Johnson
Illinois

What stands out

Against every county in America, Johnson County is unusual in two ways: homeownership is in the top 3% of American counties (85%) and unemployment is in the top 7% of American counties (5.4%). Within Illinois it ranks 3rd of 102 counties for homeownership.

Where you are

You live in Johnson County, Illinois. 13,313 people live here with you. The population shrank 0.5% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -5).

Illinois exempts all retirement income from its flat 4.95% income tax: Social Security, pensions, 401(k) and IRA withdrawals are untaxed. It offsets that with the second-highest property taxes in the country and an estate tax that starts at $4 million, well below the federal threshold. Chicago and the collar counties hold two-thirds of the population; downstate is a different housing market.

Money

The typical household here brings in $63,295 a year, higher than 58% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $58,740. Unemployment runs 5.4%, higher than 93% of American counties. 7% of workers work from home.

Illinois takes 5.0% of that median income in state income tax, about $3,133 a year.

Home

The median home costs $205K, cheaper than 61% of American counties, about 1.8 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $648 a month. Property tax is 1.32% of home value, roughly $1,871 a year on that median home, higher than 79% of American counties. 85% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.8 per 1,000 residents, lower than 53% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 14 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 77.2 years, longer than 66% of American counties. There are 5 active physicians in the county, about 3.8 per 10,000 people. 7.9% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.97 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 66% of American counties. 85% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 59 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 64% of eligible voters turned out. Under Illinois law you can get a concealed-carry permit on request, abortion is protected by state law, and marijuana is legal for adults.

Weather and risk

The year averages 58°F, highs near 67 and lows near 48, warmer than 58% of American counties. About 47 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 50 out of 100, riskier than 51% of American counties; the county has had 7 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 144 Mbps down, slower than 73% of American counties. There are 0 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.6 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.