countyscore
62.9
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.

Score breakdown

Tax12.2Cost69.7Safety85.8Health79.3Schools67.7Income37.4Risk95.5Water29.7Weather44.5
🏛12.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠69.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼37.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡85.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤79.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓67.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡95.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧29.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤44.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨63.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱69.5
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

Pawnee County
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62.5
Otoe County
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Gage County
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Nemaha County
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Lancaster County
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Fremont County
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Atchison County
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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 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

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

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

Schools in Johnson County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Town Learning Infrastructure

Johnson County manages a focused education network with 6 total public schools serving 721 students across 2 districts. The landscape includes 3 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and 2 high schools, providing a complete K-12 pipeline for the local community.

Strong Graduation Rates on a Lean Budget

The county achieves an impressive 89.4% graduation rate, which exceeds both the Nebraska average of 86.9% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. While per-pupil spending of $10,359 sits just below the state average, the county's school score of 60.5 remains higher than the state median.

Johnson County Central Leads Enrollment

Johnson County Central Public Schools serves as the primary provider, enrolling 497 students across 4 different schools. Sterling Public Schools manages the remaining 224 students, and there are currently no charter schools operating within the county.

A Purely Rural Educational Setting

Every school in the county operates in a rural setting, maintaining an intimate average school size of 120 students. Johnson County Central High School is the largest campus with 153 students, while Sterling High School offers a very personalized environment with just 89 students.

Find Your Home in a Supportive District

Families looking for high graduation rates and small class sizes should explore housing options in Tecumseh or Sterling. School quality remains a vital factor in local property values, making these rural districts a smart choice for long-term investment.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

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 62.9 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 Nebraska?
Johnson County ranks #42 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 $1,993, with an effective tax rate of 1.52%. This earns Johnson County a tax score of 12.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Johnson County?
The median household income in Johnson County, Nebraska is $59,457 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Johnson County earns an income score of 37.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Johnson County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Johnson County scores 62.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #42 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.

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.