countyscore
32.7
County Score
Income & Jobs 85.7Water Quality 56.1Schools 50.5

County Report Card

About Johnson County, Texas

A Growing County Faces Challenges

Johnson County holds a composite score of 32.6, which is below the national median of 50.0. While incomes are high, other quality-of-life factors pull the overall average down.

Lower Than the Texas Average

The county scores 32.6 compared to the Texas state average of 41.9. Rapid growth has likely put pressure on housing costs and local infrastructure, impacting its ranking.

High Earnings and Clean Water

A standout income score of 85.7 reflects a strong median household income of $81,826. Residents also enjoy relatively high water quality, evidenced by a water score of 56.1.

Rising Costs and Environmental Risk

The cost score is low at 12.4, as median home values have climbed to $254,600. Additionally, the risk score of 13.3 suggests the county is vulnerable to various natural or environmental hazards.

Best for High-Earning Commuters

Johnson County is ideal for professionals working in the DFW metroplex who want a high household income. Prospective residents must be willing to pay a premium for housing and accept moderate environmental risks.

2040608010021.812.436.329.950.585.713.356.136.2Tax21.8Cost12.4Safety36.3Health29.9Schools50.5Income85.7Risk13.3Water56.1Weather36.232.7/100
This county
National avg
1 above average6 below average

Johnson County DNA

Foverall

How Johnson County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Johnson County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Cost of Living (12.4/100), though Income (85.7/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
21.8-30.2
Cost
12.4-35.6
Safety
36.3-18.700000000000003
Health
29.9-20.1
Schools
50.5
Income
85.7+34.7
Risk
13.3-33.7
Water
56.1
Weather
36.2-19.799999999999997
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Compare mortgage rates in Johnson County

Whether buying or refinancing in Johnson County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$254,600

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,343/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$254,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$53,720/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $81,826/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

9.0

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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Counties with similar scores

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Nearby counties

Somervell County
Texas
48.7
Tarrant County
Texas
31.5
Hill County
Texas
38.4
Hood County
Texas
37.4
Bosque County
Texas
50.4
Ellis County
Texas
30.8
Parker County
Texas
32.9
Dallas County
Texas
26.2

Deep Dives

Johnson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Johnson County

via TaxByCounty

Johnson County taxes slightly above median

Johnson County's effective tax rate of 1.280% edges just above the national median of 1.264%, placing it slightly into the higher-tax quartile. Homeowners here pay marginally more than the typical American property tax burden.

Just above Texas state average

At 1.280%, Johnson County's effective rate marginally exceeds Texas's state average of 1.276%, putting it just slightly above the state midpoint. The difference is minimal—Johnson sits right at the Texas typical tax level.

Higher values, comparable rates

Johnson County's 1.280% rate is nearly identical to Jim Wells (1.251%) and slightly above Karnes (0.982%), though well below Jefferson (1.575%). What sets Johnson apart is its notably higher median home value of $254,600, resulting in larger absolute tax bills.

Higher home values mean higher bills

Johnson County's median home value of $254,600 combined with its 1.280% rate yields a median property tax of $3,259 annually. With mortgage escrow, homeowners typically pay around $3,946 per year—among the highest actual dollar amounts in this region despite a moderate tax rate.

Higher-value homes deserve scrutiny

In Johnson County, where home values are relatively high, even a small assessment error translates to significant annual losses. Many homeowners in appreciating areas overlook reassessment challenges that could save $500–$1,000+ annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Johnson County

via CostByCounty

Johnson County's income shields housing costs

Johnson County renters spend 19.7% of income on housing, slightly above the national average of 18.1%, but the county's above-average median household income of $81,826 makes this burden feel lighter. Residents earn $7,071 more than the national median, affording them cushion for higher rents.

Affluent county with balanced affordability

Johnson County's 19.7% rent-to-income ratio runs just 1.6 points above the Texas state average of 18.1%, making it one of the state's more affordable higher-income counties. The $1,343 median rent reflects the county's prosperity while remaining manageable for its relatively wealthy population.

Highest incomes offset highest rents

Johnson County's $1,343 median rent ranks highest among these eight counties, yet its 19.7% burden—among the lowest—reveals the power of household income to cushion housing costs. Residents here earn substantially more than neighbors, making pricier rents proportionally easier to manage.

Homeownership costs align with renting

Renters contribute $1,343 monthly while homeowners pay $1,293—a rare case where costs nearly equalize across tenure types. With a median home value of $254,600 (highest in this group), Johnson County attracts affluent households for whom both options remain accessible.

Premium location for high-income relocators

If your household income exceeds $81,000 and you're relocating to Texas, Johnson County offers excellent affordability despite highest rents—your income puts housing costs in perspective. Compare Johnson against lower-income counties only if you're prioritizing absolute dollar minimums over percentage-of-income comfort.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Johnson County

via IncomeByCounty

Johnson County exceeds national income standards

At $81,826, Johnson County's median household income runs 9.5% above the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it among the more prosperous Texas counties. This North Texas community near the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex captures strong regional economic momentum.

Above Texas average by comfortable margin

Johnson County ranks well above the Texas state median of $64,737, earning nearly $17,000 more per household than the typical Texan. This strong performance reflects the county's integration with the Dallas-Fort Worth economic zone and suburban growth.

Clear economic leader in any peer group

At $81,826, Johnson County substantially outearns all other counties profiled here, roughly $20,000 above Jones County ($63,472) and nearly $40,000 above Jeff Davis County ($32,625). The disparity underscores the concentration of prosperity in urban-adjacent Texas regions.

Strong earnings support robust lifestyles

Johnson County's 19.7% rent-to-income ratio sits in the healthy range, meaning families spend less than one-fifth of income on rent. The median home value of $254,600 represents meaningful wealth accumulation for homeowners, though requires disciplined financing.

Diversify investments and build generational wealth

With median household income exceeding $81,000, Johnson County families have real capacity for wealth building beyond housing—maximize retirement accounts, consider diversified investment portfolios, and explore tax-efficient strategies. At this income level, compound growth over 20–30 years can generate substantial generational wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Johnson County

via CrimeByCounty

Johnson County Remains Safely Below National Averages

With a safety score of 97.7, Johnson County is statistically safer than the average U.S. county. Its total crime rate of 1,477.3 per 100,000 is much lower than the national figure of 2,385.5.

Outperforming the Texas State Average

Johnson County's safety score of 97.7 exceeds the Texas state average of 96.8. Its total crime rate is also notably lower than the state average of 2,052.5 per 100,000.

Reliable Data from 15 Local Agencies

A robust network of 15 reporting agencies ensures that Johnson County's safety data is accurate and comprehensive. This high level of reporting provides a more detailed safety profile than many neighboring counties.

Property Crime is the Primary Concern

Violent crime is low at 263.8 per 100,000, well below the national 369.8. Property crime accounts for most incidents, occurring at a rate of 1,213.5 per 100,000 people.

Keep Your Community Secure

Though the county is safe, residents should still use smart home technology to deter property theft. Simple habits like locking vehicles and keeping garage doors closed help maintain these favorable statistics.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Johnson County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Deep Infrastructure for Growing Families

Johnson County hosts 73 public schools across 9 districts, serving a large student body of 38,606. This includes 34 elementary schools and 19 high schools, providing extensive coverage for the region.

Outperforming State Graduation Benchmarks

The county boasts a 93.6% graduation rate, which is higher than the Texas state average of 91.6%. Schools operate with a school score of 53.9 and a per-pupil expenditure of $6,317.

Burleson and Cleburne Lead Enrollment

Burleson ISD is the largest district with 12,865 students, followed by Cleburne ISD with 7,243. The county currently features one charter school, though traditional districts remain the primary educational providers.

Suburban Reach and Rural Roots

The locale mix is diverse, with 33 rural schools, 20 town schools, and 20 suburban schools. Burleson Centennial High School is the largest in the county, educating 2,104 students in a modern 8-12 setting.

Find Your Fit in Johnson County

From bustling suburban campuses to quiet rural schools, Johnson County offers an education environment for every lifestyle. Search for homes today to join a community with graduation rates that beat the state average.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Johnson County

via RiskByCounty

Johnson faces elevated disaster risks

Johnson County's composite risk score of 86.67 ranks it in the relatively moderate category, approaching 1.8 times the Texas state average of 49.00. This North-Central Texas county ranks among the nation's higher-risk communities.

Well above-average risk for Texas

Johnson County's 86.67 score places it firmly in the upper tier of Texas's 254 counties, driven by exceptionally high tornado and wildfire hazards. Among the state's highest-risk areas, this ranking demands serious preparedness attention.

Riskier than nearby North Texas

Johnson County's composite score significantly exceeds most neighboring North-Central Texas counties, with tornado risk (98.09) ranking near the absolute state maximum. Its position in Tornado Alley makes it substantially more vulnerable than many surrounding areas.

Tornadoes and wildfires dominate

Tornado risk reaches 98.09—nearly the highest possible score—making Johnson County exceptionally vulnerable to severe spring weather. Wildfire risk (94.37) presents a secondary major hazard, while flood risk (80.85) compounds seasonal weather threats.

Storm safety and insurance priority

Johnson County residents need homeowners insurance with adequate wind and hail coverage to protect against tornado damage. Additionally, consider a reinforced safe room or tornado shelter, and ensure your policy covers all structures on your property.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Johnson County

via WaterByCounty

Johnson County earns a Grade C

Johnson County reported 22 health violations over five years, maintaining a Grade C. Its violation rate of 9.5 per 100,000 residents is significantly lower than the Texas average of 581.9.

Watershed health data not available

Federal regulators have not yet assessed local water bodies in Johnson County under the Clean Water Act. No impairment data exists for this county in the current reporting cycle.

Five sites track local water quality

A total of 1,399 measurements have been recorded across five monitoring sites in the last five years. Testing focuses on physical properties, inorganic non-metals, and nutrients.

Mountain Creek currently shows zero flow

Mountain Creek near Venus is currently recording 0 cubic feet per second of discharge. This is far below its long-term typical mean of 14 cubic feet per second.

Watch for drought impacts on quality

Dry stream beds can lead to stagnant source water and nutrient issues. Residents should follow local conservation guidelines and stay informed about nutrient levels in their supply.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Johnson County

via WeatherByCounty

A mild, humid North Texas climate

Johnson County's 64.8°F annual average is roughly 10 degrees warmer than the national median. The area experiences a mix of humid summers and relatively mild winters compared to the rest of the country.

Matching the Texas state average

The county's average temperature of 64.8°F is nearly identical to the Texas state average of 65.5°F. Its 38.0 inches of annual precipitation is higher than the state average of 31.9 inches.

Slightly drier than eastern neighbors

Johnson County is slightly cooler than Kaufman County and receives about 3 inches less rain annually. It remains significantly wetter than Jones County to the west, which averages only 25.1 inches.

Hot summers with occasional winter ice

Summer temperatures average 82.3°F, contributing to 101 days of extreme heat over 90°F. Winter is crisp but mild at 47.0°F, with an average of 0.5 inches of snowfall.

Manage moisture and peak heat

With 38 inches of rain, drainage and foundation care are important for local homeowners. Prepare for roughly 100 days of extreme heat by servicing cooling systems every spring.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Johnson County

via SoilByCounty

High-Quality Neutral Alfisols

Johnson County boasts a high soil score of 36.1, well above the state average of 28.8. The average pH of 7.01 is almost perfectly neutral compared to the national median of 6.5. These Alfisols are known for being productive and versatile for agriculture.

Versatile Silty Clay Loams

The dominant texture is silty clay loam, featuring 37.9% sand, 29.1% silt, and 28.5% clay. This mix provides excellent workability and superior nutrient retention for your crops. It is a balanced soil that responds well to both manual and mechanical cultivation.

Excellent Water Holding Capacity

Available water capacity is 0.138 in/in, which exceeds the Texas state average of 0.133 in/in. Organic matter sits at 1.61%, very close to the state average of 1.66%. These levels indicate a strong natural ability to support healthy, thriving plant life.

Moderately Well Drained Land

The soil is classified as moderately well drained, though it falls into hydrologic group D. This means while it drains well under normal conditions, it can become slow to absorb water during extreme storms. Proper grading around your home and garden will help manage this runoff potential.

Diverse Potential in Zone 8b

Johnson County is in Hardiness Zone 8b, allowing for a vast range of fruits, vegetables, and ornamentals. The neutral pH and high water capacity make it an ideal spot for roses, pecans, and summer squash. Get your hands in the dirt and take advantage of some of the state's best soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Johnson County

via LawnByCounty

Johnson County offers prime Texas growing

With a score of 48.2, this county is much easier for lawn care than the Texas average of 31.7 and nears the national median of 50.0. Zone 8b provides a more temperate environment for various grass types compared to its southern neighbors.

Ideal rainfall supports consistent growth

The annual precipitation of 38.0 inches falls perfectly within the ideal 30-50 inch range for healthy lawns. While 101 extreme heat days still require attention, they are slightly below the Texas state average of 105.

Productive silty clay loam soils

The soil is a silty clay loam with a nearly perfect pH of 7.01 and 28.5% clay content. While it is moderately well-drained, the clay content means you should be careful not to overwater and cause compaction.

Moderate drought conditions are manageable

The county only faced 15 weeks of drought over the past year and currently has 0% severe drought. This relative stability allows for more traditional lawn care routines than most other parts of the state.

Plant your lawn after the March frost

Zoysia or Bermuda grasses perform beautifully in zone 8b once the last frost risk passes on March 21. Aim to seed or sod in early April to take advantage of the spring rains and mild temperatures.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Johnson County's county score?
Johnson County, Texas has a composite county score of 32.7 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 Texas?
Johnson County ranks #194 among all counties in Texas 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, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Johnson County is $3,259, with an effective tax rate of 1.28%. This earns Johnson County a tax score of 21.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Johnson County?
The median household income in Johnson County, Texas is $81,826 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Johnson County earns an income score of 85.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Johnson County, Texas a good place to live?
Johnson County scores 32.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #194 in Texas. 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 Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.