Johnston 81 Exceptional
Johnston Livability #41 ranked city in Iowa#1,212 ranked city in the USARanks better than 95% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Johnston

PROS
  • Crime

    This area is characterized by a crime rate, per 100,000 individuals, that falls well below the national average, indicating its potential as a very safe place to live.

  • Employment

    This area scores extremely well in the employment category. This is primarily due to the combination of low unemployment rates, higher median home income and income per capita.

  • Housing

    The housing category in this area boasts higher than average scores, likely influenced by a positive home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety

    Earning a high health and safety score depends on factors such as good air quality and the availability of essential health facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors, and fire stations.

  • Schools

    A high score in the schools category could be the result of elements like top-notch test scores, high education levels and the convenient location of elementary and high schools in this area.

CONS
  • Amenities

    It appears that many amenities may not be conveniently situated within walking distance, potentially necessitating the use of a vehicle or public transit.

  • Commute

    Commuters in this area may experience longer-than-average work commute times due to limited public transportation access.

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What's it like Living in Johnston?

Located in the state of Iowa, Johnston is a moderately-sized city with a population of 22,077 inhabitants. If we look at the most recent Census, Johnston is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Asian and Black. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Johnston will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 20 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.

Are you trying to decide if living in Johnston is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a fulfilling experience before relocating to any new city in Iowa, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. With useful information like amenities, crime, health & safety, employment, housing and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Johnston and in the areas around Johnston is a much easier task.

The livability score in Johnston is 80/100 and the city is ranked in the 95th percentile of all cities across America. Based on this score, Johnston would be considered a very livable city! Johnston also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! If we examine each of the categories individually, we see that Johnston ranks well for crime (A+), cost of living (B-), education (A+) and housing (A+). Unfortunately for Johnston, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: amenities (F).

Ensuring a sense of security is paramount for the majority of residents in any area. Low crime rates exert a positive influence on various aspects, including home prices, rates of home appreciation and the cultivation of positive community dynamics and social cohesion. In the case of Johnston, it boasts a notably low violent crime rate of 70 crimes per 100,000 residents, which significantly outperforms the national average.

When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Johnston, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 1.02% points to a surge in job opportunities, the potential for higher wages, enhanced workforce productivity and increased economic growth. These favorable conditions bode well for individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, making this area an appealing destination for those prioritizing professional opportunities and economic prosperity.

Parents and families tend to prioritize school test scores when choosing educational institutions. Test score data can be a critical factor in evaluating and comparing schools. In Johnston, the average school test scores are an impressive 82%, well above the national average. This achievement reflects the educational system's dedication to providing students with the essential knowledge and tools for success. It ensures that your children will receive the support and resources needed to excel academically and thrive in their educational pursuits.

Finding affordable real estate and housing in Johnston can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.

There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Johnston is actually affordable. The median home price for Johnston homes is $272,500, which is 105.2% higher than the Iowa average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Johnston, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.9, which is 20.8% higher than the Iowa average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Johnston

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Compare Johnston, IA Livability

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      Johnston transportation information

      Statistic Johnston Iowa National
      Average one way commute20min19min26min
      Workers who drive to work84.4%80.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool5.9%8.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.2%1.1%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.5%0.5%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.4%3.5%2.8%
      Working from home7.9%4.5%4.6%
      Source: The Johnston, IA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).