Can A Licensed Practical Nurse Afford Rent in Smithfield, NC?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 38.5% of gross income.
Smithfield rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (North Carolina state estimate).
About rent and a licensed practical nurse salary
LPN pay sits modestly above the US median household income and covers comfortable rent in most lower- and mid-cost metros. At the national-average LPN salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,520 a month in rent. The per-city pages show which markets stay in range.
Cheaper rent nearby
These North Carolina cities have lower median rent than Smithfield, which improves the affordability math on a licensed practical nurse salary:
Compare with full rent data for Smithfield
View full rent data for Smithfield, NC →Frequently asked questions
Can a licensed practical nurse afford rent in Smithfield, NC?
Median rent in Smithfield is $1,832 a month. A typical licensed practical nurse in North Carolina earns about $57,143 a year, which makes that rent 38.5% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a licensed practical nurse afford in Smithfield?
Using the 30% rule, a licensed practical nurse salary in North Carolina (~$57,143/yr) supports up to $1,429 a month in rent. Smithfield's current median rent is $1,832/mo, which is $403/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a licensed practical nurse work to cover rent in Smithfield?
At an hourly equivalent of about $27 an hour, a licensed practical nurse in North Carolina works roughly 66.7 hours a month to cover Smithfield's median rent of $1,832.
Where is rent cheaper than Smithfield for a licensed practical nurse?
Nearby North Carolina cities with lower median rent include Clayton ($1,831/mo), Clayton ($1,831/mo), Belville ($1,831/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a licensed practical nurse salary.