Johnston, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
24,384
0.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$106,551/yr
3.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
9,720
-1.5% year-over-year change

Johnston population

How many people live in Johnston

Johnston is home to 24,384 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.4% of Johnston locals are male, and 51.6% are female.

Total population
24,384
0.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.4%
11,804
Female
51.6%
12,580
Value Percent YoY change
Male 11,804 48.4% -0.6%
Female 12,580 51.6% 2.1%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Johnston is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 25.4% are children under 15, then 11.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.8% of the population, while another 24.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
37.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
25.4%
15 to 24
11.3%
25 to 44
23.8%
45 to 64
24.2%
Over 65
15.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 6,199 25.4% 6.9%
15 to 24 2,754 11.3% 1.9%
25 to 44 5,802 23.8% -2.9%
45 to 64 5,888 24.2% 1.2%
Over 65 3,741 15.3% -4.2%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Johnston, 89.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 76.6% of locals are Caucasian, 10.6% are African American and 7.3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 4.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
89.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
6%
Non-citizens
4.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 21,878 89.7% 0.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,454 6% -8.2%
Non-citizens 1,052 4.3% 42.0%
Racial breakdown
White
76.6%
Black or African American
10.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
7.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4.2%
Other
1.1%
Value Percent
White 18,682 76.6%
Black or African American 2,590 10.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 39 0.2%
Asian 1,772 7.3%
Two or more races 1,032 4.2%
Other 269 1.1%

Households in Johnston

A peek inside Johnston households

Johnston has 9,259 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 70.7% are families, while the remaining 29.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
9,259
-3.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
2,710
Family households
6,549
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,710 29.3% -9.6%
Family households 6,549 70.7% -0.1%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Johnston

The housing landscape of Johnston

Johnston's housing consists of 9,720 units, with 56.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 14.1% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
9,720
-1.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 5,481 56.4%
1 unit, attached 1,368 14.1%
2 units 58 0.6%
3 or 4 units 87 0.9%
5 to 9 units 552 5.7%
10 to 19 units 577 5.9%
20 to 49 units 769 7.9%
50 or more units 828 8.5%
Homes built since 2020
321
11.8% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Johnston

In Johnston, the median construction year is 2004. About 0.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 33% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 26.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 3.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 68 0.7% -44.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 69 0.7% 76.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 173 1.8% 13.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 186 1.9% 1.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 228 2.4% -21.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 979 10.1% -7.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,886 19.4% -2.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 3,209 33% 2.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 2,601 26.8% -2.7%
Built in 2020 or later 321 3.3% 11.8%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Johnston occupancy rates

Out of the 9,259 occupied housing units in Johnston, 70.8% are owner-occupied, while 29.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
9,259
-3.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,705
Owner occupied
6,554
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,705 29.2% 2.2%
Owner occupied 6,554 70.8% -5.1%
Unoccupied housing units
4.7%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Johnston housing costs

Housing costs in Johnston come to a median of $1,525 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,338.

Median housing costs per month
$1,525/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Johnston
$1,338/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Johnston

Johnston education at a glance

About 18.4% of the population in Johnston went to high school, while 19.6% pursued college studies. Another 7% earned an associate degree and 34.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 20% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 105 0.6% 47.9%
High school diploma 3,112 18.4% -2.9%
College diploma 3,315 19.6% 4.8%
Associate degree 1,196 7% -13.8%
Bachelor's degree 5,832 34.4% -3.2%
Graduate degree 3,397 20% 2.0%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Johnston

How much people earn in Johnston

The average annual household income in Johnston was $150,204 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $106,551, reflecting a +3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Johnston
$150,204/year
5.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Johnston
$106,551/year
3.0% year-over-year change

Johnston income by age

In Johnston, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $117,079. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $175,571 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $61,632, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $69,087 in earnings. Overall, 89.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $61,632 4.8%
25 - 44 $117,079 -8.7%
45 - 64 $175,571 2.4%
Over 65 $69,087 14.0%
Above poverty level
21,422
Below poverty level
2,448
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 21,422 89.7% -2.1%
Below poverty level 2,448 10.3% 36.5%

Average renter income in Johnston

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Johnston, their median household income was $48,827 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 32.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$48,827
Rent-to-income ratio
32.9%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Johnston

Workforce and job types in Johnston

The job market in Johnston is powered by 12,232 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 87.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 12.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.1% run their own businesses, 65.3% are employed by private companies, and 13.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
12,232
-1.7% year-over-year change
White collar
10,738
Blue collar
1,494
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 10,738 87.8% -3.0%
Blue collar 1,494 12.2% 8.6%
Employer type
Self employees
7.1%
Private companies
65.3%
Governmental workers
13.9%
Not for profit companies
13.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 869 7.1% -30.9%
Private companies 7,987 65.3% -0.5%
Governmental workers 1,699 13.9% 0.8%
Not for profit companies 1,677 13.7% 13.8%
Unemployment rate
2.1%
19.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Johnston stands at 2.1%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Johnston

How people get around in Johnston

Commuting methods vary: 84.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.9% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 10,287 84.3% -1.6%
Bus or trolleybus 5 0% 0.0%
Bicycle 21 0.2% 50.0%
Walk 108 0.9% -15.6%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Johnston by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
50131 24,583 9,361 $106,551 $149,870

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FAQs about Johnston demographics 

What is the total population of Johnston?

Johnston has a total population of 24,384 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Johnston?

The gender ratio in Johnston is as follows:
  • 48.4% males (11,804 residents)
  • 51.6% females (12,580 residents)

What is the median age in Johnston?

The median age in Johnston is 37.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Johnston?

The age distribution in Johnston is as follows:
  • Under 15: 25.4% (6,199 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.3% (2,754 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.8% (5,802 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.2% (5,888 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.3% (3,741 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Johnston?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Johnston is as follows:
  • White: 76.6% (18,682 residents)
  • Black or African American: 10.6% (2,590 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (39 residents)
  • Asian: 7.3% (1,772 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.2% (1,032 residents)
  • Other: 1.1% (269 residents)

What percentage of the population in Johnston are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 89.7% of the population in Johnston.

How many housing units are there in Johnston?

There are 9,720 housing units in Johnston, reflecting a -1.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Johnston and what is the average household size?

Johnston has a total of 9,259 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Johnston?

Johnston has a median household income of $106,551, representing a +3.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Johnston?

The employment rate is 97.9% in Johnston, with a workforce of 12,232 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 87.8% (10,738 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 12.2% (1,494 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.1% (869 residents)
  • Private companies: 65.3% (7,987 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13.9% (1,699 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 13.7% (1,677 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025