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 24,500 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $360,000 and average rents near $1,350. Commute times average 23 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (57% 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 24,500 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 77% White, 9% Black, and 6% Asian residents, and over 10% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
24,500
Density
1,750 per sq mi
Median Age
38.7
Gender Ratio
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
9.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
76.5%
Black
9.0%
Asian
5.8%
Others
8.7%

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 97.8. Median home values are around $360,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,350. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$360,000
Gross Rent
$1,350
Monthly Electricity Charges
$125
Auto Insurance
$1,520
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$2,020
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$690
State Taxes
Low: 0.0%| High: 6.0%
Cost Of Living Index
97.8
Grocery
97.5
Housing
100.5
Utilities
99.0
Transportation
96.8
Health Care
98.7
Miscellaneous
96.9

Crime

Is Johnston, IA a safe place to live?

Johnston is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 88 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 102. 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
88
Property Crimes Per 100k
980
Crime Index
1,068
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 1,136
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 102

Weather

What is the weather like in Johnston, IA year-round?

Johnston experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 85°F and cold winters dipping to 14°F. The area receives about 36 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 57% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
14°F
Max
33°F

Summer

Min
64°F
Max
85°F

Spring

Min
42°F
Max
66°F

Fall

Min
44°F
Max
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches
35.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
57%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $109,000 and a low poverty rate of 4.8%. Over 96% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 53% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 23 minutes, and almost 2% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$46,500
Household Income
$109,000
Family Income
$126,000
Per Capita Income
$51,500
Income Male
$63,000
Income Female
$47,500
Poverty Rate
4.8%
Non English Speakers
11.5%
Rent
$1,350
Unemployment Rate
3.2%
Public Transport Usage
2.4%
Commute Time
22.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
96.4%
Bachelors or More
52.8%

Education

How are the schools in Johnston, IA?

Johnston offers quality education options, with public schools like Johnston High School and Johnston 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
6510 NW 62nd Ave
Phone
515-278-0449
Students
1,500
Student Teacher Ratio
15.6
Name
Johnston Middle School
Street
1701 4th St
Phone
515-278-0470
Students
900
Student Teacher Ratio
14.9

Private Schools

Name
Summit Schools
Street
12345 University Ave
Phone
515-277-1967
Students
420

Colleges

Name
Des Moines Area Community College
City
Des Moines
State
IA
Distance
8 miles
Students
23,000
Name
Drake University
City
Des Moines
State
IA
Distance
11 miles
Students
4,700

Healthcare

Johnston residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center and Iowa Methodist Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.4 per 1,000 people and 94.1% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center
Address
1111 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314
Phone
(515) 247-3121
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Iowa Methodist Medical Center
Address
1200 Pleasant St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone
(515) 241-6212
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage
94.1%
Health Care Index
76.8

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Johnston, IA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $360,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 74%. The market has seen a 4.6% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 6.1%. Johnston offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$360,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,350
Owner Occupied Rate
74.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.6%
New Construction Rate
2.8%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of Johnston handle vehicle services through the Iowa Department of Transportation, conveniently located in Ames. 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
Address
800 Lincoln Way, Ames, IA 50010
Phone
1-515-244-8725

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 24,500, median home value $360,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,350, commute time 22.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 57%.

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