Johnston County’s growth: Insights from local experts

By Jamie Strickland

It’s no secret that Johnston County has seen significant growth in recent years, attracting both new residents and businesses alike. With a combination of affordability, strategic location and evolving opportunities, the area has become a destination for many.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Johnston County's population grew 38.4 percent from the 169,676 people who lived here in 2010 to the 234,778 residents counted in 2022. That number is currently estimated upwards of 240,000.

Here’s a closer look at what makes our county unique, as shared by local leaders and experts.

AFFORDABILITY AND HOUSING OPTIONS

Housing affordability plays a critical role in attracting people to Johnston County. According to Cathy Delano, a Clayton-based real estate agent, Johnston County offers more affordable housing compared to neighboring areas like Raleigh and Wake County.

In November 2024, she said the county’s median home price was $354,000, reflecting a 2.7% year-over-year decrease, while nearby Wake County saw its median price rise to $480,000. Delano also pointed out the diversity of housing options available, from historic homes in towns like Smithfield and Selma to new developments in Clayton, Archer Lodge and Princeton.

"This makes it attractive not only to firsttime homebuyers, families and professionals but also to retirees. Many retirees are choosing to relocate here to be closer to their children and grandchildren, who have previously moved to our area to take advantage of its economic and job growth opportunities,” she said.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Johnston County has fostered a supportive environment for small businesses, bolstered by programs such as the Small Business Center at Johnston Community College and Launch JoCo, which support entrepreneurs at all stages. Larger companies are also expanding in the area.

Chris Johnson, Director of Johnston County Economic Development, points to investments from companies like Novo Nordisk and Grifols, as well as new manufacturing facilities from Veetee Rice and Crystal Windows and Doors.

“In the mid-90's, Johnston County lost nearly 8,000 manufacturing jobs due to offshoring from policies such as NAFTA. When you add the changing of the tobacco market and the opening of I-40 in the early 1990s, it was the perfect storm of residential growth that didn't keep pace with the jobs that needed to be replaced,” Johnson said.

“Over the last 15 years, county leadership and the Economic Development Advisory Board has made a concerted effort to replace those lost jobs and grow employment opportunities for residents so that they no longer have to leave the county.”

The county’s proximity to Raleigh, the Research Triangle, and major transportation hubs like I-95 and I-40 have also been a draw for companies. Michael King, town manager of Princeton, underscored this point, describing the county as a “midway point” between New York and Florida.

COMMUNITY AMENITIES AND EVENTS

Community life is a major draw for residents. Towns across the county invest in parks, recreational facilities and annual events. Michael Scott, Smithfield’s town manager, emphasized the importance of these amenities. “Smithfield offers a small-town feel while providing outstanding public services, a safe community and some of the largest parks and recreation activities in the county,” he said.

Triangle East Chamber of Commerce President, Maureen McGuinness, who relocated to the county herself, noted the small town way of life as a significant attraction. “Things that appealed to me and my family locally owned coffee shops like Coffee on Raiford, boutiques and the river walk. While we enjoy the pace of small town life, if we want to go to a museum or a concert the drive to Raleigh isn't long. In the summer we are a quick drive to the beach.”

EDUCATION AND HEALTHCARE

Delano believes education is a strong draw for families moving to the area. “Johnston County schools have enhanced their offerings to meet the diverse needs of students,” she said.

Johnston County schools offer specialized programs, such as AVID and International Baccalaureate and opportunities for high school students to earn college credits. The Johnston County Commissioners Promise program, which provides two years of free college tuition at JCC to local graduates, is another attractive feature. There are also options for charter and private schools and we’re within close proximity to major universities.

Healthcare has also expanded, with UNC Health Johnston facilities in Clayton and Smithfield bringing specialists and increasing access to services.

BALANCING GROWTH AND TRADITION

While Johnston County continues to grow, local leaders are committed to preserving its small-town character.

“Growth is going to be something that is going to have to be intelligently managed, as it is expected to continue through the next decade and beyond. We want to be able to continue our small town charm and highly effective services that our citizens have grown accustomed to,” Scott said.

Johnson agrees with those sentiments. “Our Commissioners should be commended for their commitment to growing communities, good fiscal responsibility while maintaining top notch services,” he said. “I anticipate the county to continue to grow. How and the quality of this growth will be up to the residents, and future residents, of Johnston County.”