Johnston, IA
Population 24,196 · Iowa
About Johnston, IA
Johnston is a mid-sized city located in Iowa with a population of 24,196 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $103,430 per year, which is 38% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.4 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Johnston features a median home value of $346,200, which is 41% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Johnston in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,288, 11% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 9,868 total housing units, 72% are owner-occupied (6,905 units) and 28% are renter-occupied (2,647 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Johnston shows an unemployment rate of 1.8%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 7.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Johnston have an average one-way commute time of 19.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
57.9% of Johnston residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 1.3% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 0.7% Asian residents, with 8.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Johnston Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in Johnston, IA
Compared to national averages, Johnston has a median household income of $103,430 (38% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $346,200, which is 41% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,288 is 11% above the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Johnston's income is 52% above the state average of $67,947, and home values are 162% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Johnston, IA?
Johnston offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $103,430, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.8%, and a well-educated community where 57.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 7.6%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 19.3 minutes.
Johnston has a population of 24,196 with a median age of 38.4 years. Compare Johnston with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Johnston
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clinton | 24,425 | $57,493 | $115,400 | Compare |
| Burlington | 23,800 | $55,274 | $115,800 | Compare |
| Fort Dodge | 24,788 | $61,769 | $128,900 | Compare |
| Muscatine | 23,567 | $59,332 | $146,900 | Compare |
| Ottumwa | 25,352 | $56,994 | $92,400 | Compare |
| Coralville | 22,846 | $66,508 | $286,000 | Compare |
| Waukee | 26,974 | $106,728 | $328,200 | Compare |
| Mason City | 27,135 | $62,369 | $130,000 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Iowa
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Johnston With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Johnston
What is the population of Johnston, IA?
The population of Johnston, IA is 24,196 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Johnston?
The median household income in Johnston, IA is $103,430 per year, which is 38% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Johnston?
The median home value in Johnston, IA is $346,200, which is 41% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Johnston?
The median monthly rent in Johnston, IA is $1,288, which is 11% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Johnston?
The unemployment rate in Johnston, IA is 1.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Johnston, IA a good place to live?
Johnston offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 24,196 and a median age of 38.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Johnston, IA?
57.9% of residents in Johnston aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Johnston?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Johnston, IA: median home value is $346,200 (41% above national), median rent is $1,288/month, and median household income is $103,430. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Johnston?
The poverty rate in Johnston, IA is 7.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Johnston, IA?
Johnston's population is 1.3% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 0.7% Asian, and 8.6% two or more races. 8.9% of residents are foreign-born.