Iowa City
RANK #490 / 996 NAT · #9 / 11 IA · POP 153,360
1YR FORECAST: +1.4%
5YR OUTLOOK: +24%
Johnson County, Iowa, stands out for its connection to Iowa City, home of the University of Iowa. The county, located in eastern Iowa, is part of the larger Iowa City metropolitan area and the Cedar Rapids-Iowa City Corridor. The landscape features rolling uplands, winding ridges, and ravines along the Iowa River, offering natural scenery and outdoor recreation opportunities at places like F.W. Kent Park and Lake Macbride State Park. Life in Johnson County is shaped by its educational institutions and healthcare providers, which are major employers. The area attracts a diverse population, including families and those seeking educational and career opportunities. The economy is driven by sectors such as education, health, and agriculture, with a focus on corn and soybean production. Recent economic development efforts in Johnson County emphasize supporting local entrepreneurship, improving infrastructure, and expanding broadband access, alongside initiatives to promote sustainability and conservation.
Below national median (4.7x)
Below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 4.3x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
MidAmerican Energy Solar Triangle Project
MidAmerican Energy
|
$150M | Proposed |
|
Solon Wastewater Treatment Plant
City of Solon
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
Replay Iowa Project (Iowa City)
Unknown
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
Alpla, Inc. Learning and Development Facility (Iowa City)
Alpla, Inc.
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
CIVCO Medical Solutions Expansion (Coralville)
CIVCO Medical Solutions
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
North Park Road and Highway 6 Urbanization (Tiffin)
Unknown
|
$50M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Johnson County scores 50/100 on the Boom Town Index, landing in the middle of the pack among 996 U.S. counties (#490). Median household income is $72,977 and job growth is running at +0.7%. The data points to a county with mixed signals — some positive indicators alongside areas that lag faster-growing peers.
Housing in Johnson County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $277,800 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.26, with rents averaging $1,086/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Johnson County's population is growing — up +1.0% YoY — while the job market is roughly flat (employment change of +0.7%). Home values shifted +4.0% over the past year. In-migration is outpacing local hiring, which often points to remote workers or retirees driving the headcount.
In significant numbers — 5.88% of Johnson County's current population relocated from another state, well above the national norm. That level of in-migration usually signals a county where jobs, affordability, or quality of life are pulling people in from elsewhere.