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, as of May 2026, is approximately 8,372, reflecting a growth of 370 people since the 2021 Census when it was 8,002. This increase, equivalent to 4.6%, is inferred from ABS estimates. As of June 2025, the estimated resident population was 8,281, with an additional 114 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to this growth. The population density ratio is 6.5 persons per square kilometer. Johnstone's 4.6% growth since census is within 1.2 percentage points of its SA3 area (5.8%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 64.4% of overall population gains, with all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth being positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered or years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are used. Note that these state projections lack age category splits; thus, proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) are applied where utilized. Demographic trends anticipate lower quartile growth for locations outside capital cities, with the area projected to grow by 67 persons to 2041, reflecting a reduction of 0.3% over the 16 years.

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, 10 approvals have been recorded so far. On average, 1.7 new residents per year per dwelling constructed were recorded between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating a balanced supply and demand market with stable conditions. The average construction cost value for new homes was $281,000, below regional norms, offering more affordable housing options.

This financial year, $4.8 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to Rest of Qld, Johnstone shows approximately 75% of construction activity per person and ranks among the 34th percentile nationally, suggesting limited buyer options but strengthening demand for established properties. The recent development has been entirely comprised of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated population count per dwelling approval is 472 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment.

With stable or declining population projections, Johnstone should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Johnstone has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

No changes can significantly affect a region's performance like modifications to local infrastructure, notable projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that are predicted to impact this area. Key projects comprise Draft Far North Queensland Regional Plan 2025, North Queensland Super Hub, North and Far North Queensland REZs, and Queensland National Land Transport Network Maintenance. The following list specifies those expected to be most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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

Johnstone's workforce in December 2025 comprised 4,090 residents with an unemployment rate of 4.8%. This rate was 0.8% higher than Regional Queensland's (Regional Qld) rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation stood at 61.9%, below Regional Qld's 64.5%.

Census responses indicated that only 10.3% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Dominant employment sectors included agriculture, forestry & fishing (4.8 times the regional level), health care & social assistance (10.3%), and manufacturing. Between December 2024 and December 2025, Johnstone's labour force decreased by 1.1% and employment declined by 3.2%, leading to a 2.1 percentage point rise in unemployment. In contrast, Regional Qld saw employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points.

National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Johnstone's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by approximately 5.0% over five years and 11.3% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

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

The Johnstone SA2's median income among taxpayers was $45,133 and average income stood at $53,575 in the financial year 2023. These figures compare to Regional Qld's median of $53,146 and average of $66,593 respectively. As of March 2026, estimated median income is approximately $50,260 and average income is $59,661 based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36%. Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Johnstone fall between the 20th and 23rd percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that 29.7% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999, consistent with broader trends across metropolitan regions showing 31.7% in the same category. Housing costs are modest, allowing for retention of 89.1% of income, but 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 Regional Qld's figures of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Johnstone was at 49.4%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (30.3%) or rented (20.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,300, lower than Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure in Johnstone was recorded at $250, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Johnstone's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Johnstone has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 71.1 percent of all households, including 26.8 percent couples with children, 33.9 percent couples without children, and 9.5 percent single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 28.9 percent, with lone person households at 26.0 percent and group households comprising 3.1 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5 people.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 12.1%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.1%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.6%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.4%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 44.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them. Advanced diplomas account for 9.5% while certificates make up 34.5%.

Educational participation is high at 28.5%, including 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.

Johnstone's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Johnstone's health metrics closely match national benchmarks, as assessed by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are seen at a standard level across both young and old age cohorts. Private health cover is extremely low, at approximately 47% of the total population (around 3,901 people), compared to 52.5% in Regional Qld and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 10.3 and 6.7% of residents respectively, while 67.7% report being completely free from medical ailments, similar to the 67.6% in Regional Qld. Working-age residents have a higher-than-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 24.6% of residents aged 65 and over (2,056 people), higher than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are notably strong, with national rankings even better than those of the general population.

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% of Johnstone's population. However, there was an overrepresentation in the 'Other' category, making up 2.6% compared to Regional Qld's 0.8%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (25.6%), Australian (25.5%), and Italian (10.4%), with notable divergences in Maltese (2.0% vs regional 0.4%), German (4.4% vs 4.7%), and Australian Aboriginal (4.2% vs 3.9%) representation.

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

Johnstone's median age is 47 years, which exceeds Regional Queensland's average of 41 years and is considerably older than the national norm of 38 years. Compared to Regional Queensland, Johnstone has a notably over-represented 65-74 age cohort (16.0% locally) and an under-represented 25-34 age group (8.7%). This concentration in the 65-74 age group is well above the national average of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 65-74 age group has grown from 14.0% to 16.0% of Johnstone's population. Conversely, the 45-54 age cohort has declined from 13.5% to 12.3%, and the 5-14 age group has dropped from 12.5% to 11.4%. Demographic modeling suggests that by 2041, Johnstone's age profile will evolve significantly. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to expand notably, increasing by 227 people (40%) from 560 to 788. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 64% of total population growth, reflecting Johnstone's aging demographic profile. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 65-74 and 35-44 age cohorts.