countyscore
49.1
County Score
Cost of Living 84.6Property Tax 77.5Disaster Risk 74.6

County Report Card

About Johnston County, Oklahoma

Matching the National Baseline

Johnston County earns a 49.7 CountyScore, placing it virtually at the national median of 50.0. This indicates a quality of life that is representative of the typical American experience. It maintains a steady performance across several key economic indicators.

A Top Performer in Oklahoma

At 49.7, Johnston County comfortably exceeds the state average composite score of 43.0. It ranks as one of the more desirable counties in Oklahoma based on the composite index. High marks in financial dimensions like taxes and housing costs lead this strong showing.

Tax Benefits and Affordable Housing

Low taxes are a major draw, with a Tax Score of 79.8 and an effective rate of 0.555%. The Cost Score of 86.2 reflects a median home value of just $110,700, making ownership highly attainable. The county also enjoys a strong Risk Score of 74.6, indicating low environmental vulnerability.

Health and Water Infrastructure Gaps

Health access is the county's primary weakness, with a low score of 14.6. The Water Score of 7.2 and Income Score of 16.6 also highlight areas where public and private investment lag. These factors may limit the county's appeal for those requiring frequent medical care.

A Haven for Cost-Conscious Homeowners

Johnston County is an excellent choice for families looking for homeownership on a modest budget. The combination of low property taxes and low environmental risk offers long-term financial peace of mind. It is best suited for those who value financial stability over urban amenities.

2040608010077.584.649.514.619.216.674.67.250.8Tax77.5Cost84.6Safety49.5Health14.6Schools19.2Income16.6Risk74.6Water7.2Weather50.849.1/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Johnston County DNA

Foverall

How Johnston County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Johnston County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (84.6/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (7.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
77.5+25.5
Cost
84.6+36.599999999999994
Safety
49.5
Health
14.6-35.4
Schools
19.2-34.8
Income
16.6-34.4
Risk
74.6+27.599999999999994
Water
7.2-50.8
Weather
50.8
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Johnston County?

Many homeowners in Johnston County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$116,500

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$762/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$116,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$30,480/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $52,688/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

29.0

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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Jefferson County
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49

Nearby counties

Marshall County
Oklahoma
39.5
Murray County
Oklahoma
45.6
Coal County
Oklahoma
59.6
Pontotoc County
Oklahoma
42.5
Carter County
Oklahoma
30.7
Bryan County
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34.5
Grayson County
Texas
32.4
Atoka County
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46.9

Deep Dives

Johnston County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Johnston County

via TaxByCounty

Johnston County offers below-average national tax rates

Johnston County's effective tax rate of 0.555% ranks well below the national median of 0.88%, placing it in the lowest quarter of American counties. The median property tax of $614 annually is just 23% of the national median of $2,690, reflecting smaller home values throughout the region.

Johnston County has Oklahoma's lowest tax rates

Johnston County's 0.555% effective rate is the lowest among major Oklahoma counties, sitting notably below the state average of 0.652%. At $614 in median annual taxes versus the state median of $959, Johnston residents enjoy the most tax-friendly environment in Oklahoma.

Lowest taxes among south-central Oklahoma counties

Johnston County's 0.555% rate beats Latimer County (0.515%) and is substantially lower than Kiowa County (0.573%) and Le Flore County (0.653%). Throughout the south-central region, Johnston offers taxpayers the advantage of the lowest effective tax rates.

Median annual tax on Johnston County home

The typical Johnston County homeowner with a $110,700 house pays about $614 per year in property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay $856 annually including escrow, while those without mortgages pay $497.

Appeal your assessment if you think it's high

Many Johnston County homeowners are assessed above market value and don't realize they can appeal. If your property feels overvalued, contact the county assessor's office about a formal reassessment—thousands of Oklahomans successfully reduce their tax burden this way each year.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Johnston County

via IncomeByCounty

Johnston County earnings fall below U.S. average

Johnston County's median household income of $50,911 is 32% below the national median of $74,755, reflecting economic conditions typical of rural Oklahoma counties. The gap indicates fewer high-wage employment opportunities compared to national trends.

Johnston County ranks in lower third of Oklahoma

With a median household income of $50,911, Johnston County trails the Oklahoma state average of $58,273 by nearly $7,400. The county's per capita income of $25,352 falls significantly below the state average of $30,609, indicating lower individual earnings.

Johnston County slightly outearns its poorest neighbors

Johnston County households earn $10,586 more than Jefferson County ($48,750) but $9,706 less than Jackson County ($61,497). Only Kiowa and Latimer counties report lower median incomes, making Johnston a mid-range earner in the south-central Oklahoma region.

Housing costs consume significant household income

Johnston County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.3% indicates housing costs are manageable but notably higher than several neighboring counties. The median home value of $110,700 is affordable for median earners, though limited discretionary income constrains broader financial security.

Build financial resilience through small steps

Johnston County residents can prioritize emergency savings and low-cost retirement contributions despite modest median incomes. Even small regular investments and employer benefits accumulate over time, creating financial protection and long-term wealth growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Johnston County

via CrimeByCounty

Johnston County Excels in National Safety Comparisons

Johnston County reports a total crime rate of 1,133.6 per 100K, which is less than half the national average of 2,385.5. These low numbers earn the county an exceptional safety score of 98.2 out of 100.

Outperforming the Oklahoma Safety Average

The county's safety score of 98.2 is significantly higher than the Oklahoma average of 95.8. Its total crime rate of 1,133.6 per 100K is nearly 1,500 points lower than the state's average.

Johnston County Maintains Regional Safety Leadership

Reports from 2 local agencies show the county is much safer than the state-wide average. Residents enjoy a crime rate that is among the lowest in this part of Oklahoma.

Low Violent and Property Crime Rates

The violent crime rate is just 269.0 per 100K, well below the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also notably low at 864.6 per 100K, compared to the national rate of 2,015.7.

Simple Steps Protect Johnston County Homes

Even with a low property crime rate of 864.6 per 100K, maintaining awareness is key to home safety. Installing a doorbell camera can provide extra peace of mind in this secure county.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Johnston County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm and Wet Subtropical Profile

Johnston County averages 62.2°F annually, staying well above the national median temperature. The region experiences a humid subtropical climate with generous rainfall throughout the year.

Surpassing State Average Rainfall

With 42.4 inches of annual precipitation, Johnston County is wetter than the Oklahoma state average of 37.2 inches. Its 62.2°F average temperature also runs about two degrees warmer than the state mean.

Lush Landscapes Compared to the West

Johnston receives 10 inches more rain annually than Jefferson County, supporting a much greener landscape. However, it stays slightly cooler than Jefferson, averaging 77 extreme heat days compared to Jefferson's 100.

Mild Winters and Humid Summers

July averages a warm 82.2°F, contributing to 77 days of extreme heat each year. Winters remain gentle with a 43.4°F average and only 2.2 inches of annual snowfall.

Manage Rain and High Humidity

Homeowners should maintain clear gutters and drainage systems to handle the 42.4 inches of annual rain. Dehumidifiers are often necessary in summer to manage the moisture that accompanies the heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Johnston County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Alfisols of South-Central Oklahoma

Johnston County is defined by Alfisols, a taxonomic order known for being naturally productive but somewhat acidic. The average pH of 6.20 is slightly higher than the state average but remains below the national median of 6.5. This chemical profile generally supports healthy pasture and woodland growth.

The Balanced Grip of Clay Loam

With a dominant clay loam texture, the soil features 42.1% sand, 30.9% silt, and 22.5% clay. This high clay content compared to neighboring counties provides excellent nutrient retention and structural stability. It is a dense mix that holds onto fertilizers well but can be heavy to work when wet.

Reliable Moisture for Local Crops

The soil’s available water capacity of 0.144 in/in exactly matches the Oklahoma state average. Organic matter stands at 1.47%, which is lower than the 1.72% state average and the 2.0% national benchmark. Despite lower organic levels, the clay-heavy texture helps preserve the nutrients that are present.

Steady Moisture and Slow Infiltration

The land is moderately well drained, providing a safe balance for most agricultural uses. However, it belongs to hydrologic group D, meaning it has a high runoff potential during intense storm events. This requires careful management of surface water to prevent erosion on sloped fields.

Thriving in the Warm Zone 8a

The warm 8a hardiness zone allows for an expansive variety of crops, including berries, peaches, and southern peas. The clay loam provides a sturdy anchor for fruit trees and large perennials. Your garden will thrive here with regular organic additions to improve the soil's natural tilth.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Johnston County

via LawnByCounty

Above Average Conditions in Johnston

Johnston County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 51.3, making it easier to maintain than both the state average and the national median. This 8a hardiness zone provides a long, warm season that supports various turf types. You have a distinct advantage over neighboring counties in the western part of the state.

Generous Rainfall and Manageable Heat

The county receives 42.4 inches of rain annually, placing it perfectly within the 30-50 inch ideal range. You only face 77 extreme heat days per year, which is almost identical to the Oklahoma average. This balance of moisture and temperature reduces the stress on your irrigation budget.

Stable Clay Loam Foundations

Your soil is classified as moderately well-drained clay loam with a healthy pH of 6.20. While the 22.5% clay content helps retain moisture, it can also lead to compaction if foot traffic is heavy. Periodic aeration ensures that air and water reach the roots in this denser soil structure.

Resilient Landscapes in Johnston County

While the county experienced 22 weeks of drought in the past year, zero percent is currently in severe drought stages. The entire county is abnormally dry, but your higher annual rainfall provides a natural buffer. Focus on mulching clippings back into the lawn to retain nitrogen and soil moisture.

Spring Launch for Lush Lawns

With the last frost ending around March 31, your lawn is ready for action by early April. Warm-season grasses like Bermuda or St. Augustine are best suited for the local climate. Time your fertilization to coincide with the rapid growth of the late spring season.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Johnston County's county score?
Johnston County, Oklahoma has a composite county score of 49.1 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 Oklahoma?
Johnston County ranks #19 among all counties in Oklahoma 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, Oklahoma?
The median annual property tax in Johnston County is $650, with an effective tax rate of 0.56%. This earns Johnston County a tax score of 77.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Johnston County?
The median household income in Johnston County, Oklahoma is $52,688 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Johnston County earns an income score of 16.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Johnston County, Oklahoma a good place to live?
Johnston County scores 49.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #19 in Oklahoma. 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.