Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Smithfield, NC
Considering a move to Smithfield, NC? This friendly town of 12,600 offers affordable living, with median home prices around $219,000 and rents near $1,050. Residents enjoy a mild climate, short 23-minute commutes, and easy access to healthcare and local schools. Crime rates are higher than average, but Smithfield’s small-town charm, growing housing market, and proximity to Raleigh make it a great option for newcomers seeking value in central North Carolina.
Demographics - Smithfield, NC
Demographics - Smithfield, NC
Smithfield is home to approximately 12,600 residents, with a median age of 38 and a balanced gender ratio. The community is diverse, with nearly half identifying as White, over a third as Black, and a growing Hispanic population. About 12% of residents speak a language other than English, reflecting the town's multicultural character.
Population:
12,600
Density:
1,420 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.2
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
12.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
49.8%
Black:
33.7%
Asian:
1.1%
Others:
2.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Smithfield, NC?
Smithfield offers a cost of living well below the national average, with median home values around $219,000 and typical rent for a two-bedroom at $1,050. Residents benefit from affordable utilities and moderate state taxes, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious families. The overall cost of living index is 88.1, highlighting its affordability compared to larger cities.
Median House Value:
$219,000
Gross Rent:
$1,050
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$138
Auto Insurance:
$1,160
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,260
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
5.25%
|
High:
5.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
88.1
Grocery:
94.0
Housing:
69.5
Utilities:
100.7
Transportation:
92.0
Health Care:
96.4
Miscellaneous:
93.1
Crime
Is Smithfield, NC a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Smithfield are higher than average, with residents facing a 1 in 36 chance of property crime and a 1 in 355 chance of violent crime. While the crime index is notable, many residents find the close-knit community helps foster a sense of safety. Prospective newcomers should consider these factors when choosing neighborhoods within the city.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
282
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,756
Crime Index:
3,038
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 355
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 36
Weather
What is the weather like in Smithfield, NC year-round?
Smithfield experiences mild, four-season weather, with summer highs near 89°F and winter lows around 32°F. The area enjoys about 62% sunny days each year and receives roughly 45 inches of rainfall, providing a pleasant climate for outdoor activities. Residents appreciate the comfortable transition between seasons and generally moderate temperatures.
Winter
Min:
32°F
Max:
53°F
Spring
Min:
47°F
Max:
74°F
Summer
Min:
68°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
52°F
Max:
76°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
45.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Smithfield neighborhoods feature a mix of incomes, with a median household income of $42,900 and a poverty rate of 22%. Most adults have at least a high school diploma, and average commute times are under 23 minutes. The area sees very low public transit usage, reflecting its small-town, car-friendly lifestyle.
Median Income:
$33,800
Household Income:
$42,900
Family Income:
$50,200
Per Capita Income:
$24,600
Income Male:
$38,900
Income Female:
$29,200
Poverty Rate:
22.1%
Non English Speakers:
12.5%
Rent:
$1,050
Unemployment Rate:
5.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
22.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
83.9%
Bachelors or More:
18.7%
Education
How are the schools in Smithfield, NC?
Smithfield offers a range of educational options, including well-regarded public schools and the nearby Johnston Community College. Local schools like Smithfield-Selma High maintain manageable class sizes, while higher education is accessible just minutes away. Families and students benefit from proximity to both K-12 and college-level institutions.
Public Schools
Name:
Smithfield-Selma High School
Street:
700 Booker Dairy Rd
Phone:
919-934-5191
Students:
1,160
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.6
Name:
South Smithfield Elementary
Street:
201 W Sanders St
Phone:
919-934-7456
Students:
570
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.8
Private Schools
Name:
Neuse Charter School
Street:
909 E Booker Dairy Rd
Phone:
919-626-2300
Students:
950
Colleges
Name:
Johnston Community College
City:
Smithfield
State:
NC
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
5,400
Name:
NC State University
City:
Raleigh
State:
NC
Distance:
31 miles
Students:
36,000
Healthcare
Residents have convenient access to quality healthcare, with Johnston UNC Health Care providing comprehensive services and emergency care locally. Smithfield has about 1.7 physicians per 1,000 people, and over 86% of residents are insured. The town’s healthcare index of 79.4 suggests reliable medical resources for families and retirees.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Johnston UNC Health Care
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:
86.3%
Health Care Index:
79.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Smithfield, NC?
Smithfield’s housing market is affordable and growing, with a median home price of $219,000 and annual appreciation near 7%. Around 46% of homes are owner-occupied, and the rental vacancy rate stands at 9.2%, offering options for both buyers and renters. The market remains accessible, with low foreclosure and steady new construction rates.
Median Home Price:
$219,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,050
Owner Occupied Rate:
46.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.9%
New Construction Rate:
2.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles serves Smithfield at a conveniently located office on S Brightleaf Blvd. Residents can access vehicle registration, licensing, and other DMV services locally or online. The office provides helpful resources for new arrivals and long-time residents alike.
State:
North Carolina
Department:
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
3175 S Brightleaf Blvd, Smithfield, NC 27577
Phone:
(919) 980-2100
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.