Towns & Communities
From Clayton's booming suburbs to Benson's emerging industrial corridor — find the community that fits your life.
Clayton — The Growth Engine
Clayton is Johnston County's largest and fastest-growing town, with 30,000+ residents and 64% growth from 2010–2020. The median home price ranges from $336K–$367K, with premium options in Flowers Plantation reaching $425K+. Clayton is just 21–25 minutes from downtown Raleigh and features the crown jewel development: Flowers Plantation, a 3,000-acre master-planned community with 5,000+ homeowners and plans for 7,800 total homes. Its new Waterfront District includes condos, restaurants, retail, and a hotel. The Copper District — a 300-acre mixed-use project described as three times the size of Fenton in Cary — is also underway. Clayton adopted a new downtown master plan in September 2024 and features a sculpture trail with 22+ locations. Top schools include Cleveland High (B+), Clayton High (B), and Riverwood Elementary (91st percentile statewide). A $134.4 million new Clayton High School broke ground in December 2025.
Smithfield — The County Seat
Smithfield is the government and healthcare hub of Johnston County with a median home price around $282K–$322K — one of the best values in the Triangle. Downtown Smithfield is a nationally accredited Main Street Community with a walkable historic district dating to 1890. It's home to Carolina Premium Outlets (80 stores, earning Smithfield the title "Outlet Capital of North Carolina"), UNC Health Johnston's main 179-bed hospital campus, and the Ava Gardner Museum honoring the Smithfield-born Hollywood icon. Smithfield-Selma High offers the county's only International Baccalaureate program. The town sits 30–35 minutes from downtown Raleigh.
Selma — Affordable & Rising
Selma offers the most affordable entry point among Johnston County's larger towns at approximately $235K median. Its railroad heritage fuels a charming downtown antique district. The major game-changer is Eastfield Crossing — a 435-acre retail/industrial complex at I-95 that opened Phase 1 in October 2024 with Academy Sports, Burlington, Hobby Lobby, and Old Navy, with BJ's Wholesale and restaurants opening in 2026. Crystal Window & Door Systems is also investing $93 million here for 501 jobs. Selma is 35–40 minutes from Raleigh.
Benson — The Southern Gateway
Benson is positioned for explosive growth, anchored by Vulcan Elements' $1 billion rare-earth magnet factory that will create 1,000 jobs at $81,932 average salary. It's also the closest Johnston County town to Fort Bragg at 40–55 minutes, making it ideal for military families. Median homes run around $299K. Benson Mule Days is one of North Carolina's most beloved annual festivals. The town offers genuine small-town character with access to both Triangle and Fayetteville employment corridors.
Four Oaks — Agricultural Roots, New Growth
Four Oaks retains its agricultural heritage while embracing new development, including Johnston Community College's $40 million Advanced Manufacturing Training Facility. Median prices hover around $305K. It's an affordable option with larger lots and a family-friendly atmosphere in the southern part of the county.
Archer Lodge — Rural-Suburban Transition
Incorporated in just 2009, Archer Lodge is one of NC's newest municipalities. It sits in the rural-suburban transition zone between Clayton and Wendell with larger lots and quick access to both. Homes start around $350K. The area benefits from proximity to Clayton's amenities while maintaining a distinctly quieter, more spacious feel.
Cleveland — Top Schools, Quiet Living
Cleveland is known for Cleveland High School (B+ rating, 95% graduation rate) and Cleveland Elementary (88th percentile statewide). Homes start around $340K. It's a quiet residential community adjacent to Clayton that appeals strongly to families prioritizing school quality.
Pine Level, Princeton, Kenly & Micro
These eastern and central Johnston County communities offer the county's most affordable options, with prices from the low $200Ks to low $300Ks. Pine Level and Princeton sit along the future I-42 corridor, positioning them for appreciation as interstate infrastructure arrives by 2032. Kenly is home to the Tobacco Farm Life Museum and the East Coast Truckers Jamboree. Micro is the county's smallest municipality, offering rural tranquility minutes from larger towns.
Unincorporated Johnston County
A critical fact: roughly 176,000 people — over 70% of the county — live outside any town limits in unincorporated areas. These residents enjoy the county's lowest tax rates (base $0.52/$100 plus a small fire district fee) while accessing town amenities nearby. Many of the county's new-construction communities are in unincorporated areas.