Johnston County Map, North Carolina

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: May 05, 2026 | 06:10 ET

Map of Johnston County - Johnston County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. Johnston County Map showing cities, highways, important places and water bodies. Get Where is Johnston County located in the map, major cities in Johnston county, population, areas, and places of interest.

Map of Johnston County, North Carolina

About Johnston County, North Carolina

Johnston County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. It's county seat is Smithfield. As per 2020 census, the population of Johnston County is 226504 people and population density is square miles. According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 796 sq mi (2,062 km2). Johnston County was established on 1746.

Johnston County Facts

ContinentNorth America
CountryUnited States
StateNorth Carolina
County SeatSmithfield
Largest City/TownClayton
Established1746
Total Area796 sq mi (2,061 sq km)
Land Area791 sq mi (2,049 sq km)
Water Area5 sq mi (12 sq km)
Population215,999 (Census 2020)
Population Density273 people per sq mi
Time ZoneEastern Time Zone (ET)
Major HighwaysI-95, I-40, US-70, US-301, NC-42
Major RiversNeuse River
Neighboring CountiesWake County, Wilson County, Wayne County, Sampson County, Harnett County
Famous ForOutlet shopping, agriculture, proximity to Raleigh
Top AttractionsCarolina Premium Outlets, Ava Gardner Museum, Bentonville Battlefield, Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center
Official WebsiteOfficial Website

About Johnston County, North Carolina

Johnston County is located in the east-central part of North Carolina, in the state of the United States, and was established in 1746. The county seat is Smithfield, while Clayton is the largest town. The county lies just southeast of Raleigh and is known for its agricultural heritage, growing suburban communities, and popular shopping destinations.

Cities and Towns in Johnston County, North Carolina

City/TownPopulation (Census 2020)Latitude & Longitude
Clayton26,30735.6507°N, 78.4564°W
Smithfield (county seat)12,98535.5085°N, 78.3394°W
Selma6,07335.5368°N, 78.2842°W
Benson3,74335.3824°N, 78.5486°W
Four Oaks2,42435.4443°N, 78.4264°W
Kenly1,50035.5960°N, 78.1200°W
Princeton1,30035.4640°N, 78.1580°W
Pine Level1,70035.5140°N, 78.2300°W
Micro50035.5700°N, 78.2100°W
Wilson’s Mills2,30035.5800°N, 78.3600°W

Golf Courses in Johnston County, North Carolina

Golf CourseLocationLatitude & Longitude
Reedy Creek Golf CourseFour Oaks35.4400°N, 78.4200°W
Cardinal Country ClubSelma35.5300°N, 78.2800°W
Hedingham Golf Club (nearby)Clayton area35.6500°N, 78.4500°W

Roads and Highways in Johnston County, North Carolina

Johnston County is a key transportation corridor in eastern North Carolina.

  • I-95 – major north–south interstate running through the county
  • I-40 – connects the county to Raleigh and Wilmington
  • US-70 – runs east–west linking the county to Raleigh and Goldsboro
  • US-301 – runs parallel to I-95
  • NC-42 – connects Clayton to other parts of the county

Neighboring Counties of Johnston County

  • Wake County (north)
  • Wilson County (northeast)
  • Wayne County (southeast)
  • Sampson County (south)
  • Harnett County (west)

Top Attractions in Johnston County, North Carolina

The county offers shopping, history, and outdoor recreation.

  • Carolina Premium Outlets – popular shopping destination in Smithfield
  • Ava Gardner Museum – museum dedicated to the famous actress
  • Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site – Civil War site
  • Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center – nature preserve with trails
  • Downtown Clayton – growing area with shops and restaurants
  • Local farms and markets – agricultural experiences

Distance from Johnston County to Nearby Cities

  • Smithfield to Raleigh – 30 mi (48 km)
  • Smithfield to Goldsboro – 25 mi (40 km)
  • Smithfield to Fayetteville – 50 mi (80 km)
  • Smithfield to Durham – 50 mi (80 km)
  • Smithfield to Wilmington – 110 mi (177 km)

FAQs about Johnston County

Where is Johnston County located?

Johnston County is located in east-central North Carolina near the Raleigh metropolitan area.

What is the population of Johnston County?

The population of Johnston County is 215,999 according to the 2020 Census.

What is Johnston County known for?

Johnston County is known for its outlet shopping, agriculture, and growing suburban communities.

What are the major highways in Johnston County?

Major highways include I-95, I-40, US-70, US-301, and NC-42.

Are there golf courses in Johnston County?

Yes, Johnston County has several golf courses including Reedy Creek Golf Course and Cardinal Country Club.