Smithfield, NC Utility & Living Guide

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Smithfield, NC Utility & Living Guide

Utilities, housing, taxes, cost of living, and local insights — everything residents and families need.

Last updated: July 1, 2026
Total Utilities$255/mo
1BR Rent$556/mo
Sales Tax7.5%
COL Index105 (+5% above national average)
Family Score6/10
Median Home$192,200
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Smithfield
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$120/mo

Duke Energy
🔥 Gas

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$45/mo

Smithfield Public Utilities
🗑️ Garbage

$25/mo

Smithfield Waste Management
📶 Internet

$65/mo

Combined Average Overhead$255/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$556/mo
2 Bedrooms$618/mo
3 Bedrooms$772/mo
Median Home Price$192,200
Property Tax Rate1.2%
Avg Childcare/mo$1000

Smithfield’s housing market is competitive, with steady demand due to its proximity to Raleigh. Prices have risen moderately over the past few years.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

105

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+5% above national average

Groceries

102

Transportation

98

Healthcare

100

Childcare/mo

$1000

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax7.5%
Property Tax Rate1.2%
<p>State 4.75% + County 2% + City 0.75%</p>

North Carolina has a flat state income tax rate of 4.99%.

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
6/10
Safety Index

50

Higher = safer
School Rating

6.5/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1000/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+8% (growing)
Political Climate
Purple
Business Momentum
Moderate with key industries in food processing and logistics
Top Local Concerns
Traffic congestion, affordable housing, school funding
🚌 Transit for Families

Limited public transit options; most families rely on cars.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Smithfield Community Park
  • 🎯
    Ava Gardner Museum
  • 🎯
    Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center

Best Neighborhoods for Families

West Smithfield and Riverwood are popular for families due to good schools and parks. Downtown offers walkability but fewer family-sized homes.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Smithfield based on your household profile.

Financial Tools

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📊 Smithfield — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

💰 Median Household Income
$37,000
🏠 Homeownership Rate
49.1%
🔑 Renter Rate
50.9%
📉 Poverty Rate
27.8%
💼 Unemployment Rate
6.5%

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Summer AC use can increase electric bills by 30%. Winter heating costs are lower due to mild winters.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

Key ZIP code level tax info: Johnston County millage rate of 0.72%. No local surtaxes.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

6/10: Decent sidewalks in downtown areas but limited park access in newer subdivisions.

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