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Is Johnson City a Good Place to Live? Johnson City, Tennessee: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Johnson City ranks #667 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #294 of 524 smaller cities and #11 of 20 in Tennessee. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (87.9, #26 of 524) and fast population growth (+1.8%, #48 of 468), and trails on low household income ($57,254, #462 of 524) and high poverty (20.3%, #461 of 524).
Johnson City by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Johnson City's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Johnson City?
Johnson City's cost of living index is 87.9, 12% below the US level of 100 and #133 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,023/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $295,339, 12% below the typical Tennessee home ($334,108).
| Measure | Johnson City | TennesseeTN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 87.9#133 of 1,308 | 91.9 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $295,339#362 of 1,187 | $334,108 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,449/mo#299 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $268,200#443 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,023/mo#238 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 4.7x#782 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 21.4%#605 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Tennessee is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Johnson City housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Johnson City is in the Johnson City, TN metro.
Tennessee housing market →Is Johnson City safe?
Johnson City recorded 417 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 27% above the US rate of 328 and 15% below Tennessee's 492. That ranks #742 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #331 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Johnson City Police Department. Property crime runs 2,137 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Johnson City | TennesseeTN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 417#742 of 1,085 | 492 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 2,137#746 of 1,085 | 1,637 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Tennessee is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Johnson City?
The median household in Johnson City earns $57,254, 31% below the US figure of $83,163 and 20% below Tennessee ($71,997). Unemployment is 3.3% (US 4.3%). 20.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Johnson City | TennesseeTN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $57,254#1099 of 1,312 | $71,997 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.3%#186 of 1,058 | 3.5% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 20.3%#1122 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +1.8%#117 of 1,132 | +0.9% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Tennessee is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Johnson City?
The median resident of Johnson City is 35.4 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 42.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #400 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 51.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Johnson City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 35.4 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 42.5%#400 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 51.3% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Johnson City's schools and health?
Johnson City's 13 public schools graduate 94.7% of students in four years (Tennessee 90.4%), with 14.9 students per teacher and $12,089 spent per pupil. 36.2% of adults are obese and 12.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Johnson City | TennesseeTN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 94.7%#107 of 1,063 | 90.4% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 14.9#445 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $12,089#954 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 36.2%#890 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 12.7%#898 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 21.1%#1256 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 11.9%#864 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Tennessee is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 9,358 students are enrolled in Johnson City's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Johnson City?
The average commute in Johnson City is 18.7 minutes (Tennessee 26.5); 0.5% of workers take transit and 12.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Johnson City scores 8 of 20 (below average walkable), #1058 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 73.1°F and winters 38.1°F, with 48 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Johnson City | TennesseeTN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 18.7 min#235 of 1,312 | 26.5 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 3.8%#342 of 1,312 | 7.7% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 75.1% | 75% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.5% | 0.5% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 2.1% | 1.2% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.1% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 12.5% | 12.7% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 8#1058 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Tennessee is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 46.2 | 25.5 | 3.8 |
| Feb | 50.4 | 28.1 | 3.8 |
| Mar | 58.9 | 34.2 | 4 |
| Apr | 69 | 41.9 | 3.8 |
| May | 76.6 | 51.8 | 4.4 |
| Jun | 82.9 | 59.6 | 5.2 |
| Jul | 85.5 | 63.5 | 5.9 |
| Aug | 85 | 62.3 | 4.2 |
| Sep | 80.1 | 55.6 | 3 |
| Oct | 70 | 44 | 2.8 |
| Nov | 58.5 | 33.3 | 3.4 |
| Dec | 49.5 | 28.8 | 3.9 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Elizabethton.
| Measure | Johnson City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 55.9°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 73.1°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 38.1°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 48 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Elizabethton.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Johnson City?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Johnson City's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Washington County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, tornado, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.08% of building value, lower than 96% of US counties.
| Measure | Johnson City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.08%#62 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Washington County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Washington County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.0079% | 75% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0034% | 30% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.058% | 19% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Johnson City compare with similar-size cities?
Johnson City is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #294 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 72,222.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johnson City, TNPop. 72,222 | #667 | 55.6 | $57,254 | $1,023/mo | 417 | 18.7 min |
| Ankeny, IAPop. 72,615 | #81 | 69.0 | $108,198 | $1,319/mo | 151 | 21.1 min |
| Glen Burnie, MDPop. 72,590 | #606 | 56.6 | $88,280 | $1,648/mo | no data | 27.3 min |
| Blaine, MNPop. 72,488 | #227 | 63.8 | $106,801 | $1,705/mo | 65 | 24.5 min |
| Lake Elsinore, CAPop. 72,461 | #893 | 51.9 | $101,888 | $2,078/mo | 116 | 42.9 min |
| Mount Vernon, NYPop. 72,427 | #550 | 57.3 | $78,779 | $1,629/mo | 496 | 35 min |
| Framingham, MAPop. 72,399 | #196 | 64.5 | $107,419 | $2,033/mo | 264 | 30.4 min |
| Harlingen, TXPop. 72,087 | #1115 | 47.6 | $53,645 | $928/mo | 231 | 17.9 min |
| Casas Adobes, AZPop. 72,059 | #779 | 53.6 | $83,683 | $1,650/mo | no data | 25.6 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Johnson City compare with the rest of Tennessee?
Johnson City ranks #11 of the 20 Tennessee cities we track, with a score of 55.6 against Tennessee's statewide 57.1. Its households earn 20% below the Tennessee median. Violent crime is 15% below the statewide rate. Homes are 12% below the typical Tennessee home.
| City | Rank in TN | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Franklin, TNPop. 87,133 | #1 | 69.5 | $119,528 | $1,923/mo | 171 |
| Brentwood, TNPop. 45,556 | #2 | 68.0 | $182,088 | $2,825/mo | 62 |
| Collierville, TNPop. 51,515 | #3 | 67.6 | $138,598 | $1,691/mo | 175 |
| Spring Hill, TNPop. 55,765 | #4 | 63.4 | $112,013 | $1,844/mo | part year |
| Hendersonville, TNPop. 63,091 | #5 | 61.5 | $97,200 | $1,653/mo | 140 |
| Lebanon, TNPop. 44,788 | #6 | 60.3 | $72,848 | $1,306/mo | 266 |
| Bartlett, TNPop. 56,876 | #7 | 59.1 | $102,070 | $1,638/mo | 262 |
| Gallatin, TNPop. 48,532 | #8 | 58.9 | $77,518 | $1,395/mo | 180 |
| Smyrna, TNPop. 56,692 | #9 | 58.3 | $81,926 | $1,461/mo | 333 |
| Murfreesboro, TNPop. 161,445 | #10 | 57.1 | $80,108 | $1,481/mo | 404 |
| Johnson City, TNPop. 72,222 | #11 | 55.6 | $57,254 | $1,023/mo | 417 |
| Columbia, TNPop. 45,441 | #12 | 54.1 | $63,719 | $1,197/mo | 371 |
| Clarksville, TNPop. 176,456 | #13 | 53.4 | $69,303 | $1,307/mo | 366 |
| Knoxville, TNPop. 195,185 | #14 | 51.8 | $54,039 | $1,191/mo | 685 |
| Cleveland, TNPop. 48,829 | #15 | 51.6 | $58,559 | $1,034/mo | 547 |
| Kingsport, TNPop. 56,262 | #16 | 51.3 | $52,490 | $907/mo | 572 |
| Chattanooga, TNPop. 185,783 | #17 | 50.9 | $64,523 | $1,256/mo | 680 |
| Nashville, TNPop. 690,130 | #18 | 50.4 | $77,371 | $1,586/mo | 961 |
| Jackson, TNPop. 68,435 | #19 | 44.4 | $53,032 | $1,145/mo | 727 |
| Memphis, TNPop. 618,980 | #20 | 37.4 | $51,736 | $1,181/mo | 1,853 |
All 20 Tennessee cities we track, by overall score. Tennessee statewide: median income $71,997, violent crime 492.3 per 100,000.
How is Johnson City's score calculated?
Johnson City scores 55.6 out of 100, #667 of 1,312 (grade C+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Tennessee's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Johnson City. Similar-size median 55.5.
49.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Johnson City's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
64.9 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Johnson City. Similar-size median 58.9.
40.8 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Johnson City's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
63.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Johnson City's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
81.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Johnson City. Similar-size median 56.1.
27.6 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Johnson City. Similar-size median 42.4.
61.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Johnson City. Similar-size median 50.0.
51.7 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Johnson City's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
36.8 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 50.8.
96.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Johnson City's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Johnson City has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Johnson City
Is Johnson City, TN a good place to live?
Johnson City ranks #667 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #294 of 524 smaller cities and #11 of 20 in Tennessee. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (87.9, #26 of 524) and fast population growth (+1.8%, #48 of 468), and trails on low household income ($57,254, #462 of 524) and high poverty (20.3%, #461 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Johnson City?
Johnson City's cost of living index is 87.9, 12% below the US level of 100 and #133 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,023/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $295,339, 12% below the typical Tennessee home ($334,108).
What is the crime rate in Johnson City?
Johnson City recorded 417 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 27% above the US rate of 328 and 15% below Tennessee's 492. That ranks #742 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #331 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Johnson City Police Department. Property crime runs 2,137 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Johnson City?
The median household in Johnson City earns $57,254, 31% below the US figure of $83,163 and 20% below Tennessee ($71,997). Unemployment is 3.3% (US 4.3%). 20.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Johnson City?
Median rent in Johnson City is $1,023/mo (Census), #238 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,449/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 21.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Johnson City?
The typical home value in Johnson City is $295,339, up 1.3% in a year, against $334,108 for Tennessee and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $268,200.
How are the public schools in Johnson City?
Johnson City's 13 public schools graduate 94.7% of students in four years (Tennessee 90.4%), with 14.9 students per teacher and $12,089 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Johnson City?
The average commute is 18.7 minutes, #235 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.5 minutes across Tennessee. 3.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Johnson City?
Johnson City averages 55.9°F over the year, 73.1°F in summer and 38.1°F in winter, with 48 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Johnson City walkable?
Johnson City scores 8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1058 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Johnson City at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Washington County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, tornado, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.08% of building value, lower than 96% of US counties.
Who lives in Johnson City?
Johnson City has 72,222 residents. The median resident of Johnson City is 35.4 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 42.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #400 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 51.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Johnson City compare with the rest of Tennessee?
Johnson City ranks #11 of the 20 Tennessee cities we track, with a score of 55.6 against Tennessee's statewide 57.1. Its households earn 20% below the Tennessee median. Violent crime is 15% below the statewide rate. Homes are 12% below the typical Tennessee home.
What cities are similar in size to Johnson City?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Johnson City's population of 72,222 are Ankeny, IA (#81 overall), Glen Burnie, MD (#606 overall), Blaine, MN (#227 overall), Lake Elsinore, CA (#893 overall), and Mount Vernon, NY (#550 overall). Johnson City is #667.