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Smithfield
Johnston County native who became one of Hollywood's most celebrated actresses.
Population: ~13,000
County: Johnston County (county seat)
Distance to Raleigh: ~30 miles southeast (~35–45 min via I-40)
School District: Johnston County Schools
Known For: Ava Gardner Museum, Johnston County history, I-95 corridor access, affordability
Smithfield is the county seat of Johnston County and the commercial hub of one of North Carolina's most actively growing rural-to-suburban transition zones. Located approximately 30 miles southeast of Raleigh, Smithfield offers home prices substantially below Wake County while providing genuine small-town character, a revitalized historic downtown, and Johnston County's long tradition of civic pride. For remote workers or those willing to trade commute convenience for significantly more home and land, Smithfield's value proposition is genuinely compelling.
The Ava Gardner Museum — dedicated to the Johnston County native who became one of Hollywood's most celebrated actresses — is a genuine cultural destination and a source of deep local pride. Smithfield-Selma High School serves area students within Johnston County's growing school district, which has made significant infrastructure investments as the county's residential base has expanded.
Q: Is Smithfield, NC a good place to live?
A: Smithfield is an excellent choice for buyers prioritizing affordability, community character, and space over Raleigh commute proximity. Home prices are substantially below Wake County; lots are larger; and the community has a genuine small-town identity built around its agricultural heritage, historic downtown, and civic institutions. It is particularly compelling for remote workers and buyers with eastern Triangle employment.
Q: How far is Smithfield from Raleigh?
A: Smithfield is approximately 30 miles southeast of downtown Raleigh, a 35–45 minute drive via I-40 in normal traffic.
Explore the area
26,946 people live in Smithfield, where the median age is 40.7 and the average individual income is $28,443. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Median Age
Population Density
Average individual Income
There's plenty to do around Smithfield, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.
Explore popular things to do in the area, including Tortilleria Y Taqueria Ramos, Under the Oak Catering, and Evans Jewelers.
| Name | Category | Distance | Reviews |
Ratings by
Yelp
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dining | 0.67 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Dining | 1.27 miles | 18 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Dining | 1.3 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Dining | 2.19 miles | 6 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Dining | 2 miles | 12 reviews | 4.8/5 stars | |
| Dining | 1.37 miles | 24 reviews | 4.8/5 stars | |
| Dining · $ | 1.12 miles | 10 reviews | 4.8/5 stars | |
| Active | 2.73 miles | 6 reviews | 4.8/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 0.97 miles | 4 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
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Smithfield has 9,888 households, with an average household size of 2.59. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Smithfield do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 26,946 people call Smithfield home. The population density is 260 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Median Age
Men vs Women
Population by Age Group
0-9 Years
10-17 Years
18-24 Years
25-64 Years
65-74 Years
75+ Years
Education Level
Total Households
Average Household Size
Average individual Income
Households with Children
With Children:
Without Children:
Blue vs White Collar Workers
Blue Collar:
White Collar:
