What is the property tax rate in Johnson County?

The combined effective property tax rate in Johnson County, Kansas is approximately 1.30%.

Johnson County Property Tax Calculator (2026) — Kansas Property Tax Almanac

Property Tax in Johnson County, 2026

A calculator and field guide for Overland Park-area homeowners — and for anyone considering a move to Johnson County — including Kansas's constitutionally-fixed 11.5% residential assessment ratio (Art. 11, §1), the 20-mill Statewide School Levy with a $20,000 exemption, SAFESR refund for low-income seniors 65+, and the partial Disabled Veteran Refund (SVR — Kansas does NOT provide a full vet exemption).

Johnson County, home to Olathe and 615k Kansans, operates under Kansas's constitutionally-fixed property tax system. Residential property is assessed at 11.5% of fair market value (Kansas Constitution Art. 11, §1; commercial is 25%). Tax = AV × Mill Levy / 1,000. The state imposes a 20-mill Statewide School Levy, but the first $20,000 of appraised value is EXEMPT from this state portion (~$46/year reduction for all owners). Kansas does NOT have a senior property tax freeze.

How the bill is built

Kansas property tax follows a 3-step calculation. Step 1: Fair Market Value. The Johnson County Kansas Appraiser's Office determines FMV every year (Kansas reappraises annually, unlike Missouri's biennial cycle). Step 2: Apply 11.5% residential assessment ratio. AV = FMV × 11.5%. Commercial uses 25%; agricultural uses 30% of use value. Step 3: Apply mill levy. Tax = AV × mill levy / 1,000. Johnson County's combined consolidated mill levy is ~113 mills (× 11.5% residential AR = ~1.30% effective rate against market value).

The $20,000 Statewide School Levy exemption is automatic — for ALL owners, not just seniors. Kansas\'s 20-mill Statewide School Levy is reduced by an exemption of the first $20,000 of appraised value. At 11.5% AR × 20 mills, this saves every Kansas homeowner approximately $46/year automatically. No application required. Senior protection beyond this is limited to the SAFESR refund (75% of paid tax for 65+ with income below $23,700) and the Homestead Refund (up to $700 for 55+ or disabled with income below $42,000) — both income-tested.

Kansas does NOT provide a full property tax exemption for 100% disabled veterans — among only a handful of states without this benefit (similar to Missouri and Massachusetts). Instead, the Kansas Disabled Veteran Property Tax Refund (SVR) provides a refundable credit: 50% of property tax paid for 50%+ service-connected disability, or 75% for 70%+ disability. Income-tested at ~$60,000 household income. File Form K-40SVR with state income tax return by April 15. Disabled veterans should compare with neighboring Missouri\'s MO-PTC ($1,100 max) or move further afield to states with full exemptions (MD, VA, IA, WI, MI, NJ, PA, SC).

Reappraisals occur annually — providing real-time market reflection but also volatility. Unlike Missouri\'s odd-year cycle or Maryland\'s triennial cycle, Kansas reappraises real property every year. Property owners can appeal to the County Board of Equalization within 30 days of receiving the change of value notice (typically March). Comparable sales evidence is the most-effective basis for appeal. Subsequent appeals to the State Board of Tax Appeals (BOTA) require formal evidence and hearing.

2026 Johnson County rate breakdown (consolidated mill levy per $1,000 of AV (11.5% of FMV), Olathe district)

Taxing entity	Rate
Combined consolidated mill levy (~113 mills × 11.5% AR = ~1.30% effective)	113.0000
Combined total	113.0000

As of April 26, 2026 · From Johnson County Kansas Appraiser's Office.

Note: Johnson County is **the most-populous county in Kansas** (~615K residents, more than Wichita's Sedgwick County) and the affluent suburban core of the Kansas City metro's Kansas side. Anchored by Overland Park (~200K — the second-largest city in Kansas), Olathe (~141K, the seat), Shawnee (~67K), Lenexa (~58K), Leawood (~33K, ultra-affluent), and Mission (~10K). The county hosts headquarters or major operations for Sprint/T-Mobile, Garmin, Hallmark, Black & Veatch, AMC Theaters, YRC Worldwide, and Waddell & Reed. Johnson County's public school districts (Blue Valley, Olathe, Shawnee Mission) are consistently ranked among the best in the Midwest.

Note: Johnson County effective property tax rates run approximately **1.30% — among the lower in Kansas** (driven by the higher home value base), but the dollar amounts are substantial. Combined consolidated mill levy is ~113 mills (× 11.5% residential AR = ~1.30% effective rate against market value). Median home values around $385K (highest in Kansas) combined with the moderate rate produce median annual bills around $5,005. Johnson County does NOT participate in any senior property tax freeze (Kansas has no SB 190 equivalent) — but seniors should check the Kansas Homestead Refund and SAFESR refund programs.

Note: For relocation buyers: Johnson County offers **the premier Kansas City suburban** option — substantially higher-rated public schools than the Missouri-side suburbs, more affluent commercial development, and direct KC commute. The trade-off vs. Platte / Clay (the Missouri-side premium suburbs we cover): Johnson's 1.30% rate is similar to Platte's 1.40%, but Johnson home values are higher (~$385K vs Platte's $320K). Kansas state income tax (top 5.7%) is higher than Missouri's (top 4.95%) — meaningful for retirees with significant income. No SB 190 senior freeze in KS is a meaningful retiree disadvantage vs MO.

Deductions and exemptions for 2026

Kansas homeowner property tax relief is concentrated in three mechanisms: (1) the constitutional 11.5% residential assessment ratio (applied automatically), (2) the $20,000 Statewide School Levy exemption (applied automatically), and (3) the income-tested SAFESR Refund for low-income seniors 65+ and the Homestead Refund for 55+ or disabled. Notably, Kansas does NOT provide a full disabled-veteran exemption — only the partial SVR refund.

The 11.5% Residential Assessment Ratio (constitutional)

Kansas Constitution Art. 11, §1 fixes residential property at 11.5% of fair market value — applied automatically with no application. Commercial uses 25%; agricultural uses 30% of use value. The constitutional ratio means a $300K market-value home has only $34,500 assessed value (compared to states with 100% AR where the same home would have $300K AV against the rate).

$20,000 Statewide School Levy Exemption (automatic)

Kansas\'s 20-mill Statewide School Levy applies to most Kansas property — but the first $20,000 of appraised value is exempt from this state portion. At 11.5% AR × 20 mills, this saves every Kansas homeowner approximately $46/year automatically. No application required. This applies to ALL homeowners — not just seniors.

SAFESR Refund + Homestead Refund (income-tested)

Kansas does NOT have a senior property tax freeze (no SB 190 equivalent). Senior protection is limited to two income-tested refund programs: SAFESR (Property Tax Relief for Low-Income Seniors) refunds 75% of property taxes paid for owners 65+ with household income below ~$23,700 (2026, indexed). The Kansas Homestead Refund provides a partial rebate up to ~$700/year for owners 55+ or disabled with household income below ~$42,000. File Form K-40H (Homestead Refund) or Form K-40SVR (SAFESR) with Kansas Department of Revenue by April 15.

Disabled Veteran Refund (SVR — partial only)

Kansas\'s SVR refund provides 50% of property tax paid for 50%+ service-connected disability, or 75% for 70%+ disability. Income-tested at ~$60,000 household income. Surviving spouses retain. File Form K-40SVR. NOT a full exemption — meaningful disadvantage vs neighboring Missouri\'s MO-PTC ($1,100) or eastern states with full vet exemptions.

Appealing your assessment

Kansas property tax appeals follow a 3-tier process. Level 1: County Board of Equalization. File a written appeal within 30 days of receiving the change of value notice (mailed late February to early March each year, since Kansas reappraises annually). The CBOE holds informal hearings — present comparable sales, recent appraisals, or condition documentation. Level 2: State Board of Tax Appeals (BOTA). If denied, appeal to the BOTA within 30 days of the CBOE decision. BOTA holds formal evidentiary hearings (small-claims division for residential properties under $3M). Level 3: Court of Appeals. BOTA decisions can be appealed on legal grounds. Most Kansas appeals are resolved at Level 1.

Cities and towns in Johnson County

Johnson County contains 6 incorporated municipalities, ranging from Olathe to the smallest village. Search volume for property tax is often city-specific, so here is the complete list — with population from the 2020 US Census, rounded to the nearest 100.

Data: US Census Bureau, 2020 Decennial Census. Populations rounded. Cities marked as "split" straddle a county border — the portion inside Johnson County is subject to Johnson County's tax rolls, while the portion outside is subject to the adjacent county's.

City or town	Type	Population (2020)
Overland Park	city	200,000
Olathe County seat	city	141,300
Shawnee	city	67,300
Lenexa	city	57,700
Leawood	city	33,500
Mission	city	9,900

About city-level property tax rates: The rate breakdown and calculator on this page reflect the Olathe tax district. Other cities in Johnson County may pay into different school districts, city rates, and special districts — so their combined rates can differ, sometimes substantially. Always verify the specific rates for your address with the Johnson County Kansas Appraiser's Office before relying on any estimate.

Frequently asked questions

When are Kansas property taxes due?

Kansas property taxes are due in two installments: December 20 (first half) and May 10 (second half). Bills are typically mailed in November. Late payments accrue interest plus penalty. Most Kansas homeowners pay through escrow via mortgage servicer. Some counties offer optional installment plans — contact your county treasurer for current options.

Why does Kansas not have a senior property tax freeze?

Kansas does not have a senior property tax freeze (no SB 190 equivalent like Missouri). The Kansas Legislature has considered similar legislation multiple times in recent years but has not passed a senior freeze. Senior protection is limited to two income-tested refund programs: SAFESR (Property Tax Relief for Low-Income Seniors) refunds 75% of property taxes paid for owners 65+ with household income below ~$23,700 (2026, indexed), and the Kansas Homestead Refund provides a partial rebate up to ~$700/year for owners 55+ or disabled with household income below ~$42,000. Both refunds are filed with Kansas Department of Revenue (Form K-40H or K-40SVR) by April 15.

How does the SAFESR refund work?

SAFESR is a refundable claim filed with Kansas Department of Revenue (NOT with the county). Eligibility: age 65+ as of December 31 of the tax year; primary residence in Kansas; household income below ~$23,700 (2026 limit, indexed annually); have paid property taxes on the home. Mechanism: SAFESR refunds 75% of the property taxes paid on the primary residence. Filing: Form K-40SVR, due April 15 (with extension available). The refund is paid as a check from Kansas Department of Revenue, typically within 90 days of filing.

Why doesn\'t Kansas have a full disabled veterans property tax exemption?

Kansas does NOT provide a full property tax exemption for 100% disabled veterans — among only a handful of states without this benefit (Missouri and Massachusetts are similar). Kansas\'s primary veteran property tax relief is the Disabled Veteran Refund (SVR): 50% of property tax paid for 50%+ service-connected disability, or 75% for 70%+ disability. Income-tested at ~$60,000 household income. File Form K-40SVR with state income tax return by April 15. Disabled veterans seeking a full exemption may want to compare neighboring Missouri (MO-PTC up to $1,100), or eastern states with full vet exemptions (MD, VA, IA, WI, MI, NJ, PA — and SC for 100% P&T).

How does the $20,000 Statewide School Levy exemption work?

The Kansas Statewide School Levy is 20 mills, applied to most Kansas property to fund public schools. However, the first $20,000 of appraised value of every Kansas home is EXEMPT from this 20-mill state portion. At 11.5% AR × 20 mills, this saves every Kansas homeowner approximately $46/year automatically. No application required — it appears as a deduction on your bill. This is universal (not senior-specific) and applies to ALL primary residences. The local mill levy (county, city, school district, special districts) still applies to the full assessed value.

How do I appeal my Kansas assessment?

Kansas property tax appeals follow a 3-tier process. Level 1: County Board of Equalization (CBOE). File a written appeal within 30 days of receiving the change of value notice (mailed late February to early March each year — Kansas reappraises annually). The CBOE holds informal hearings — present comparable sales, recent appraisals, or condition documentation. Level 2: State Board of Tax Appeals (BOTA). If denied, appeal to BOTA within 30 days of the CBOE decision. BOTA holds formal evidentiary hearings (small-claims division for residential properties under $3M). Level 3: Kansas Court of Appeals. BOTA decisions can be appealed on legal grounds. Most Kansas appeals are resolved at Level 1.

About Johnson County

Beyond the property tax — a few things you might not know about the place.

Weird fact

Sprint Corporation (now T-Mobile) maintained its world headquarters at the **Sprint Campus in Overland Park** — a 240-acre, 17-building campus that was at peak (early 2000s) **one of the largest corporate campuses in the United States** by square footage and one of the most-distinctive Midwest corporate complexes. The campus housed up to 15,000 Sprint employees during the 2000s. Following T-Mobile's 2020 acquisition of Sprint, much of the campus has been repurposed — but the iconic 17-building complex (designed to evoke a New Urbanist village with its own streets, restaurants, and amenities) remains an Overland Park landmark.

Hometown hero

Walt Disney

Although primarily associated with Kansas City, Missouri, Disney lived as a teenager in **Kansas City, Kansas / Wyandotte County** before moving to California. However Johnson County's most-famous person may be **Carlos Beltrán** (born 1977 in Manatí, Puerto Rico, raised partly in Wyandotte/Johnson County area) — the 9-time MLB All-Star center fielder who played for the Royals, Astros, Mets, Giants, Cardinals, Yankees, and Rangers across 20 seasons (1998-2017). Beltrán won 3 Gold Gloves, 2 Silver Sluggers, hit 435 career home runs, and was a key figure in the Royals' 2003-2004 rebuild that culminated in the 2014-2015 World Series teams.

Biggest annual event

Renaissance Festival + Johnson County Fair

The Kansas City Renaissance Festival (annual, late August through mid-October at the Bonner Springs grounds in Wyandotte County, but heavily Johnson-County-attended, since 1977) is **one of the longest-running and largest Renaissance fairs in the United States** — drawing 200,000+ attendees over 7 weekends with full-immersion 16th-century England programming, live combat demonstrations, jousting, and 500+ artisan vendors. The Johnson County Fair (annual, late July at the Johnson County Fairgrounds in Gardner) is a smaller traditional county fair.

Property Tax in Johnson County, 2026