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 is approximately 8,453 as of February 2026. This marks an increase of 451 people, representing a growth rate of 5.6% since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 8,002. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 8,244 in June 2024 and the addition of 96 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density of 6.5 persons per square kilometer. Johnstone's growth rate of 5.6% since the census is within 0.3 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 5.9%, indicating strong growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 69.1% of the overall population gains in recent periods, driving primary growth for the area.

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 using 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; therefore, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings based on ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, using 2022 data for each age cohort. According to demographic trends, locations outside capital cities are expected to have lower quartile growth. Thus, the area is projected to grow by 57 persons to reach a population of approximately 8,510 by 2041, reflecting an overall reduction of 1.8% in total 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 each year over the past five financial years, totalling 112 homes. As of FY-26, 9 approvals have been recorded so far. The average number of new residents per year per dwelling constructed in Johnstone between FY-21 and FY-25 was 1.7. This indicates a balanced supply and demand market, supporting stable conditions for housing.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $281,000, which is below regional norms, offering more affordable housing options to purchasers. In the current financial year, Johnstone has recorded $4.8 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting its residential character. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Johnstone shows approximately 75% of the construction activity per person. Nationally, it places among the 34th percentile of areas assessed, suggesting limited buyer options but strengthening demand for established properties.

This activity is below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. Recent development in Johnstone has been entirely comprised of detached houses, maintaining its traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 472 people per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. With population projections showing stability or decline, Johnstone should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers in the area.

Johnstone has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

No changes can significantly affect a region's performance like modifications to local infrastructure, major undertakings, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include North Queensland Super Hub, North and Far North Queensland REZs, Queensland National Land Transport Network Maintenance, and Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan SuperGrid, with the following list specifying 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 overall unemployment rate of 4.3% as of September 2025. In this month, 4,126 residents were employed, representing a 0.3% higher unemployment rate than the Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. The workforce participation rate was somewhat lower at 62.5%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%.

According to Census responses, only 10.3% of residents worked from home. Dominant employment sectors included agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and manufacturing. The area showed strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing (4.8 times the regional level), but limited presence in health care & social assistance (10.3% compared to 16.1% regionally). Between September 2024 and September 2025, Johnstone's labour force decreased by 1.6%, while employment declined by 3.2%, leading to a 1.6 percentage point increase in unemployment.

In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. 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 5.0% over five years and 11.3% over 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 Johnstone SA2's income level is below the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Johnstone is $45,133 and the average income stands at $53,575. For comparison, Rest of Qld's figures are $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Johnstone would be approximately $49,606 (median) and $58,884 (average) as of September 2025. Census data shows household, family and personal incomes in Johnstone all fall between the 20th and 23rd percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that 29.7% of the community earns between $1,500 and $2,999 (2,510 individuals), which is consistent with broader metropolitan trends showing 31.7% in the same category. Housing costs are modest, with 89.1% of income retained, 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

In Johnstone, as per the latest Census evaluation, 96.8% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 3.2% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This contrasts with Non-Metro Qld's figures of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Johnstone stood at 49.4%, while mortgaged dwellings accounted for 30.3% and rented ones for 20.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Johnstone was $250, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. 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 lower-than-average 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 constitute the remaining 28.9%, with lone person households at 26.0% and group households comprising 3.1%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

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 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 prevalent, with 44.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.5%) and certificates (34.5%). Educational participation is high at 28.5%, comprising 12.1% in primary education, 10.0% in secondary education, and 1.6% in tertiary education.

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.

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 align with 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 in Johnstone. Private health cover is found to be extremely low, at approximately 47% of the total population (~3,939 people), compared to 52.5% across Rest of Qld and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (10.3%) and mental health issues (6.7%), with 67.7% of residents reporting no medical ailments, similar to Rest of Qld's 67.6%. Working-age residents show a higher-than-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. Johnstone has 24.2% of residents aged 65 and over (2,043 people), higher than Rest of Qld's 20.4%. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, ranking even higher than the general population nationally.

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 predominantly culturally homogenous, with 85.9% being citizens, 87.8% born in Australia, and 93.0% speaking English only at home as of the latest data. Christianity was the prevalent religion, comprising 58.0% of Johnstone's population. Notably, the 'Other' religious category was overrepresented in Johnstone at 2.6%, compared to 0.8% across the rest of Queensland.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (25.6%), Australian (25.5%), and Italian (10.4%), with Italians being significantly more represented than the regional average of 2.4%. Other ethnic groups with notable differences in representation included Maltese at 2.0% (regional: 0.4%), German at 4.4% (regional: 4.7%), and Australian Aboriginal at 4.2% (regional: 3.9%).

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 and considerably older than the national norm of 38. Compared to the Rest of Qld average, the 65-74 cohort is notably over-represented in Johnstone at 15.8%, while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 9.2%. This concentration of the 65-74 age group is well above the national average of 9.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 65 to 74 age group has grown from 14.0% to 15.8%, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 9.1% to 10.6%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 17.5% to 16.1% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 12.5% to 11.1%. 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 219 people (39%) from 568 to 788. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are projected to account for 67% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 45 to 54 and 65 to 74 cohorts.