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Johnston, Rhode Island

USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence

62
Overall Score

Johnston is a vibrant suburban town located in Providence County, Rhode Island, originally incorporated in 1759 and named after colonial attorney general Augustus Johnston. Blending historical charm with modern residential growth, the town features notable landmarks like the Clemence Irons House alongside expanding commercial hubs. People are drawn to Johnston for its peaceful neighborhood feel, strong community identity, and convenient proximity to downtown Providence.

About Rhode Island

Rhode Island, the smallest U.S. state, offers a coastal New England lifestyle with a strong sense of community. Its economy is diverse, with major industries including healthcare and social assistance, manufacturing, education, professional and technical services, finance and insurance, and tourism and hospitality. Living in Rhode Island is generally more expensive than the national average, particularly due to higher housing and utility costs, though groceries and healthcare are more in line with national averages. The state experiences a New England climate with cold, snowy winters and warm summers, and its small size means beaches and urban amenities are usually a short drive away.

30,626
Population
$72K
Avg Salary
105
Cost Index
62.3
Quality Score
How this 62/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
Component Readings used Points Weight Contributes
Safety Safety score: 76 / 100 76.0 30% 22.8
Affordability Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 105.0 37.5 25% 9.4
Economy & jobs Median household income: $91,866 Income needed to live here: $60,000 Unemployment rate: 4.3% 81.3 20% 16.3
Growth Population growth rate: 0.43% Job growth rate: 1.8% 45.9 15% 6.9
Business climate assessment Business climate assessment: 70 / 100 70.0 10% 7.0
Overall score 62.3

Provenance. These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as Gemini (Tier 1 (fast), q=78), last refreshed 11 October 2026. They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.

Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.

Businesses in Johnston

Featured local businesses in Johnston.

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Quality Scores

Business
70
Livability
76
Affordability
68
Growth
72

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Johnston is relatively balanced compared to the national average, though housing and property values reflect the broader northeastern economic pressures. Expenses such as utilities and transportation align closely with regional standards, while local grocery and healthcare costs remain competitive relative to nearby metropolitan centers. Overall, residents experience a moderate cost structure that balances suburban comfort with accessibility to urban amenities.

Average Rent
$2,072/mo
Groceries
$400/mo
Transport
$120/mo
Utilities
$180/mo
Healthcare
$250/mo
Gym membership (monthly)
$45.00
Cinema ticket
$14.00
Restaurant meal (mid-range)
$25.00
Monthly groceries
$400.00
Doctor visit (without insurance)
$150.00

Salary Insights

Johnston's economy is anchored by a diverse mix of healthcare, retail, professional services, and light manufacturing enterprises. Proximity to major employment corridors in Providence County allows many residents to commute easily into healthcare and financial sectors, while local businesses benefit from active municipal development initiatives. The growth of small businesses and remote work infrastructure further supports a resilient local workforce.

The average salary in Johnston is $72,000 per year. You would need approximately $60,000 to live comfortably.

Top Industries

Retail Trade +1.20% Accommodation & Food Services +1.90% Manufacturing +1.10% Healthcare & Social Assistance +2.40% Professional & Technical Services +2.00%

Climate

🌡️
52°F
Avg Temp
☀️
81°F
Summer High
❄️
22°F
Winter Low
🌧️
46.30"
Annual Rain
💧
65.00%
Humidity
🌤️
253
Sunny Days

Transport

Transportation in Johnston is primarily car-dependent, with major thoroughfares like Route 6 and Interstate 295 facilitating regional commuting. While public transit options are somewhat limited compared to central Providence, the town's strategic location ensures manageable drive times to major employment hubs and T.F. Green International Airport.

26 min
Avg Commute
45.00/10
Transit Score
52.00/10
Walkability
High
Car Dependency

Pros & Cons

Advantages
Median household income stands at a robust $91,866 per census data, outperforming national averages.
Convenient location in Providence County providing quick access to downtown Providence and major highways.
Quiet, family-friendly residential neighborhoods such as Winsor Hill and Graniteville.
Active local municipal governance with dedicated community parks and recreational programming.
Close proximity to top-tier healthcare systems and medical centers in Rhode Island.
Drawbacks
Average rent prices exceed $2,000 per month, reflecting broader regional housing pressures.
High car dependency with limited public transit infrastructure within town boundaries.
Property tax rates and real estate costs have risen steadily in line with statewide trends.
Varying winter weather conditions require reliable snow removal and vehicle preparation.
Limited nightlife and entertainment options directly within town borders, requiring trips to Providence.

Questions about Johnston

What people ask about living in and moving to Johnston, Rhode Island.

What is the average salary in Johnston and how does it affect job prospects? Jobs & Economy 1 answer

The average annual salary in Johnston is $72,000. This figure suggests that many local jobs pay around the national median, offering a comfortable income relative to the city’s modestly higher cost of living. To explore specific opportunities, browse regional job boards, the city’s employment portal, or statewide labor market reports. Networking through community events and checking with local chambers of commerce ca...

What is the typical rent for a one‑bedroom apartment in Johnston? Housing 1 answer

According to recent data, the average rent in Johnston is about $2,072 per month. This figure reflects the overall market and includes a range of unit sizes, so a one‑bedroom apartment is likely to be close to that average, though exact prices can vary depending on location, amenities, and lease terms. To get current listings, check online rental platforms, local property management websites, or the city’s housing re...

How does Johnston’s cost of living compare to the national average? Cost of Living 1 answer

Johnston’s cost‑of‑living index is 105, meaning it is about 5 % higher than the national average, which is set at 100. This modest increase reflects slightly higher prices for housing, goods, and services, while many other expenses remain close to the national norm. When planning your budget, factor in the higher rent and any additional costs such as utilities or transportation. Using a cost‑of‑living calculator that...

How are public schools rated in Johnston? Schools & Education 1 answer

Johnston is served by a public school district that generally receives ratings near or above state averages, reflecting solid academic performance and extracurricular offerings. For precise school ratings, review the state education department’s report cards or the district’s website, which provides test scores, graduation rates, and program details. Visiting schools, attending open houses, and speaking with parents...

Is Johnston a safe place to live? Safety 1 answer

Johnston has a safety score of 76 out of 100, indicating a relatively safe community compared with many U.S. cities. The score reflects lower-than‑average violent crime and property crime rates, though it is not the lowest possible. For up‑to‑date crime statistics, consult the city’s police department website or state crime data portals. Talking to current residents and checking neighborhood watch groups can also pro...

What public transportation options are available in Johnston? Getting Around 1 answer

Johnston is served by the regional transit authority, which operates bus routes connecting the city to nearby towns and major employment centers. Schedules and route maps are available on the authority’s website, and many routes link to commuter rail stations for longer trips. Additionally, the city maintains a network of bike lanes and sidewalks for active transportation. If you need real‑time updates, many transit...

Where can I find primary care doctors in Johnston? Healthcare 1 answer

Johnston has several primary‑care practices within the city limits, as well as nearby clinics that accept most insurance plans. To locate a physician, use the state medical board’s provider lookup tool or health‑insurance member portals, which list doctors by specialty and location. The city’s health department website also offers resources on community health centers and urgent‑care locations if you need immediate c...

What recreational activities are popular in Johnston? Things to Do 1 answer

Residents enjoy a mix of outdoor and cultural activities, including parks with walking trails, community sports leagues, and seasonal festivals organized by the city. The local recreation department maintains facilities for basketball, baseball, and swimming, and there are often community classes ranging from art to fitness. For event calendars and facility reservations, check the city’s official website or the recre...

What should I know about utilities and services when moving to Johnston? Moving Here 1 answer

When you move to Johnston, you’ll need to arrange for electricity, water, gas, and waste services, which are provided by regional utility companies. Internet and cable options are offered by multiple providers serving the area; you can compare plans on their websites or through consumer comparison tools. It’s a good idea to contact each service a few weeks before your move to schedule installation dates and avoid any...

What’s the overall vibe of living in Johnston? General 1 answer

Johnston blends suburban comfort with easy access to larger urban amenities. The town’s modestly higher cost of living is balanced by a strong sense of community, well‑maintained public spaces, and a safety score that suggests a relatively low‑crime environment. Residents often cite the town’s family‑friendly atmosphere, local events, and convenient transportation links as positives. To get a personal feel, consider...

Some answers here were drafted as a starting point and may be out of date. Live in Johnston? Add your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Urblytica benchmarks its Cost of Living Index against a United States national average baseline of 100. A score of 115 means a city is approximately 15% more expensive than the national average, while a score of 85 indicates it is 15% more affordable. This composite calculation is weighted across six primary expenditure categories: housing, utilities, grocery items, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods.

Urblytica aggregates housing data from multiple authoritative sources, including Multiple Listing Service (MLS) feeds, municipal property tax registries, the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS), and verified historical deed transactions. This multi-tier aggregation ensures precision in tracking median home values and rental rates.

A municipality must meet minimum data-density thresholds—including consistent reporting population samples from the U.S. Census and active residential or commercial real estate transaction feeds—to ensure statistical significance before a complete scoring profile is published.

When primary agencies (such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics or U.S. Census Bureau) issue historical data revisions or benchmark corrections, Urblytica's data pipeline automatically re-indexes affected historical archives to maintain longitudinal trend accuracy.

U.S. affordability calculations incorporate federal income tax brackets, state-specific income tax rates, and local municipal tax variations to evaluate the true net tax drag on median household earnings across different states and cities.

Local county and municipal property tax millage rates are factored directly into the housing component of the cost-of-living index to reflect recurring annual tax burdens for homeowners.

The platform aggregates state sales taxes alongside county and city surtaxes to measure consumer basket purchasing power parity accurately across different retail jurisdictions.

Utility calculations apply regional seasonal consumption weightings, incorporating high summer air conditioning loads in southern states and heavy winter heating demands in northern states.

The index tracks average out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, routine outpatient visit costs, and regional health insurance premium benchmarks published by federal health agencies.

Educational metrics aggregate state standardized testing benchmarks, student-to-teacher ratios, high school graduation rates, and per-pupil expenditure data published by state departments of education.

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