Smithfield, NC
Population 11,798 · North Carolina
About Smithfield, NC
Smithfield is a mid-sized city located in North Carolina with a population of 11,798 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $37,827 per year, which is 50% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.7 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Smithfield features a median home value of $217,000, which is 11% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Smithfield in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $601, 48% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,447 total housing units, 49% are owner-occupied (2,353 units) and 51% are renter-occupied (2,412 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Smithfield shows an unemployment rate of 8.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 31.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Smithfield have an average one-way commute time of 24 minutes.
Education & Demographics
26.0% of Smithfield residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 10.2% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, and 6.3% Asian residents, with 8.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Smithfield Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Smithfield, NC
Compared to national averages, Smithfield has a median household income of $37,827 (50% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $217,000, which is 11% below the national median. Monthly rent at $601 is 48% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Smithfield's income is 41% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 5% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Smithfield, NC?
Smithfield offers affordable housing with a median home value of $217,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $601/month, and short commute times averaging just 24 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($37,827) that falls below the national average. However, Smithfield’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Smithfield has a population of 11,798 with a median age of 42.7 years. Compare Smithfield with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Smithfield
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Lake | 11,613 | $50,497 | $101,300 | Compare |
| Archdale | 11,992 | $64,984 | $188,200 | Compare |
| Wendell | 11,585 | $93,848 | $316,700 | Compare |
| Lincolnton | 11,503 | $43,294 | $224,600 | Compare |
| Kings Mountain | 11,472 | $45,507 | $177,700 | Compare |
| Elon | 11,325 | $82,717 | $355,800 | Compare |
| Myrtle Grove | 12,404 | $112,139 | $398,600 | Compare |
| Lake Norman of Iredell | 12,496 | $194,519 | $839,900 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in North Carolina
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Smithfield With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Smithfield
What is the population of Smithfield, NC?
The population of Smithfield, NC is 11,798 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in Smithfield?
The median household income in Smithfield, NC is $37,827 per year, which is 50% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Smithfield?
The median home value in Smithfield, NC is $217,000, which is 11% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Smithfield?
The median monthly rent in Smithfield, NC is $601, which is 48% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Smithfield?
The unemployment rate in Smithfield, NC is 8.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Smithfield, NC a good place to live?
Smithfield offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 11,798 and a median age of 42.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Smithfield, NC?
26.0% of residents in Smithfield aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Smithfield?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Smithfield, NC: median home value is $217,000 (11% below national), median rent is $601/month, and median household income is $37,827. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Smithfield?
The poverty rate in Smithfield, NC is 31.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Smithfield, NC?
Smithfield's population is 10.2% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, 6.3% Asian, and 26.3% two or more races. 8.8% of residents are foreign-born.