Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Johnston, IA
Considering a move to Johnston, IA? With a welcoming population of 24,064, Johnston features affordable living, a median home price of $350,000, and average rents around $1,260. The city is known for its excellent schools, high educational attainment, and remarkably low crime rates—violent crime is just 95 per 100k residents. Commutes are short at 20.5 minutes, and residents enjoy a friendly suburban atmosphere with plenty of sunny days. Discover Johnston's family-friendly vibe, robust local incomes, and strong community spirit as you plan your next move.
Demographics - Johnston, IA
Demographics - Johnston, IA
Johnston is a growing city of 24,064 residents with a median age of 39.2, a balanced gender ratio, and a predominantly White population. The community is welcoming to diversity, with over 8% speaking a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density offers a suburban feel ideal for families and professionals.
Population:
24,064
Density:
1,260 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.2
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.1%

Ethnic Composition
White:
86.9%
Black:
4.3%
Asian:
4.2%
Others:
4.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Johnston, IA?
Johnston offers a cost of living just below the national average, with a median home value of $350,000 and average rent at $1,260. Utilities and groceries remain affordable, while state taxes range from 4.4% to 8.53%. Residents enjoy a comfortable lifestyle that balances affordability and quality.
Median House Value:
$350,000
Gross Rent:
$1,260
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,010
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$695
State Taxes:
Low:
4.40%
|
High:
8.53%
Cost Of Living Index:
97.0
Grocery:
98.2
Housing:
93.5
Utilities:
98.0
Transportation:
94.7
Health Care:
97.1
Miscellaneous:
97.9
Crime
Is Johnston, IA a safe place to live?
Johnston is recognized for its low crime rates, with only 95 violent crimes per 100,000 residents and a 1 in 1,050 chance of experiencing violent crime. Property crime is also low, making it a safe and family-friendly community. Residents benefit from a strong sense of security and peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
95
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,140
Crime Index:
1,235
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,050
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 88
Weather
What is the weather like in Johnston, IA year-round?
Johnston experiences all four seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 86°F and cold winters dropping to 14°F. The city enjoys 56% sunny days and an average annual rainfall of 36 inches, providing a pleasant climate for outdoor activities year-round. Seasonal changes add to the community’s vibrant atmosphere.

Winter
Min:
14°F
Max:
32°F

Spring
Min:
40°F
Max:
67°F

Summer
Min:
63°F
Max:
86°F

Fall
Min:
41°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
36.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Johnston boasts high median household incomes at $108,000 and a low poverty rate of 2.5%, reflecting economic stability. Nearly all adults have a high school diploma and 62% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Residents benefit from short 20.5-minute commutes and a strong sense of community.
Median Income:
$51,200
Household Income:
$108,000
Family Income:
$127,000
Per Capita Income:
$51,000
Income Male:
$62,000
Income Female:
$50,000
Poverty Rate:
2.5%
Non English Speakers:
8.1%
Rent:
$1,260
Unemployment Rate:
2.4%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
20.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
97.4%
Bachelors or More:
62.0%
Education
How are the schools in Johnston, IA?
Johnston is known for its top-rated public schools, including Johnston High School and Summit Middle School, with favorable student-teacher ratios. The city also offers access to private education and is close to higher education institutions like Des Moines Area Community College and Drake University. Families benefit from outstanding educational opportunities at every level.

Public Schools
Name:
Johnston High School
Street:
6500 NW 100th St
Phone:
515-278-0449
Students:
1,700
Student Teacher Ratio:
16:1
Name:
Summit Middle School
Street:
9500 Windsor Pkwy
Phone:
515-986-0318
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
15:1

Private Schools
Name:
St. Pius X School
Street:
3601 66th St, Urbandale
Phone:
515-276-1061
Students:
420

Colleges
Name:
Des Moines Area Community College
City:
Ankeny
State:
IA
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
23,500
Name:
Drake University
City:
Des Moines
State:
IA
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
4,800
Healthcare
Residents enjoy access to quality healthcare, including two primary care clinics located in town and a high health insurance coverage rate of 96.7%. With 2.4 physicians per 1,000 people, healthcare services are accessible and reliable. The city’s healthcare index indicates a healthy, well-served population.

Major Hospitals
Name:
MercyOne Johnston Family Medicine
Address:
5508 NW 86th St, Johnston, IA 50131
Phone:
(515) 643-5350
Type:
Primary & Family Care
Emergency Services:
No
Name:
UnityPoint Clinic Family Medicine – Johnston
Address:
5400 NW 86th St, Johnston, IA 50131
Phone:
(515) 727-7777
Type:
Primary & Family Care
Emergency Services:
No
Physicians Per 1000:
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
96.7%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Johnston, IA?
The housing market in Johnston is strong, with a median home price of $350,000 and home ownership rates above 80%. Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,260, and the area has a low foreclosure rate and steady home appreciation. New construction is modest, preserving neighborhood charm.
Median Home Price:
$350,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,260
Owner Occupied Rate:
81.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.2%
New Construction Rate:
2.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Johnston residents are served by the Iowa Department of Transportation’s Motor Vehicle Division in nearby Ankeny, offering convenient access to licensing and vehicle registration services. The DMV provides comprehensive online resources and customer support. Residents benefit from efficient state services for all motor vehicle needs.
State:
Iowa
Department:
Iowa Department of Transportation – Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
6310 SE Convenience Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50021
Phone:
515-244-8725
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.