Cost of Living in Smithfield, NC
Population 11,798 · North Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Household incomes in Smithfield run well below national norms — a median of $37,827 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $217,000). A poverty rate near 31% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.
Geographically, Smithfield is about 25 miles southeast of Raleigh, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 43% lower than Raleigh's $378,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Smithfield
The median home value in Smithfield is $217,000 — 29% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $601/month, 54% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $37,827/year is 49% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.2%, above the national average of 4.8%. North Carolina's top state income tax rate is 4.5% and the combined sales tax is 7.0%. The climate averages highs of 73.6°F and lows of 53.1°F, with about 2" of annual snowfall. Overall, Smithfield has a cost of living index of 61 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 39% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 54 | 58 | 65 | 75 | 82 | 88 | 91 | 89 | 83 | 75 | 66 | 57 |
| Low °F | 35 | 36 | 43 | 51 | 60 | 69 | 72 | 71 | 66 | 54 | 43 | 37 |
| Precip" | 3.55 | 3.24 | 4.22 | 3.90 | 3.52 | 4.40 | 5.42 | 6.42 | 7.03 | 3.79 | 3.17 | 3.60 |
| Snow" | 1.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.7 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Smithfield, NC?
Smithfield has a cost index of 61 (100 = national average). It is 39% below the national average.
What is average rent in Smithfield, NC?
The median gross rent in Smithfield is $601 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Smithfield?
The median home value in Smithfield is $217,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Smithfield?
The median household income in Smithfield is $37,827 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Smithfield, NC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Smithfield is 7.0%. The North Carolina state income tax top rate is 4.5%.
Is Smithfield, NC affordable?
Yes, Smithfield is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 61 — about 39% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Smithfield?
Smithfield has average high temperatures of 73.6°F and average lows of 53.1°F. Annual precipitation is 52.3". Average annual snowfall is 2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Smithfield at a Glance
- Population
- 11,798
- Median Income
- $37,827
- Home Value
- $217,000
- Median Rent
- $601/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.2%
- Avg High Temp
- 73.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
North Carolina Rankings
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