Home > Information About Johnston County Zip Code 27576, Selma

Information About Johnston County Zip Code 27576, Selma


Zip code 27576 is located in North Carolina and primarily serves the town of Selma, along with its surrounding rural areas. Known for its rich railroad history and vibrant antique shopping district, Selma offers a distinct blend of historic charm and massive commercial visibility.

Here is a detailed breakdown of what defines the 27576 area:

 

Geography and Location

  • County: The zip code is located in central Johnston County, sitting immediately north and east of Smithfield (the county seat).
  • The "Crossroads of Town and Country": Selma is highly accessible and heavily trafficked by East Coast travelers. Interstate 95 (I-95) runs directly through the zip code, and U.S. Highway 70 (Future I-42) and U.S. 301 intersect here. It is also just minutes from Interstate 40.
  • Proximity: It is located about 30 miles southeast of Downtown Raleigh. While it has its own distinct local economy, it is increasingly becoming a commuter town as the Triangle region expands eastward.

 

History and The Railroad

You cannot talk about Selma without talking about trains. The town was essentially born from the railroad industry.

  • Founding: The town was officially incorporated in 1873. It was formed when the North Carolina Railroad built a station there in 1867.
  • Historic Union Station: Built in 1924, this beautifully restored passenger depot is still fully operational today. Selma is one of the few small towns in North Carolina that boasts an active Amtrak station, offering daily passenger service on the Carolinian and Palmetto lines, connecting residents straight to Washington D.C., New York, and Florida.
  • Mitchener Station: Located in Selma, this structure was built in 1855 and is believed to be the oldest surviving train depot in North Carolina.

 

Demographics and Housing

The 27576 zip code offers an affordable mix of historic downtown homes and newer suburban construction.

  • Population: The overall zip code is home to roughly 17,000 to 18,000 residents, with the town limits of Selma accounting for about 6,500 to 7,000 of those individuals.
  • Housing Market: Selma is currently experiencing a boom in residential development as buyers seek affordability outside of Raleigh and Clayton. The median home value in the zip code is approximately $250,000.
  • Income: The median household income for the 27576 zip code sits around $52,000 to $55,000.

 

Economy and Employment

  • Industrial and Distribution Hub: Because of its immediate access to I-95, US 70, and major rail lines, the 27576 area is a strategic hub for manufacturing and distribution.
  • Highway Retail: The I-95 corridor through Selma features massive retail footprints catering to interstate travelers, including several large truck stops and distribution centers.
  • Revitalized Downtown: Uptown Selma is undergoing a significant revitalization, driven by small business owners, local coffee shops, and event spaces.

 

Education

Students living in the 27576 zip code are served by the Johnston County Public School District.

 

Lifestyle and Attractions

Selma is a major cultural and retail destination within Johnston County, drawing visitors from across the state for its shopping and entertainment.

  • The Antique Capital: Uptown Selma is famous for its concentration of massive antique stores. The Selma Antique Mall and several surrounding shops offer tens of thousands of square feet of vintage shopping.
  • The Rudy Theatre: A staple of the community, this historic theater draws large crowds year-round for live music, comedy shows, and its famous Christmas Jubilee.
  • Railroad Days Festival: Held every October since 1976, this massive street festival celebrates the town's heritage with live entertainment, vendors, a parade, and a 5K run.
  • JR Cigar: Located right off I-95 in Selma, this is a massive tourist attraction for highway travelers. It is one of the largest cigar stores in the world and features a huge discount retail shopping center.

 

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Page last updated on:  July 31, 2026