Johnston, RI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
29,603
1.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$91,775/yr
4.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
12,231
2.7% year-over-year change

Johnston population

How many people live in Johnston

Johnston is home to 29,603 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.5% of Johnston locals are male, and 52.5% are female.

Total population
29,603
1.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.5%
14,051
Female
52.5%
15,551
Value Percent YoY change
Male 14,051 47.5% 4.3%
Female 15,551 52.5% -1.6%
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 44, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.6% are children under 15, then 9.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.8% of the population, while another 27.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 22.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
44.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.6%
15 to 24
9.3%
25 to 44
25.8%
45 to 64
27.3%
Over 65
22.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 4,614 15.6% -7.0%
15 to 24 2,753 9.3% 4.2%
25 to 44 7,631 25.8% -1.7%
45 to 64 8,069 27.3% 4.2%
Over 65 6,536 22.1% 6.0%
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, 87.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 10% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 76.3% of locals are Caucasian, 4.8% are African American and 1.3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 13.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
87.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
10%
Non-citizens
2.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 25,888 87.4% 1.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 2,948 10% -4.8%
Non-citizens 767 2.6% 3.8%
Racial breakdown
White
76.3%
Black or African American
4.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
1.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
13.2%
Other
4.2%
Value Percent
White 22,599 76.3%
Black or African American 1,413 4.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 73 0.2%
Asian 374 1.3%
Two or more races 3,903 13.2%
Other 1,241 4.2%

Households in Johnston

A peek inside Johnston households

Johnston has 11,582 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 64.7% are families, while the remaining 35.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
11,582
3.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
4,085
Family households
7,497
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 4,085 35.3% 14.6%
Family households 7,497 64.7% -2.1%
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 12,231 units, with 72.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.8% 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 0.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
12,231
2.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 8,857 72.4%
1 unit, attached 348 2.8%
2 units 903 7.4%
3 or 4 units 602 4.9%
5 to 9 units 361 3%
10 to 19 units 326 2.7%
20 to 49 units 465 3.8%
50 or more units 356 2.9%
Mobile home 14 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
247
54.4% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Johnston

In Johnston, the median construction year is 1968. About 14.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 4.1% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,764 14.4% 17.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 765 6.2% -1.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 2,373 19.4% 8.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,429 11.7% 9.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,088 17.1% -7.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,691 13.8% -5.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,090 8.9% -4.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 504 4.1% -3.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 280 2.3% 4.1%
Built in 2020 or later 247 2% 54.4%
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 11,582 occupied housing units in Johnston, 75.9% are owner-occupied, while 24.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
11,582
3.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,795
Owner occupied
8,787
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,795 24.1% -9.6%
Owner occupied 8,787 75.9% 8.1%
Unoccupied housing units
5.3%
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 $1,533 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,275.

Median housing costs per month
$1,533/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
$1,275/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 38% of the population in Johnston went to high school, while 22.2% pursued college studies. Another 7.6% earned an associate degree and 19.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 8.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 928 3.8% 2.1%
High school diploma 9,293 38% 0.8%
College diploma 5,423 22.2% 2.6%
Associate degree 1,860 7.6% 17.8%
Bachelor's degree 4,860 19.9% 1.7%
Graduate degree 2,061 8.4% 11.7%
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 $117,205 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $91,775, reflecting a +4.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Johnston
$117,205/year
2.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Johnston
$91,775/year
4.5% 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 $98,861. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $108,681 overall. Overall, 92.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $98,861 4.8%
45 - 64 $108,681 3.0%
Over 65 $64,357 5.4%
Above poverty level
26,383
Below poverty level
2,276
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 26,383 92.1% 2.2%
Below poverty level 2,276 7.9% -8.1%

Employment in Johnston

Workforce and job types in Johnston

82.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 17.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.1% run their own businesses, 70.7% are employed by private companies, and 12.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
12,085
Blue collar
2,513
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 12,085 82.8% 6.7%
Blue collar 2,513 17.2% 12.1%
Employer type
Self employees
8.1%
Private companies
70.7%
Governmental workers
12.2%
Not for profit companies
9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,184 8.1% 8.5%
Private companies 10,322 70.7% 8.2%
Governmental workers 1,779 12.2% -7.1%
Not for profit companies 1,312 9% 29.1%

Transportation in Johnston

How people get around in Johnston

Commuting methods vary: 98.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.8% 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 12,466 98.3% 8.5%
Bus or trolleybus 63 0.5% 5.0%
Railroad 36 0.3% -46.3%
Motorcycle 19 0.2% -13.6%
Walk 97 0.8% 102.1%
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
02919 29,802 11,660 $91,775 $117,604

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FAQs about Johnston demographics 

What is the total population of Johnston?

Johnston has a total population of 29,603 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 +1.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Johnston?

The gender ratio in Johnston is as follows:
  • 47.5% males (14,051 residents)
  • 52.5% females (15,551 residents)

What is the median age in Johnston?

The median age in Johnston is 44.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Johnston?

The age distribution in Johnston is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.6% (4,614 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.3% (2,753 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.8% (7,631 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27.3% (8,069 residents)
  • Over 65: 22.1% (6,536 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Johnston?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Johnston is as follows:
  • White: 76.3% (22,599 residents)
  • Black or African American: 4.8% (1,413 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (73 residents)
  • Asian: 1.3% (374 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 13.2% (3,903 residents)
  • Other: 4.2% (1,241 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 87.4% of the population in Johnston.

How many housing units are there in Johnston?

There are 12,231 housing units in Johnston, reflecting a +2.7% 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 11,582 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Johnston?

Johnston has a median household income of $91,775, representing a +4.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Johnston?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 82.8% (12,085 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 17.2% (2,513 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.1% (1,184 residents)
  • Private companies: 70.7% (10,322 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.2% (1,779 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9% (1,312 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