🔍

Johnston

NT 832 • Greater Darwin

2,386
Population (2021)
$61,308
Median Income
2.60 km²
Area
$370/wk
Median Rent
Family-FriendlyMulticulturalGrowth SuburbNew DevelopmentSuburban

About Johnston

Johnston is a modern residential suburb within the City of Palmerston, located approximately 22 kilometres south of Darwin CBD in the Greater Darwin region of the Northern Territory. With a population of 2,386, the suburb has grown significantly since 2016 when it recorded 2,027 residents, reflecting Palmerston’s broader expansion as Darwin’s fastest-growing satellite city. The community is notably young and diverse, with a median age of just 28, a high proportion of families, and residents born across the Philippines, India, and Southeast Asia contributing to a multicultural character.

Johnston offers modern suburban amenities typical of Palmerston’s newer precincts, with access to local parks, community facilities, and the broader retail and services hub at Palmerston City Centre. The suburb is well-connected to Darwin via Stuart Highway and the Palmerston arterial road network, and is a short drive from the growing retail precinct at Gateway Shopping Centre. Palmerston’s family-friendly infrastructure — including schools, sporting clubs, and outdoor recreation areas — makes Johnston particularly popular with young families and defence personnel posted to the nearby Robertson Barracks.

Johnston falls under postcode 832 and is governed by Palmerston Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Spillett electorate.

📍 Location

State
Northern Territory
Postcode
832
Urban Area
Bakewell - Rosebery - Mitchell
LGA / Council
Palmerston
Federal Electorate
Solomon
State Electorate
Spillett
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Darwin (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-12.49°, 131.01°
Statistical Area
Greater Darwin
Area
2.60 km²
Elevation
25m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Palmerston Bus Network (Darwinbus) — Palmerston City Centre / Darwin CBD (Casuarina interchange) approx. 35–50 min to Darwin CBD

Commute to Darwin CBD

Distance
22 km
By Train
No suburban rail service; bus or car required
By Car (Peak)
25–40 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
20–30 min

🛣️ Stuart Highway and Tiger Brennan Drive are the main routes to Darwin; Palmerston bus services connect to Darwin CBD via interchange

Walkability Car-Dependent

A car is essential for most daily errands; local parks are walkable but shops and services require driving

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

No schools listed for this postcode.

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$370
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,400
Avg Household Size
2.9 people
Median Age
28 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
7.2%

39 state housing + 17 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
2,027
Census 2021
2,386
▲ 17.7% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$61,776
Income 2021
$61,308
▼ 0.8% decrease

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,622
Born Overseas 567

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. Philippines 104
  • 2. India 88
  • 3. England 40
  • 4. New Zealand 37
  • 5. Nepal 24
  • 6. Indonesia 21
  • 7. Pakistan 18
  • 8. Thailand 13
  • 9. South Africa 11
  • 10. Singapore 10

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 776
English 620
Australian Aboriginal 276
Scottish 194
Irish 160
Filipino 149
German 102
Chinese 83
Indian 60
Italian 53

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,168
Both parents born in Australia
727
Both parents born overseas
278
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
45.0%
Christianity
36.2%
Hinduism
3.7%
Buddhism
2.4%
Islam
1.6%
Sikhism
1.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
259 (10.9%)
5-14 years
407 (17.1%)
15-19 years
136 (5.7%)
20-24 years
220 (9.2%)
25-34 years
509 (21.3%)
35-44 years
460 (19.3%)
45-54 years
213 (8.9%)
55-64 years
112 (4.7%)
65-74 years
42 (1.8%)
75-84 years
24 (1.0%)
85+ years
3 (0.1%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Johnston known for? +

Johnston is known as part of Palmerston’s rapidly expanding southern suburbs, characterised by modern housing estates, a young and diverse population, and proximity to Robertson Barracks. It is a popular choice for Defence families and young professionals working in the Greater Darwin region.

How far is Johnston from Darwin CBD? +

Johnston is approximately 22 kilometres south of Darwin CBD, typically a 25 to 40 minute drive depending on traffic via Stuart Highway or Tiger Brennan Drive.

Does Johnston have public transport? +

Johnston is served by Palmerston bus routes (Darwinbus) connecting to Palmerston City Centre and interchange services to Darwin CBD. There is no rail network in Darwin; a car is the most practical option for most journeys.

What is the population of Johnston? +

According to the 2021 Census, Johnston has a population of 2,386 residents, up from 2,027 in 2016 — a growth rate of around 18% reflecting Palmerston’s rapid suburban expansion.

Is Johnston a good place to live? +

Johnston is well-suited to young families and defence personnel seeking modern, affordable housing close to Darwin. It offers a safe suburban environment with good local infrastructure, though the tropical climate and car-dependent layout are important considerations.

What is the postcode for Johnston? +

The postcode for Johnston, NT is 832.