In Johnson County, 30% of jobs pay less than $15 an hour, which is equivalent to $31,200 for full-time year-round work and does not cover the cost of living even for a single adult. Employment projections for the area suggest that the largest employment growth through 2022 will be predominantly low-wage occupations, such as sales clerk, restaurant worker, cashier, and personal care aide. Supporting a family and getting a secure foothold in life can be challenging when job opportunities are concentrated in low wage jobs.
Johnson County has a higher cost of living than other communities in the Kansas City metro area.