Johnston County is home for me. My husband and I bought our first home in Smithfield, the county seat, in 2023, and many of the buyers, sellers and landowners I work with are looking somewhere in the county. This guide pulls together what I share most often, with links to the official sources so you can go straight to them.
Where Johnston County Is and Getting Around
Johnston County sits southeast of Raleigh and Wake County. Interstate 95 runs north and south through the middle of the county, Interstate 40 crosses the southwest corner near Benson, and U.S. 70 runs from Garner through Clayton and Smithfield toward the coast. In 2025 NCDOT re-signed the U.S. 70 Clayton Bypass as Interstate 42, so older maps may show different route numbers. Drive times change with traffic and construction, so I always suggest driving your own commute at the hours you would really drive it.
Johnston County Towns I Know Well
Each town has its own guide with history, parks, downtown and official links:
- Smithfield, NC, the county seat, on the Neuse River
- Clayton, NC, near the Wake County line
- Selma, NC, a railroad town next to Smithfield
- Benson, NC, near where I-95 and I-40 meet
- Four Oaks, NC, between Smithfield and Benson
- Princeton, NC
- Willow Spring, NC
Homes in Johnston County
Johnston County has a little of everything: historic homes near the downtowns, newer subdivisions, especially in the Clayton area and along the U.S. 70 corridor, and rural homes on larger lots. The difference between two neighborhoods a few miles apart can be bigger than you expect, so I like to look at a few areas together before we narrow the search. For current prices, I pull recent MLS sales for the specific area and home type rather than quoting a single countywide number.
Land and Acreage in Johnston County
Much of the county is still rural, and I help clients buy and sell land across central NC. Before you buy a parcel in Johnston County, a few offices are worth a call:
- Johnston County Environmental Health, for septic and well permits
- The county or town planning department, for zoning, setbacks and subdivision rules
- FEMA and state flood maps, especially for parcels near the Neuse River and its creeks
- The county tax office, for the current value and any present use value program on farm or forest land
My guide to buying and selling land in North Carolina walks through each step.
My Closings in Johnston County
These are closings from my Past Closings page:
- 115 Bridgham Place, Clayton: represented the buyer, 2022
- 122 Redbay Lane, Clayton: represented the buyer, 2023
- 280 Nathan Drive, Clayton: represented the seller, 2023
- 509 E Johnston Street, Smithfield: represented the buyer, 2023
- 550 Main Street, Smithfield: represented the buyer, 2024
- 14 Eugene Walker Lane, Princeton: represented the buyer, 2024
- 502 Tuscany Circle, Princeton: represented the buyer, 2024
- 2820 Tara Drive, Clayton: represented the buyer, 2025
Schools
Public schools are part of the Johnston County Public Schools. Attendance zones can change, so I always suggest confirming a specific address with the district’s own address lookup tool before you make a decision.
Official Johnston County Links
- Johnston County government: Johnston County website
- Johnston County Public Schools: district website
- U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts, for current population and housing data: Census Bureau QuickFacts
Buying or Selling in Johnston County
Whether you are moving out from Raleigh, relocating from another state, selling a home you have loved or looking for land, I would be glad to help. I live here, and I am happy to talk through towns, commutes and land questions before you ever tour a home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Johnston County
What is the county seat of Johnston County?
Smithfield. Many county offices, including the Register of Deeds and tax services, are in Smithfield.
Do you help with land in Johnston County?
Yes. I help buyers and sellers with land across central NC, and I always start with septic, zoning, access and flood questions for the specific parcel.
Where do I check which school serves an address?
Use the Johnston County Public Schools address lookup tool on the district website.