County Crime & Safety

Johnson County, TN, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. As of recent data, the county reports a total crime rate of approximately 1,200 incidents per 100,000 residents annually. Violent crime is notably low, averaging about 110 cases per 100,000, while property crime stands at around 1,090 per 100,000. Law enforcement agencies prioritize proactive community engagement, and citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activity via local hotlines or online portals, contributing to effective crime monitoring and prevention.

Elections

Johnson County, TN, had 11,234 registered voters as of 2023. Residents participate in federal, state, and local elections, including county commission and school board. In the 2020 presidential election, 82% voted Republican and 17% Democratic. Polling locations include the Johnson County Courthouse and multiple precincts. Recent issues include school funding and road repairs. Elections are administered by the Johnson County Election Commission. Republican registration and turnout consistently outpace Democrats, with third-party participation under 2%.

Education, Employment and Housing

Johnson County, TN has 7 public schools serving pre-K through 12th grade, with Johnson County High School as the main secondary institution. The high school graduation rate is about 90%, but only 11.7% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average test scores in the district are below the state median. The county emphasizes school safety, implementing various security measures, and provides programs in career and technical education. Adult education opportunities are available through GED and vocational classes, aiming to improve workforce skills in the region.

As of 2022, Johnson County, TN, has an employment rate of approximately 51.6%. Major employment sectors are health care and social assistance (17.1%), manufacturing (16.3%), and retail trade (12.7%). The predominant occupation types are production (16.1%), office/administrative support (13.9%), and sales (10.7%). Around 66% of workers commute outside the county, with a median commute time of 26.7 minutes. The majority (over 75%) drive alone to work, reflecting limited local employment opportunities and reliance on neighboring counties for jobs.

Johnson County, TN, offers affordable housing with a median home value of about $140,000 (2023), well below the national average. Homeownership rates are high, at around 77%, while median rent is approximately $730/month. Housing types include single-family homes, cabins, and some mobile homes, with neighborhoods like Mountain City and Laurel Bloomery popular among residents. The county’s property tax rate is $1.67 per $100 of assessed value, significantly lower than urban areas. Recent years have seen a gradual property value increase of about 5% annually, reflecting slow but steady market growth.

Demographics

As of 2022, Johnson County, TN, has an estimated population of about 17,700. The county is predominantly White (over 95%), with small African American (2%), Hispanic (1.5%), and other minority groups. The median age is around 47 years, reflecting an older population; about 19% are under 18, and approximately 23% are age 65 or older. Gender distribution is roughly balanced, with 51% male and 49% female, partly due to the local correctional facility increasing the male population.