67,123 trails the U.S. average by $7,632, yet housing costs remain manageable relative to earnings.

Better than most Missouri counties

Johnson County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.2% sits slightly above Missouri's state average of 15.6%, placing it near the middle of county affordability rankings. At $905 median rent, Johnson residents pay marginally more than the state median of $768.

Balanced pricing in regional comparison

Johnson County's $905 rent and $67,123 income position it between higher-income Jefferson County and lower-income Laclede County. The rent-to-income ratio of 16.2% reflects a middle ground—not the most affordable, but competitive among central Missouri options.

Housing takes fair share of budget

Renters spend $905 monthly and homeowners $1,053 on housing costs from a $67,123 median household income. Housing consumes roughly 16–19% of pre-tax income—a reasonable but non-trivial portion that requires careful budgeting.

Solid middle ground for value seekers

Johnson County offers balanced housing costs without the premium prices of Jefferson or the severe affordability gaps of Jasper and Laclede. If you're seeking moderate rent with decent local employment and community amenities, this county deserves serious consideration.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Johnson County

via IncomeByCounty

Johnson meets lower national standard

Johnson County's median household income of $67,123 sits about $7,630 below the national median of $74,755. While not bottom-tier, Johnson trails the U.S. average by roughly 10%, placing households just shy of the national middle.

Above Missouri's county average

Johnson County's $67,123 median income ranks above Missouri's state average of $59,503, placing it in the upper-middle tier of state counties. Per capita income of $32,093 also exceeds the state average of $31,011, indicating relatively balanced earnings.

Johnson outearns rural neighbors

Johnson's median income of $67,123 substantially exceeds Jasper County ($57,525), Lawrence County ($55,849), and other rural neighbors. However, Jefferson County ($80,522) and Lafayette County ($79,091) earn notably more, reflecting their proximity to major job centers.

Rent and housing stay affordable

Johnson's rent-to-income ratio of 16.2% ranks well below the national 18% threshold, ensuring renters keep more income for other needs. Median home values of $221,400 remain manageable relative to household earnings, supporting homeownership accessibility.

Invest steadily for security

Johnson households should commit to regular retirement savings and consider diversified investment accounts to capitalize on their stable income position. Strategic financial planning now—including automated savings and budget optimization—can accelerate wealth accumulation over the long term.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Johnson County

via CrimeByCounty

Johnson County Boasts High Safety Score

Johnson County reports a total crime rate of 1775.1 per 100,000, which is considerably lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This performance earns the county a strong safety score of 97.2.

Safe and Steady in Mid-Missouri

The county's safety score of 97.2 is slightly better than the Missouri state average of 97.0. Six local agencies provide the data that confirms Johnson County as a secure place to live and work.

Comparing Favorably to Rural Neighbors

At 1775.1 crimes per 100,000, Johnson County presents a higher crime profile than Lafayette County but remains safer than Missouri's larger urban centers. It occupies a middle ground in regional safety rankings.

Violent Crime Rates Stay Low

Violent crime in Johnson County sits at just 175.8 per 100,000, which is less than half the national average. Most reported incidents involve property crime, which occurs at a rate of 1599.3.

Strengthen Your Home Security

Property crime remains the primary concern for local families in Johnson County. Installing smart doorbells and securing outbuildings are effective ways to deter opportunistic theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Johnson County

via HealthByCounty

Johnson's life expectancy nears national norms

Johnson County's 75.5-year life expectancy sits within 3.4 years of the U.S. average of 78.9 years—among the stronger showings in this county set. Just 17.5% of residents report poor or fair health, beating national trends by a notable margin. Johnson stands out as one of Missouri's healthier counties by these key measures.

Johnson exceeds Missouri health standards

At 75.5 years, Johnson County's life expectancy surpasses Missouri's 74.3-year average by 1.2 years, placing it in the state's healthier tier. With 17.5% of residents in poor or fair health—tied with Jefferson for the lowest rate—Johnson shows consistent strength in population wellbeing. An uninsured rate of 10.5% also outperforms the state average of 12.5%.

Johnson rivals regional health leaders

Johnson's 75.5-year life expectancy tops most neighbors, exceeded only by Knox County (75.7 years) by a narrow margin. Its 17.5% poor/fair health rate ties Jefferson County for the best in the region, suggesting strong preventive health culture. Johnson competes with its healthiest peers on nearly every metric.

Uninsured rates low, but doctor access tight

Johnson County's 10.5% uninsured rate sits well below Missouri's 12.5% baseline, reflecting solid insurance uptake among residents. Yet with only 35 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, scheduling a visit to your family doctor may require patience or a referral chain. Mental health services (233 per 100K) are robust, offering better access to behavioral care than primary care.

Keep your coverage strong

Johnson's low uninsured rate reflects community success in securing coverage—maintain that momentum by reviewing your plan annually on Healthcare.gov. If your coverage lapses or becomes unaffordable, reach out to a local benefits counselor immediately to explore options. Continuous coverage ensures you can access those in-demand primary care appointments.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Johnson County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse Learning Options in Johnson County

Johnson County educates 7,805 students through a network of 24 public schools managed by seven districts. The landscape is balanced between 11 elementary schools, four middle schools, and nine high schools. This distribution ensures that both primary and secondary students have access to localized community schools.

High Graduation Rates and Disciplined Budgeting

Students here achieve an impressive 92.3% graduation rate, significantly higher than the 87% national benchmark and above the state average. This success comes despite a per-pupil expenditure of $5,856, which is lower than the state's $6,334 average. The county’s school score of 52.3 closely mirrors the Missouri state average of 52.8.

Warrensburg R-VI Leads Regional Education

Warrensburg R-VI is the dominant district, serving 3,385 students across eight schools. Knob Noster R-VIII follows with 1,905 students, including many from the Whiteman Air Force Base community. No charter schools are available in the county, emphasizing the importance of these established public districts.

A Rural and Town-Based Educational Experience

The county is split evenly between rural and town locales, with 12 schools in each setting. Warrensburg High is the largest school with 992 students, while the average school size across the county is 355 students. This creates a smaller-town atmosphere where educators can maintain a more personal connection with their students.

Finding Your Place Near Top-Performing Schools

For families moving to the area, the high graduation rates in districts like Warrensburg and Knob Noster are major draws. Quality schools are a primary driver of home values in Johnson County, particularly near the university and military hubs. Explore local listings with school boundary data to ensure your new home aligns with your educational goals.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Johnson County

via RiskByCounty

Johnson ranks near national average

Johnson County's composite risk score of 54.93 hovers near the national average, earning a Relatively Low rating. The county faces moderate natural disaster exposure compared to the typical U.S. county.

Below Missouri's average risk level

Johnson County's 54.93 score sits just above Missouri's state average of 50.56, placing it in the lower-risk category within the state. Residents face less hazard exposure than many other Missouri counties.

Less risky than surrounding areas

Johnson County (54.93) faces notably lower risk than neighbors Jefferson County (90.52) and Lafayette County (52.51) sits nearby at similar levels. The county occupies a relatively safer position in the region.

Tornadoes and floods pose most concern

Tornado risk in Johnson County reaches 57.16, while flood risk stands at 59.67—both moderate but manageable threats. These two hazards represent the county's primary natural disaster concerns.

Standard coverage with flood protection

Johnson County homeowners should ensure their policies cover tornado damage and purchase separate flood insurance for complete protection. The county's moderate risk profile makes comprehensive coverage both affordable and essential.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Johnson County

via WeatherByCounty

Standard Midwestern Climate in Johnson

Johnson County’s 54.3°F annual average temperature sits right in line with the national median. The county experiences a typical range of weather, from snowy winters to hot, sunny summers.

Matching Missouri's State Climate Profile

Johnson County stays slightly cooler than the 54.9°F Missouri state average. Its annual precipitation of 42.5 inches is also just below the state average of 43.8 inches.

Higher Snowfall Than Nearby Jackson

While sharing a similar temperature profile with Jackson County, Johnson receives more snow at 11.9 inches annually. It also sees 36 extreme heat days, slightly more than its neighbor to the west.

Cold Winters and Steamy July Days

The county records 36 days of temperatures exceeding 90°F during the hot 75.8°F summer months. Winters are chilly, averaging 31.8°F with nearly a foot of annual snowfall.

Prepare for Snow and Summer Sun

With 11.9 inches of snow, a reliable snowblower or shovel is a winter necessity. During the 36 days of extreme heat, residents should ensure their homes are well-insulated to keep cooling costs down.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Johnson County

via SoilByCounty

Productive Mollisols in Johnson County

Johnson County features Mollisols, the world's most productive agricultural soils, with a pH of 6.13. This is more acidic than the 6.5 national median but remains highly suitable for a variety of crops.

High Clay for Structural Strength

The silt loam here contains 23.7% clay and 60.6% silt, offering more structural grip than neighboring counties. This blend is excellent for retaining the moisture and nutrients necessary for heavy-feeding plants.

Superior Water Retention Properties

The available water capacity is a robust 0.210 in/in, which significantly outperforms the Missouri state average of 0.183 in/in. While organic matter is 2.42%, the high water capacity ensures plants stay hydrated during summer heat.

Managing Poorly Drained Areas

Classified as somewhat poorly drained in hydrologic group D, these soils can hold water at the surface. Farmers and builders should plan for slow infiltration rates to avoid saturated ground and root rot.

Reliable Growing in Zone 6b

Zone 6b gardeners can rely on this soil's high water capacity for thirsty summer crops like melons and cucumbers. With a high soil score of 69.8, your backyard garden has great potential for high yields.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Johnson County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable Conditions for Johnson Lawns

Johnson County boasts a high lawn score of 69.8, making it one of the better locations in Missouri for turf. This 6b hardiness zone is significantly easier to manage than the national median.

Milder Summers Support Growth

Lawns benefit from only 36 days of extreme heat, which is slightly lower than the state average. Annual precipitation of 42.5 inches provides steady moisture, though it is slightly below the Missouri average of 43.7 inches.

Managing High Clay and Poor Drainage

With a 23.7% clay content and somewhat poor drainage, soil aeration is often necessary to prevent compaction. The silt loam texture helps, but homeowners should monitor for standing water after heavy rains.

Strong Resilience Against Dryness

The county is remarkably resilient, having faced only 18 weeks of drought over the past year. While 100% of the area is currently abnormally dry, the total absence of severe drought makes maintenance more manageable.

Optimal Seeding for Zone 6b

Kentucky Bluegrass and Perennial Ryegrass thrive in the cooler 6b environment of Johnson County. Wait until the last frost on April 14th passes before starting your spring lawn renovations.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Johnson County's county score?
Johnson County, Missouri has a composite county score of 44.9 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 Missouri?
Johnson County ranks #80 among all counties in Missouri 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, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Johnson County is $1,515, with an effective tax rate of 0.68%. This earns Johnson County a tax score of 64.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Johnson County?
The median household income in Johnson County, Missouri is $67,123 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Johnson County earns an income score of 59.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Johnson County, Missouri a good place to live?
Johnson County scores 44.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #80 in Missouri. 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.