RANK #152 / 996 · POP 54,025 · MO
PROJECTED GROWTH: +2.4%
Johnson County, Missouri, is perhaps best known for the story of Old Drum, a dog whose owner's eulogy by George Graham Vest became famous, with a statue commemorating the tale on the courthouse square in Warrensburg, the county seat. Located in west-central Missouri, about 50 miles southeast of Kansas City, the county offers a blend of urban communities and open countryside. Commutes to Kansas City are manageable, and public transportation, including fixed routes and microtransit, is available within Johnson County and connects to Kansas City, Missouri and Kansas City, Kansas. The landscape features rolling hills, fertile prairies, and wooded areas, with outdoor recreation opportunities at places like Knob Noster State Park and various lakes for fishing, hiking, and biking.
Life in Johnson County often appeals to families and young professionals, with many residents owning their homes. The public schools in the county are considered above average. The economy is supported by a diverse range of employers, including both private businesses and public institutions. Recent economic developments focus on attracting new businesses and supporting existing ones, with efforts in workforce and talent development. There is also a focus on expanding commercial and residential options, alongside investments in energy sectors.
Above national median (4.7x)
Below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 5.5x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Southern Meadows Master-Planned Community
Undisclosed Developer
|
$600M | Under Construction |
|
West Gardner Solar Project
NextEra Energy Resources
|
$320M | Proposed |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Johnson County has a Boom Town Index score of 85/100, ranking #152 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +1.4% and a median household income of $62,503, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Johnson County is $206,600 with median rent at $912/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3025, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.2% year-over-year. Job growth: +1.4%. Home values changed +4.3% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 7.67% of Johnson County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.