Johnston County, NC

Community Overview

 Named one of America's Best Places to Live by Livability.com

The communities in Johnston County – Smithfield, Selma, Clayton, Benson, Cleveland, Four Oaks and Kenly – make up one of the fastest-growing areas in the state. Part of the reason is the easy access to Raleigh-Durham and the Triad region, located just 30 minutes away. Smithfield, right off Interstate 95, was the birthplace of Ava Gardner, and there’s a museum that honors her. Johnston Community College offers a roster of interesting classes, and the Neuse River provides outdoor enthusiasts with a place to play.

Population
County Population: 151,589
City Population: 12,271 Smithfield

Detailed Demographics Infomation

Climate
July High Temperature: 89 degrees F
January Low Temperature: 29 degrees F

The temperature in Johnston County remains temperate year-round, with four distinct seasons and a lengthy growing season for flowers and vegetables. Summer highs and winter lows can be extreme but are of very short duration.

Schools
The Johnston County School District includes 40 schools, 31,000 students and employs more than 4,500 individuals, making it the largest employer in the county. The district strives to emphasize the importance of succeeding in an increasingly global society, offering a variety of programs and activities to generate global communication and awareness among students. Offering associate's degrees, certificates and diplomas to students seeking occupational, technical and continuing education skills, Johnston Community College's main campus is located in Smithfield. Additionally, there are 13 colleges within a one-hour drive, including major universities Duke, UNC and N.C. State.

Education Statistics

Health Care
Healthcare facilities in Johnston County include Johnston Medical Center, with locations in both Smithfield and Clayton, and Eastern Carolina Medical Center in Benson.

Neighborhoods
Johnston County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the United States and the fastest-growing county in North Carolina. Its real estate market is a reflection of the growth, with commercial and residential developments being planned and under construction at a rapid pace. Home to several towns, each with unique attractions and atmospheres, Johnston County is a flourishing area perfect for settling.

Average Home Prices and Rent Payments

Business Climate
Affording a perfect marriage of resources, location and skilled manpower, Johnston County has a diverse cross-section of businesses. The area's proximity to Raleigh's population and the brain trust of the Research Triangle allow Johnston County notable success in the manufacturing, retail, food and pharmaceutical industries.

Workforce and Labor Statistcs

Culture
With festivals, museums, antiques and music galore, there's something to do year-round in Johnston County. Smithfield-Johnston County is the birthplace of Ava Gardner and also is the home of a museum dedicated to the film star. The Clayton Center features musical theater performances and concerts. In Selma, visitors and residents can enjoy the American Music Jubilee, a two-hour variety show. Nearby Benson hosts the State Annual Singing Convention, and, in Smithfield, Johnston Community College hosts the popular Country Music Showcase, a bimonthly show that allows local singers to perform with a live band in a professional setting. Johnston County offers water recreation at Smith's Ferry and all along the Neuse River, as well as many other recreational opportunities.

Local Attractions

Additional Resources

	Places of Worship
	Government Office and Community Connections