countyscore
61.5
County Score
Cost of Living 95.4Property Tax 94.8Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Johnson County, Tennessee

A National Leader in Value

Johnson County achieves an impressive composite score of 61.5, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This score places it among the higher-performing counties in the entire country.

One of Tennessee's Best Values

At 61.5, the county smokes the state average of 51.3. It represents one of the strongest overall values in Tennessee for residents seeking quality without the high price tag.

Unbeatable Cost and Tax Scores

The county records nearly perfect marks for cost (95.4) and taxes (94.8). An effective tax rate of just 0.384% and median rent of $639 make it an affordability powerhouse.

Income and Health Limitations

While cheap to live in, the county has an income score of only 18.9 and a health score of 22.2. Residents may find local high-paying jobs scarce and healthcare facilities distant.

A Paradise for Fixed Incomes

Johnson County is ideal for retirees or digital nomads who want their dollars to stretch as far as possible. It offers extreme financial peace of mind in a low-risk environment.

Score breakdown

Tax94.8Cost95.4Safety43.9Health22.2Schools50.1Income18.9Risk71.8Water86Weather74
🏛94.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠95.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼18.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡43.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤22.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓50.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡71.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤74
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨24.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱55.7
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

Watauga County
North Carolina
53.9
Ashe County
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Washington County
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58.3
Carter County
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Avery County
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Sullivan County
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Smyth 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 has the lowest taxes

Johnson County's 0.384% effective tax rate ranks in the bottom 5% of all U.S. counties—among the lowest in the nation. Homeowners pay just $673 annually, less than one-quarter the national median of $2,690.

Tennessee's lowest effective rate

At 0.384%, Johnson County has the lowest effective tax rate among Tennessee's 95 counties, well below the state average of 0.511%. The median tax of $673 is $343 below the state median of $1,016.

Dramatically lower than neighbors

Johnson County's 0.384% rate is substantially lower than all nearby counties: Jackson (0.496%), Humphreys (0.479%), Houston (0.574%), and Hickman (0.567%). This Appalachian county stands out for exceptionally light property tax burdens.

What your $175,500 home costs

The typical Johnson County homeowner pays only $673 annually on a median-valued property. Whether mortgaged or owned outright, the annual tax bill hovers around $671–$674.

Even low taxes deserve review

Johnson County residents should still verify their property assessments for accuracy. A free appeal can ensure you're not overpaying, even in one of Tennessee's lowest-tax counties.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Johnson County

via CostByCounty

Johnson offers exceptional rental affordability

Johnson County's 14.7% rent-to-income ratio ranks among America's most affordable rental markets, with median rent of $639/month and median household income of $52,152. Renters here enjoy a cost burden well below national norms, freeing income for other essential expenses.

Tennessee's second-most affordable county

Johnson County's 14.7% rent-to-income ratio trails only Houston County (15.1%) in Tennessee affordability rankings, sitting 3 percentage points below the state average of 17.6%. The $639 median rent is the lowest in the region, matching the county's reputation for extreme affordability.

Lowest rent in the entire peer group

Johnson's $639 median rent undercuts every neighbor—$46 below Houston, $191 below Humphreys, and $165 below Hickman—while its 14.7% ratio ranks second-best regionally. This ultra-affordable profile makes Johnson the go-to destination for rent-focused relocators.

Renters and owners both enjoy low costs

Renters in Johnson allocate just 14.7% of the $52,152 median income to $639/month rent, while homeowners invest 10.4% in monthly ownership costs ($453/month). The $175,500 median home value requires just 3.4 years of gross income, among the region's most accessible purchase prices.

Johnson delivers unbeatable Tennessee rent deals

Moving to Johnson County means the lowest rent in your region and the second-best affordability ratio in Tennessee. If housing costs are your priority and you can access employment elsewhere, Johnson offers unmatched savings on $639/month rent.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Johnson County

via IncomeByCounty

Johnson trails national income significantly

Johnson County's median household income of $52,152 falls 30.3% short of the U.S. median of $74,755. This gap underscores limited job markets and lower wage scales typical of Appalachian rural counties.

Below state average by $6,842

At $52,152, Johnson County ranks in the lower 40% of Tennessee counties, trailing the state average of $58,994. Per capita income of $28,786 also lags the state's $31,458 average.

Mid-range income among mountain counties

Johnson's $52,152 sits between stronger performers like Jefferson ($63,084) and Humphreys ($59,333), but exceeds struggling Jackson County ($41,475). The variation reflects differences in industrial base and population retention.

Rent remains manageable in Johnson

Johnson County's 14.7% rent-to-income ratio is among the best statewide, with renters spending just under one-seventh of earnings on housing. The median home value of $175,500 is comparatively affordable given local incomes.

Build on housing affordability advantage

Johnson County residents benefit from low housing costs, which frees income for emergency savings and retirement planning. Starting early with even modest investments in high-yield savings accounts or index funds can compound significantly by retirement.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Johnson County

via CrimeByCounty

Johnson County Mountain Safety

Johnson County earns a high safety score of 98.0. At 1,262.4 crimes per 100,000 people, the rate is nearly half the national average of 2,385.5.

Strong Safety Performance

The county ranks well above the Tennessee average safety score of 97.2. It remains one of the more peaceful areas in the Appalachian corner of the state.

Isolated and Secure

Johnson County maintains lower crime rates than many neighboring mountain counties. Its geography contributes to a very stable and safe environment.

Low Crime Frequency Breakdown

Violent crime is slightly below the national average at 333.7 per 100,000. Property crime is notably low at 928.7, which is less than half the national rate.

Securing Your Mountain Home

Outdoor lighting and smart cameras are effective tools for mountain homes. Keeping property clear of hiding spots for intruders further enhances residential safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Johnson County

via HealthByCounty

Johnson County's health approaches U.S. average

Johnson County residents have a life expectancy of 72.3 years, just 2.2 years below the national average of 74.5 years. Nearly one in four residents (23.2%) report poor or fair health, compared to 17.8% nationally. Johnson's outcomes are closer to national norms than many county peers.

Johnson ranks 35th among Tennessee counties

At 72.3 years, Johnson County's life expectancy nearly matches Tennessee's 72.4-year state average, placing it close to the middle of county rankings. The county's 23.2% poor/fair health rate exceeds the state average by 5.1 percentage points, suggesting room for improvement. Johnson sits in the middle tier statewide.

Moderate health profile with solid care access

Johnson County's 72.3-year life expectancy falls between regional extremes, slightly below Jefferson (72.9 years) but above Houston (70.9 years). With 33 primary care providers per 100K, Johnson has better access than Hickman and Humphreys, though less than Jefferson's 45. Its 13.3% uninsured rate matches Hickman's, placing it mid-range regionally.

Good provider access, moderate insurance gaps

One in eight Johnson County residents (13.3%) lack health insurance, limiting access to preventive care for thousands. The county's 33 primary care providers per 100K is respectable, offering reasonable access compared to regional peers. Mental health capacity at 87 per 100K supports behavioral health needs adequately.

Find coverage that works for your situation

If you're among the 13.3% of uninsured Johnson County residents, affordable plans are within reach. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to check Marketplace plans and Medicaid eligibility—coverage is often cheaper than you expect. Getting insured means getting preventive care when you need it.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Johnson County

via SchoolsByCounty

Reliable Education in the High Highlands

Johnson County educates 2,004 students within a 6-school public system. The county's infrastructure includes four elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. This structure provides a clear and steady academic path for students living in the state's easternmost region.

Elite Graduation Rates on an Efficient Budget

Johnson County achieves a remarkable 97.0% graduation rate, one of the highest in the state and far above the 87.0% national average. The district maintains this performance with a very lean per-pupil expenditure of $5,359, well below the state average. A school score of 53.7 shows the county is performing slightly above state benchmarks despite lower funding levels.

Traditional Excellence in Johnson County Schools

The Johnson County district is the sole administrator for the area's student body, and there are currently no charter schools in operation. This keeps educational focus centralized on the six traditional public campuses. Families benefit from a system that prioritize high completion rates and community stability.

The Charm of Rural and Town Learning

Most schools here are rural, though one is located in a town setting, offering an average enrollment of 334 students. Johnson County High School is the largest facility with 643 students, while Doe Elementary is the smallest with 217 students. This smaller scale fosters a familiar environment where students and staff are well-acquainted.

Secure a Home in a 97% Graduation District

For families seeking top-tier graduation statistics, Johnson County offers some of the most impressive numbers in Tennessee. Neighborhoods near Mountain City Elementary and the high school provide easy access to these successful campuses. Invest in a community where student success is a proven and consistent priority.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Johnson County

via RiskByCounty

Johnson County well below state risk

Johnson County's composite risk score of 28.18 places it in the very low category, well below Tennessee's state average of 52.45. This favorable rating reflects relatively low exposure to most major natural hazards compared to national and regional peers.

Among lowest-risk Tennessee counties

With a score of 28.18, Johnson County ranks among Tennessee's safest counties for natural disaster exposure. The county sits substantially below the state average of 52.45, offering residents markedly better protection than most statewide peers.

Safer than Jackson and Hickman

Johnson County (28.18) outperforms both Jackson County (22.52) and Hickman County (47.17) in composite risk, though Jackson technically scores lower overall. Johnson's uniqueness lies in elevated wildfire risk (54.87) and hurricane exposure (51.15), considerably higher than neighbors.

Wildfire and hurricane threats peak

Johnson County faces exceptional wildfire risk at 54.87 and hurricane risk at 51.15—both substantially above state and national averages and representing the county's primary hazards. Flood risk (47.17) remains moderate, while earthquake and tornado risks stay relatively low.

Emphasize wildfire and wind coverage

Johnson County homeowners should prioritize wildfire and hurricane wind coverage in their policies, given the county's 54.87 wildfire score and 51.15 hurricane risk. Creating defensible space around homes and updating roofing materials offers practical protection against these elevated threats.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Johnson County

via WeatherByCounty

Tennessee's high-altitude cool spot

Johnson County is one of the coolest spots in the South, with an annual average temperature of just 53.4°F. This matches the national median, offering a climate more similar to the Northeast than the Sun Belt.

The coldest county in Tennessee

Ranking far below the state average of 58.1°F, Johnson County’s 53.4°F average reflects its high-elevation terrain. It is a significant outlier in a state known for sweltering summer heat.

Distinctly cooler and snowier

Johnson County receives 12.0 inches of snow annually, nearly triple what most other Tennessee counties experience. It also records 47.2 inches of annual precipitation, which is lower than the state's 55.9-inch average.

Rare heat and real winters

The county sees only 3 days of 90°F weather per year, providing a unique escape from the Southern heat. Winters are the harshest in the state, with January temperatures averaging a chilly 34.2°F.

Invest in winter gear

Winter tires and reliable heating systems are essential for the foot of snow that falls annually. Air conditioning is less of a priority here compared to almost any other county in Tennessee.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Johnson County

via SoilByCounty

Extreme acidity in the mountains

Johnson County has an exceptionally low pH of 4.07, making it far more acidic than the state average of 5.35 and the national median of 6.5. This unique chemical profile likely stems from its high-elevation mountain environment and specific parent materials.

A sandy, coarse soil texture

This soil is notably sandy at 34.8%, paired with 31.3% silt and only 12.0% clay. The low clay content and high sand percentage create a loose, coarse texture that allows for rapid air and water movement.

High organic matter, low water storage

Organic matter is very high at 3.99%, well above the state average of 2.44%. However, the available water capacity is quite low at 0.122 in/in, as the sandy texture cannot hold moisture as effectively as silty lowlands.

Fast-moving mountain water

While official drainage classes are unlisted, the high sand and low clay percentages suggest very rapid drainage. This prevents waterlogging but means nutrients can leach away quickly during heavy rains.

Acid-loving plants for Zone 7a

The 7a climate and acidic soil are perfect for blueberries, rhododendrons, and azaleas. If you want to grow vegetables, you will need significant lime applications to neutralize the intense natural acidity.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Johnson County

via LawnByCounty

Cool-Climate Success in Johnson

Johnson County’s score of 55.7 indicates a moderately easy lawn care environment compared to the national average. Situated in Zone 7a, it offers a cooler growing climate than much of the state.

Low Heat and Ideal Moisture

With only 3 extreme heat days per year, heat stress is rarely an issue for local lawns. Precipitation is also ideal at 47.2 inches, falling squarely within the 30-50 inch range required for low-maintenance turf.

Correcting Extreme Soil Acidity

The primary challenge is the extremely acidic soil pH of 4.07, which is far below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. High sand content at 34.8% improves drainage but may cause nutrients to leach away quickly without amendments.

Combating Severe Drought Conditions

Conditions are currently difficult, with 77% of the county in severe drought and 27 total weeks of drought over the last year. Strict water conservation and selecting drought-tolerant species are essential for lawn survival here.

Thriving in the 7a Mountains

Cool-season grasses like Fine Fescue thrive in the mild summers and 7a hardiness zone. Plan to seed in late summer or early spring, keeping in mind the frost-free window between April 27 and October 14.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Johnson County's county score?
Johnson County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 61.5 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 Tennessee?
Johnson County ranks #9 among all counties in Tennessee 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, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in Johnson County is $673, with an effective tax rate of 0.38%. This earns Johnson County a tax score of 94.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Johnson County?
The median household income in Johnson County, Tennessee is $52,152 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Johnson County earns an income score of 18.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Johnson County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Johnson County scores 61.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #9 in Tennessee. 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.