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City Report · NC

Smithfield

Pop. 12,116·39th most expensive in North Carolina·Smithfield rents are up 11.1% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$1,832/mo
Year-over-Year
+11.1%
Month-over-Month
+0.1%
vs US Median
-$133
Stable (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Smithfield · $1,832
More affordable than 52% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Affordability
51% of income
EXPENSIVE
0%30% benchmark60%+

At $1,832/mo, rent takes about 51% of the local median household income, well above the 30% benchmark.

Income to afford
$73,000/yr
Local median income
$43,270/yr
Based on the 30%-of-income rule using Smithfield's median rent and household income. See the full affordability breakdown →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,290
1 BR
$1,320
2 BR
$1,490
3 BR
$1,840
4 BR+
$2,440
Research median
$1,490/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$21,984/yr
At $1,832/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 11.1% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+11.1% YoY, +0.1% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Smithfield, NC is majority owner-occupied, has a large retiree population, has a median income below the national average, 26.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
12,116
Median income
$43,270
Median age
44.9
Renters
41.3%
Age distribution
22.7%
15.7%
26.5%
14.6%
20.4%
Under 1822.7%
18–3415.7%
35–5426.5%
55–6414.6%
65+20.4%
Gender
48.7%
51.3%
Male48.7%
Female51.3%
Race & ethnicity
60.7%
23.1%
13.8%
White60.7%
Black23.1%
Hispanic13.8%
Asian1.9%
Other0.6%
Education (25+)
17%
30.5%
25.8%
26.7%
No HS diploma17%
HS diploma30.5%
Some college25.8%
Bachelor's+26.7%
Housing tenure
58.7%
41.3%
Owner58.7%
Renter41.3%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How Smithfield, NC has changed in 5 years

Income
$33,957 → $43,270
up 27.4%
Population
11,168 → 12,116
up 8.5%
Renter share
48.3% → 41.3%
-7.0 pts
Bachelor's+
26.4% → 26.7%
+0.3 pts
Median age
45.5 → 44.9
-0.6 yrs

Local incomes tracked alongside that move, going from a median of $33,957 in 2021 to $43,270 more recently. Census counts show Smithfield, NC adding about 948 residents over the five-year window, up 8.5% on net. The renter share has eased from 48.3% to 41.3%, with owner-occupied housing accounting for the remainder.

Community

Discussions about Smithfield

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View Smithfield rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Smithfield on your salary?

At $1,832/mo, how Smithfield rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Smithfield rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Smithfield. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Smithfield

About renting in Smithfield, NC

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Smithfield is $1,832/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,290/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,490/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,320/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,840/mo.

At 51% of local median household income ($43,270/yr), Smithfield ranks as expensive compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 11.1% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Smithfield an affordable city for renters?

Smithfield is considered expensive for renters. At $1,832/mo, rent takes approximately 51% of the local median household income ($43,270/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Smithfield significantly exceeds that threshold, making it challenging for many renters.

How much income do you need to rent in Smithfield?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $73,000/year (~$35/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,832/mo in Smithfield. The local median household income is $43,270/yr, meaning the typical Smithfield household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Smithfield?

Rent in Smithfield has increased 11.1% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Smithfield rent compare to other cities in North Carolina?

Smithfield is one of the pricier cities in North Carolina for rent, ranking #39 out of 126 tracked cities at $1,832/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Smithfield?

Knightdale is nearby and more affordable at $1,759/mo, which is $73 less than Smithfield.

What percentage of Smithfield residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 41.3% of Smithfield households are renters, while 58.7% are owner-occupied. Smithfield leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Smithfield rent compare to the national average?

Smithfield's median rent of $1,832/mo is $133 (7%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within North Carolina, it ranks #39 out of 126 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
51%
EXPENSIVE

At $1,832/mo, rent takes ~51% of Smithfield's median household income ($43,270/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Smithfield 51%Benchmark 30%
State income tax4.5%
Run the Smithfield affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Smithfield, NC

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