Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Smithfield, VA
Considering a move to Smithfield, VA? With a population of about 8,400, Smithfield boasts affordable living, a median home price of $310,000, and average rents around $1,220. The town enjoys a low violent crime rate of 130 per 100K, manageable 27-minute commutes, and strong public schools. Expect a mild climate with 62% sunny days, and benefit from proximity to local hospitals and community colleges. Smithfield offers small-town charm with practical amenities for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Smithfield, VA
Demographics - Smithfield, VA
Smithfield is home to approximately 8,400 residents, with a median age of 44.1 and a population density of 1,080 people per square mile. The community features a diverse blend, with about two-thirds identifying as White and over a quarter as Black, and 6.5% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. This balanced demographic creates a welcoming small-town atmosphere for newcomers.
Population:
8,400
Density:
1,080 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.1
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
66.4%
Black:
28.2%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
4.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Smithfield, VA?
Living in Smithfield is relatively affordable, with a median home value around $310,000 and average rent at $1,220 per month. The cost of living index is just below the national average, making it an attractive option for those seeking value without sacrificing amenities. Utilities and transportation costs are reasonable, and state income taxes range from 2.0% to 5.75%.
Median House Value:
$310,000
Gross Rent:
$1,220
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,160
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,670
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$480
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
98.0
Grocery:
97.4
Housing:
90.8
Utilities:
104.7
Transportation:
97.1
Health Care:
98.6
Miscellaneous:
100.2
Crime
Is Smithfield, VA a safe place to live?
Smithfield experiences a low violent crime rate of 130 incidents per 100,000 people, offering residents a strong sense of safety. Property crime is higher but still manageable, with a 1 in 76 chance annually. Overall, the city’s crime index suggests a secure environment suitable for families and professionals.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
130
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,320
Crime Index:
1,450
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 770
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 76
Weather
What is the weather like in Smithfield, VA year-round?
Smithfield enjoys a mild climate, featuring warm summers with highs near 88°F and cool winters averaging 49°F during the day. Residents benefit from 62% sunny days and moderate rainfall totaling about 46.5 inches annually. The pleasant weather supports an active, outdoor lifestyle year-round.

Winter
Min:
31°F
Max:
49°F

Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
71°F

Summer
Min:
67°F
Max:
88°F

Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Local households in Smithfield typically earn a median income of $77,200, with a poverty rate under 10% and an unemployment rate of just 3.7%. Most residents commute about 27 minutes to work, and public transportation use is minimal. The area is generally well-educated, with over 92% holding at least a high school diploma.
Median Income:
$42,100
Household Income:
$77,200
Family Income:
$95,800
Per Capita Income:
$36,800
Income Male:
$49,000
Income Female:
$40,500
Poverty Rate:
9.2%
Non English Speakers:
6.5%
Rent:
$1,220
Unemployment Rate:
3.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.6%
Commute Time:
27.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
92.3%
Bachelors or More:
28.7%
Education
How are the schools in Smithfield, VA?
Smithfield offers strong educational opportunities, with public schools like Westside Elementary, Smithfield Middle, and Smithfield High known for supportive class sizes and active student communities. Families also have access to private schooling at Isle of Wight Academy and nearby higher education options, including Paul D. Camp Community College and Christopher Newport University. The area’s educational landscape fosters academic growth from early years through college.

Public Schools
Name:
Westside Elementary School
Street:
800 Main St
Phone:
757-357-3021
Students:
750
Student Teacher Ratio:
16:1
Name:
Smithfield Middle School
Street:
14171 Turner Dr
Phone:
757-357-3021
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
14:1
Name:
Smithfield High School
Street:
14171 Turner Dr
Phone:
757-357-3108
Students:
1,190
Student Teacher Ratio:
15:1

Private Schools
Name:
Isle of Wight Academy
Street:
17111 Courthouse Hwy
Phone:
757-357-3866
Students:
675

Colleges
Name:
Paul D. Camp Community College
City:
Franklin
State:
VA
Distance:
22 miles
Students:
2,500
Name:
Christopher Newport University
City:
Newport News
State:
VA
Distance:
20 miles
Students:
4,900
Healthcare
Smithfield residents have convenient access to quality healthcare, including Riverside Smithfield Hospital and Sentara Obici Hospital, both offering emergency services nearby. The area has about 2.4 physicians per 1,000 people, and over 91% of residents are insured. Healthcare in the city is rated favorably, contributing to overall community well-being.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Riverside Smithfield Hospital
Address:
200 Hospital Drive, Smithfield, VA 23430
Phone:
(757) 357-3200
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Sentara Obici Hospital
Address:
2800 Godwin Blvd, Suffolk, VA 23434
Phone:
(757) 934-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.2%
Health Care Index:
77.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Smithfield, VA?
The housing market in Smithfield is stable, with a median home price of $310,000 and an average two-bedroom rent of $1,220. Approximately 75% of homes are owner-occupied, and the area has seen a 4.5% appreciation in home values over the past year. Low vacancy and foreclosure rates further indicate a healthy and accessible market for buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$310,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,220
Owner Occupied Rate:
74.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.5%
New Construction Rate:
1.0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles serves Smithfield at its South Church Street location, providing convenient access for driver’s licensing and vehicle registration. Residents can reach the DMV by phone or through the state’s official website for a variety of services. The local DMV office helps streamline vehicle and licensing needs for newcomers and long-time citizens alike.
State:
Virginia
Department:
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
813 S. Church St, Smithfield, VA 23430
Phone:
(804) 497-7100
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.