Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, Johnson County, NE had a population of 5,217. The median age was about 44 years, with 21% under 18 and 20% aged 65 or older. The gender distribution was approximately 57% male and 43% female, influenced by the county’s correctional facility. Racially, the population was 85% White, 5% Black or African American, 8% Hispanic or Latino, and 2% other races or multiracial.
County Crime & Safety
Johnson County, NE, maintains a low crime rate compared to national averages. According to 2022 FBI data, the county reported only 2 violent crimes and 8 property crimes, resulting in a total crime rate of approximately 1.2 incidents per 1,000 residents. Law enforcement presence ensures timely reporting and response, with local agencies promoting community safety programs. Residents generally regard Johnson County as a safe place to live, benefitting from both active policing and strong community engagement.
Elections
Johnson County, Nebraska, had 3,084 registered voters as of 2022, with Republican registration significantly outnumbering Democrats. The county holds primary and general elections, predominantly voting Republican—Donald Trump received 77% and Joe Biden 21% in the 2020 presidential race. Polling locations include the Tecumseh Community Building and town halls in Crab Orchard, Elk Creek, and Cook. Election administration is overseen by the Johnson County Clerk. Key issues include agriculture, rural healthcare, and tax policy. The two main parties are Republican and Democratic, though third-party registrations account for less than 2% of voters.
Education, Employment and Housing
Johnson County, Nebraska, serves about 500 K-12 students across three public schools, including Johnson County Central High School. Approximately 88% of adults are high school graduates, while around 17% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Schools in the county have a GreatSchools rating averaging 5/10. The district offers career and technical education programs, and adult education opportunities are available through Southeast Community College campuses nearby. School safety is a focus, with low incident rates reported annually.
As of 2022, Johnson County, NE, had an employment rate of approximately 60.1%. The leading industries were Health Care & Social Assistance (25.5%), Public Administration (15.2%), and Agriculture (10.9%). Most workers were employed in management, business, science, and arts occupations (29.4%), followed by service occupations (22.7%). The median commute time was 21.4 minutes, with 71% of employees commuting alone by car. Major employment locations include local towns such as Tecumseh, with many residents also commuting to nearby counties for work.
Johnson County, NE has a homeownership rate of about 75%, with median home values around $95,000 and median gross rents near $735 per month. The housing market remains stable, with modest appreciation over recent years. Most homes are single-family residences, with a few multi-family and manufactured options. Neighborhoods are largely quiet and rural, notably in Tecumseh, the county seat. Property tax rates average 1.7% of assessed value, translating to roughly $1,615 annually for a median-priced home. Affordable housing and low population density make Johnson County attractive for families seeking rural Nebraska living.
Popular names
- Justin Brown
- Lisa Bartels
- Aaron Sterup
- Alice Ellis
- Amy Behrends
- Ardis Wentz
- Barbara Lempka
- Billy Borrenpohl
- Brenda Werman
- Brian Wiebke
- Carol Pope
- Connie Walters
- Cory Panko
- Daniel Serrano
- David Smith
- Derek Gottula
- Dustin Boardman
- Elizabeth Gobber
- Harlan Heideman
- Harley Goings
- Heather Thies
- Jason Dorn
- Jesse Phillips
- Jestyn Salberg
- Joshua Wilkins
- Linda Lueders
- Marcella Othmer
- Micah Nixon
- Michael Wendt
- Nathan Thies
- Nikki Pella
- Saundra Richards
- Seth Harms
- Tiffany Dejonge
- Troy Walters
- Aaron Kinney
- Aaron Wagner
- Adam Badberg
- Adam Cardoza
- Adam Johnson
- Alex Kuhl
- Alicia Edlund
- Alisha Blake
- Allan Beethe
- Allan Parrish
- Allen Wenzl
- Amanda Haufle
- Amy Vermeer
- Anastasia Murphy
- Andrew Saathoff
- Andy Topp
- Angela Cook
- Angela Ekhoff
- Angela Schellpeper
- Ann Benson
- Ann Ramsey
- Anna Ullsperger
- Annalise Nelson
- Annie Murphy
- Antinette Fiddermon
Other Counties in Nebraska
- Adams
- Antelope
- Arthur
- Banner
- Blaine
- Boone
- Box Butte
- Boyd
- Brown
- Buffalo
- Burt
- Butler
- Cass
- Cedar
- Chase
- Cherry
- Cheyenne
- Clay
- Colfax
- Cuming
- Custer
- Dakota
- Dawes
- Dawson
- Deuel
- Dixon
- Dodge
- Douglas
- Dundy
- Fillmore
- Franklin
- Frontier
- Furnas
- Gage
- Garden
- Garfield
- Gosper
- Grant
- Greeley
- Hall
- Hamilton
- Harlan
- Hayes
- Hitchcock
- Holt
- Hooker
- Howard
- Jefferson
- Kearney
- Keith