Johnston County, North Carolina Real Estate Investing Guide
Johnston County is in Central / Eastern North Carolina and is part of the Raleigh metropolitan area, making it a common target for investors seeking Triangle-adjacent demand with (often) more attainable entry points than core Wake County submarkets. huduser.gov+1
Major towns/communities in the county include Clayton (largest) and Smithfield (county seat), plus Selma, Benson, Princeton, Four Oaks, Archer Lodge, Kenly, Micro, Pine Level, and Wilson’s Mills. johnstoncountync.org
Why investors are attracted to this market (investor lens):
- Commuter / spillover demand from the Raleigh metro, especially in growth corridors like Clayton. Wikipedia+1
- A growing life sciences/manufacturing employment base (notably Novo Nordisk in Clayton). Grow With JoCo+1
- Countywide growth supporting rental absorption and resale liquidity over time. Census.gov+1
Population & Demographic Overview
- Current population: 249,794 (Census estimate, July 1, 2024). Census.gov
- Recent growth signal: DataUSA shows population rising from 219,042 (2022) to 226,623 (2023) (+3.46%). Data USA
- Median household income: $79,838 (2019–2023, inflation-adjusted). Census.gov
General tenant demographics (typical):
- Workforce renters and families (schools/healthcare/manufacturing and service jobs are major anchors). Triangle East Chamber of Commerce+1
- Commuter renters tied to Triangle employment, especially around Clayton and I-40 corridors.
Rental Market & Long-Term Rental Potential
HUD Fair Market Rent baseline (FY2025 – Raleigh, NC MSA including Johnston County):
- 2-bedroom (FMR): $1,763/mo huduser.gov
- 3-bedroom (FMR): $2,192/mo huduser.gov
County rent trend anchor (Zillow ZORI):
- Average rent: $1,810 (Johnston County, Nov 30, 2025). Zillow
Typical rent ranges (house rentals, low → high; based on current listing signals):
- 2-bedroom homes: roughly $1,550 – $2,500+ Zillow
- 3-bedroom homes: roughly $1,650 – $2,100+ (with higher for newer/larger homes and premium submarkets) Zillow+1
Primary rent drivers:
- Triangle metro adjacency and commuter demand Wikipedia
- Large employers (schools, healthcare, pharma/manufacturing) Triangle East Chamber of Commerce+1
Common tenant profile: working families and commuters seeking 2–3BR housing (single-family rentals and townhomes are common investor targets).
Fix-and-Flip & Value-Add Opportunities
County pricing / liquidity signal (Redfin):
Fixer/value-add pricing signal (Redfin “fixer upper” filter):
- Fixer uppers show a median listing price ~ $379K (inventory varies month to month). Redfin
Investor focus (what usually pencils best):
- Entry price points: created by buying below local comps in proven demand corridors (often a submarket game more than a “county average” game). Redfin+1
- Renovation upside: strongest where updates align with local buyer preferences (layout/function + core systems + durable finishes).
- Exit liquidity: DOM suggests reasonable turnover when pricing/condition match the buyer pool, but spreads must account for holding and financing costs. Redfin
Local Economy & Employment Base
Major demand anchors supporting rental stability and resale confidence include:
- Johnston County Public Schools (large employer) Triangle East Chamber of Commerce+1
- Johnston Health / UNC Health (healthcare anchor) Triangle East Chamber of Commerce+1
- Novo Nordisk (Clayton) — major manufacturing employer, plus a high-profile expansion announcement: $4.1B investment and 1,000 new jobs (state economic development release). EDPNC+1
- Grifols Therapeutics (manufacturing) Triangle East Chamber of Commerce+1
- County of Johnston (public sector) Triangle East Chamber of Commerce
Why Invest in Johnston County?
- Triangle-adjacent rental demand and commuter appeal Wikipedia
- Growing employment base (healthcare + schools + life sciences/manufacturing) Triangle East Chamber of Commerce+1
- Clear long-term rental buy box for 2–3BR homes and townhomes Zillow+1
- Value-add opportunities exist, but pricing is more “metro-influenced” than rural—tight underwriting matters. Redfin+1
Buying or Selling Property in Lenoir County?
JND Real Estate Group, LLC works with local and out-of-state investors looking to buy discounted properties in Lenoir County, North Carolina. If you are searching for off-market deals, long-term rental properties, or fix-and-flip opportunities, contact us today to learn more.
Contact Information:
Janice Shearin – 252-326-1197
Dwight Cox – (919) 944-7248
Additional Resources
Areas We Service:
- Eastern North Carolina Properties
- Central North Carolina Properties
- Western North Carolina Properties
Nearby Counties:
- Halifax County, NC
- Durham County, NC
- Wake County, NC
- Jones County, NC
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Important Investment Disclosure
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be financial, legal, tax, or investment advice. All market data, population statistics, rental estimates, pricing information, and other metrics are derived from third-party sources believed to be reliable; however, JND Real Estate Group, LLC makes no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of such information. Real estate markets are subject to change, and conditions may vary by property, neighborhood, and time. Investors are strongly encouraged to conduct their own independent due diligence, verify all data independently, and consult with licensed professionals prior to making any investment decision. JND Real Estate Group, LLC assumes no liability for investment decisions made based on the information presented on this website.