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

The suburb of Johnston's population is estimated at approximately 2,947 as of February 2026. This figure reflects an increase of 561 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,386. The current resident population estimate of 2,760 by AreaSearch is based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,133 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Johnston's population growth of 23.5% since the 2021 Census exceeds the SA4 region's growth of 9.6%, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 67.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration being positive factors.

AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch applies growth rates by age cohort to each area, as 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 is forecast for the top quartile of statistical areas across the nation. The suburb of Johnston is expected to grow by 910 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 37.9% in total over the 17-year period based on aggregated SA2-level projections.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Johnston averaging around 10 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 51 homes. In FY26 so far, 18 approvals have been recorded. This averages out to approximately 22.4 people moving to the area per year for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25, indicating significant demand outpacing supply. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $454,000, suggesting a focus on the premium market with high-end developments.

Commercial approvals this financial year have totalled $1,000, reflecting minimal commercial development activity. Recent building activity consists solely of detached houses, maintaining Johnston's traditional suburban character with a preference for family homes.

Notably, developers are constructing more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (58.0% at Census), implying 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 approximately 1,118 residents by 2041, potentially leading to increased competition among buyers and stronger price growth if current development rates continue and housing supply does not keep pace with population growth.

Johnston has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 13thth percentile nationally

No changes can significantly affect an area's performance like alterations to local infrastructure, substantial projects, and planning initiatives. A total of zero projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Notable projects include Darwin Light Rail Stage 1, Hudson Creek Power Station, Marine Industry Park, and Darwin Corporate Park, with the following list outlining those likely 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 essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate was 1.8% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.9%. As of September 2025, 1,845 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.3%, lower than Greater Darwin's 3.1%.

Workforce participation is high at 92.5%, compared to Greater Darwin's 76.0%. Only 4.0% of residents work from home. Dominant employment sectors include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and construction. Johnston specializes in public administration & safety with an employment share 1.2 times the regional level, but has lower representation in professional & technical services at 4.3%.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities. In the 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 1.9%, labour force grew by 2.5%, and unemployment rose by 0.6 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Johnston's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

Johnston suburb's median income among taxpayers was $64,981 in financial year 2023, according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. The average income stood at $69,969 during the same period. These figures compared to Greater Darwin's median and average incomes of $66,956 and $77,199 respectively. By September 2025, estimated median and average incomes were approximately $70,465 and $75,874, based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.44% since financial year 2023. In Johnston, household, family, and personal incomes ranked highly nationally, between the 81st and 90th percentiles according to 2021 Census figures. Income distribution showed that 40.0% of residents earned between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly (1,178 people), consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region at 36.7%. Notably, 30.6% earned above $3,000 weekly. High housing costs consumed 18.7% of income, but strong earnings placed disposable income at the 76th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 6th decile.

Johnston displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The dwelling structure in Johnston, as per the latest Census, consisted of 58.1% houses and 41.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Darwin metro's 63.5% houses and 36.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Johnston was at 3.0%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (33.5%) or rented (63.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Johnston was $2,400, higher than Darwin metro's average of $2,100. The median weekly rent figure in Johnston was recorded at $370, compared to Darwin metro's $385. Nationally, Johnston's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower than the national figure of $375.

Johnston features high concentrations of group households and family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

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, larger than the Greater Darwin average of 2.6.

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

Johnston's educational qualifications lag behind regional benchmarks, with 24.1% of residents aged 15 years and above holding university degrees compared to the SA4 region's 31.3%. The leading qualification is bachelor degrees at 16.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 41.8% of residents aged 15 years and above holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (11.6%) and certificates (30.2%). Educational participation is notably high, with 36.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 14.3% in primary education, 8.7% in secondary education, and 5.5% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 36.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.3% in primary education, 8.7% in secondary education, and 5.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Johnston has seven active public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by fifteen routes that together facilitate 1062 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents on average living 234 meters from the nearest stop. Most Johnston residents commute outwards and primarily use cars, with a dominance of 93%. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, only 4% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 151 trips daily, equating to around 151 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Johnston is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts

Johnston faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across all age groups but more so among older cohorts.

Private health cover is high at approximately 54% of the total population (around 1,604 people), compared to 57.8% in Greater Darwin. The most common medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 7.8 and 6.5% of residents respectively. About 79.0% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 77.1% in Greater Darwin. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 4.8% of residents aged 65 and over (141 people), lower than the 10.8% in Greater Darwin. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally compared to the broader population.

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 showed high cultural diversity, 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%. Hinduism had a higher representation in Johnston compared to Greater Darwin, making up 4.1% versus 4.2%.

The top three ancestral groups were Australian (24.8%), English (19.8%), and Other (14.2%). Notably, Filipino, Australian Aboriginal, and Hungarian ethnicities showed higher representations in Johnston than regionally: Filipino at 4.8% vs 3.8%, Australian Aboriginal at 8.8% vs 7.0%, and Hungarian at 0.4% vs 0.1%.

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 the Australian median of 38. The 35-44 cohort makes up 20% of Johnston's population, higher than Greater Darwin's average but lower than the national figure of 14.3%. The 55-64 age group comprises only 4.4% of Johnston's population. Post-2021 Census data shows an increase in median age from 28 to 29 years, reflecting an aging population. Specifically, the 45-54 age group grew from 8.9% to 11%, and the 65-74 cohort increased from 1.8% to 2.9%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort declined from 21.3% to 17.4%, and the 0-4 group dropped from 10.9% to 8.1%. Population forecasts for Johnston in 2041 indicate significant demographic changes, with the 45-54 age cohort projected to expand by 225 people (70%), from 324 to 550 individuals.