countyscore
64
County Score
Disaster Risk 95.5Safety 85.8Health 79.3

County Report Card

About Johnson County, Nebraska

Well Above National Livability Medians

Johnson County earns a composite score of 62.9, placing it significantly higher than the national median of 50.0. This score indicates a quality of life that exceeds the typical American county experience.

Outperforming the Nebraska State Average

The county's 62.9 score beats the Nebraska state average of 59.3. It stands out as a high-performing option within the state, offering a competitive lifestyle for local residents.

Superior Safety and Low Environmental Risk

Johnson County excels in resilience with a Risk score of 95.5 and a Safety score of 85.8. Health outcomes are also impressive, supported by a strong Health score of 79.3.

Managing High Taxes and Water Quality

The county faces hurdles with a low Water score of 29.7 and a Tax score of 12.2. Residents navigate an effective tax rate of 1.516%, which is high despite very affordable home values.

Ideal for Safety-Conscious Budget Seekers

This county is perfect for families prioritizing physical security and disaster resilience on a budget. With median home values at just $131,500, it offers an accessible path to stable homeownership.

2040608010018.173.585.879.367.727.195.529.744.5Tax18.1Cost73.5Safety85.8Health79.3Schools67.7Income27.1Risk95.5Water29.7Weather44.564/100
This county
National avg
5 above average4 below average

Johnson County DNA

D+overall

How Johnson County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Johnson County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (95.5/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (18.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
18.1-33.9
Cost
73.5+25.5
Safety
85.8+30.799999999999997
Health
79.3+29.299999999999997
Schools
67.7+13.700000000000003
Income
27.1-23.9
Risk
95.5+48.5
Water
29.7-28.3
Weather
44.5-11.5
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Johnson County?

Many homeowners in Johnson County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$155,500

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$779/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$155,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,160/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $57,632/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

19.0

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Pawnee County
Nebraska
62.2
Otoe County
Nebraska
49.4
Gage County
Nebraska
51.7
Nemaha County
Nebraska
56.7
Lancaster County
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Fremont County
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59.5
Atchison County
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57.4
Cass County
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53.8

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 taxes run higher than nation

At 1.516%, Johnson County's effective tax rate sits 18% above the national median of 1.281%. This places the county in the higher-taxing tier nationally, though it remains below the highest-burden states like New Jersey and Illinois.

Above average for Nebraska

Johnson County ranks in the upper third of Nebraska counties with an effective rate of 1.516%, compared to the state average of 1.281%. Only about 25 of Nebraska's 93 counties tax property at a higher rate than Johnson.

Highest tax rate in rural southeast

Johnson County's 1.516% rate exceeds nearby Nemaha and Richardson counties. Among comparable rural southeast Nebraska counties, Johnson stands out as having notably steeper property tax burdens on working families.

Median home costs $1,993 yearly

A median-valued home in Johnson County at $131,500 carries an annual property tax bill of $1,993. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay an additional $279 in escrow to their lenders, bringing the true annual cost to $2,272.

Property assessment appeal could save hundreds

Studies show that 15-20% of residential properties nationwide are overassessed by 5-10% or more. Johnson County homeowners dissatisfied with their assessed value can file a formal appeal with the county assessor at no cost.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Johnson County

via IncomeByCounty

Johnson County Lags Behind National Median

At $59,457, Johnson County's median household income falls $15,298 below the national median of $74,755. This places the county in the lower half of earnings nationwide, suggesting limited economic growth compared to broader U.S. trends.

Below Average for Nebraska

Johnson County ranks below Nebraska's state average of $66,880, earning $7,423 less per household. The county's per capita income of $25,942 significantly trails the state average of $36,101, indicating fewer high-earning individuals.

Johnson Among Nebraska's Lowest Earners

Johnson County's $59,457 median sits near the bottom of eight-county comparison, outpacing only Keith County ($58,132) and Kimball County ($59,438). Kearney County, by contrast, earns $79,167—33% more than Johnson households.

Rent-to-Income Ratio Shows Stability

Johnson County's 15.7% rent-to-income ratio falls below the concerning 30% threshold, suggesting households can afford housing relative to earnings. With a median home value of $131,500, homeownership remains accessible for working families.

Build Financial Security Despite Challenges

Johnson County residents should prioritize emergency savings and explore low-cost investment options like employer 401(k) plans and IRAs to close the income gap with state averages. Even modest monthly contributions—starting at $50–100—compound over time and strengthen financial resilience.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Johnson County

via CrimeByCounty

Johnson County Outperforms National Safety Standards

Johnson County's total crime rate of 321.2 per 100,000 residents is roughly seven times lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This exceptional performance earns the county a near-perfect safety score of 99.5.

A Leader in Nebraska State Safety

The county's safety metrics exceed the Nebraska average safety score of 99.0. Local agencies report a total crime volume that is significantly lower than the statewide average of 626.7.

Lower Crime Rates Than Regional Neighbors

Nearby Kearney County reports a higher crime rate of 571.0 per 100,000, while Johnson remains a standout for its low volume. This commitment to public safety helps keep residents more secure than many surrounding rural areas.

Property and Violent Crimes Remain Low

Violent crime is minimal at 75.6 per 100,000, far below the national mark of 369.8. Property crime accounts for most local activity at 245.6, but still represents only a fraction of the U.S. average of 2,015.7.

Simple Steps for a Secure Home

While local numbers are very low, property crime remains the most frequent concern for residents. Investing in motion-sensor lighting and smart locks ensures your home stays as safe as the rest of the county.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Johnson County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler than the national median

Johnson County's average annual temperature of 51.3°F sits below the national median. This humid continental region experiences a typical four-season cycle.

Warmer than the Nebraska average

The county's 51.3°F average exceeds the state-wide average of 49.7°F. Its southeastern location makes it one of the warmer spots in Nebraska.

Wettest in the immediate region

With 31.8 inches of annual rain, Johnson is wetter than Lancaster County's 31.0 inches. It receives significantly more precipitation than Kearney County's 25.7 inches.

Hot summers and moderate snow

Residents face 35 extreme heat days annually when temperatures exceed 90°F. Winter brings an average of 21.7 inches of snow and a January average of 24.0°F.

Prepare for humidity and heat

Heavy-duty cooling systems are vital to manage the 35 days of extreme heat. Residents should also maintain clear drainage systems for the high 31.8-inch annual precipitation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Johnson County

via SoilByCounty

Slightly Acidic Soils in Johnson County

Johnson County soil maintains an average pH of 6.31, which is more acidic than the state average of 6.79 and slightly below the national median of 6.5. The county earns a soil score of 63.6, outperforming the state's general score of 58.9. These conditions favor plants that prefer a less alkaline environment.

A Silty and Substantial Mix

The soil composition consists of 47.2% silt and 29.8% clay, with a smaller 20.0% sand fraction. This high concentration of fine particles creates a dense structure that retains nutrients well but requires careful management to avoid compaction. It provides a stable foundation for agriculture but may be heavy to work when wet.

Strong Water Capacity and Moderate Matter

Organic matter levels sit at 2.94%, which exceeds the national average of 2.0% but remains below the Nebraska state average of 3.32%. The available water capacity is 0.175 in/in, slightly higher than the state average of 0.172. This indicates the soil has a strong potential for sustaining crops through short dry spells.

Planning Around Local Hydrology

Specific drainage classes and taxonomic orders are not currently documented for this county's soil profile. However, the 29.8% clay content suggests the ground may drain more slowly than sandier neighboring regions. Builders and farmers should perform site-specific tests to ensure proper moisture management.

Start Your Garden in Zone 5b

Johnson County is located in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b, where the soil score of 63.6 signals a productive growing environment. This climate and soil combination is ideal for cool-season vegetables and hardy perennials like coneflowers. Clear your garden beds today and take advantage of this above-average Nebraska soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Johnson County

via LawnByCounty

Prime Conditions for Johnson County Lawns

Johnson County earns a lawn difficulty score of 69.5, making it significantly easier to maintain turf here than the national median of 50.0. This score sits well above the Nebraska state average of 54.2, largely thanks to favorable Hardiness Zone 5b conditions. Residents enjoy some of the most hospitable growing environments in the region.

Abundant Rain Drives Steady Growth

With 31.8 inches of annual precipitation, the county falls right into the ideal 30-50 inch range for healthy turf. While 35 extreme heat days each year require careful monitoring, 3,502 growing degree days ensure a robust metabolic cycle for local grass. Mowing schedules remain consistent throughout the warm season thanks to the 76.5°F July average.

Balanced Soil for Deep Roots

The local soil pH of 6.31 is nearly perfect for nutrient uptake, sitting comfortably within the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. A clay content of 29.8% helps retain moisture, though it may require aeration to prevent compaction over time. With 20% sand, the soil provides a stable foundation that rarely needs heavy chemical correction.

Managing Moderate Moisture Shifts

The county experienced 20 weeks in drought over the past year, which is lower than many western neighbors. Currently, only 2.1% of the area faces abnormally dry conditions, and severe drought is non-existent. To maintain resilience, deep and infrequent watering encourages roots to seek moisture further underground.

Planting for a Zone 5b Success

Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall Fescue are top choices for this climate, offering durability and cold tolerance. Aim to seed after the last frost on April 26 or in the early fall before the October 10 frost date. Start your lawn prep now to take advantage of the county's superior growing score.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Johnson County's county score?
Johnson County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 64 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 Nebraska?
Johnson County ranks #37 among all counties in Nebraska 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, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Johnson County is $2,052, with an effective tax rate of 1.32%. This earns Johnson County a tax score of 18.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Johnson County?
The median household income in Johnson County, Nebraska is $57,632 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Johnson County earns an income score of 27.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Johnson County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Johnson County scores 64/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #37 in Nebraska. 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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