Smithfield, North Carolina Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Smithfield, North Carolina had a total population of 12,116, the 83rd largest town in North Carolina, with a median household income of $43,270, which is 40% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 27.4%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 40% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- More than 1 in 4 residents live below the poverty line (27.4%), well above the national average of 12.4%.
Smithfield Quick Facts
How Smithfield Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 11,798 | 12,116 | +2.7% |
| Median household income | $37,827 | $43,270 | +14.4% |
| Median home value | $217,000 | $242,500 | +11.8% |
How Smithfield Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A diverse community with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups.
State average: 58 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Smithfield Rankings in North Carolina
Explore North Carolina Rankings
Other Cities in Johnston County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selma | 6,817 | $41,368 | 24.7% | $171,600 |
| Archer Lodge | 5,186 | $91,188 | 17.4% | $324,500 |
| Benson | 4,282 | $67,102 | 14.4% | $279,800 |
| Wilson's Mills | 2,753 | $62,813 | 31.9% | $241,800 |
| Four Oaks | 2,459 | $72,826 | 15.3% | $253,700 |
| Kenly | 2,359 | $57,045 | 14.4% | $205,200 |
| Pine Level | 2,031 | $75,263 | 8.0% | $221,000 |
| Princeton | 1,658 | $45,500 | 9.7% | $215,400 |
| Micro | 573 | $44,531 | 22.9% | $170,700 |
Cities Similar to Smithfield
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lincolnton | 11,783 | $46,320 | $248,700 | 24.0% | 22.7% |
| Kings Mountain | 12,039 | $49,564 | $204,100 | 17.8% | 23.0% |
| Spring Lake | 11,573 | $51,958 | $124,000 | 25.2% | 17.7% |
| Mount Airy | 10,633 | $40,275 | $181,900 | 23.1% | 26.9% |
| Tarboro | 10,770 | $49,796 | $185,500 | 26.6% | 18.5% |
Population Overview
Smithfield is a small city located in North Carolina, within Johnston County. The total population is 12,116. It ranks as the 83rd most populous out of 772 Census-designated places in North Carolina.
Age Demographics
The median age in Smithfield is 44.9 years. This is 15% higher than the state median of 39.1 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Smithfield is $43,270. This is 40% lower than the state median of $72,388. It is also 46% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 27.4%. This is 110% higher than the state poverty rate of 13.0%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 7.2%. This is 52% higher than the state rate of 4.7%. The median home value is $242,500. Housing costs are 16% lower than the state median of $288,900. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.6x. 58.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 12% lower than the state average of 66.6%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Smithfield is White (non-Hispanic), making up 59.5% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 23.1%.
Education
26.7% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 25% lower than the state rate of 35.6%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 83.0%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Smithfield, North Carolina is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against North Carolina state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 772 Census-designated places in North Carolina. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Smithfield, North Carolina?
Smithfield, North Carolina has a population of 12,116 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Smithfield, NC?
The median household income in Smithfield is $43,270, which is 46% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Smithfield, NC?
The poverty rate in Smithfield is 27.4%. This means approximately 3,043 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Smithfield, North Carolina?
Smithfield's population is 59.5% White, 23.1% Black, 13.8% Hispanic/Latino, and 1.9% Asian.
What is the median home value in Smithfield, NC?
The median home value in Smithfield is $242,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.6x.
How educated is Smithfield, North Carolina?
26.7% of adults (25+) in Smithfield hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 8.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.