Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Selma, NC
Considering a move to Selma, NC? This small town of 6,917 residents offers affordable living with a median home price around $181,000 and average rents near $1,070. Selma enjoys a mild climate with 62% sunny days, moderate commute times, and access to nearby healthcare and educational resources. While crime rates are higher than national averages, Selma features a close-knit community, reasonable cost of living, and convenient access to the Raleigh-Durham metro region. Explore Selma’s lifestyle, housing, and more below to see if it fits your move!
Demographics - Selma, NC
Selma, NC is a diverse community of nearly 7,000 residents, with a balanced mix of White (39.8%) and Black (41.6%) populations and a median age of 36.4 years. The town has a moderate population density and a growing multicultural presence, as 13.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
6,917
Density:
1,020 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.4
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
13.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
39.8%
Black:
41.6%
Asian:
0.6%
Others:
18.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Selma, NC?
Selma offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $181,000 and average rent around $1,070. Essential expenses such as groceries, utilities, and healthcare remain below national averages, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious families and individuals.
Median House Value:
$181,000
Gross Rent:
$1,070
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,045
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,280
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
5.25%
|
High:
5.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
82.0
Grocery:
95.8
Housing:
61.5
Utilities:
99.7
Transportation:
82.5
Health Care:
97.6
Miscellaneous:
95.2
Crime
Is Selma, NC a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Selma are higher than the national average, with a 1 in 244 chance of experiencing a violent crime and a 1 in 46 chance of property crime. While safety is a concern, residents often cite the town's close-knit community as a supportive factor.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
410
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,180
Crime Index:
2,590
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 244
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 46
Weather
What is the weather like in Selma, NC year-round?
Selma enjoys a mild climate, featuring warm summers with highs near 89°F and mild winters with lows around 33°F. The town experiences approximately 62% sunny days annually and receives about 46.5 inches of rainfall, providing a comfortable environment for outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
33°F
Max:
53°F

Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
73°F

Summer
Min:
68°F
Max:
89°F

Fall
Min:
51°F
Max:
75°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Selma’s neighborhoods offer a median household income of $48,100 and a family income of $52,400, though about 20% of residents live below the poverty line. Most adults have at least a high school diploma, and the average commute is just over 28 minutes, making it accessible for local and regional workers.
Median Income:
$34,500
Household Income:
$48,100
Family Income:
$52,400
Per Capita Income:
$22,400
Income Male:
$36,200
Income Female:
$27,800
Poverty Rate:
20.4%
Non English Speakers:
13.5%
Rent:
$1,070
Unemployment Rate:
5.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
28.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
75.5%
Bachelors or More:
10.9%
Education
How are the schools in Selma, NC?
Selma is served by local public schools such as Selma Middle and Selma Elementary, both offering supportive student-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schooling options and are minutes away from Johnston Community College in Smithfield, making educational opportunities accessible for all ages.

Public Schools
Name:
Selma Middle School
Street:
1535 US-301
Phone:
919-965-2555
Students:
520
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.6
Name:
Selma Elementary School
Street:
311 W Richardson St
Phone:
919-965-3361
Students:
530
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2

Private Schools
Name:
Wilson's Mills Christian School
Street:
4854 Wilson's Mills Rd, Clayton, NC
Phone:
919-934-0101
Students:
75

Colleges
Name:
Johnston Community College
City:
Smithfield
State:
NC
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
5,200
Healthcare
Residents benefit from nearby access to Johnston Health – Smithfield, offering general and emergency care just a short drive away. With 87.3% health insurance coverage and 1.7 physicians per 1,000 people, healthcare services are readily available for most families.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Johnston Health – Smithfield
Address:
509 N Brightleaf Blvd, Smithfield, NC 27577
Phone:
(919) 934-8171
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.3%
Health Care Index:
69.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Selma, NC?
Selma’s housing market is characterized by a median home price of $181,000 and an average two-bedroom rent of $1,070. With a balanced split between homeowners and renters and a healthy home appreciation rate of 7.2% over the past year, the area is appealing for both buyers and investors.
Median Home Price:
$181,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,070
Owner Occupied Rate:
50.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.3%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Vehicle services in Selma are managed by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in nearby Dunn. Residents can handle licensing, registration, and other DMV needs both in person and online through the official state website.
State:
North Carolina
Department:
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
110 S. Clinton Avenue, Dunn, NC 28334
Phone:
919-715-7000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.