Johnson
Nebraska

What stands out

Against every county in America, Johnson County is unusual in three ways: the overdose death rate is in the bottom 4% of American counties (0 per 100,000), violent crime is in the bottom 6% of American counties (3.0 per 1,000), and the property tax rate is in the top 12% of American counties (1.58%). Within Nebraska it ranks 69th of 93 counties for the overdose death rate, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Johnson County, Nebraska. 5,294 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population shrank 0.9% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -26).

Nebraska stopped taxing Social Security in 2025 and is cutting its top income-tax rate toward 3.99%. Property taxes are among the highest in the country as a share of home value, which is the state's longest-running political fight. Omaha and Lincoln hold most of the population and jobs; the state has the country's only unicameral legislature and publicly owned electric utilities.

Money

The typical household here brings in $64,352 a year, higher than 61% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $54,239. Unemployment runs 2.9%, lower than 70% of American counties. 5% of workers work from home.

Nebraska takes 4.1% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,627 a year.

Home

The median home costs $216K, cheaper than 57% of American counties, about 1.5 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $824 a month. Property tax is 1.58% of home value, roughly $1,850 a year on that median home, higher than 88% of American counties. 72% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.0 per 1,000 residents, lower than 94% of American counties.

A child born here can expect to live 77.6 years, longer than 70% of American counties. There are 2 active physicians in the county, about 3.8 per 10,000 people. 7.7% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.06 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 56% of American counties. 89% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

55% of eligible voters turned out. Under Nebraska law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is legal with limits, and marijuana is medical only.

Weather and risk

The year averages 53°F, highs near 64 and lows near 41, colder than 62% of American counties. About 29 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 14 out of 100, safer than 86% of American counties; the county has had 22 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 232 Mbps down, faster than 65% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.8 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.