Johnston County, North Carolina

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 2,061 km² (796 mi²). 2,051 km² (792 mi²) of it is land and 10 km² (4 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.50% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 121,965 people, 46,595 households, and 33,688 families residing in the county. The population density is 59/km² (154/mi²). There are 50,196 housing units at an average density of 24/km² (63/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 78.09% White, 15.65% African American, 0.41% Native American, 0.30% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 4.53% from other races, and 0.99% from two or more races. 7.74% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 46,595 households out of which 35.40% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.80% are married couples living together, 10.60% have a female householder with no husband present, and 27.70% are non-families. 23.10% of all households are made up of individuals and 8.60% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.58 and the average family size is 3.02.

In the county the population is spread out with 26.10% under the age of 18, 8.10% from 18 to 24, 34.20% from 25 to 44, 21.70% from 45 to 64, and 9.80% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 34 years. For every 100 females there are 98.70 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 96.30 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $40,872, and the median income for a family is $48,599. Males have a median income of $33,008 versus $25,582 for females. The per capita income for the county is $18,788. 12.80% of the population and 8.90% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 16.00% are under the age of 18 and 19.40% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Benson
• Clayton
• Four Oaks
• Kenly
• Micro
• Pine Level
• Princeton
• Selma
• Smithfield
• West Smithfield
• Wilson's Mills
• Zebulon