kids encyclopedia robot

Smithfield, North Carolina facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Smithfield, North Carolina
Town of Smithfield
Downtown Smithfield, North Carolina
Downtown Smithfield, North Carolina
Location in Johnston County and the state of North Carolina
Location in Johnston County and the state of North Carolina
Smithfield, North Carolina is located in North Carolina
Smithfield, North Carolina
Smithfield, North Carolina
Location in North Carolina
Smithfield, North Carolina is located in the United States
Smithfield, North Carolina
Smithfield, North Carolina
Location in the United States
Smithfield, North Carolina is located in North America
Smithfield, North Carolina
Smithfield, North Carolina
Location in North America
Country  United States
State  North Carolina
County Johnston
Townships Selma, Smithfield, Wilson Mills
Chartered May 9, 1777 (1777-05-09Tmdy)
Named for John Smith
Government
 • Type Council–Manager
Area
 • Total 11.93 sq mi (30.91 km2)
 • Land 11.92 sq mi (30.87 km2)
 • Water 0.01 sq mi (0.04 km2)
Elevation
148 ft (45 m)
Population
 (2010)
 • Total 10,966
 • Estimate 
(2019)
12,985
 • Density 1,089.44/sq mi (420.63/km2)
Time zone UTC−5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC−4 (EDT)
ZIP code
27577
Area code 919
FIPS code 37-62520
GNIS feature ID 1025712
Major airport RDU

Smithfield is a town in and the county seat of Johnston County, North Carolina, United States. As of the 2010 census the population was 10,966, and in 2019 the estimated population was 12,985. Smithfield is home to the Ava Gardner Museum and is situated along the Neuse River, where visitors enjoy the annual Smithfield Ham and Yam Festival, walks along the Buffalo Creek Greenway, and the historic downtown district. The town is located near North Carolina's Research Triangle and is approximately 30 miles (48 km) southeast of downtown Raleigh. The Raleigh-Durham-Cary Combined Statistical area has a population of over 2 million residents.

History

The Atkinson-Smith House, Brooklyn Historic District, Downtown Smithfield Historic District, Hood Brothers Building, Hood-Strickland House, Johnston County Courthouse, North Smithfield Historic District, Smithfield Masonic Lodge, U.S. Post Office, Former, and Watson-Sanders House are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 11.4 square miles (30 km2), of which 11.4 square miles (30 km2) is land and 0.09% is water.

Demographics

Historical population
Census Pop.
1850 329
1870 415
1880 485 16.9%
1890 550 13.4%
1900 764 38.9%
1910 1,347 76.3%
1920 1,895 40.7%
1930 2,543 34.2%
1940 3,678 44.6%
1950 5,574 51.5%
1960 6,117 9.7%
1970 6,677 9.2%
1980 7,288 9.2%
1990 7,540 3.5%
2000 11,510 52.7%
2010 10,966 −4.7%
2019 (est.) 12,985 18.4%
U.S. Decennial Census

2020 census

Smithfield racial composition
Race Number Percentage
White (non-Hispanic) 5,011 44.38%
Black or African American (non-Hispanic) 3,101 27.46%
Native American 40 0.35%
Asian 105 0.93%
Pacific Islander 6 0.05%
Other/Mixed 363 3.21%
Hispanic or Latino 2,666 23.61%

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 11,292 people, 4,951 households, and 2,919 families residing in the town.

Education

  • South Smithfield Elementary School
  • West Smithfield Elementary School
  • Smithfield Middle School
  • South Campus Community School
  • Johnston County Middle College High School
  • Johnston County Early College Academy
  • Smithfield-Selma High School
  • Neuse Charter School
  • Johnston Community College

Notable people

  • Gary Clark, NBA player
  • Harmeet Dhillon, lawyer and Republican Party official
  • Barry Foote, former Major League Baseball catcher
  • Ava Gardner, actress, born in Grabtown southeast of Smithfield
  • Gregory Helms, professional wrestler
  • Neal Lancaster, professional golfer
  • Amber O'Neal, professional wrestler
  • Edward W. Pou, U.S. congressman, 1901–1934
  • William Cary Renfrow, 3rd governor of Oklahoma Territory
  • Jerry Sands, professional baseball player
  • Ray Tanner, South Carolina Gamecocks athletic director and former head baseball coach
  • John Townsend, author
  • Curtis Whitley, NFL offensive lineman
  • Jonathan Williams, professional football running back

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Smithfield (Carolina del Norte) para niños

kids search engine
Smithfield, North Carolina Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.