Johnson County, NE Property Tax: $1,993/yr (2026)
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The effective property tax rate in Johnson County is 1.52% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $131,500, that works out to about $1,999 per year, or $167 per month. Johnson County is located in southeastern Nebraska, with Tecumseh as its county seat, and is home to approximately 5,263 residents.
About Johnson County
Johnson County covers approximately 376.1 square miles in Nebraska. The county is home to about 5,263 residents living in roughly 2,090 housing units, of which 57.3% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $59,457, and the median home was built in 1953.
The county seat is Tecumseh. Johnson County borders Gage County, Lancaster County, Nemaha County, Otoe County, Pawnee County — useful comparisons if you're considering nearby areas with potentially different tax rates.
How Property Taxes Work in Nebraska
Property taxes in Nebraska are administered at the county level. Each county sets a millage rate applied to the assessed value of real property — the effective rate above accounts for any partial assessments and exemptions already built into the local tax base. Assessed value can differ meaningfully from current market value depending on how often the county reassesses and what fraction of market value it uses.
Most counties in Nebraska offer exemptions that reduce the taxable assessed value: homestead exemptions for primary residences, senior exemptions, disability exemptions, and veteran exemptions are common. These reduce your effective rate below the county-wide average shown here. Contact the Johnson County Assessor's office to learn which exemptions apply to your property and when to file.
Johnson County vs. Neighboring Counties
| Location | Eff. Rate | Median Home | Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Johnson County, NE | 1.52% | $131,500 | $1,999 |
| Nebraska state average | 1.28% | — | $1,683* |
| Gage County | 1.44% | $167,100 | $2,406 |
| Lancaster County | 1.57% | $258,900 | $4,055 |
| Nemaha County | 1.41% | $125,100 | $1,761 |
| Otoe County | 1.44% | $185,000 | $2,658 |
| Pawnee County | 1.59% | $74,800 | $1,191 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at Johnson County's median home value of $131,500. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Johnson County's property tax rate compare to the rest of Nebraska?
At 1.52%, Johnson County is higher than the Nebraska state average of 1.28%. On a home at the county median of $131,500, that means about $1,999 per year — versus $1,683 at the state average rate, a difference of $316 per year. Compared to the national average of 1.10%, Johnson County is above average.
What's a typical annual property tax bill in Johnson County?
For a home at the county median value of $131,500, the annual property tax in Johnson County is approximately $1,999 — or about $167 per month. For a home worth $197,250, expect around $2,998 per year. For a $263,000 home, approximately $3,998 per year. Use the calculator above to estimate taxes for any assessed value.
Where do I appeal a Johnson County property tax assessment?
Property assessment appeals in Johnson County are handled by the Johnson County Assessor's office in Tecumseh. Most jurisdictions require filing within 30–90 days of receiving your assessment notice — confirm the specific deadline with the assessor's office before submitting, as deadlines and procedures vary by county. A successful appeal can reduce your assessed value and lower your tax bill for the current and future tax years.
What exemptions are available in Johnson County?
Nebraska counties commonly offer homestead exemptions for owner-occupied primary residences, senior citizen exemptions for qualifying homeowners aged 65 and older, exemptions for disabled residents, and veterans' exemptions. Each exemption reduces your assessed taxable value, which in turn reduces your effective tax rate below the county-wide 1.52% shown here. Contact the Johnson County Assessor's office to confirm which exemptions are available and the application deadlines.
Data sources: US Census Bureau ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates, US Census Gazetteer (2024), County Adjacency File