Johnstone

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 was approximately 8,273 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 271 people, a rise of 3.4% since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 8,002. The growth is inferred from ABS estimated resident population data of 8,245 in June 2024 and an additional 84 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 6.4 persons per square kilometer. Johnstone's 3.4% growth rate places it within 1.8 percentage points of the SA3 area (5.2%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed 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, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Looking ahead, demographic trends suggest lower quartile growth for locations outside capital cities. The area is projected to grow by 57 persons to 2041, reflecting a total gain of 0.3% over the 17 years based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

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

Johnstone has seen around 22 new homes approved each year over the past five financial years, totalling 112 homes. As of FY-26, 9 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.7 new residents per year per dwelling constructed were added between FY-21 and FY-25. The market shows a good balance between supply and demand, supporting stable conditions.

New homes are being built at an average value of $281,000, reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers compared to regional norms. In FY-26, $4.8 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting the area's residential character. When measured against Rest of Qld, Johnstone shows approximately 75% of the construction activity per person and places among the 34th percentile nationally, indicating somewhat limited buyer options but strengthening demand for established properties. Recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

The estimated count of 472 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate Johnstone will gain 28 residents through to 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Johnstone has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

No changes can affect a region's performance more than alterations to local infrastructure, significant projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that could potentially impact this area. Notable projects include the North Queensland Super Hub, North and Far North Queensland REZs, Queensland National Land Transport Network Maintenance, and the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan SuperGrid, with the following list providing details on those most relevant.

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Employment performance in Johnstone has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Johnstone's workforce comprises both white and blue-collar jobs across diverse sectors, with an unemployment rate of 4.3% as of September 2025. In this month, 4,126 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.3% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation in Johnstone stood at 56.1%, below Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Dominant employment sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and manufacturing. Agriculture, forestry & fishing is particularly strong, with an employment share 4.8 times the regional level. Conversely, health care & social assistance has a limited presence at 10.3%, compared to the regional figure of 16.1%.

Local employment opportunities appear limited, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Johnstone's labour force decreased by 1.6% and employment declined by 3.2%, resulting in a 1.6 percentage point rise in unemployment. Meanwhile, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, aligning with the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Johnstone's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 5.0% in five years and 11.3% in ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

The median income among taxpayers in Johnstone SA2 was $43,418 according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2022. The average income stood at $52,187 during this period. This compares to figures for Rest of Qld's which were $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $49,492 (median) and $59,488 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Johnstone all fall between the 20th and 23rd percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 29.7% of the community (2,457 individuals), consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region showing 31.7% in the same category. While housing costs are modest with 89.1% of income retained, the 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

The dwelling structure in Johnstone, as per the latest Census, consisted of 96.8% houses and 3.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 87.1% houses and 12.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Johnstone stood at 49.4%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (30.3%) or rented (20.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, aligning with Non-Metro Qld's average, while the median weekly rent was $250, matching Non-Metro Qld's figure. 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 account for 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 make up the remaining 28.9%, consisting of 26.0% lone person households and 3.1% group households. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with the average for the Rest of Queensland.

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

The area has university qualification rates of 12.1%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 9.1%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.6%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.4%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 44.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 9.5% and certificates at 34.5%. Educational participation is 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.

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 somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~3,822 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.3% and 6.7% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 67.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 68.1% across the rest of Queensland. The area has 23.5% of residents aged 65 and over (1,940 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing even 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 cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 85.9% of its population being citizens born in Australia who speak English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 58.0%. However, there was an overrepresentation in the 'Other' category, which accounted for 2.6% compared to 3.3% regionally.

The top three ancestry groups were English (25.6%), Australian (25.5%), and Italian (10.4%). Notably, Maltese (2.0%) and German (4.4%) were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 1.1% and 3.8%, respectively. Conversely, the representation of Australian Aboriginal people was lower at 4.2% compared to the regional average of 11.3%.

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 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 at 15.1% locally, while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 8.9%. This 65-74 concentration is well above the national figure 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 declined from 12.5% to 11.4% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 13.5% to 12.4%. Demographic modeling suggests Johnstone's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to expand notably, increasing by 239 people (44%) from 548 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.