Home > Information About Johnston County Zip Code 27504, Benson

Information About Johnston County Zip Code 27504, Benson


Zip code 27504 is located in North Carolina and primarily serves the town of Benson, along with surrounding unincorporated communities like Meadow and Woods Crossroads.

Here is a detailed breakdown of what defines the 27504 area:

 

Geography and Location

  • County: The zip code is located almost entirely within Johnston County, sitting in the southwestern corner of the county where the Piedmont region meets the Coastal Plain.
  • The "Crossroads" of the Southeast: Benson is uniquely situated right at the major intersection of Interstate 40 (I-40) and Interstate 95 (I-95). This makes it highly accessible for East Coast travelers and regional logistics.
  • Proximity to Major Cities: It sits about 32 miles south of Downtown Raleigh and roughly 31 miles northeast of Fayetteville, offering a quieter rural-suburban lifestyle with a manageable commute to larger metro areas.

 

Demographics and Housing

The 27504 zip code offers a blend of historic downtown living and sprawling rural properties.

  • Population: The overall zip code is home to over 17,000 residents, with about 4,200 living within the actual town limits of Benson.
  • Housing Market: Much of the housing stock consists of single-family detached homes and rural properties with acreage. Real estate has been appreciating; recent estimates place the median property value around $280,000, with average sale prices in the low to mid $300,000s, reflecting the region's overall growth.
  • Income and Age: The median household income for the 27504 zip code is roughly $66,700. The area has a median age of around 36 to 38 years old, maintaining a steady mix of young families, established professionals, and retirees.

 

Economy and Employment

Benson’s economy is deeply rooted in farming but has modernized as the Raleigh-Durham metro area has expanded southward.

  • Agricultural Heritage: Historically a farming powerhouse for cotton and tobacco, the area remains a major agricultural center for sweet potatoes, soybeans, corn, and livestock.
  • Local Employment: While a significant portion of residents commute to Raleigh or Fayetteville, the local job market is supported by retail trade, healthcare, local government, and manufacturing. The intersection of I-95 and I-40 also makes it a strategic location for commercial distribution.
  • Sales Tax: The combined sales tax rate for the 27504 zip code is 6.75% (comprising a 4.75% state tax and a 2.0% Johnston County tax).

 

Education

The community is served by the Johnston County Public School District.

  • Local schools serving the area include Benson Elementary, Meadow School, and South Johnston High School.
  • The zip code also hosts a satellite location of Johnston Community College, providing continuing education and workforce training right in town. The Mary Duncan Public Library serves as the community's local municipal branch.

 

Lifestyle, History, and Attractions

Benson is fiercely proud of its identity and is famous throughout the state for its large community festivals and historic charm.

  • Benson Mule Days: This is the town's most famous claim to fame. Held every September, the festival draws over 50,000 visitors to the area for rodeos, parades, bluegrass music, and a celebration of the town's agricultural history.
  • State Annual Singing Convention: Held at the Benson Singing Grove (a historic tree-lined park and outdoor venue), this is one of the oldest and largest gospel singing conventions in the United States.
  • Benson Museum of Local History: Located on Main Street, it features vast exhibits depicting early farming, home life, and military history in Johnston County.
  • Outdoor Recreation: Residents frequent local spots like Tucker Lake (a popular destination for swimming and camping) and the municipal parks, while enjoying easy day-trip access to larger state parks like Raven Rock and Jones Lake.

 

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Page last updated on:  July 31, 2026