Home > Information About Johnston County Zip Code 27542, Kenly

Information About Johnston County Zip Code 27542, Kenly


Zip code 27542 is located in North Carolina and primarily serves the town of Kenly, along with the surrounding rural community of Bagley. Known for its small-town charm and strategic location, it bills itself as "Friendly Kenly, A Triangle East Community."

Here is a detailed breakdown of what defines the 27542 area:

 

Geography and Location

  • County: The zip code is located primarily in Johnston County, with a small portion extending into the southwest corner of neighboring Wilson County.
  • Transportation Corridors: Kenly is uniquely positioned along major East Coast travel routes. Interstate 95 (I-95) runs right along the northwest edge of town (accessible via Exit 107), and U.S. Route 301 serves as the main road straight through the center of town.
  • Proximity: Kenly is situated in eastern Johnston County, making it further removed from the immediate Raleigh suburbs, yet it still serves as an eastern gateway to the broader Triangle region.

 

Demographics and Housing

The 27542 zip code offers a much quieter, rural-suburban mix compared to the rapidly growing western parts of the county.

  • Population: The overall zip code is home to roughly 9,600 to 9,800 residents. The town limits of Kenly itself account for about 1,500 of those residents.
  • Housing Market: The area provides an affordable housing market characterized by a mix of single-family detached homes, historic properties, and rural land with mobile homes. Real estate is more accessible here than in areas closer to Raleigh, with median home values hovering around $205,000 to $214,000.
  • Income: The median household income for the 27542 zip code sits around $66,000.

 

Economy and Employment

While the local economy has agricultural and railroad roots, modern Kenly relies on its strategic location.

  • Highway Commerce: Because of its immediate access to I-95, Kenly is a major stop for truck drivers and East Coast travelers. The zip code is home to the massive Kenly 95 Petro, which is the largest truck stop on the East Coast, featuring multiple restaurants, retail stores, and a chrome shop. This serves as a significant local employer and economic driver.
  • Sales Tax: The combined sales tax rate for the 27542 zip code is 6.75% (comprising a 4.75% state tax and a 2.0% Johnston County tax).
  • Commuting: Most residents travel by car, with an average commute time of about 27 minutes.

 

Education

The area is served primarily by the Johnston County Public School District, though depending on the exact address, some students on the Wilson County line may be districted there.

 

Lifestyle, History, and Attractions

Kenly is a quiet, relaxed community that celebrates its railroad history and rural heritage.

  • Railroad Roots: The community was settled around 1875 along the "Short-Cut" rail line of the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad. The town was officially incorporated in 1887 and named after J.R. Kenly, a railroad superintendent.
  • Tobacco Farm Life Museum: Located right off US Highway 301, this museum is one of the area's main attractions. It preserves the history and heritage of the Eastern North Carolina farmer, featuring restored farm buildings, agricultural artifacts, and educational exhibits about the region's deep roots in tobacco farming.
  • Local Vibe: The town operates with a calm, peaceful atmosphere, adopting the motto "Friendly" as a testament to its tight-knit, community-first values.

 

More Information

 




Page last updated on:  July 31, 2026