CountyScore

Johnson County

Texas · TX

#216 in Texas
56.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Johnson County, Texas

Johnson outpaces national livability

Johnson County's composite score of 61.5 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 23%, indicating solid livability despite state-level headwinds. This standing reflects substantial income advantages that offset higher housing costs.

Below Texas average due to costs

Johnson's score of 61.5 lags Texas's 66.8 average, reflecting above-average housing costs that burden household budgets. This performance marks it among the state's lower-ranking counties despite strong income levels.

Strong incomes fuel household wealth

Johnson's Income Score of 36.8 is the highest among these eight counties, with median household income of $81,826 enabling substantial purchasing power. This income advantage significantly improves quality of life and economic opportunity.

Housing costs remain steep

The Cost Score of 64.1 reflects expensive housing with median values of $254,600 and monthly rent averaging $1,343—among the priciest in this group. Safety, health, schools, water quality, and risk data remain unavailable.

Ideal for well-compensated professionals

Johnson suits dual-income professionals and high-earning families with strong job markets and substantial paychecks. Those on modest budgets or seeking affordable housing should explore lower-cost alternatives, as cost-to-income ratios here are challenging.

Score breakdown

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

Tax66.3Cost64.1SafetyComing SoonHealth57.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome36.8Risk13.3WaterComing Soon
🏛66.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠64.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼36.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤57.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡13.3
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

Palm Beach County
Florida
56.6
Median income: $81,115
Suffolk County
Massachusetts
56.6
Median income: $92,859
Franklin County
Ohio
56.6
Median income: $73,795
Todd County
South Dakota
56.6
Median income: $39,148
Parker County
Texas
56.6
Median income: $102,099

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 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

Health in Johnson County

via HealthByCounty

Johnson exceeds national health standards

At 75.4 years, Johnson County residents live 1 year longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years, placing it above the national median. Only 21.6% report poor or fair health, well below the national rate of 21.0%, reflecting strong chronic disease management and preventive care practices. This North-Central Texas county delivers health outcomes typically seen in more affluent, urban communities.

Texas's top-performing mid-sized county

At 75.4 years, Johnson County exceeds Texas's state average of 74.3 years by 1.1 years, ranking in the state's top quartile of health outcomes. Its 21.6% poor/fair health rate is among the lowest in Texas, and median household income ($61,500) and healthcare investment explain this premium performance. For a county of 157,000, Johnson is a model of accessible, preventive health practice.

Leading Hill Country and Dallas suburbs

Johnson (75.4 years) outpaces Somervell County (73.1 years), Bosque County (72.8 years), and most Dallas suburbs, with 41 primary care providers per 100K and 99 mental health providers per 100K. Its uninsured rate of 18.3% is lowest in its region, reflecting a mix of employed, insured families and strong safety-net coverage. Regional hospitals like Baylor Scott & White serve the county, supporting above-average accessibility.

Strong coverage and robust provider base

Only 18.3% of Johnson County residents lack health insurance—below the state average of 19.8%—and the county offers 41 primary care providers and 99 mental health providers per 100K. Baylor Scott & White Healthcare, clinics in Cleburne and Godley, and community health centers ensure most residents live within 10 miles of urgent care. Wait times for routine appointments average 2–3 weeks, typical for well-resourced communities.

Maintain and optimize your coverage

Johnson County residents with employer insurance should review annual benefits and HSA options; those uninsured can access Marketplace plans at healthcare.gov. Medicaid eligibility for children extends to 200% of federal poverty (ensuring coverage for most working families), while adults can access sliding-scale community health center services. Schedule annual preventive care visits to sustain your county's excellent health trajectory.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

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.