Johnston city, Iowa Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Johnston city, Iowa has a total population of 24,196, the 22nd largest city in Iowa, with a median household income of $103,430, which is 41% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 7.6%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 41% above the state average — one of the wealthiest communities in Iowa.
- 57.9% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher — top 10% in Iowa.
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 1.8%.
Johnston city Quick Facts
How Johnston city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 30 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Johnston city Rankings in Iowa
Explore Iowa Rankings
Cities Similar to Johnston city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waukee city | 26,974 | $106,728 | $328,200 | 56.7% | 7.3% |
| North Liberty city | 20,782 | $103,933 | $300,000 | 53.3% | 4.4% |
| Altoona city | 20,592 | $87,123 | $257,300 | 32.6% | 7.2% |
| Coralville city | 22,846 | $66,508 | $286,000 | 57.3% | 12.3% |
| Fort Dodge city | 24,788 | $61,769 | $128,900 | 20.1% | 14.4% |
Population Overview
Johnston city is a small city located in Iowa. The total population is 24,196. It ranks as the 22nd most populous out of 1,018 cities and towns in Iowa.
Age Demographics
The median age in Johnston city is 38.4 years. This is about average than the state median of 38.6 years. With 29.0% of the population under 18, Johnston city has a notably young demographic profile, suggesting a family-oriented community.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Johnston city is $103,430. This is 41% higher than the state median of $73,147. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 32% higher. The poverty rate stands at 7.6%. This is 31% lower than the state poverty rate of 11.0%. The unemployment rate is 1.8%. This is 51% lower than the state rate of 3.6%. The median home value is $346,200. Housing costs are 77% higher than the state median of $195,900. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.3x. 72.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 1% higher than the state average of 71.5%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Johnston city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 79.3% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 8.6%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (8.6% vs 3.8%). The Hispanic or Latino population (2.1%) is well below the state average of 7.0%. The Asian population is significantly higher than the state average (7.2% vs 2.4%).
Education
57.9% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This places Johnston city in the top 10% of all cities in the state for educational attainment. This is 87% higher than the state rate of 30.9%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 97.5%. Notably, 21.1% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Johnston city, Iowa is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Iowa state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 1,018 Census-designated places in Iowa. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Johnston city, Iowa?
Johnston city, Iowa has a population of 24,196 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Johnston city, IA?
The median household income in Johnston city is $103,430, which is 32% higher the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Johnston city, IA?
The poverty rate in Johnston city is 7.6%. This means approximately 1,815 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Johnston city, Iowa?
Johnston city's population is 79.3% White, 8.6% Black, 2.1% Hispanic/Latino, and 7.2% Asian.
What is the median home value in Johnston city, IA?
The median home value in Johnston city is $346,200. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.3x.
How educated is Johnston city, Iowa?
57.9% of adults (25+) in Johnston city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 21.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.