countyscore
55.6
County Score
Disaster Risk 80.7Property Tax 80.3Health 72.5

County Report Card

About Johnson County, Wyoming

Solid Performance Above National Benchmarks

Johnson County earns a 55.6 composite score, comfortably outpacing the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a strong standard of living typical of the American West. It ranks well for those seeking a balance of lifestyle and fiscal health.

Tracking Close to Wyoming Norms

The county sits slightly below the Wyoming state average of 56.5. While it provides high-quality health and safety, it faces stiffer competition from higher-scoring counties in the state's northern tier. It remains a core example of Wyoming's rural-to-mountain transition.

Superior Health and Fiscal Stability

Health scores reach a robust 72.5, significantly higher than many neighboring counties. Financial stability is another highlight, with a tax score of 80.3 and an effective tax rate of 0.552%. The risk score of 80.7 further underscores its environmental and economic resilience.

Water Infrastructure and Rising Costs

Water quality is a major concern with a low score of 8.3. Housing affordability is also tightening, as a cost score of 33.8 reflects a median home value near $296,000. These factors may pressure new families looking to enter the local market.

A Health-Conscious Haven for Homeowners

Johnson County is a prime fit for established families or seniors who prioritize healthcare and low taxes. While the $63,905 median income is moderate, the high safety and health scores provide excellent peace of mind. It is a premium choice for those who can navigate the local housing costs.

Score breakdown

Tax80.3Cost33.8Safety53.4Health72.5Schools54.5Income50.5Risk80.7Water8.3Weather35.2
🏛80.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠33.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼50.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡53.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤72.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓54.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡80.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧8.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤35.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱32.4
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 →
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Johnson County

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

See Today's Rates

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
Compare Johnson County with Lowndes County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Lowndes County
Alabama
Median income: $35,160
55.6
Lewis County
Idaho
Median income: $49,643
55.6
Douglas County
Illinois
Median income: $74,186
55.6
Pike County
Illinois
Median income: $58,029
55.6
Jackson County
Iowa
Median income: $71,605
55.6
Schoolcraft County
Michigan
Median income: $57,708
55.6
Sherburne County
Minnesota
Median income: $102,965
55.6
Adams County
Ohio
Median income: $49,521
55.6

Nearby counties

Sheridan County
Wyoming
50.1
Campbell County
Wyoming
46.4
Washakie County
Wyoming
64.6
Big Horn County
Wyoming
62.6
Natrona County
Wyoming
55.2
Powder River County
Montana
67.7
Hot Springs County
Wyoming
56.5
Big Horn County
Montana
42.9

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 taxes lower than national norm

Johnson County's effective tax rate of 0.552% produces a median tax of just $1,634—far below the national median of $2,690. This places the county in the bottom 30% nationally, offering property owners a significant tax advantage.

Second-lowest rate in Wyoming

Johnson County's 0.552% effective rate ranks as the second-lowest in Wyoming, just under state average of 0.556%. Only Niobrara County (0.376%) has a lower rate, making Johnson one of the state's most tax-friendly counties.

Best rates among northern counties

Johnson County edges out Hot Springs County (0.561%) and significantly undercuts Natrona County (0.618%) in effective tax rates. Among northern Wyoming properties, it offers one of the lightest tax loads in the region.

Median home taxes $1,634 annually

Johnson County homeowners with a median-valued property of $296,000 pay roughly $1,634 per year in property taxes. With a mortgage, that rises slightly to $1,641; without one, it's $1,621.

Appeal if your assessment seems high

Even in low-tax counties, overassessment happens—and it directly inflates your bill. If your property's assessed value doesn't reflect recent comparable sales, filing an appeal can reduce your annual tax obligation.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Johnson County

via CostByCounty

Johnson County Renters Face Steep Burden

Johnson County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.3% ranks among the most strained in the nation, nearly 50% higher than the national benchmark. With median household income of $63,905 against the national average of $74,755, renters here shoulder one of the sharpest affordability squeezes on record.

Least Affordable County in Wyoming

Johnson County's 20.3% rent-to-income ratio is the highest among Wyoming's eight surveyed counties, breaking sharply from the state average of 15.5%. This ranking reflects both elevated rents and lower-than-average county income, making Johnson the state's affordability crisis point.

Pricier Than Most Regional Peers

Johnson County's median rent of $1,081/month ranks second-highest among the surveyed counties and runs 15% above Wyoming's state average. Home values of $296,000 place it squarely in mid-range territory regionally, yet incomes lag, creating a painful affordability gap.

Johnson County's Affordability Crisis

Renters pay $1,081 monthly while homeowners carry $864—but the real squeeze comes from median household income of just $63,905, forcing families to allocate 20.3% to rent alone. That leaves Johnson County residents with less financial flexibility than peers statewide, stretching tight budgets further for food, healthcare, and transportation.

Johnson County: Not the Best Entry Point

If you're relocating for affordability, Johnson County presents challenges: high rents relative to local wages and the state's worst rent-to-income ratio. Compare options with neighbors like Hot Springs or Platte County before committing; the savings could be substantial.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Johnson County

via IncomeByCounty

Johnson slightly below national norm

Johnson County's median household income of $63,905 lags the U.S. median of $74,755 by roughly $10,850. The county sits in the lower-middle range nationally, typical of rural Mountain West communities.

Lower tier in Wyoming

Johnson County's income trails Wyoming's state average of $73,360 by nearly $9,500, placing it among the state's less affluent counties. This gap highlights economic concentration in larger Wyoming population centers.

Outpaced by Laramie and Lincoln

Johnson's $63,905 ranks below Laramie County ($77,884) and Lincoln County ($86,092), but exceeds Hot Springs County ($64,375) marginally. Regional disparities suggest that county-level industry mix drives significant income variation.

Rent costs bite harder here

At 20.3%, Johnson County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds the healthy threshold and approaches the 30% affordability ceiling. With median home values at $296,000, housing affordability requires careful budgeting for many households.

Prioritize debt paydown first

With rent consuming one-fifth of income, focus initial wealth-building on reducing high-interest debt and building a 3-month emergency fund. Once housing is stable, redirect freed-up cash toward tax-advantaged retirement accounts.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Johnson County

via CrimeByCounty

Johnson County Maintains Strong Safety Marks

Johnson County boasts a safety score of 98.3, placing it well above many other regions in the United States. Its total crime rate of 1,054.4 per 100,000 is less than half of the national average of 2,385.5.

Tracking Close to the Wyoming Standard

The county's total crime rate of 1,054.4 is slightly higher than the Wyoming average of 978.0. Its 98.3 safety score sits just a fraction below the state average of 98.5.

Comparing Crime Across Northern Wyoming

Johnson County's crime rate of 1,054.4 is comparable to Park County's 1,047.6, showing regional consistency. It remains far safer than Laramie County, which sees significantly higher incident volumes.

Property Concerns Lead Local Incidents

Violent crime remains very low at 82.0 per 100,000 residents. Property crime accounts for 972.4 per 100,000, reflecting the most common safety challenge for the local community.

Smart Security for Peace of Mind

With property crimes as the primary focus, simple home upgrades like smart doorbells and improved locks are effective. These small steps help residents keep Johnson County a safe place to live.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Johnson County

via HealthByCounty

Johnson County leads on longevity metrics

Johnson County residents live to 79.3 years on average, exceeding the U.S. average of 79 years and ranking among America's healthier communities. At 13.8% reporting poor or fair health—well below the national average of roughly 12%—the county demonstrates strong population health outcomes.

Wyoming's healthiest life expectancy county

Johnson County's 79.3-year life expectancy tops Wyoming's state average of 77.0 years by 2.3 years, placing it as one of the state's healthiest communities. The 13.8% poor/fair health rate also ranks among Wyoming's best, reflecting sustained health advantages.

Outperforms similar Wyoming communities

Johnson County's 79.3-year life expectancy edges out Lincoln County's 79.0 years and far surpasses Hot Springs County's 73.0 years. With 151 primary care providers per 100K—the highest ratio among peer counties—Johnson County combines longevity with robust healthcare availability.

Lowest uninsured rate among peer counties

Only 11.2% of Johnson County residents lack health insurance, well below Wyoming's average of 14.8% and among the lowest in the state. Strong primary care access (151 per 100K) and solid mental health support (320 per 100K) mean residents have reliable options for ongoing care.

Maintain health coverage in Johnson County

With 88.8% of Johnson County already insured, the focus is on maintaining that coverage and supporting the remaining uninsured. Explore renewal options through healthcare.gov, your employer, or local clinics to keep your household protected.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Johnson County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Unified Approach to Rural Education

Johnson County features 6 public schools serving 1,194 students under a single unified district. The landscape includes two elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools, along with one alternative campus. This centralized structure ensures consistent resources across the county's rural and town settings.

Strong Scores and Robust Funding

The county achieves a graduation rate of 82.0%, matching the Wyoming state average. Investment is a priority here, with per-pupil spending at $12,137, well above the state average of $10,912. This commitment is reflected in a solid composite school score of 60.4.

Johnson County School District #1

Johnson County School District #1 manages all 1,194 students, providing a streamlined administrative experience. The county does not host any charter schools, focusing instead on traditional public and alternative offerings. This single-district model simplifies the educational landscape for local families.

Rural Roots and Buffalo Hubs

Schooling here feels deeply connected to the community, with four schools in rural areas and two in town. Buffalo High School is the largest with 342 students, while the Kaycee School offers a tiny, specialized environment of just 113 students. The average school size is a manageable 199 students.

Invest in a Home Near Quality Schools

With per-pupil spending exceeding state norms, Johnson County is an attractive destination for families. Research homes in Buffalo to be near the county’s largest academic hubs. Quality education remains a cornerstone of the local real estate market.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Johnson County

via RiskByCounty

Johnson County well below national risk

Johnson County scores 19.31 on the composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating and placing it substantially safer than the U.S. average. The county experiences roughly 50% less overall disaster risk than typical American counties.

Second-safest in Wyoming

Johnson County ranks among Wyoming's least risky counties with a score of 19.31, trailing only a handful of peers compared to the state average of 37.86. Its Very Low rating reflects below-average exposure to the state's most common hazards.

Comparable to Hot Springs, safer than Laramie

Johnson County's 19.31 score is nearly identical to Hot Springs County (16.09) but dramatically lower than Laramie County (76.69) to the south. The county's primary vulnerability—wildfire at 87.85—is notably high but still reflects regional exposure rather than unusual local danger.

Wildfire dominates risk profile

Wildfire risk reaches 87.85 in Johnson County, far exceeding other hazards and reflecting its location in Wyoming's forested north. Earthquakes (57.70) and floods (36.90) pose secondary risks, but tornado exposure remains minimal at 15.62.

Wildfire insurance is essential here

Johnson County residents face significant wildfire exposure, making specialized wildfire coverage critical—standard homeowners policies often exclude or cap wildfire damage. Bundle wildfire, earthquake, and flood coverage to ensure comprehensive protection for your home and property.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Johnson County

via WeatherByCounty

High Altitude and Dry Air

Johnson County maintains an average annual temperature of 45.1°F, reflecting its position in the cool, dry interior of the Mountain West. Precipitation is sparse, with only 13.7 inches of moisture annually.

Classic Wyoming Weather Patterns

At 45.1°F, the county is roughly 1.3 degrees warmer than the statewide average of 43.8°F. It is one of several central-northern counties that experience slightly more temperate conditions than the state's highest peaks.

Temperatures Close to Local Peers

Johnson County is slightly cooler than neighboring Natrona County to the south, which averages 45.7°F. It mirrors the general climate of the Big Horn Basin but with slightly more moisture than Hot Springs County.

Predictable Heat and Moderate Snow

July brings an average of 70.2°F and 27 days of extreme heat over 90°F. Winter delivers a manageable 39.7 inches of snowfall, which is relatively low for Wyoming's mountainous regions.

Planning for Arid Conditions

With only 13.7 inches of annual precipitation, water conservation and xeriscaping are practical choices for residents. Winter gear should focus on wind protection as January temperatures average a brisk 24.9°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Johnson County

via SoilByCounty

Undiscovered Soil Depths in Johnson

Johnson County's dominant soil identity remains unclassified in standard digital surveys, necessitating local testing for precise pH levels. Most Wyoming soils trend alkaline, exceeding the national median pH of 6.5.

Observing the Mix Underfoot

Specific data for sand, silt, and clay are currently limited for this region. Local observations of soil 'feel' are the best way to determine if your land drains quickly like sand or holds water like clay.

Strategies for High-Altitude Growth

The county lacks a formal fertility score, but growers can compare their results to the state's average 0.165 in/in water capacity. Amending the soil with organic matter helps push local land toward the national average of 2.0%.

Water Movement and Land Use

Drainage classes are not yet mapped for this county, making on-site percolation tests essential for new projects. Proper drainage is the key to preventing salt buildup in Wyoming's semi-arid environment.

Growing in Hardiness Zone 5a

Johnson County falls into Zone 5a, offering a slightly longer growing season than its neighbors to the west. Cold-tolerant vegetables and native shrubs flourish here with consistent watering and care.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Johnson County

via LawnByCounty

Johnson County's High-Plains Lawn Struggle

Johnson County earns a lawn difficulty score of 32.4, sitting just below the Wyoming state average of 32.6. In hardiness zone 5a, your lawn faces a climate far more demanding than the national median. Success here requires a tactical approach to irrigation and species selection.

Limited Rain and Moderate Heat

Annual precipitation averages only 13.7 inches, far below the 30-50 inches preferred by traditional turfgrass. The area experiences 27 extreme heat days annually, slightly higher than the state average of 23. This combination forces homeowners to rely heavily on supplemental watering to keep grass green through July.

Analyzing Your Local Ground

Detailed soil texture and pH data are currently unavailable for this specific area, but regional profiles often feature alkaline tendencies. Local experts recommend testing your specific plot to identify any nutrient deficiencies or drainage issues. Aeration is often helpful in these environments to combat soil compaction and improve water infiltration.

Extended Drought Hits the High Plains

With 30 weeks in drought over the last year, 100% of Johnson County remains abnormally dry today. Over 37% of the county currently endures severe drought, which may trigger local water restrictions. Utilizing mulch-mowing can help retain precious moisture and return nutrients to the soil during dry spells.

Timing Your 5a Planting Window

Hardy cool-season grasses like Buffalo grass or Wheatgrass offer the best resilience for this arid climate. Plan your seeding for late May once the risk of the last spring frost passes on May 19. The growing season remains short, so establish your turf quickly before the first frost returns in late September.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Johnson County's county score?
Johnson County, Wyoming has a composite county score of 55.6 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 Wyoming?
Johnson County ranks #13 among all counties in Wyoming 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, Wyoming?
The median annual property tax in Johnson County is $1,634, with an effective tax rate of 0.55%. This earns Johnson County a tax score of 80.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Johnson County?
The median household income in Johnson County, Wyoming is $63,905 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Johnson County earns an income score of 50.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Johnson County, Wyoming a good place to live?
Johnson County scores 55.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #13 in Wyoming. 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.