Johnston

According to the United States Census Bureau , the town has a total area of 24.4 mi? (63.1 km?). 23.7 mi? (61.3 km?) of it is land and 0.7 mi? (1.8 km?) of it (2.91%) is water.

Neighborhoods

• Thornton (This neighborhood includes part of Cranston )
• Graniteville
• Hughesdale
• Morgan Mills
• Manton
• Simmonsville
• Pocasset
• West End
• Belknap

 Demographics

Clemence Irons House , a rare stone-ender , built in 1691 in Johnston, Rhode Island

As of the census ^{[ 1]} of 2000, there were 28,195 people, 11,197 households, and 7,725 families residing in the town. The population density was 1,191.4 people per square mile (459.9/km?). There were 11,574 housing units at an average density of 489.1/sq mi (188.8/km?). The racial makeup of the town was 96.66% White , 0.65% African American , 0.13% Native American , 1.08% Asian , 0.05% Pacific Islander , 0.55% from other races , and 0.88% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.89% of the population.

There were 11,197 households out of which 27.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.9% were married couples living together, 11.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.0% were non-families. 26.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 3.02.

In the town the population was spread out with 20.9% under the age of 18, 6.3% from 18 to 24, 30.0% from 25 to 44, 23.9% from 45 to 64, and 18.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females there were 88.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.9 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $43,514, and the median income for a family was $54,837. Males had a median income of $40,210 versus $29,314 for females. The per capita income for the town was $21,440. About 6.8% of families and 8.3% of the population were below the poverty line , including 9.0% of those under age 18 and 13.6% of those age 65 or over.

In 2000, 46.7% of Johnston residents identified as being of Italian heritage. This was the highest percentage of Italian Americans of any municipality in the country.[1]

Education

The Johnston Public School System has 4 Elementary Schools, 1 Middle School,1 High School (Rhode Island)|Johnston Senior High School]] is a 2005 Rhode Island Department of Education Regents' Commended School.

Recently, the Johnston School Committee has decided to close both Graniteville and Calef Elementary schools. Students affected by the closures have been transferred to Brown Avenue Elementary School, and Winsor Hill Elementary School. This decision is not without controversy, as school officials, parents, and teachers complain of inadequate staffing, increased neighborhood traffic, and lack of attention for special-needs students. ^{[ 5]}

Media

Residents of Johnston rely primarily on the Providence-based Providence Journal for printed news.

• The town of Johnston's official newspaper is called "The Johnston Sunrise". This paper is complimentary, and can be found in many Johnston businesses. Visit Johnston Sunrise .

• A new monthly magazine has been founded over the Summer of 2007. This paper, called "The Johnston Guide", is mailed to every home in the town, once a month.

• WJAR NBC News Channel 10 broadcasts in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. The news station is set in Cranston, Rhode Island.

• WLNE ABC 6 Rhode Island News Channel broadcasts in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

• WPRI Fox Providence Eyewitness News Channel broadcasts in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. They are known for their "News Chopper 12" Helicopter.