Johnson
Arkansas

What stands out

Against every county in America, Johnson County is unusual in three ways: rainfall is in the top 3% of American counties (59 inches a year), violent crime is in the top 4% of American counties (5.1 per 1,000), and the median household income is in the bottom 9% of American counties ($42,470). Within Arkansas it ranks 3rd of 75 counties for rainfall.

Where you are

You live in Johnson County, Arkansas. 25,925 people live here with you. The population grew 0.6% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +177).

Arkansas has been cutting its income tax rates every legislative session since 2015, and the top rate is now well under 4%. Home prices remain among the lowest in the country, especially outside Northwest Arkansas, where Walmart, Tyson and J.B. Hunt have built a fast-growing corporate corridor around Bentonville and Fayetteville. Tornado season is real across the whole state.

Money

The typical household here brings in $42,470 a year, lower than 91% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $41,859. Unemployment runs 4.1%, higher than 73% of American counties. 4% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 18 minutes each way.

Arkansas takes 3.5% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,491 a year.

Home

The median home costs $185K, cheaper than 69% of American counties, about 2.3 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $711 a month. Property tax is 0.60% of home value, roughly $717 a year on that median home, lower than 77% of American counties. 70% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 5.1 per 1,000 residents, higher than 96% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 10 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 73.7 years, shorter than 74% of American counties. There are 29 active physicians in the county, about 11.2 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 4.0 of 5 stars. 13.3% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.73 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 86% of American counties. 80% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 49 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 51% of eligible voters turned out. Under Arkansas law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is banned with narrow exceptions, and marijuana is medical only.

Weather and risk

The year averages 61°F, highs near 72 and lows near 50, warmer than 71% of American counties. About 59 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 69 out of 100, riskier than 69% of American counties; the county has had 26 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 240 Mbps down, faster than 69% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.6 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.