Johnston

Johnston lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Johnston's population, as of November 2025, is estimated at around 2,929. This figure reflects an increase of 543 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,386. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of Johnston's resident population at 2,760 following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,126 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Johnston's growth of 22.8% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (9.6%) and the metropolitan area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 67.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and to estimate growth post-2032, AreaSearch is applying growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Considering projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase in the top quartile of statistical areas across the nation is forecast. The Johnston statistical area (Lv2) is expected to grow by 919 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 39.0% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Johnston when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers for Johnston shows an average of around 10 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 51 homes. So far in FY26, 18 approvals have been recorded. This results in approximately 22.4 people moving to the area per year for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25, indicating significant demand outpacing supply. The average construction cost value of new properties is $454,000, suggesting developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments.

Commercial development activity is minimal this financial year, with only $1,000 in approvals registered. Recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, maintaining Johnston's traditional suburban character and appealing to families seeking space.

Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests at Census (58.0%), indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. Johnston reflects a transitioning market with around 237 people per approval. Population forecasts indicate Johnston will gain 1,141 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Johnston has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 17thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified a total of 0 projects that could impact this area. Notable projects include Darwin Light Rail Stage 1, Hudson Creek Power Station, Marine Industry Park, and Darwin Corporate Park. The following details these projects, focusing on those likely to be most relevant.

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AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Johnston performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Johnston has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 1.8%, lower than Greater Darwin's 3.1%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.0%. As of September 2025, 1,848 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.3% below Greater Darwin's. Workforce participation is high at 74.8%, compared to Greater Darwin's 69.7%. Dominant employment sectors include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and construction.

Johnston has a strong specialization in public administration & safety (1.2 times the regional level), but professional & technical services are less represented (4.3% vs regional average of 5.8%). The area offers limited local employment opportunities. In the past year, employment increased by 2.0%, labour force by 2.6%, and unemployment rose by 0.6 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Darwin's employment growth of 1.9%. State-level data to 25-Nov shows NT employment contracted by 1.13% (losing 4,100 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.4%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Johnston's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

Johnston's suburb has an income level slightly above Australia's national average, per AreaSearch aggregating latest ATO data for FY2023. Its median income among taxpayers is $64,981, with an average of $69,969. Comparatively, Greater Darwin's figures are $66,956 and $77,199 respectively. By September 2025, considering an 8.44% Wage Price Index growth since FY2023, estimated median income is approximately $70,465, and average income is around $75,874. Johnston's incomes rank high nationally, between the 81st and 90th percentiles based on 2021 Census figures. Income distribution shows 40.0% (1,171 people) earn between $1,500-$2,999 weekly, aligning with surrounding regional trends at 36.7%. Notably, 30.6% earn above $3,000 weekly. Housing costs consume 18.7% of income, yet strong earnings place disposable income at the 76th percentile nationally. Johnston's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Johnston displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a predominantly rental market

Johnston's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 58.1% houses and 41.9% other dwellings including semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. Home ownership in Johnston stood at 3.0%, with 33.5% of dwellings mortgaged and 63.5% rented. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,400, while the median weekly rent was $370. Nationally, Johnston's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents being less than the national figure of $375.

Johnston features high concentrations of group households and family households, with a median household size of 2.9 people

Family households constitute 78.1% of all households, including 39.9% couples with children, 21.4% couples without children, and 15.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 21.9%, with lone person households at 17.3% and group households comprising 5.0%. The median household size is 2.9 people.

Educational attainment in Johnston aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

Johnston's educational qualifications lag behind regional averages. Among residents aged 15+, 24.1% hold university degrees, compared to the SA4 region's 31.3%. The most common qualification is bachelor degrees at 16.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them.

Advanced diplomas account for 11.6% while certificates make up 30.2%. Educational participation is high, with 36.6% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.3% in primary, 8.7% in secondary, and 5.5% in tertiary education.

Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Johnston's public transport analysis shows seven active stops currently operating within the area. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totaling 15 individual routes that collectively facilitate 1,062 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to transport is rated as good, with residents typically located 234 meters from their nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 151 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 151 weekly trips per individual stop.

Johnston's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Johnston's health outcomes data shows exceptional results with notable prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups.

Approximately 54% (~1,594 people) of Johnston's total population has private health cover. The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 7.8 and 6.5% of residents respectively. Conversely, 79.0% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 0% across Greater Darwin. As of June 20XX, 4.4% (128 people) of Johnston's population are aged 65 and over. While health outcomes among seniors present some challenges requiring additional attention, overall care for this age group is adequate.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Johnston was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Johnston's population was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 25.9% born overseas and 25.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Johnston, accounting for 40.1% of its population. Notably, Hinduism was overrepresented at 4.1%, compared to None% across Greater Darwin.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were Australian (24.8%), English (19.8%), and Other (14.2%). Some ethnic groups showed significant divergences: Filipino at 4.8% in Johnston versus None% regionally, Australian Aboriginal at 8.8% versus None%, and Hungarian at 0.4% versus None%.

Johnston hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Johnston is 29 years, which is lower than Greater Darwin's average of 34 and significantly younger than Australia's median of 38. The 35-44 age cohort is notably over-represented in Johnston at 19.8%, compared to the Greater Darwin average, while the 55-64 age group is under-represented at 4.2%. This concentration of the 35-44 cohort is higher than the national figure of 14.2%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 45 to 54 age group has increased from 8.9% to 10.8% of Johnston's population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has decreased from 21.3% to 18.2%, and the 0 to 4 age group has dropped from 10.9% to 8.4%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Johnston's age structure, with the strongest projected growth in the 45 to 54 cohort at 75%, adding 236 residents to reach a total of 553.