CountyScore

Johnson County

Nebraska · NE

#44 in Nebraska
71.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Johnson County, Nebraska

Johnson County outpaces nation

Johnson County's composite score of 71.9 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper tier of American counties. This 44% advantage over the median reflects above-average livability across multiple dimensions.

Slightly ahead in Nebraska

Johnson County ranks just above Nebraska's state average composite score of 71.2, holding a slim but meaningful edge. Among Nebraska's counties, this positions it solidly in the better half of the state.

Risk resilience leads the way

Johnson County excels in environmental and economic risk management with a score of 95.5, paired with strong affordability—its cost score of 84.0 reflects median home values near $131,500. Health outcomes also perform well at 76.6, supporting overall quality of life.

Income growth lags behind

The county's income score of 22.2 is notably low, with median household income at $59,457—well below state and national benchmarks. Tax burden, while manageable at 1.516%, also trails what other strong Nebraska counties achieve.

Safe haven for cost-conscious families

Johnson County suits families prioritizing affordability and low risk over high earnings potential. It offers a stable, healthy environment with minimal housing costs—ideal for retirees, young families, and those seeking a quieter pace without sacrificing livability.

Score breakdown

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

Tax59.6Cost84SafetyComing SoonHealth76.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome22.2Risk95.5WaterComing Soon
🏛59.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠84
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼22.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤76.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡95.5
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

Izard County
Arkansas
71.9
Median income: $47,728
Clear Creek County
Colorado
71.9
Median income: $96,667
Glascock County
Georgia
71.9
Median income: $55,250
Montgomery County
Indiana
71.9
Median income: $66,571
Randolph County
Indiana
71.9
Median income: $61,121

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 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

Cost of Living in Johnson County

via CostByCounty

Johnson County rents strain tighter than U.S. average

Johnson County residents spend 15.7% of their income on rent, exceeding the national baseline but tracking close to affordability red flags. With a median household income of $59,457—nearly $15,000 below the U.S. median—renters here face tighter budgets than most Americans.

Above Nebraska's affordability middle line

Johnson County's 15.7% rent-to-income ratio ranks above Nebraska's state average of 14.2%, placing it among less affordable counties statewide. Median rent of $777 aligns nearly perfectly with the state average, yet lower local incomes push the affordability burden higher.

Comparable costs, tighter incomes than peers

Johnson County's $777 monthly rent matches nearby counties like Keith County ($772) and Kearney County ($787), but Johnson earns significantly less than Kearney's $79,167 median household income. This income disadvantage makes Johnson renters work harder for similar housing.

Where Johnson County dollars go

Renters spend $777 monthly while homeowners pay $691 on mortgages, with a median home value of $131,500. Together, housing consumes roughly 16% of household income—meaning the average Johnson County family dedicates about $9,300 annually to keep a roof overhead.

Johnson County for budget-conscious newcomers

If you're relocating to Nebraska seeking low homeownership costs, Johnson County's $131,500 median home value and $691 monthly mortgage payments rank among the state's most affordable. Compare this option directly against higher-income counties like Kearney to weigh lifestyle flexibility against long-term earning potential.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Johnson County

via HealthByCounty

Johnson County's life expectancy edges ahead

At 77.9 years, Johnson County residents live slightly longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years. However, 15.0% of residents report poor or fair health, roughly in line with national rates of chronic illness and wellness challenges.

Above average in Nebraska

Johnson County's 77.9-year life expectancy outpaces Nebraska's 77.5-year state average, placing it among healthier counties. The county's 6.8% uninsured rate also beats the state average of 8.1%, suggesting stronger health coverage access.

Mixed results among nearby peers

Johnson County's life expectancy (77.9) trails neighbors like Kearney County (79.6) but exceeds Keith County (77.1). Its provider availability is modest at 19 primary care and 19 mental health providers per 100K—the lowest among regional peers.

Below-average uninsured, thin provider network

Just 6.8% of Johnson County residents lack health insurance, a real strength compared to the state. Yet with only 19 primary care providers per 100K, residents may face wait times or travel distances for routine care.

Maintain coverage; explore local options

With 6.8% uninsured, Johnson County is doing well, but don't let coverage lapse. Check Nebraska's healthcare marketplace and community health centers to ensure continuous access to care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Johnson County

via RiskByCounty

Johnson County's disaster risk

Johnson County scores 4.58 on the national composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating—well below the national average. This places the county among the safest in the nation for natural disaster exposure.

Safest county in Nebraska

Johnson County's composite risk of 4.58 is dramatically lower than Nebraska's state average of 25.80, making it one of the least vulnerable counties in the state. This favorable position reflects relatively low exposure across most hazard types.

Compared to nearby counties

Johnson County's risk profile stands out favorably against neighbors like Knox County (29.71) and Lincoln County (48.57), which face considerably higher composite risk. The county's insulation from major hazards gives it a clear advantage in the region.

Your top natural hazards

Wildfire risk is Johnson County's most significant concern at 77.54, though it remains manageable compared to state averages. Tornado risk (28.63) ranks second, but both hazards are relatively contained in this low-risk county.

Insurance for peace of mind

While Johnson County's overall risk is very low, wildfire and tornado coverage remains prudent for property owners. Standard homeowners insurance often excludes wildfire damage, so review your policy to ensure adequate 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.