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Johnston County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#53 in North Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
43.5
County Score
Income & Jobs 83.6Weather & Climate 65.4Property Tax 64.5

County Report Card

About Johnston County, North Carolina

Below the National Benchmark

Johnston County posts a composite score of 43.5, which is lower than the national median of 50.0. This suggests that while it is growing rapidly, it lags behind many national peers in combined health, safety, and cost metrics.

Competitive with the State Average

The county's score of 43.5 is nearly identical to the North Carolina average of 44.7. It functions as a standard-bearer for the state’s middle-tier counties, offering a balanced but unremarkable overall profile.

High Wages Drive Economic Strength

The county's greatest asset is its income score of 83.6, fueled by a median household income of $79,838. A respectable tax score of 64.5 further supports the financial well-being of its working residents.

Housing Pressure and Natural Risks

Rapid growth has pushed the cost score down to 21.3 as home values reach $267,600. Furthermore, the county faces a low risk score of 14.4, indicating significant vulnerability to natural or environmental hazards.

Suited for Triangle-Area Commuters

Johnston County is an excellent choice for high-earning families working in the nearby Research Triangle who want competitive taxes. It rewards those with stable careers who can navigate the tightening housing market.

Score breakdown

Tax64.5Cost21.3Safety35.2Health49.5Schools48Income83.6Risk14.4Water38.2Weather65.4
🏛64.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠21.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼83.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡35.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤49.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓48
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡14.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧38.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤65.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨17.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱35.2
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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Deep Dives

Johnston County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Johnston County

via TaxByCounty

Johnston County taxes exceed national norms

At 0.688%, Johnston County's effective tax rate slightly exceeds the national median of 0.87% percentile-wise but falls below the top-tax states. Homeowners pay a median $1,840 annually—30% below the national median of $2,690—despite relatively affordable median home values of $267,600.

Johnston ranks in North Carolina's middle tier

Johnston's effective rate of 0.688% sits just below North Carolina's 0.701% average, placing the county near the state's midpoint. Annual property taxes average $1,840, exceeding the state median of $1,433 by about $407 per household.

Johnston moderately positioned regionally

Johnston's 0.688% rate falls between Iredell County (0.630%) and Lee County (0.798%) in the Piedmont, making it a moderate-tax choice. At $1,840 annually, Johnston homeowners pay more than Iredell neighbors but less than Lee County residents with comparable home values.

Johnston homeowners expect steady bills

The median Johnston home valued at $267,600 generates an annual property tax of $1,840. With mortgage considerations, some households face bills near $1,990, though exemptions and individual assessments can adjust this figure.

Johnston residents should challenge overvaluation

Many Johnston County homeowners likely overpay due to inflated assessed values. Submitting a tax appeal to the assessor's office with recent appraisals or comparable sales data could substantially lower your annual bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Johnston County

via CostByCounty

Johnston leads the state in rental affordability

Johnston renters spend just 15.1% of income on housing—well below the national median of 18.6%—making it one of North Carolina's most affordable rental markets. Strong median incomes of $79,838 significantly exceed the national average of $74,755, giving residents substantial financial flexibility.

Johnston's affordability ranks among the best statewide

At 15.1%, Johnston's rent-to-income ratio beats the state average of 18.6% by a meaningful margin, placing it in the upper tier of North Carolina's most affordable counties. This advantage stems from both reasonable rents of $1,007 and strong household incomes that outpace state norms.

Johnston outaffordability its regional peers significantly

Johnston's 15.1% rent-to-income ratio decisively beats Iredell County (18.0%) and Lee County (18.3%), and it towers over higher-burden counties like Jackson (19.2%). The combination of solid incomes and moderate rents gives Johnston residents the region's widest financial cushion.

Balanced income supports both renting and owning

Johnston renters allocate $1,007 monthly to housing while homeowners with mortgages pay $1,276, yet both remain manageable on a median income of $79,838. This flexibility—along with a median home value of $267,600—allows households to choose renting or buying without severe financial strain.

Johnston combines opportunity with financial ease

If affordability and income stability matter equally, Johnston delivers both: strong job markets, reasonable housing costs, and household incomes that leave breathing room after paying rent or mortgage. Relocating here means enjoying one of the state's best rent-to-income ratios while maintaining solid earning potential.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Johnston County

via IncomeByCounty

Johnston County exceeds national earning power

Johnston County's median household income of $79,838 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by $5,083, placing it solidly in the upper-income quartile nationally. This 7% advantage reflects robust local economic activity and employment diversity.

Among North Carolina's highest-income counties

Johnston County's $79,838 median income rises 31% above North Carolina's state average of $61,072, positioning it among the state's most prosperous counties. Per capita income of $36,673 trails the state slightly but reflects strong household earnings relative to individual income.

Johnston edges out Iredell and Lincoln

Johnston County's $79,838 median income barely edges Iredell County ($78,678) and Lincoln County ($78,490), forming a high-income corridor across central and north-central North Carolina. Together, these three counties represent the state's strongest earnings base.

Excellent affordability metrics in Johnston

Johnston County's 15.1% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the state's best, indicating strong housing affordability relative to local earnings. Median home values of $267,600 align well with household incomes, supporting both renter and owner stability.

Capitalize on Johnston's income advantage

Johnston County residents enjoy one of North Carolina's strongest income foundations, positioning them well for wealth accumulation through diversified investments and real estate appreciation. Tax-advantaged retirement accounts and property ownership should anchor long-term financial strategies.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Johnston County

via CrimeByCounty

Johnston County Ranks Among Secure Regions

Johnston County’s safety score of 97.6 places it among the more secure counties in the United States. Its total crime rate of 1,503.8 per 100,000 is substantially lower than the national figure of 2,385.5.

Exceeding State Security Expectations

Johnston enjoys a higher safety score than the North Carolina average of 96.8. With ten reporting agencies, the county maintains a crime rate that is 26% lower than the state average of 2,050.0.

A Safer Regional Alternative

Johnston County stands out with a violent crime rate of 152.0, which is less than half the state average of 330.7. This makes it a notably safer choice compared to many surrounding jurisdictions.

Understanding the Local Crime Mix

Property crime represents the majority of local reports at 1,351.8 per 100,000 residents. However, this figure is still roughly 33% lower than the national property crime average of 2,015.7.

Fortify Your Johnston County Home

Maintaining this high standard of safety starts at the front door. Johnston residents can contribute to lower property crime rates by using smart doorbells and ensuring all entry points are well-lit.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Johnston County

via HealthByCounty

Strong lifespan, weaker daily health

Johnston County residents live to an average of 76.5 years, nearly two years longer than the U.S. average of 74.6 years. Yet 18% report poor or fair health, the highest rate among its peer group and a signal of gaps in preventive care.

Living longer, but not healthier

At 76.5 years, Johnston's life expectancy matches the state's top performers and exceeds North Carolina's average by 2.1 years. Still, the county's 18% poor/fair health rate ranks above the state median, pointing to chronic disease management challenges.

Longest life, poorest daily health

Johnston ties Iredell at 76.5 years of life expectancy but leads neighbors in poor/fair health reports at 18%. This paradox suggests that while residents live long lives, many experience significant health challenges during those years.

Uninsured rate near state average; limited providers

Johnston's uninsured rate of 12.7% sits just above the state average of 12.5%, affecting roughly 1 in 8 residents. The county has just 27 primary care providers per 100,000—well below the state standard—and only 114 mental health providers per 100,000, creating access bottlenecks.

Find care where it's scarce

With limited primary care capacity, Johnston residents should prioritize securing insurance coverage now. Use the Health Insurance Marketplace to compare plans, and ask about telehealth options to overcome geographic provider shortages.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Johnston County

via SchoolsByCounty

Expansive school network for a growing population

Johnston County maintains a massive educational footprint with 51 public schools serving over 40,609 students. The landscape is built around 25 elementary, 12 middle, and 11 high schools. This infrastructure supports one of the fastest-growing student populations in North Carolina.

Strong performance across fifty-one campuses

The county reports a 92% graduation rate, surpassing both state and national averages. Despite spending $6,643 per pupil—slightly less than the state average—the county maintains a school score of 53.8. These figures indicate a high-performing system that effectively translates resources into student success.

A powerhouse public school district

Johnston County Public Schools dominates the landscape, educating 37,286 students across 48 different schools. The county also offers three charter schools, including Neuse Charter and the American Leadership Academy, which serve roughly 6% of the student population. This district-heavy model ensures consistent standards across most of the county.

A blend of rural and suburban schools

The county features 31 rural schools alongside a growing number of suburban and town-based campuses. Corinth Holders High is the largest school with 2,219 students, contributing to an average school size of 796 pupils. Students here experience a mix of large-scale high schools and specialized charter academies.

Invest in a community with rising scores

Johnston County’s consistent academic growth makes it a top choice for families relocating to the Triangle area. High graduation rates and modern facilities are major draws for prospective homebuyers. Explore neighborhoods in Clayton or Smithfield to find the right educational fit for your children.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Johnston County

via RiskByCounty

Johnston County faces Relatively Moderate risk nationally

Johnston County's composite score of 85.56 places it in the Relatively Moderate category, well above both the national and state averages. This elevated exposure spans tornadoes, floods, and hurricanes, making Johnston one of North Carolina's higher-risk counties overall.

Johnston ranks among North Carolina's riskiest

At 85.56, Johnston's composite score significantly exceeds the state average of 66.72, positioning it as one of the highest-risk counties in North Carolina. The Relatively Moderate rating reflects serious multi-hazard exposure that demands proactive preparedness.

Johnston faces notably higher risks than surrounding counties

Johnston's 85.56 score substantially exceeds neighboring Lee County (67.49) and Lincoln County (73.76), making it the riskiest county in its immediate region. The gap is driven by Johnston's extreme tornado risk of 93.64 and elevated hurricane exposure at 86.32.

Tornadoes and hurricanes drive Johnston's high risk

Tornado risk reaches 93.64 in Johnston—the highest hazard score county-wide—while hurricane risk climbs to 86.32, both far exceeding state norms. Flood risk also ranks high at 87.09, creating a trio of water and wind threats that dominate the county's hazard profile.

Multi-hazard coverage is non-negotiable in Johnston

Johnston residents must carry comprehensive homeowners insurance that includes flood, wind, and hail protection to address the county's severe tornado and hurricane exposure. Review your coverage limits before storm season, identify a safe shelter space in your home, and maintain a current emergency action plan.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Johnston County

via WeatherByCounty

A warm inland subtropical environment

Johnston County's 60.8°F annual average is well above the national median. This climate supports long growing seasons and very warm, humid summers.

Topping the state average for heat

The county is warmer than the 59.3°F state average by over a degree. It closely mirrors the state average for precipitation, receiving 50.8 inches annually.

Typical central North Carolina weather

Johnston's 2.0 inches of annual snowfall is slightly lower than some neighbors to the west. It maintains a consistent rainfall profile that supports the region's diverse agriculture.

Intense summer heat dominates the year

Residents face 47 extreme heat days annually, with July temperatures averaging a hot 80.1°F. Winters are mild, with the temperature rarely staying below freezing for long.

Stay hydrated and manage cooling costs

Budget for significant air conditioning use during the 47 days of 90-degree weather. Since snow is rare at only 2 inches, focus your emergency prep on summer storms and heat safety.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Johnston County

via SoilByCounty

Typical Coastal Plain Acidity

The average pH here is 5.21, making it slightly less acidic than the state average of 5.14. It remains notably more acidic than the national median of 6.5, which usually requires lime for vegetable gardening.

High Sand for Rapid Drainage

With a high sand content of 65.3%, this soil is built for rapid water movement and easy workability. Silt accounts for 23.1%, while clay is low at 11.6%, meaning nutrients may leach through the profile faster than in heavier soils.

Lean Soil Requires Enrichment

Organic matter levels are low at 1.73%, falling far short of the North Carolina average of 5.12%. The available water capacity of 0.118 in/in is also below the state benchmark, suggesting a need for frequent irrigation during summer.

Efficient Water Movement

There is currently no specific data on drainage classes or hydrologic groups for this county. Given the 65.3% sand percentage, most areas likely experience rapid drainage that prevents root rot during wet seasons.

Abundant Sun in Zone 8a

Zone 8a conditions allow for an extensive variety of crops, from cotton and tobacco to backyard blueberries. Adding heavy layers of compost will help improve the low water retention of this sandy landscape.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Johnston County

via LawnByCounty

A Challenging Environment for Turf

Johnston County presents a difficult lawn care landscape with a score of 35.2, significantly harder than the national median. Homeowners in this 8a zone must contend with higher heat and more frequent maintenance than average.

High Heat Demands Vigilant Care

With 47 extreme heat days annually—well above the state average of 38—lawns here face significant thermal stress. While 50.8 inches of rain is plentiful, the massive 4,910 growing degree days mean your grass is growing and consuming energy quickly.

Managing Sandy Coastal Plain Soils

A high sand content of 65.3% means soil drains rapidly but struggles to retain nutrients. Combined with an acidic pH of 5.21, frequent soil testing and specialized fertilizers are necessary to keep lawns from thinning out.

Thwarting Severe Local Drought

Johnston has spent 28 weeks in drought over the last year, and 100% of the area is currently in severe conditions. Implementing a smart irrigation schedule that targets early morning hours is vital to combat these persistent dry cycles.

Heat-Hardy Grasses are Key

Centipedegrass or St. Augustine are the most resilient options for this 8a climate and its 47 heat days. Aim to establish new turf after the April 7 frost date to give the grass a full season to root deeply.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Johnston County's county score?
Johnston County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 43.5 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 Johnston County rank among counties in North Carolina?
Johnston County ranks #53 among all counties in North Carolina 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 Johnston County, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Johnston County is $1,840, with an effective tax rate of 0.69%. This earns Johnston County a tax score of 64.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Johnston County?
The median household income in Johnston County, North Carolina is $79,838 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Johnston County earns an income score of 83.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Johnston County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Johnston County scores 43.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #53 in North Carolina. The best way to evaluate Johnston 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 Johnston County with other counties side by side.

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Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.