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.
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.
Johnston is a moderately-sized city located in the state of Iowa. The city has a population of 22,844 residents. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (85% White). Given that fact, Johnston could be considered less diverse than other cities. 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.
Living in Johnston can be a good experience for anyone relocating to the area. Having said that, in the state of Iowa, there are many desirable places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like cost of living, education, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in Johnston and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Johnston to Iowa and the national average.
Johnston has a livability score of 81/100 and is ranked #41 in Iowa and #1,212 in the USA. Clearly, Johnston is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. Johnston is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. If we probe a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Johnston has higher than average scores for the following: crime (A+), cost of living (B-), education (A+) and housing (A+). Johnston does not rank well for the following: amenities (F). It might be wise to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
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 77 crimes per 100,000 residents, which significantly outperforms the national average.
The Johnston unemployment rate of 1.1% has continued to decrease over the years and is now well below the national average. The result could lead to reduced poverty and inequality in the area, higher wages and increased economic growth. This is a positive sign in the overall health of the local economy.
Test scores can be a good way to measure a school's academic performance and the proficiency of its students. They can be an important metric in deciding if the local area schools can provide a solid educational system for children. The schools in Johnston have an average test score of 82%, which is well above the US average.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Johnston market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Johnston is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Johnston come in at $478,129, which is 99.2% higher than the Iowa average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Johnston, the home price to income ratio is 3.4, which is 13.3% higher than the Iowa average.
| Statistic | Johnston | Iowa | National |
| Average one way commute | 20min | 19min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 84.4% | 80.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 5.9% | 8.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.2% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.5% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.4% | 3.5% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 7.9% | 4.5% | 4.6% |
Here are the best places to live in Iowa
Check out the 10 safest cities in Iowa
Safest States In The US
These are the 10 cheapest cities in Iowa