Johnston County, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
234,263
3.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$83,384/yr
4.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
91,218
3.3% year-over-year change

Johnston County population

How many people live in Johnston County

Johnston County is home to 234,263 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.2% of Johnston County locals are male, and 50.8% are female.

Total population
234,263
3.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.2%
115,227
Female
50.8%
119,036
Value Percent YoY change
Male 115,227 49.2% 3.1%
Female 119,036 50.8% 3.7%
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 County is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 20.3% are children under 15, then 12.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.7% of the population, while another 26.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 13.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
38.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
20.3%
15 to 24
12.7%
25 to 44
26.7%
45 to 64
26.6%
Over 65
13.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 47,532 20.3% 2.5%
15 to 24 29,746 12.7% 3.5%
25 to 44 62,531 26.7% 4.0%
45 to 64 62,306 26.6% 2.5%
Over 65 32,148 13.7% 5.0%
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 County, 89.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 5.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 64.2% of locals are Caucasian, 16.9% are African American and 0.8% have Asian roots. Another 1% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 8.6% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 8.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
89.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
5%
Non-citizens
5.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 210,665 89.9% 3.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 11,613 5% 18.9%
Non-citizens 11,985 5.1% -6.0%
Racial breakdown
White
64.2%
Black or African American
16.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1%
Asian
0.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
8.4%
Other
8.6%
Value Percent
White 150,425 64.2%
Black or African American 39,604 16.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 2,293 1%
Asian 1,948 0.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 162 0.1%
Two or more races 19,713 8.4%
Other 20,118 8.6%

Households in Johnston County

A peek inside Johnston County households

Johnston County has 85,591 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 72.1% are families, while the remaining 27.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
85,591
4.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
23,911
Family households
61,680
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 23,911 27.9% 7.6%
Family households 61,680 72.1% 2.7%
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 County

The housing landscape of Johnston County

Johnston County's housing consists of 91,218 units, with 75.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.2% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 12.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
91,218
3.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 69,127 75.8%
1 unit, attached 2,883 3.2%
2 units 1,594 1.8%
3 or 4 units 1,251 1.4%
5 to 9 units 1,380 1.5%
10 to 19 units 1,095 1.2%
20 to 49 units 1,620 1.8%
50 or more units 320 0.4%
Mobile home 11,797 12.9%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 151 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
5,168
83.2% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Johnston County

In Johnston County, the median construction year is 2000. About 4.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 22.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 21.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 5.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 3,724 4.1% -4.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,637 1.8% -11.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 3,775 4.1% -0.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 4,255 4.7% 1.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 6,367 7% 0.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 8,409 9.2% -4.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 17,367 19% -2.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 20,855 22.9% 4.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 19,661 21.6% 4.3%
Built in 2020 or later 5,168 5.7% 83.2%
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 County occupancy rates

Out of the 85,591 occupied housing units in Johnston County, 76% are owner-occupied, while 24% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
85,591
4.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
20,499
Owner occupied
65,092
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 20,499 24% 8.8%
Owner occupied 65,092 76% 2.6%
Unoccupied housing units
6.2%
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 County housing costs

Housing costs in Johnston County come to a median of $1,316 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,146.

Median housing costs per month
$1,316/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 County
$1,146/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 County

Johnston County education at a glance

About 34.9% of the population in Johnston County went to high school, while 22.2% pursued college studies. Another 12% earned an associate degree and 19.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 7,237 4.1% -2.0%
High school diploma 61,405 34.9% 3.7%
College diploma 39,102 22.2% 0.7%
Associate degree 21,177 12% 0.7%
Bachelor's degree 33,980 19.3% 7.9%
Graduate degree 13,026 7.4% 11.2%
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 County

How much people earn in Johnston County

The average annual household income in Johnston County was $103,515 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $83,384, reflecting a +4.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Johnston County
$103,515/year
5.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Johnston County
$83,384/year
4.4% year-over-year change

Johnston County income by age

In Johnston County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $86,871. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $102,023 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $48,723, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $53,545 in earnings. Overall, 89.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $48,723 4.2%
25 - 44 $86,871 -1.0%
45 - 64 $102,023 4.9%
Over 65 $53,545 6.7%
Above poverty level
205,039
Below poverty level
24,213
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 205,039 89.4% 4.2%
Below poverty level 24,213 10.6% -1.6%

Employment in Johnston County

Workforce and job types in Johnston County

The job market in Johnston County is powered by 116,197 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 75% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 25% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.6% run their own businesses, 68.9% are employed by private companies, and 15.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
116,197
4.4% year-over-year change
White collar
87,211
Blue collar
28,986
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 87,211 75% 7.1%
Blue collar 28,986 25% -3.0%
Employer type
Self employees
9.6%
Private companies
68.9%
Governmental workers
15.7%
Not for profit companies
5.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 11,214 9.6% 6.0%
Private companies 80,045 68.9% 3.1%
Governmental workers 18,269 15.7% 8.1%
Not for profit companies 6,669 5.7% 7.8%
Unemployment rate
3.8%
0.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Johnston County stands at 3.8%, 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 County

How people get around in Johnston County

Commuting methods vary: 83.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.7% 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 95,996 83.8% 2.3%
Taxicab 43 0% 65.4%
Bus or trolleybus 111 0.1% 44.2%
Motorcycle 133 0.1% -3.6%
Bicycle 110 0.1% 32.5%
Walk 828 0.7% 14.8%
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 County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
27501 24,806 9,023 $73,336 $93,839
27504 17,079 6,980 $66,724 $88,434
27520 48,014 17,819 $86,322 $107,636
27524 13,999 5,089 $75,827 $88,143
27527 39,256 13,846 $115,035 $141,260
27529 55,242 21,417 $85,716 $107,370
27542 9,850 3,892 $66,038 $78,180
27555 573 228 $44,531 $79,128
27557 8,657 2,992 $71,541 $97,160
27568 1,542 542 $66,071 $74,357

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Johnston County demographics 

What is the total population of Johnston County?

Johnston County has a total population of 234,263 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 +3.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Johnston County?

The gender ratio in Johnston County is as follows:
  • 49.2% males (115,227 residents)
  • 50.8% females (119,036 residents)

What is the median age in Johnston County?

The median age in Johnston County is 38.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Johnston County?

The age distribution in Johnston County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20.3% (47,532 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.7% (29,746 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.7% (62,531 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.6% (62,306 residents)
  • Over 65: 13.7% (32,148 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Johnston County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Johnston County is as follows:
  • White: 64.2% (150,425 residents)
  • Black or African American: 16.9% (39,604 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1% (2,293 residents)
  • Asian: 0.8% (1,948 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (162 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.4% (19,713 residents)
  • Other: 8.6% (20,118 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 89.9% of the population in Johnston County.

How many housing units are there in Johnston County?

There are 91,218 housing units in Johnston County, reflecting a +3.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Johnston County has a total of 85,591 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Johnston County?

Johnston County has a median household income of $83,384, representing a +4.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 96.2% in Johnston County, with a workforce of 116,197 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 75% (87,211 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 25% (28,986 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.6% (11,214 residents)
  • Private companies: 68.9% (80,045 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15.7% (18,269 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.7% (6,669 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