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Smithfield, NC

Frequently asked questions

Smithfield, NC

Smithfield is a town in and the county seat of Johnston County, North Carolina, United States. As of the 2010 census, its population was 10,966, and in 2019 the estimated population was 12,985. Smithfield is home to the Ava Gardner Museum and is situated along the Neuse River, where visitors enjoy the annual Smithfield Ham and Yam Festival, walks along the Buffalo Creek Greenway, and the historic downtown district. The town is located near North Carolina's Research Triangle and is about 30 miles (48 km) southeast of downtown Raleigh. The Raleigh-Durham-Cary combined statistical area has a population of over 2 million residents.

Smithfield is in central Johnston County and is bordered to the northeast by Selma. Interstate 95 runs along the southeastern edge of the town, with access from Exits 93, 95, and 97. I-95 leads northeast 46 miles (74 km) to Rocky Mount and southwest the same distance to Fayetteville. U.S. Route 301 passes through Selma on Brightleaf Boulevard, leading northeast 4 miles (6 km) to the center of Selma and southwest 15 miles (24 km) to Benson. U.S. Route 70 passes just northeast of Smithfield, leading northwest 30 miles (48 km) to Raleigh, and southeast 22 miles (35 km) to Goldsboro. U.S. Route 70 Business passes through the center of Smithfield as Market Street.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 12.1 square miles (31.4 km²), of which 0.02 sq mi (0.04 km²), or 0.11%, is covered by water. The Neuse River runs through the town west of the downtown area, separating it from the neighborhood of West Smithfield.

Smithfield, founded near Smith's ferry on the Neuse River, was Johnston County's first town and second county seat. The county courthouse was moved from Hinton's Quarter to Smithfield in 1771. The settlement was first known as Johnston County Court House and was incorporated as Smithfield in 1777. The third North Carolina state legislature met in Smithfield in 1779 and 1780.

Smithfield has a council-manager form of government. The council, the town's legislative body, consists of seven members and a mayor. The council sets policy, and the manager oversees day-to-day operations.

Health and wellness are integral to Smithfield's community, with the Johnston Health Hospital playing a crucial role in providing healthcare services to residents. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Smithfield Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Body Fit Health & Fitness, Keller's Fit 24, and HealthQuest Fitness & Wellness Center Services. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Smithfield, such as the Buffalo Creek Greenway and Smithfield-Neuse Riverwalk. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Smithfield, NC are Ava Gardner Museum, Neuse Little Theatre, and North Carolina Museum of Art.

Population: 12,468 (2023). ZIP code: 27577. Area code: 919. Elevation: 125 ft (38 m). Area: 12.39 sq mi (32.08 km²).

FAQs

How is it living in Smithfield NC?

Living in Smithfield offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents rent their homes. In Smithfield, there are a lot of parks. Many retirees live in Smithfield and residents tend to have moderate political views. The public schools in Smithfield are above average.

Is Smithfield, NC a safe place to live?

With a crime rate of 57 per one thousand residents, Smithfield has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes - from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One's chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 17. Within North Carolina, more than 97% of the communities have a lower crime rate than Smithfield.

What are the demographics of Smithfield, NC?

Smithfield, NC is home to a population of 11.5k people, of which 93.5% are citizens. As of 2022, 9.02% of Smithfield, NC residents were born outside of the country (1.04k people). In 2022, there were 1.76 times more White (non-Hispanic) residents (5.86k people) in Smithfield, NC than any other race or ethnicity. There were 3.33k Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) and 897 Other (Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

Sources

Wikipedia

Town of Smithfield

Johnston Health Hospital 

Smithfield Parks and Recreation Department 

Body Fit Health & Fitness

Keller's Fit 24 

HealthQuest Fitness & Wellness Center Services

Buffalo Creek Greenway 

Smithfield-Neuse Riverwalk

Ava Gardner Museum

Neuse Little Theatre

North Carolina Museum of Art

Niche

Neighborhoodscout

Data USA

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