Johnson County
AR · Pop. 25,932 · Suburban County
Johnson County is a suburban county in Arkansas, spanning 661 square miles with 25,932 residents at a density of 39.2 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on hay, soybeans, corn. The median home price is $125,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.57%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 8a with a 224-day growing season, average summer highs of 87.9°F and average winter lows of 28.9°F. Annual rainfall averages 51.5 inches, and with drought risk rated high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Johnson Regional Medical Center is 7.8 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 84.7% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is very high, tornado risk is very high, wildfire risk is very high, drought risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 224-day growing season in USDA zone 8a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.57% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $125,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Johnson Regional Medical Center, with an emergency room, is just 7.8 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
- Tornado risk is very high, so a storm shelter and wind-resistant structures are practical necessities.
- Flood risk is very high, so careful parcel siting and flood insurance are essential.
- A poverty rate of 19.4% reflects a constrained local economy with limited off-farm income options.
At a glance
Johnson County, AR is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 85/100
- Median home price
- $125k
- Property tax
- 0.57%
- Growing season
- 224 days (zone 8a)
- Annual rainfall
- 51.5"
- Broadband
- 84.7%
- Nearest hospital
- Johnson Regional Medical Center, 7.8 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Johnson County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Johnson County?
- Johnson County is in USDA hardiness zone 8a with a 224-day growing season, average summer highs of 87.9°F, and average winter lows of 28.9°F. The established crops are hay, soybeans, corn.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $125,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.57%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 84.7% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Johnson Regional Medical Center is 7.8 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore Arkansas Resources
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LandWatch
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AcreTrader
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More counties in Arkansas
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The closest counties to Johnson County by distance, including across state lines.
Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
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