Why Johnston County, NC?
The definitive guide to the Triangle's fastest-growing county — with the data to prove it.
A County Transforming in Real Time
Johnston County recorded 215,999 residents in the 2020 Census — a 27.3% increase from 2010 that made it the fastest-growing county in North Carolina that decade. Growth has only accelerated since. Current estimates place the population at approximately 249,794 (ACS 2024), a roughly 15% increase in just four years. At current growth rates of 2.5–3.5% annually, the county is on pace to surpass 300,000 residents before 2030.
The median age of 37.9 runs below both state and national averages, reflecting the influx of young families. Children under 18 make up 25.9% of the population, and 37.3% of households include children — both above national norms. The homeownership rate is a striking 77.1%, well above the 65% national average. Median household income has risen to $89,217 — roughly 20% above the NC average.
Where New Residents Come From
Seventy-one percent of new Johnston County residents come from within North Carolina, with Wake County as the dominant feeder — sending 3,376 movers annually. The typical profile is a millennial household purchasing (not renting) a home, which is unusual among NC growth counties. Out-of-state migration comes primarily from New York, California, Maryland, and Texas — families and remote workers seeking lower cost of living without sacrificing career access.
Economy: $6 Billion and Counting
Johnston County's unemployment rate of 3.1% (September 2025) runs a full percentage point below the NC average and 1.3 points below national. The county hit a record 124,000 employed residents in January 2025 — a 15% year-over-year jump. County GDP stands at $7.7 billion.
Three transformative announcements define the county's trajectory. Novo Nordisk's $4.1 billion expansion (the largest life-sciences investment in NC history) will add 1,000 jobs at roughly $69,000 average salary. Vulcan Elements committed $1 billion to build the largest rare-earth magnet factory in the world outside China in Benson, creating 1,000 jobs at $81,932 average wage. Crystal Window & Door Systems is investing $93 million in Selma for 501 jobs. Combined, these three projects alone bring 2,500+ jobs within a few years.
Major employers include Johnston County Public Schools (3,000+), Novo Nordisk (1,900+ expanding to 2,900), Grifols Therapeutics (1,800+), UNC Health Johnston (1,000+), Amazon (1,000+), Caterpillar (500–999), and Johnston Community College (500–999).
Infrastructure Investments Rewriting the Future
Three highway projects are transforming connectivity. Interstate 42 — the redesignation of US-70 to full interstate standards — was officially signed on a 10-mile segment in February 2025, with the full route expected complete by 2032. Complete 540 (the $2.2–$2.5 billion Triangle Expressway extension) opened its Phase 1 in September 2024, adding 18 miles to I-40 at the Wake/Johnston line. Phase 2 is under construction with completion expected in the second half of 2028.
Broadband infrastructure is improving rapidly. Brightspeed provides fiber to approximately 48% of the county. Lumos announced a $50+ million investment for nearly 600 miles of fiber. Fiber is now the fastest available internet for 65% of Johnston County homes, with speeds reaching 2,373 Mbps in covered areas.
Water and sewer investment exceeds $130 million — the Timothy G. Broome Water Treatment Plant expansion increased capacity to 18 million gallons per day, and the NC 210 Wastewater Treatment Facility doubled to 8 million gallons per day.
Tax Rates That Deliver Real Savings
Johnston County's base property tax rate dropped to $0.52 per $100 of assessed value for FY 2025–2026. Municipal rates add on top, with combined rates ranging from $0.52 (unincorporated) to $1.15 (Kenly). The median annual property tax bill is approximately $1,700 — versus $3,533 in Wake County and $2,891 in Durham County. That's $1,800+ in annual savings compared to Wake.
North Carolina charges a flat 4.25% state income tax (2025), declining to 3.99% by 2026–2027. The state levies zero tax on Social Security benefits, no estate or inheritance tax, and provides a Homestead Exemption for residents 65+ with income under $37,900.
Retirees & 55+ Buyers
The flagship 55+ community is Carolina Overlook by Del Webb in Clayton, offering 12 ranch floor plans (1,223–3,683 sq ft) starting in the mid-$300,000s with a clubhouse, lake, pickleball courts, pools, and fitness center. Flowers Plantation hosts three active-adult communities: Evergreen (detached homes in the $400Ks), Sweetgrass, and The Cottages at Evergreen. Senior services run through Community & Senior Services of Johnston County, offering Active Aging Centers, Meals on Wheels, and the annual Johnston County Senior Games.
Remote Workers
Remote workers make up 13.1% of Johnston County's workforce — a number growing with fiber expansion. The value proposition is straightforward: a home with a dedicated office on a half-acre lot for $350K–$400K, fiber internet up to 2 Gbps, and all the dining, culture, and entertainment of Raleigh-Durham just 25–35 minutes away. Monthly utilities average $225–$330, and homeowners insurance runs approximately $2,200–$2,800/year — below the state average due to lower hurricane risk.
Quality of Life
Recreational infrastructure includes 50+ parks, the Clayton Riverwalk (part of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail), Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center (2,800 acres), and a new Johnston County Regional Park master plan with gym, community center, disc golf, and skate park. Shopping is headlined by Carolina Premium Outlets (80 stores) and the new 435-acre Eastfield Crossing in Selma. Annual events include the Ham & Yam Festival, Benson Mule Days, Selma Railroad Days, the Ava Gardner Festival, and Meadow Lights.