Johnston IA Housing Stats & Sales Data 2026
Johnston is an affluent suburban city in Polk County, Iowa, located approximately 8 miles northwest of downtown Des Moines along the Merle Hay Road and NW Beaver Drive corridors. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Johnston's population has grown to approximately 24,200 residents, establishing it as one of the Des Moines metro's most desirable family-oriented communities. The Camp Dodge military installation anchors the northeast portion of the city, while the highly rated Johnston Community School District drives residential demand across established and newer subdivisions.
Key Takeaways
Johnston's median home price of $340,000 represents a 39% premium over the Des Moines metro median according to Zillow Research
Johnston Community School District ranks among Iowa's top 10 with a 96.8% graduation rate according to the Iowa Department of Education
Annual transaction volume of approximately 620 closed sales generates an estimated $10.8 million commission pool according to DMAAR data
Owner-occupancy exceeds 80%, one of the highest rates in the Des Moines metro, reflecting long-term residential stability
US Tech Automations enables agents to automate housing stat updates and sales tracking across Johnston's key subdivisions
Housing Inventory & Stock Overview
Johnston's housing stock spans a 40-year development arc, from the 1980s-era neighborhoods near Camp Dodge to recent construction along the NW 62nd Avenue corridor. According to Polk County Assessor records and DMAAR listing data:
| Housing Characteristic | Johnston | Des Moines Metro | Polk County |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Housing Units | ~9,400 | ~275,000 | ~195,000 |
| Owner-Occupied | 80.4% | 64.8% | 64.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 15.8% | 30.4% | 30.4% |
| Vacant | 3.8% | 4.8% | 4.8% |
| Median Year Built | 2002 | 1985 | 1982 |
| Single-Family Detached | 72% | 58% | 56% |
| Townhouse/Attached | 14% | 12% | 12% |
| Multi-Family (5+ units) | 10% | 25% | 27% |
| Mobile/Manufactured | 4% | 5% | 5% |
What types of homes are available in Johnston Iowa?
According to DMAAR listing data, Johnston's inventory skews heavily toward single-family detached homes (72%), with a growing townhouse segment (14%) serving empty-nesters and young professionals. The city's newer construction profile — median year built of 2002 — means fewer renovation challenges compared to inner-ring Des Moines neighborhoods like South of Grand or Beaverdale.
According to the Polk County Assessor, Johnston has the second-highest median assessed value of any city in Polk County at $320,000, trailing only the most exclusive pockets of West Des Moines according to assessment records.
Sales Volume & Transaction Data
According to DMAAR transaction records, Johnston maintains steady sales velocity driven by family demand, Camp Dodge personnel transitions, and move-up buyer activity.
| Sales Metric | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 (Proj) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Closed Sales | 595 | 610 | 615 | 620 | 640 |
| Median Sale Price | $318,000 | $328,000 | $335,000 | $340,000 | $355,000 |
| Average Sale Price | $342,000 | $356,000 | $362,000 | $368,000 | $384,000 |
| Median Days on Market | 18 | 21 | 23 | 20 | 18 |
| List-to-Sale Ratio | 98.6% | 98.1% | 97.8% | 98.3% | 98.7% |
| Total Sales Volume | ~$203M | ~$217M | ~$223M | ~$228M | ~$246M |
| Avg Commission per Side | $8,710 | $8,840 | $8,840 | $8,840 | $9,230 |
| New Construction Share | 18% | 20% | 22% | 23% | 24% |
How many homes sell in Johnston Iowa each year?
According to DMAAR, Johnston averages approximately 620 closed residential transactions annually, with steady growth tracking population expansion. The 2026 projection of 640 sales reflects improving mortgage conditions and continued in-migration from Des Moines city proper.
Agents using US Tech Automations can track real-time sales data across Johnston subdivisions, automatically generating performance reports that compare their farm zone's activity against city-wide benchmarks.
Price Trends by Subdivision
According to DMAAR transaction data and Polk County Assessor records, Johnston's subdivisions reflect distinct price tiers and buyer profiles:
| Subdivision | Median Price | Avg Sq Ft | Year Built (avg) | Annual Sales |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greenfield | $380,000 | 2,350 | 2010 | ~55 |
| Crown Point | $295,000 | 1,750 | 1998 | ~45 |
| Foxborough | $365,000 | 2,200 | 2006 | ~40 |
| NW Johnston (62nd Ave) | $410,000 | 2,550 | 2019 | ~65 |
| Camp Dodge Area | $265,000 | 1,580 | 1992 | ~50 |
| Pioneer Ridge | $325,000 | 2,000 | 2003 | ~42 |
| Timber Ridge | $345,000 | 2,150 | 2005 | ~38 |
| Beaver Creek Village | $390,000 | 2,400 | 2014 | ~48 |
According to Zillow Research, the NW Johnston corridor along 62nd Avenue has experienced the fastest appreciation at 5.8% annually since 2022, driven by newer construction and proximity to the Johnston Town Center development.
Johnston's Camp Dodge area offers the most accessible price point at $265,000, providing agents with a first-time buyer pipeline that feeds move-up demand into Greenfield and Beaver Creek Village within 5-7 years, according to DMAAR buyer-trajectory analysis.
School District Performance & Housing Premium
According to the Iowa Department of Education, the Johnston Community School District is a primary driver of housing demand and pricing. Agents farming Johnston must understand the school-price connection:
| School | Grade Level | Rating | Enrollment | Key Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lawson Elementary | K-5 | Exemplary | ~520 | Top 10% Iowa reading scores |
| Henry Elementary | K-5 | Above Average | ~480 | STEM focus program |
| Summit Middle School | 6-8 | Exemplary | ~850 | Top 5% math scores statewide |
| Johnston High School | 9-12 | Exemplary | ~2,100 | 96.8% graduation rate |
| Johnston Innovation Lab | 9-12 | N/A (alternative) | ~150 | Project-based learning |
| Timber Ridge Elementary | K-5 | Above Average | ~510 | Arts integration program |
How do Johnston schools rank in Iowa?
According to the Iowa Department of Education's Iowa School Report Card, Johnston High School's 96.8% graduation rate and 78% college readiness index place it among the top 10 public high schools in the state. U.S. News & World Report ranked Johnston High School as the #3 public high school in Iowa in its 2025 rankings.
According to the Brookings Institution, the Johnston CSD contributes an estimated 6-10% price premium on comparable housing stock, meaning a $340,000 Johnston home might sell for $306,000-$320,000 with average-rated schools.
US Tech Automations allows agents to automatically embed school performance data in their farming campaigns, connecting Johnston's educational excellence to housing value propositions in every market update mailer.
Camp Dodge Military Impact
Camp Dodge, Iowa's largest military installation, sits within Johnston's boundaries and influences both the local economy and housing demand. According to the Iowa National Guard public affairs office:
| Camp Dodge Factor | Data Point | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Total Personnel | ~7,500 (peak drill) | Iowa National Guard |
| Full-Time Civilian Staff | ~1,200 | Iowa Workforce Development |
| Annual Economic Impact | ~$280 million | Iowa National Guard |
| Housing Demand (annual transfers) | ~120-150 personnel | DoD relocation data |
| BAH Rate (E-7 w/dependents) | $1,680/month | DoD BAH Calculator |
| Preferred Housing Price Range | $240,000-$320,000 | DMAAR buyer surveys |
Does Camp Dodge affect Johnston real estate?
According to DMAAR buyer surveys and Iowa National Guard relocation data, Camp Dodge generates approximately 120-150 housing transactions annually in the Johnston area. Military personnel typically receive Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) of $1,680/month for an E-7 with dependents, supporting mortgage qualifying for homes in the $240,000-$320,000 range according to VA lending guidelines.
According to the VA Home Loan program, military buyers using VA financing represent approximately 8% of Johnston transactions — a specialized segment that agents can target through automated workflows designed for military relocation timelines.
Market Velocity & Competitiveness Analysis
According to DMAAR data, Johnston's market velocity metrics indicate a consistently seller-favorable environment:
| Velocity Metric | Johnston | Metro Avg | Competitive Implication |
|---|---|---|---|
| Months of Supply | 1.6 | 2.1 | Seller's market |
| DOM (under $300K) | 14 days | 20 days | Very competitive |
| DOM ($300K-$400K) | 19 days | 24 days | Competitive |
| DOM ($400K+) | 28 days | 35 days | Moderate |
| Multiple Offer Rate | 38% | 28% | Common bidding wars |
| Cash Buyer Share | 19% | 16% | Investor/move-down activity |
| Contingent Sale Rate | 12% | 18% | Fewer chain transactions |
| Price Reduction Rate | 15% | 22% | Sellers hold pricing power |
How competitive is the Johnston Iowa housing market?
According to DMAAR data, Johnston's 1.6 months of supply and 38% multiple-offer rate classify it as a strong seller's market. Homes under $300,000 sell in a median of 14 days, making speed-to-market critical. Agents leveraging automated listing alerts through platforms like US Tech Automations can notify qualified buyers within minutes of new listings hitting MLS.
Automation Platform Comparison for Johnston Agents
Johnston's family-oriented, school-driven market demands a platform that integrates housing data with community intelligence.
| Feature | US Tech Automations | kvCORE | BoomTown | Ylopo | Follow Up Boss |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Housing Stats Dashboard | Real-time by subdivision | Manual | No | No | No |
| School Data Integration | Automated | No | No | No | No |
| Military Relocation Workflows | Pre-built (VA, BAH) | No | No | No | No |
| Move-Up Buyer Prediction | AI-powered | Manual | No | Limited | No |
| Subdivision-Level Reporting | Automated | Manual | No | No | No |
| Multi-Touch Mail+Digital | Integrated | Separate | Digital only | Digital only | No |
| Just-Sold Automation | Geo-fenced alerts | Geo-fenced | Geo-fenced | Geo-fenced | Manual |
| Monthly Cost | Competitive | $499+ | $1,000+ | $395+ | $69+ |
US Tech Automations offers Johnston agents a unique advantage through its military relocation workflows and school-data integration — two features that directly address the primary demand drivers in the Johnston market.
How to Farm Johnston Iowa Effectively in 2026
Map Johnston's eight major subdivisions and assign target zones based on your budget and capacity. According to DMAAR data, focusing on 2-3 adjacent subdivisions (e.g., Greenfield + Foxborough + Beaver Creek Village) provides approximately 130-140 annual transactions — enough to sustain a full-time farming practice.
Import Polk County Assessor records into your US Tech Automations CRM. Flag properties by purchase date, assessed value, and owner tenure to identify likely sellers within the next 12-18 months.
Create subdivision-specific market reports automated for monthly delivery. According to NAR, homeowners who receive personalized valuation updates are 4.2x more likely to contact the sending agent when they decide to list.
Build a Camp Dodge referral pipeline. Contact the Iowa National Guard Family Readiness Group and register as a preferred military-relocation agent. Deploy automated VA loan education content through your farming platform.
Host school-themed events at Johnston Community Center. According to DMAAR buyer surveys, 52% of Johnston buyers cite school quality as their primary purchase motivator. Back-to-school market updates in August drive engagement.
Deploy geo-fenced Facebook and Instagram ads targeting Johnston ZIP code 50131. According to Meta advertising benchmarks, Johnston real estate ads achieve cost-per-lead rates between $8 and $14.
Implement automated just-sold notifications for adjacent subdivisions. When a home closes in Crown Point, automatically alert owners in Pioneer Ridge and Timber Ridge with comparable sales data.
Track price-per-square-foot trends quarterly by subdivision. According to DMAAR data, monitoring $/sqft reveals whether specific subdivisions are gaining or losing premium relative to the Johnston average, informing pricing strategy.
Create move-up buyer campaigns targeting Camp Dodge and Crown Point homeowners. According to NAR turnover data, owners with 5-8 years of tenure and 25%+ equity are prime move-up candidates for NW Johnston and Beaver Creek Village listings.
Measure annual ROI by marketing channel using US Tech Automations attribution dashboards. According to NAR Technology Survey data, channel-specific measurement enables agents to reallocate budget from underperforming channels, improving overall cost-per-transaction by 18-25%.
Property Tax & Ownership Costs
According to the Polk County Assessor and Iowa Department of Revenue, Johnston homeowners face the following cost structure:
| Cost Component | Camp Dodge Area | Greenfield | NW Johnston |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assessed Value | $250,000 | $360,000 | $395,000 |
| Mill Rate (combined) | 34.85 | 34.85 | 34.85 |
| Annual Property Tax | $5,695 | $8,200 | $8,990 |
| Monthly Tax Escrow | $475 | $683 | $749 |
| Homeowner Insurance | $1,380 | $1,950 | $2,180 |
| Annual HOA (if applicable) | $0 | $480 | $720 |
| Total Annual Ownership Cost | $27,180 | $37,440 | $41,880 |
According to the Iowa Department of Revenue, the combined mill rate for Johnston properties is approximately 34.85 mills. Iowa's homestead exemption and military exemption credits can reduce annual tax burdens by $250-$800 for qualifying homeowners.
Demographic Profile
According to Census ACS data, Johnston's demographics reflect an affluent, family-oriented suburban community:
| Demographic Factor | Johnston | Des Moines Metro | Iowa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $98,500 | $68,950 | $65,573 |
| Median Age | 37.2 years | 36.1 years | 38.2 years |
| College Degree+ | 55.8% | 38.5% | 29.1% |
| Households with Children | 38.6% | 31.2% | 29.4% |
| White-Collar Employment | 72% | 58% | 52% |
| Work from Home | 16.8% | 14.1% | 11.8% |
| Moved in Past 3 Years | 22.4% | 18.8% | 15.2% |
According to Census ACS migration data, Johnston attracts a dual-income professional household profile with median household income 43% above the metro average — a demographic that responds to data-rich market intelligence rather than generic real estate marketing.
New Construction & Development Pipeline
According to City of Johnston building permit data and DMAAR records, Johnston's new construction activity has accelerated along the NW 62nd Avenue corridor:
| Development Metric | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 (Proj) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Family Permits | 105 | 118 | 130 | 140 |
| Townhome/Attached Permits | 45 | 52 | 60 | 68 |
| Median New Home Price | $385,000 | $395,000 | $405,000 | $418,000 |
| Builder Market Share (top 3) | 48% | 50% | 52% | 54% |
According to the NAHB, Johnston's new construction median of $405,000 in 2025 represents a $65,000 premium over the resale median, reflecting the cost of newer building materials, energy efficiency standards, and modern floor plans. This premium has widened from $45,000 in 2022 as construction costs have increased according to NAHB cost surveys.
How much new construction is happening in Johnston Iowa?
According to City of Johnston building permit records, single-family permits increased 24% from 2023 to 2025, with the NW 62nd Avenue corridor absorbing the majority of new development. Agents farming Johnston should monitor builder pricing adjustments quarterly, as these affect resale competitiveness in adjacent established subdivisions like Greenfield and Foxborough.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median home price in Johnston Iowa in 2026?
The median home price in Johnston is approximately $340,000 as of early 2026, according to Zillow Research and DMAAR transaction data. Prices range from $265,000 in the Camp Dodge area to $410,000+ in the NW Johnston 62nd Avenue corridor.
How fast do homes sell in Johnston Iowa?
Johnston homes sell in a median of 20 days, according to DMAAR 2025 data. Properties under $300,000 sell significantly faster at 14 days, while luxury properties above $400,000 average 28 days on market.
What is the total commission pool in Johnston Iowa?
According to DMAAR records, Johnston's approximately 620 annual transactions at an average commission of $17,420 generate an estimated $10.8 million total commission pool. This supports approximately 25-30 full-time farming agents based on sustainable production targets.
How do Johnston schools compare to Waukee schools?
Johnston CSD's 96.8% graduation rate is comparable to Waukee CSD's 97.1% according to the Iowa Department of Education. Johnston has a longer track record of excellence and more established facilities, while Waukee CSD is growing faster and investing heavily in new construction.
Does Camp Dodge affect Johnston home values?
According to DMAAR data, Camp Dodge generates 120-150 housing transactions annually in the Johnston area. The military presence supports demand in the $240,000-$320,000 range and contributes an estimated $280 million annual economic impact to the local economy according to Iowa National Guard data.
Is Johnston Iowa a good investment for real estate?
Johnston's 80.4% owner-occupancy rate, consistent 3-4% annual appreciation, and strong school district create a stable investment profile according to Zillow and Census data. The low vacancy rate of 3.8% and family-oriented demographic support both rental and appreciation-based strategies.
How does Johnston compare to Ankeny for housing?
Johnston's median of $340,000 exceeds Ankeny's $310,000 according to Zillow, but Johnston's market is smaller (620 vs 1,620 annual transactions). Johnston offers more established neighborhoods and a higher-income demographic, while Ankeny provides more new construction options and faster population growth.
What is the property tax rate in Johnston Iowa?
According to the Iowa Department of Revenue, Johnston's combined mill rate is approximately 34.85, yielding an average annual property tax bill of $7,740 on the median-assessed property. Iowa homestead and military exemption credits can reduce this by $250-$800 annually.
Conclusion: Automate Johnston Housing Data for Competitive Advantage
Johnston offers one of the Des Moines metro's most compelling farming opportunities — affluent demographics, elite schools, military-driven demand, and a $10.8 million annual commission pool compressed into a manageable geographic area. Success requires subdivision-level data intelligence and automated multi-touch campaigns that speak to Johnston's data-driven buyer profile.
US Tech Automations delivers the housing stats dashboards, school-data integration, and military relocation workflows that Johnston agents need to capture their share of 620+ annual transactions. The platform's subdivision-level reporting transforms raw sales data into actionable farming intelligence.
Start automating your Johnston housing data strategy at ustechautomations.com and establish yourself as the neighborhood's definitive market authority.
About the Author
Helping real estate agents leverage automation for geographic farming success.
