Johnstone
Statistical Area - sa2

Johnstone is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Johnstone's population, as of August 2025, is approximately 8,265 people. This figure represents an increase of 263 individuals from the 2021 Census total of 8,002 people, reflecting a growth rate of 3.3%. The estimated resident population in June 2024 was 8,244, with an additional 81 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to this increase. This results in a population density of 6.4 persons per square kilometer. Johnstone's population growth rate of 3.3% since the census is within 1.9 percentage points of the SA3 area average of 5.2%, indicating strong growth fundamentals. Overseas migration accounted for approximately 69.1% of overall population gains in recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, which were released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 using 2022 data as the base year. Looking ahead, demographic trends suggest lower quartile growth for locations outside of capital cities. Based on the latest population numbers, Johnstone is expected to grow by 57 persons by 2041, representing a total gain of 0.4% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Johnstone according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Johnstone has seen approximately 22 new homes approved annually. Development approval data from the ABS shows a total of 112 approvals across the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, with four recorded so far in FY-26. On average, 1.7 new residents have arrived per year per new home over these five financial years. This suggests balanced supply and demand, leading to stable market conditions.

The average value of new dwellings developed is $378,000, which is below regional levels, indicating more affordable housing choices for buyers. In FY-26, there have been $4.8 million in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Johnstone exhibits around 75% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 35th percentile nationally, resulting in relatively limited buyer choice and supporting interest in existing properties. This is indicative of a mature market with potential development constraints.

All recent developments have consisted solely of standalone homes, preserving the area's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population density is 472 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its quiet, low-activity development environment. Future projections estimate Johnstone will add 36 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Johnstone has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 4thth percentile nationally

No local infrastructure changes or major projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Key projects include the North Queensland Super Hub, North and Far North Queensland REZs, Queensland National Land Transport Network Maintenance, and Bruce Highway Upgrade Program. No details are provided on these projects' likely significance to the area.

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Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.4%, Johnstone has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Johnstone's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs with diverse sector representation. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate was 3.4%.

In that month, 4,181 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate 0.5% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%, but workforce participation was lower at 56.1% compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Major employment industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and manufacturing. The area has a strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing (4.8 times the regional level), but health care & social assistance has limited presence (10.3% compared to 16.1% regionally). Over the year to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.5%, employment fell by 2.3%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.8 percentage points, contrasting with Rest of Qld's growth in employment and labour force.

State-level data to Sep-25 shows Queensland employment contracted by 0.23% (losing 8,070 jobs), with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, compared to the national rate of 4.5%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but industry-specific projections suggest local growth in Johnstone could be approximately 5.0% over five years and 11.3% over ten years.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

Johnstone's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2022 was $43,418. The average income stood at $52,187 during the same period. In comparison, Rest of Qld had figures of $50,780 and $64,844 respectively for median and average incomes. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% since financial year 2022, current estimates suggest the median income would be approximately $48,502 and the average income $58,298 as of March 2025. According to Census 2021 data, household, family, and personal incomes in Johnstone all fall between the 20th and 23rd percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 29.7% of Johnstone's population, equating to 2,454 individuals, have incomes ranging from $1,500 to $2,999. This figure mirrors metropolitan regions where 31.7% fall within the same income bracket. Housing costs are modest in Johnstone, with 89.1% of income retained. However, total disposable income ranks at just the 27th percentile nationally.

Johnstone is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Johnstone, as per the latest Census evaluation, 96.8% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 3.2% consisting of semi-detached properties, apartments, and other dwelling types. This differs from Non-Metro Qld's composition of 87.1% houses and 12.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Johnstone stood at 49.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.3% and rented ones at 20.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,300, aligning with Non-Metro Qld's average, while the median weekly rent figure was $250, matching Non-Metro Qld's figures. Nationally, Johnstone's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Johnstone has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 71.1% of all households, including 26.8% couples with children, 33.9% couples without children, and 9.5% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 28.9%, with lone person households at 26.0% and group households making up 3.1% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which matches the average for the Rest of Qld.

Johnstone faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (12.1%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 9.1%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.6%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.4%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 44.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (9.5%) and certificates (34.5%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.1% in primary education, 10.0% in secondary education, and 1.6% pursuing tertiary education. A total of 9 schools operate within Johnstone, educating approximately 511 students. All these schools focus exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. Limited local school capacity (6.2 places per 100 residents vs 14.9 regionally) means many families travel to nearby areas for schooling.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Johnstone is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Johnstone faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~3,818 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.3 and 6.7% of residents respectively. 67.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 68.1% across Rest of Qld. The area has 23.5% of residents aged 65 and over (1,938 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

Johnstone ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Johnstone's population was found to be relatively homogeneous culturally, with 85.9% being citizens, 87.8% born in Australia, and 93.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 58.0% of Johnstone's population. The most notable overrepresentation was seen in the 'Other' category, comprising 2.6% compared to 3.3% regionally.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (25.6%), Australian (25.5%), and Italian (10.4%). There were significant differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Maltese was overrepresented at 2.0%, German at 4.4%, and Australian Aboriginal at 4.2%.

Johnstone hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Johnstone's median age is 47 years, which is notably higher than Rest of Qld's median age of 41 years and considerably older than the national norm of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of Qld average, the 65-74 cohort is notably over-represented in Johnstone, at 15.1% locally, while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 8.9%. This concentration of the 65-74 age group is well above the national average of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 9.1% to 10.7%, while the 65 to 74 cohort increased from 14.0% to 15.1%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 12.5% to 11.4%, and the 45 to 54 age group dropped from 13.5% to 12.4%. Demographic modeling suggests that Johnstone's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to expand notably, increasing by 240 people (44%) from 547 to 788. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are projected to account for 64% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 35 to 44 and 5 to 14 cohorts.