Iowa / Polk County

Moving to Johnston, IA

Thinking of making a move to Johnston, IA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Johnston, IA

Considering a move to Johnston, IA? This welcoming community of 24,064 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $350,000 and average rents near $1,260. Commute times average 21 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (56% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Johnston's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Johnston, IA

Johnston has a population of 24,064 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 39 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 87% White, 4% Black, and 4% Asian residents, and over 8% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

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?

The cost of living in Johnston is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 97.0. Median home values are around $350,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,260. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

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 considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 95 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 88. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Iowa.

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 four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 86°F and cold winters dipping to 14°F. The area receives about 36 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 56% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
14°F
Max
32°F

Summer

Min
63°F
Max
86°F

Spring

Min
40°F
Max
67°F

Fall

Min
41°F
Max
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches
36.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
56%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $108,000 and a low poverty rate of 2.5%. Over 97% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 62% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 21 minutes, and almost 1% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

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 offers quality education options, with public schools like Johnston High School and Summit Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Des Moines Area Community College and Drake University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

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

Johnston residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like MercyOne Johnston Family Medicine and UnityPoint Clinic Family Medicine – Johnston nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.4 per 1,000 people and 96.7% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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

Healthcare Access

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 local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $350,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 82%. The market has seen a 5.2% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 4.2%. Johnston offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

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

Residents of Johnston handle vehicle services through the Iowa Department of Transportation – Motor Vehicle Division, conveniently located in Ankeny. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Iowa
Department
Iowa Department of Transportation – Motor Vehicle Division
Address
6310 SE Convenience Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50021
Phone
515-244-8725

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.

FAQs About Moving to Johnston, IA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Johnston, review the core fields on this page: population 24,064, median home value $350,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,260, commute time 20.5 minutes, and sunny days percentage 56%.

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