Warrensburg
RANK #65 / 996 NAT · #4 / 22 MO · POP 54,025
1YR FORECAST: +2.7%
5YR OUTLOOK: +38%
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.
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 →
| 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 ranks #65 out of 996 U.S. counties on the Boom Town Index with a score of 94/100, putting it in the top tier nationally. Job growth of +1.4% and a median household income of $62,503 point to a county with active economic momentum.
Housing in Johnson County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $206,600 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.30, with rents averaging $912/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Employers in Johnson County are hiring — job growth of +1.4% — but the population is close to flat (+0.2% YoY). Home values moved +4.3% over the past year. Labor demand is outpacing local population growth, which tends to tighten wages and housing.
In significant numbers — 7.67% 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.