Johnson
Missouri

What stands out

Against every county in America, Johnson County is unusual in two ways: homeownership is in the bottom 12% of American counties (63%) and home internet speed is in the top 15% of American counties (272 Mbps). Within Missouri it ranks 11th of 115 counties for homeownership, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Johnson County, Missouri. 54,025 people live here with you. The population grew 0.9% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +181).

Missouri stopped taxing Social Security and public pensions for all residents in 2024 and has been cutting its top income-tax rate toward 4.5%. Home prices are well below the national average in both Kansas City and St. Louis. The state's property tax on vehicles, paid every year, surprises new arrivals; tornado exposure is high across the state.

Money

The typical household here brings in $62,503 a year, higher than 56% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $46,500. Unemployment runs 2.6%, lower than 78% of American counties. 5% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 22 minutes each way.

Missouri takes 4.4% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,757 a year.

Home

The median home costs $286K, pricier than 66% of American counties, about 2.5 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $789 a month. Property tax is 0.71% of home value, roughly $1,473 a year on that median home, lower than 64% of American counties. 63% 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 76.4 years, longer than 56% of American counties. There are 47 active physicians in the county, about 8.7 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 4.0 of 5 stars. 8.4% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.11 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 61% of American counties. 92% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 33 points. 56% of eligible voters turned out. Under Missouri law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is banned with narrow exceptions, and marijuana is legal for adults.

Weather and risk

The year averages 56°F, highs near 67 and lows near 45, warmer than 52% of American counties. About 36 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 51 out of 100, riskier than 51% of American counties; the county has had 21 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 272 Mbps down, faster than 85% of American counties. There are 6 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.6 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.