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Johnston, IA

Frequently asked questions

Johnston, IA

Johnston is a city in Polk County, Iowa, United States.  The population was 24,064 in the 2020 census, a large increase from the 8,649 population in 2000. It is part of the Des Moines–West Des Moines Metropolitan Statistical Area. 

Johnston is the location of the headquarters of Pioneer Hi-Bred Seeds, Iowa Public Television, and The Gardeners of America/Men's Garden Clubs of America. Also located here are the Camp Dodge Military Reservation as well as the Paul J. and Ida Trier House, a private residence designed by famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright, and the Des Moines Weather Forecast Office of the National Weather Service.

Johnston was established in 1905 as a station on the Des Moines & Central Iowa Railway between Des Moines and Perry known as Johnston Station. It was named for the railway's freight supervisor, John F. Johnston. Passenger service along the railroad ended in 1949, and the track has subsequently been removed within city limits. 

Voters passed a resolution to incorporate on June 23, 1969. On September 8, the first Mayor and Council were sworn in. Incorporation papers were signed by the Clerk of the District Court on December 11, 1969. 

At the time, the Johnston Station area did not become part of the incorporated city because of a state law that prevented a town within three miles (5 km) of another city from incorporating. The neighboring cities of Des Moines and Urbandale were also interested in that land, but in April 1970, Johnston and Urbandale reached an agreement that allowed Johnston to annex the Johnston Station area

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 18.37 square miles (47.58 km²), of which 17.16 square miles (44.44 km²) is land and 1.21 square miles (3.13 km²) is water. The city is bordered on the east by the Des Moines River and the city's area includes part of Saylorville Reservoir. On the south, the city is bordered by Interstate 80, and to the west, the city limits extend to a half mile east of Iowa Highway 141. The city is bisected by Beaver Creek, which flows southerly through the city until it nearly reaches Interstate 80, at which point the course turns easterly and flows to the Des Moines River.

Johnston places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. Lifetime Athletic provides a premium fitness experience with its extensive gym facilities, swimming pools, and group classes. The Johnston Community Center offers a range of recreational programs, including fitness classes, sports leagues, and wellness workshops. Pure Barre Johnston focuses on low-impact, high-intensity workouts that enhance strength and flexibility. Yoga by the Lake offers a tranquil space for yoga enthusiasts of all levels, with classes designed to improve mental and physical health. Chiropractic Health & Wellness Clinic provides comprehensive chiropractic care, helping residents maintain optimal health. The Spa at West Glen offers luxurious spa treatments, from facials to full-body massages, in a serene setting. Farrell’s eXtreme Bodyshaping combines kickboxing and strength training to deliver an intense workout experience. Finally, Thrive Gym is a community-focused gym offering personal training and group classes tailored to individual fitness goals. 

Top sites in Johnston, IA are Hyperion Field Club, Iowa Gold Star Military Museum, and Terra Park.

Population: 25,022 (2024). ZIP code: 50131. Area code: 515. Elevation: 824 ft (251 m). Area: 20.88 sq mi (54.07 km²).

FAQs

What are the demographics of Johnston, IA?

Johnston is a city located in Dallas County and Polk County Iowa. Johnston has a 2024 population of 24,816. Johnston is currently growing at a rate of 0.71% annually and its population has increased by 2.92% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 24,111 in 2020. According to the most recent ACS, the racial composition of Johnston was White: 79.61%, Black or African American: 10.5%, Asian: 5.83%, Two or more races: 3.21%, Other race: 0.78%, Native American: 0.07%, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 0%

What is the crime rate in Johnston, IA?

According to NeighborhoodScout's analysis of FBI crime statistics, Johnston is safer than 61% of the cities and towns in the US of all population sizes. In Iowa, only on the order of 64% of the communities have a lower crime rate than Johnston. If you live in Johnston, your chance of becoming a victim of crime in the community is 1 in 139. The US average across communities from the largest to the smallest is 1 in 43. Compared to other communities of similar population size, Johnston has a crime rate that is noticeably lower than the average. This means that for comparably sized cities all across America, Johnston is safer than most according to NeighborhoodScout's exclusive analysis of FBI crime data.

What was Johnston, IA named after?

Over the years the area was known by many names such as Beaver Creek Settlement, Ridgedale, and Huntsville. The community eventually adopted the name of Johnston Station named after John F. Johnston who was one of the station agents for the Interurban Railroad. The Interurban Railroad was an electric train (established in 1907) that provided commuter and freight service. It ran from Carlisle, through Des Moines and Johnston, to Perry.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Johnston

Neighborhood Scout

World Population Review

Hyperion Field Club

Iowa Gold Star Military Museum

Terra Park

Lifetime Athletic

Johnston Community Center

Pure Barre Johnston 

Yoga by the Lake

Chiropractic Health & Wellness Clinic

The Spa at West Glen

Farrell’s eXtreme Bodyshaping

Thrive Gym

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