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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Johnstone's population is around 8,453 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 451 people (5.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,002 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 8,244 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 96 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 6.5 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Johnstone's 5.6% growth since the census positions it within 0.3 percentage points of the SA3 area (5.9%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 69.1% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence, where utilised, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Regarding demographic trends, lower quartile growth for locations outside of capital cities is anticipated, with the area expected to grow by 57 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a reduction of 1.8% in total over the 17 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, totalling 112 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 10 approvals have been recorded. Given an average of 1.7 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), the market shows a good balance between supply and demand, supporting stable conditions, while new homes are being built at an average value of $281,000—below regional norms—reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers. Additionally, $4.8 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting the area's residential character.

When measured against the Rest of Qld, Johnstone shows approximately 75% of the construction activity per person while it places among the 34th percentile of areas assessed nationally, meaning somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established properties. This activity is similarly under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. Further, 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 count of 472 people in the area 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.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 0 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key 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 list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with diverse sector representation, and an unemployment rate of 4.8%. As of December 2025, 4,090 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.8% above Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (62.2% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 10.3% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and manufacturing. The area shows particularly strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 4.8 times the regional level. Meanwhile, health care & social assistance has a limited presence with 10.3% employment compared to 16.1% regionally. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, the labour force decreased by 1.1% while employment declined by 3.2%, causing unemployment to rise by 2.1 percentage points. By comparison, Regional Qld recorded employment growth of 0.7%, labour force growth of 1.0%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Johnstone. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Johnstone's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.0% over five years and 11.3% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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 FY-23. The Johnstone SA2's median income among taxpayers is $45,133 and the average income stands at $53,575, which compares to figures for Regional Qld's of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $49,606 (median) and $58,884 (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 (2,510 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

Dwelling structure within Johnstone, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 96.8% houses and 3.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Johnstone was well beyond that of Regional Qld, at 49.4%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (30.3%) or rented (20.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Qld average at $1,300, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $250, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Johnstone's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 71.1% of all households, comprising 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%, with lone person households at 26.0% and group households comprising 3.1% of the total. The median household size of 2.4 people is smaller than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

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, including 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.

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 sit close to national benchmarks, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a standard level of common health conditions across both young and old age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 47% of the total population (~3,939 people). This compares to 52.5% across Regional Qld. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.3 and 6.7% of residents, respectively, while 67.7% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Working-age residents show an above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 24.2% of residents aged 65 and over (2,043 people), which is higher than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 85.9% of its population being citizens, 87.8% born in Australia, and 93.0% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Johnstone is Christianity, which makes up 58.0% of people in Johnstone. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Other, which comprises 2.6% of the population, compared to 0.8% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Johnstone are English, comprising 25.6% of the population, Australian, comprising 25.5% of the population, and Italian, comprising 10.4% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 2.4%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Maltese is notably overrepresented at 2.0% of Johnstone (vs 0.4% regionally), German at 4.4% (vs 4.7%) and Australian Aboriginal at 4.2% (vs 3.9%).

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

Johnstone's median age of 47 years exceeds Regional Qld's 41 and is considerably older than the national norm of 38. Compared to the Regional Qld average, the 65 - 74 cohort is notably over-represented (15.8% locally), while 25 - 34 year-olds are under-represented (9.2%). This 65 - 74 concentration is well above the national 9.5%. Since 2021, the 65 to 74 age group has grown from 14.0% to 15.8% of the population, 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 Johnstone's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to see notable expansion, increasing by 219 people (39%) from 568 to 788. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will 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.