Is Johnston Safe, Pros and cons of living in Johnston

Johnston, Iowa, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and accessible amenities, making it an appealing place for many to call home. This city, situated within Polk County, is known for its strong community spirit and commitment to quality of life.

The city provides a well-rounded living experience, balancing thriving businesses with ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and local engagement. Its strategic location and community-focused development have fostered a dynamic environment for residents and businesses alike.

Is it Safe to Live in Johnston?

Johnston boasts a safety profile that is notably better than the national average, with a crime rate significantly lower than many other U.S. cities. The overall crime rate in Johnston is approximately 61% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents (according to AreaVibes). Violent crimes are particularly low, with Johnston reporting 79% fewer violent crimes than the national average (according to AreaVibes).

Your likelihood of becoming a victim of crime in Johnston is quite low, with statistics indicating a 1 in 122 chance of being a victim of crime overall (according to NeighborhoodScout). The northwest part of the city is generally considered the safest, offering residents peace of mind. This favorable safety record contributes to Johnston’s reputation as an attractive and secure place to live.

Housing Market and Cost of Living

The housing market in Johnston presents a mix of opportunities for both buyers and renters, with median home values and rental prices that provide a comparative snapshot of the area’s economic landscape. The median home value in Johnston is approximately $342,637 (according to Livability.com). For renters, the median gross rent is around $1,338 per month (according to Point2Homes).

When considering the overall cost of living, Johnston is often described as being slightly more expensive than the national average, with some sources indicating it is 1% higher (according to Salary.com). However, other analyses suggest Johnston’s cost of living is 2% lower than the national average, with particular savings found in utility and transportation expenses (according to Payscale). Housing expenses are noted to be higher than the national average in some reports, by about 15% (according to Payscale) or 11.3% (according to Salary.com).

Home Prices and Rental Trends

The median listing price for homes in Johnston is around $399.9K, with prices per square foot averaging $240/SqFt (according to realtor.com®). The market is described as balanced, indicating a relatively even supply and demand for housing. Year-over-year price changes have shown some fluctuation, with a reported -5.88% decrease in prices, suggesting potential negotiating power for buyers (according to realtor.com®).

Rental availability in Johnston can be somewhat limited, with a tight rental market that may favor landlords. The average rent in Johnston is approximately $1,695 per month (according to Zillow), though other sources cite a median gross rent of $1,338 per month (according to Point2Homes). This indicates a range of rental options and price points across the city.

Job Market and Economy

Johnston’s economy is supported by a diverse range of industries, with key sectors contributing to its employment landscape. The finance and insurance sector is a significant employer, followed by healthcare and social assistance, and educational services (according to Data USA). These industries provide a substantial number of jobs for residents within the city.

The average annual salary in Johnston is reported to be around $49,587 (according to ZipRecruiter), with median household incomes varying across different reports, such as $106,551 (according to ZoomProspector) or $150,204 (according to U.S. Census Bureau). The unemployment rate in Johnston is quite low, standing at 2.1% (according to Authority Network America) or 2.9% (according to Data Commons), indicating a robust job market.

Major Employers

Several prominent companies have established a significant presence in Johnston, contributing to its economic vitality and providing numerous employment opportunities. Pioneer Hi-Bred International, a global leader in agricultural genetics, is headquartered in Johnston and is a major employer (according to Zippia). The Iowa Clinic, a multi-specialty medical group, also serves the Johnston area and is a notable employer (according to Zippia).

Other significant employers include SHAZAM, an interbank network and payment processing company headquartered in Johnston (according to Zippia), and the Iowa National Guard, based at Camp Dodge. Companies like Walmart, McDonald’s, and FedEx also have a presence in Johnston, offering a wide array of job opportunities across various sectors (according to Indeed.com).

Climate and Weather

Johnston experiences a climate with distinct seasonal variations, characterized by warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Average annual temperatures range from a low of 12°F in January to a high of 85°F in July (according to myPerfectWeather). The city generally enjoys comfortable humidity levels during the summer months.

The annual precipitation in Johnston averages around 37 inches, with June typically being the wettest month, receiving about 5 inches of rain (according to myPerfectWeather). Winter months bring snowfall, with an average of 33 inches of snow annually (according to myPerfectWeather). The period from May to September is often considered the most comfortable for outdoor activities, thanks to mild temperatures and agreeable humidity.

Education and School Ratings

Johnston is home to a highly regarded public school district, consistently ranking among the best in Iowa and the Des Moines metro area. The Johnston Community School District has been designated as “High Performing” by the Iowa Department of Education, earning an overall performance rating of 72.18%, which surpasses the state average (according to Iowa School Performance Profiles). This district serves approximately 7,480 students across PK-12 grades, maintaining a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1 (according to Niche).

The district’s commitment to academic excellence is reflected in its high graduation rates, with a 4-year graduation rate of 97.39%, significantly exceeding the state average (according to Iowa School Performance Profiles). State test scores indicate strong student proficiency, with 80% of students proficient in math and 83% in reading (according to Niche). Johnston High School has also received national recognition, being named among the best high schools in the state and nation by U.S. News and World Report (according to Johnston Community School District).

Demographics

Johnston’s population is approximately 24,384 residents, with a slight majority being female (51.6%) compared to male (48.4%) (according to Point2Homes). The median age in Johnston is around 37 years, with a demographic distribution that includes about 25.4% children under 15 and 15.3% of residents aged 65 or older (according to Point2Homes). This age composition suggests a community with a balanced mix of young families and established residents.

The racial makeup of Johnston is predominantly White, accounting for about 76.6% of the population, followed by African American at 10.6% and Asian residents at 7.3% (according to Point2Homes). A significant majority of residents are U.S.-born citizens, with 89.7% holding citizenship, and about 6% having gained naturalized citizenship (according to Point2Homes). The city’s population has shown steady growth over the years, reflecting its increasing appeal as a place to live.