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Livability.com

Johnston County
North Carolina

Benson • Clayton • Cleveland • Four Oaks • Kenly • Selma • Smithfield

Snapshot of Johnston County


Since the first vines went into the ground in 1971, the Hinnant family has been cultivating the largest Muscadine vineyard in North Carolina.
The Paul A. Johnston Auditorium on the campus of Johnston Community College hosts the Country Music Showcase.

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Johnston County Map
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Community Overview
Smithfield-Johnston County is the birthplace of Ava Gardner and also is the home of a museum dedicated to the film star. Johnston County offers water recreation at Smith's Ferry and all along the Neuse River, as well as many other recreational and cultural opportunities.

Population

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

Climate

July High Temperature: 89
January Low Temperature: 29.6

Climate Overview
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.

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Schools

  • There are 13 colleges within a one-hour drive, including major universities Duke, UNC and N.C. State. The local school system boasts several award-winning programs and a high graduation rate.
Educational Makeup
Schools and Higher Education Links
Johnston Community College
  • 245 College Road
    Smithfield, North Carolina 27577
  • (919) 934-3051

Lighthouse Christian Academy
  • 1140 B H Parrish Road
    Benson, North Carolina 27504
  • (919) 989-9908

Johnston Christian Academy
  • 923 Booker Dairy Road
    Smithfield, North Carolina 27577
  • (919) 934-1248

Johnston County Schools
  • 2320 U.S. 70 Business E.
    Smithfield, North Carolina 27577
  • (919) 934-6031
Student Population Stats
Search Local Schools
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Health Care

  • Johnston Health includes Johnston Medical Center-Smithfield (formerly Johnston Memorial Hospital) and Johnston Medical Center-Clayton.
Medical Makeup
Facilities
Johnston Memorial Hospital
  • 509 N. Brightleaf Blvd.
    Smithfield, North Carolina 27577
  • (919) 934-8171
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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.
Real Estate Information
Home Turnover Percentage18.07 percent
Two-Bedroom Rent$817
Three-Bedroom Rent$1,027
One-Bedroom Rent$734
Average Mortgage Payment$997.00
Average Home Price$108,300
Utilities
QRO Wireless
  • Internet service provider
Microsoft Network Broadband Access
  • Internet service provider
AT&T Broadband
  • Internet service provider
Earthlink DSL
  • Internet service provider
Direct TV Satellite
  • Cable
Road Runner Cable Modem
  • Internet service provider
Waste Management
  • (919) 284-4800
  • Waste collection
Waste Industries USA Inc.
  • (919) 662-7100
  • Waste collection
Solid Waste Systems
  • 600 Old Roberts Rd.
    Benson, North Carolina 27504
  • (919) 989-8884
  • Waste collection
McCracken Propane
  • 600 S Main St.
    Rolesville, North Carolina 27571
  • (919) 556-3143
  • Gas
Ferrellgas
  • 151 NC Hwy. 210
    Smithfield, North Carolina 27577
  • (919) 934-2125
  • Gas
Time-Warner Cable
  • 11771 U.S. Hwy. 70 W.
    Clayton, North Carolina 27520
  • (919) 595-4892
  • Cable
AT&T
  • Phone
Sprint / Embarq
  • Phone
Advantage Waste Systems Inc.
  • P.O. Box 40
    Clayton, North Carolina 27528
  • (919) 934-4722
  • Private trash collection
Amerigas
  • 309 E. Brightleaf Blvd.
    Smithfield, North Carolina 27577
  • (919) 934-5061
  • Gas
Embarq
  • Internet service provider
Dockpoint
  • Internet service provider
All-Star Waste Service
  • (919) 989-8040
  • Private trash collection
Progress Energy - Carolinas
  • Electric
Johnston County Public Utilities Department
  • 309 E. Market St.
    Smithfield, North Carolina 27577
  • (919) 989-5075
  • Water
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Business Climate

  • Johnston County offers a new workforce development center and is in close proximity to the renowned Research Triangle Area, as well as three nationally known research hospitals. It also is one of the fastest-growing counties in the United States.
Economic Resources
Greater Cleveland Chamber of Commerce
  • 5533 NC 42 W., Suite A4-1
    Garner, North Carolina 27529
  • (919) 773-8448
Downtown Smithfield Development
  • 200 S. Front St.
    Smithfield, North Carolina 27577
  • (919) 934-0887
Benson Chamber of Commerce
  • 303 E. Church St.
    Benson, North Carolina 27504
  • (919) 894-3825
Research Triangle Regional Partnership
  • 1000 Trade Dr., Ste. 124
    RDU International Airport, North Carolina 27623
  • (919) 840-7372
Four Oaks Area Chamber of Commerce
  • P.O. Box 415
    Four Oaks, North Carolina 27524
  • (919) 963-2581
Kenley Area Chamber of Commerce
  • P.O. Box 190
    Kenly, North Carolina 27542
  • (919) 284-5510
Greater Smithfield-Selma Area Chamber of Commerce
  • 1115 Industrial Park Drive
    Smithfield, North Carolina 27577
  • (919) 934-9166
Transportation
Selma Historic Union Station/AMTRAK
  • 500 Railroad St.
    Selma, North Carolina 27576
  • (800) 872-7245
Johnston County Airport
  • 3149 Swift Creek Rd.
    Smithfield, North Carolina 27577
  • (919) 934-0992
Johnston County Area Transit System
  • 309 E. Market St.
    Smithfield, North Carolina 27577
Industrial Sites
Industrial Sites
Tax Structure
Media
The Clayton News-Star
  • 109 Ellington St.
    Clayton, North Carolina 27528
  • (919) 553-7234
The Herald
  • 125 S. Fourth St.
    Smithfield, North Carolina 27577
  • (919) 934-2176
Media Outlets Link
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    United Van Lines

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    Resources

    Senior Resources
    North Carolina Assisted Living Association
    • 3392 Six Forks Road
      Raleigh, North Carolina 27609
    • (919) 467-2486
    Johnston County Council on Aging
    • 1363 W. Market St.
      Smithfield, North Carolina 27577
    • (919) 934-6066
    Volunteer Opportunities
    The Clayton Center
    • (919) 553-3152, ext. 2
    • Our dedicated volunteers, the Scene Stealers, help us greet patrons, usher and manage the concessions areas.
    Benson Little Theatre
    • (919) 894-3825
    • Volunteers interested in assisting with costuming, set building and publicity should call the Benson Area Chamber of Commerce.
    North Carolina Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service
    • 116 W. Jones St.
      Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-0312
    • (919) 715-3470
    • Toll Free: (800) 820-4483 (in-state)
    Local Resources
    Johnston County Health Department
    • 517 North Brightleaf Blvd.
      Smithfield, North Carolina 27577
    • (919) 989-5300
    Johnston County Board of Elections
    • 205 S. Second St.
      Smithfield, North Carolina 27577
    • (919) 989-5095
    Johnston County Mental Health Center
    • 521 N. Brightleaf Blvd.
      Smithfield, North Carolina
    • (919) 989-5500
    Vehicle Registration
      Driver's Licenses
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        Culture

        • Smithfield-Johnston County is the birthplace of Ava Gardner and also is the home of a museum dedicated to the film star. Johnston County offers water recreation at Smith's Ferry and all along the Neuse River, as well as many other recreational and cultural opportunities.
        Arts and Culture
        The Clayton Center Auditorium & Conference Center
        • 111 E. Second St.
          Clayton, North Carolina 27520
        • (919) 553-3152
        Benson Little Theatre
        • 300 Church St.
          Benson, North Carolina 27504
        • (919) 894-3825
        Coats Museum, Bell Tower & House
        • 3317 Old Fairground Rd.
          Angier, North Carolina 27501
        • (919) 894-4443
        Ava Gardner Museum
        • 325 E. Market St.
          Smithfield, North Carolina 27577
        • (919) 934-5830
        Johnston County Arts Council
        • 231 E. Second St.
          Clayton, North Carolina 27520
        • (919) 553-1930
        Neuse Little Theatre
        • 209 S. Front St.
          Smithfield, North Carolina 27577
        • (919) 934-1873
        Recreation Opportunities
        Smithfield Parks & Recreation
        • 200 Front St.
          Smithfield, North Carolina 27577
        • (919) 934-2148
        Johnston County YMCA
        • 488 Hwy. 42 W.
          Clayton, North Carolina 27520
        • (919) 359-9622
        Benson Parks Department
        • 1204 N. Johnson St.
          Benson, North Carolina 27504
        • (919) 894-5117
        Clayton Parks & Recreation Department
        • 340 McCullers St.
          Clayton, North Carolina 27520
        • (919) 553-1550
        Visit
        CVB Main Link
          CVB Calendar Link
            City Link
              Dining
              Dining
                The Cork & Plate
                • 105 S. Lombard St.
                  Clayton, North Carolina 27520
                • (919) 553-0123
                Creech Drug Company Inc.
                • 126 N. Raiford St.
                  Selma, North Carolina 27576
                Mulberry on Main
                • 217 E. Main St.
                  Clayton, North Carolina 27520
                • (919) 550-7400
                Mule City Grill
                • 203 S. Walton Ave.
                  Benson, North Carolina 27504
                • (919) 894-4547
                The Coffee Mill
                • 105 S. Lombard St.
                  Clayton, North Carolina 27520
                • (919) 550-0174
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                Guide to Services

                • Looking for a financial institution, Realtor, or health-care provider? Looking for other goods and services in Johnston County?
                Accommodations
                Smithfield Sleep Inn & Suites
                Education
                Campbell University
                Building Blocks Childcare & Development Center
                Financial
                Four Oaks Bank
                Government
                Town of Selma
                Town of Smithfield
                Town of Benson
                Johnston County Board of Commissioners
                Health Care
                Willowrun Veterinary Hospital
                Johnston Health
                Dental Care Center
                Real Estate
                Carolina Realty
                Century 21 Suburban Real Estate Inc.
                Recreation
                Vinson Ridge Racquet & Fitness Club
                Rainbow Lanes Family Fun Center