Living in Smithfield VA is such an incredible opportunity! Smithfield has a long and rich history and culture with unique traditions. According to the Town of Smithfield, the first White settlers in Smithfield arrived in 1634. The community was incorporated as a town in 1752 and named in honor of Arthur Smith IV, a farmer who surveyed the area and laid it out as a town. Smithfield’s population was modest, with only a small number of people moving to Smithfield each year. However, it became a prominent harbor and saw action during the American Revolution and the Civil War.
Smithfield VA is best known for being home to the Smithfield ham, and its nickname is “The Ham Capital of the World.” Smithfield today is a nice place to live with a charming atmosphere, historic and quaint architecture, and low crime rates. Moving to Smithfield may be perfect for you and your family. But before you call a moving company, you should learn about living in Smithfield VA. Here’s what to know about living in Smithfield VA today.
Where Is Smithfield VA?
Smithfield is in Isle of Wight County, Virginia, inside a largely undeveloped area with green spaces and farmland. The community has a shoreline along the Pagan River, and the river runs through the center of the community as well. Mt. Holly Creek and Little Creek border western Smithfield, while Jones Creek borders eastern and southern Smithfield.
Smithfield has a mixture of well-developed and undeveloped areas. Most developed areas are residential, not commercial, and they’re located along State Route 10 and U.S. Route 258. Smithfield borders Benns Church, and it’s near cities near Virginia Beach like Battery Park, Bartlett, and Isle of Wight. Smithfield is in the Hampton Roads area and the Virginia Beach metropolitan area, and it is 45.6 miles from Smithfield to Virginia Beach. Smithfield is a suburb of Virginia Beach and Norfolk.
Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) provides public transportation services for Smithfield. Route 964 is a fixed-service bus route that runs between Smithfield and Newport News. There are currently no other bus routes in the Smithfield town limits, and HRT does not offer ridesharing or curb-to-curb services in Smithfield. Most residents drive along major roads like U.S. Route 258, and you can start moving to Smithfield using these major roads.
Smithfield Population and Demographics
According to the US Census, the Smithfield population in 2020 was 8,533, while the Virginia Beach metro area population was 1,780,059. Smithfield is one of the smallest incorporated communities in the metro area. The population grew by 5.5% between 2010 and 2020, the least amount of population growth since 1960. The population has nearly doubled since 1990. The Smithfield population density in 2020 was 871.5 people living in Smithfield VA per square mile, nearly eight times higher than the county average.
Notable people living in Smithfield VA include Chris Taliaferro, Cassie Donegan, and Otelia B. Mahone. Notable Smithfield demographics and data from the US Census include:
- 50.1% male, 49.9% female
- Median age of people living in Smithfield VA: 46.9
- Racial and ethnic composition of residents living in Smithfield VA: 74.8% White (74.4% non-Hispanic), 17.8% Black or African American, 4.4% two or more races, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander, 0.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% Asian
- Median household income of individuals living in Smithfield VA: $113,158 (roughly 1.25 times higher than the state median income)
- Educational attainment of people living in Smithfield VA: 96.1% of residents older than 25 have graduated high school, 36.9% have a bachelor’s degree
- Foreign-born population of residents living in Smithfield VA: 3.1%
The average household size in Smithfield is 2.5 people, which is equal to the average family size in Virginia. The median home value is $358,100, which is almost equal to the median home value in Virginia. Smithfield’s median age is 8.1 years higher than the Virginia median, with 57.6% of residents being older than 40. The community is also popular among married couples, with 60.7% of households being headed by married couples. 19.4% of residents living in Smithfield VA are veterans, with over 300 Vietnam War veterans residing in the town.
Smithfield VA is a very safe community to live in. Here are its FBI crime rates from 2024, provided by Beautify Data:
- Total crime rate: 1,280.51 offenses per 100,000 people living in Smithfield VA (24.6% lower than the Virginia Beach crime rate, 28.4% lower than the Virginia crime rate, 39.6% lower than the national average)
- Violent crime rate: 175.11 crimes per 100,000 residents living in Smithfield VA (19.7% lower than the Virginia crime rate, 51.2% lower than the national rate)
- Property crime rate: 1,105.40 offenses per 100,000 individuals living in Smithfield VA (29.6% lower than the Virginia crime rate, 37.2% lower than the national average)
The Smithfield Police Department employs 27 sworn and professional police officers who respond to all emergencies in the community.
Cost of Living in Smithfield VA
Smithfield cost of living statistics can be hard to find, so you can use Virginia Beach cost of living statistics to estimate your Smithfield cost of living before moving to Smithfield. The Virginia Beach cost of living index is 90.8, meaning the cost of living in the metro area is 9.2% lower than the national average. According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four would need to earn $103,831 a year to cover their cost of living in Isle of Wight County. Smithfield VA is an affordable community to live in, especially if you’re moving to Smithfield as a single or a couple without children. A single person without children needs to earn just $51,784 a year to cover their cost of living.
Smithfield VA real estate can be a bit pricey, depending on what type of home you’re looking for. According to Redfin, Smithfield homes for sale have a median sales price of $472,500, roughly $45,000 higher than the national median. The median price per square foot is $224. According to RentCafe, the average rent in Smithfield is $1,288 a month, roughly $450 lower than the national average.
Typical Smithfield* Living Expenses
- 1 pound of white rice: $2.45
- 1 pound of local cheese: $5.25
- 1 pound of apples: $1.16
- 1 gallon of gasoline: $3.10
- Average Smithfield* utilities per month: $204.08
- 1 single trip ticket for an adult at Hampton Roads Transit: $2.00
Source: Numbeo
*Typical expenses actually for Virginia Beach
Smithfield Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Smithfield
Smithfield does not have any formal neighborhoods, subdivisions, or master-planned communities. According to Redfin, 160 Smithfield homes for sale were sold in 2025, 128 of which were single family homes. You can find a mixture of single family homes, condos, and townhomes, though single family homes are by far the most popular option for real estate.
There is no popular architectural style or floor plan in Smithfield. You have options for modest ranch homes with two or three bedrooms and less than 1,500 square feet. You can also purchase upscale Victorian homes with five bedrooms and over 3,000 square feet and amenities like custom fireplaces, private libraries, and enclosed sunrooms. Prices vary significantly. Most homes cost over $500,000, though larger homes can cost over $1 million, and smaller homes can cost around $600,000.
Condos and townhomes have similar features to each other. Most have two bedrooms and 1,500-2,000 square feet, and they’re recent constructions with modern amenities like chef’s kitchens and tray ceilings. There are no major condo complexes or developments in Smithfield, and prices are between $350,000 and $500,000. Homes and apartments for rent occasionally come on the market, but your options are limited. You should talk to a Realtor if you need to rent in the future while living in Smithfield VA, and you may need to expand your search to other cities.
Smithfield Weather and Climate
Smithfield has a humid continental climate, with hot and humid summers and partly cloudy and cool winters. According to Weather Spark, July is the hottest month of Smithfield weather with an average temperature of 79 degrees and an average high of 88. Temperatures remain relatively warm between late May and mid-September. January is the coldest month of the year, with an average temperature of 40 degrees and an average low of 33. Freezing temperatures can occur throughout the winter, though temperatures do not get extremely cold on a frequent basis.
Smithfield receives an average of 40 inches of rain and 6.8 inches of snow on average per year. Each month except November has at least seven days of precipitation, with July having 13.2 days. The high rainfall makes the summers in Smithfield extremely humid, with most days in July and August being muggy, oppressive, or miserable. The town can experience several types of severe weather, including tropical storms, floods, and thunderstorms in the summer. It’s important to follow Smithfield weather forecasts from organizations like WAVY.
October is the best month to visit and start moving to Smithfield. It’s the sunniest month in the town, with 63% of days clear, mostly clear, or partly cloudy. It has an average temperature of 61 degrees, so you can stay warm in a long-sleeved shirt and a light jacket. According to the Virginia Department of Forestry, peak foliage occurs in Virginia in October, so you can visit outdoor destinations and see beautiful colors in the foliage.
Things to Do in Smithfield VA
You can enjoy unique, kid-friendly, and fun things to do in Smithfield, including parks, museums, and locally-run stores!
If you’re planning a visit or hosting friends and family, it’s also worth exploring nearby vacation rentals and short-term stays through Smartours to compare different accommodation options, amenities, and price ranges in and around Smithfield. This can be especially helpful if you want more space, privacy, or flexible booking options compared to traditional hotels while getting a better feel for the area before making a move.
You can get groceries at Kroger or Darden’s Country Store, which offers fresh Smithfield ham and other pork products. Maggie Casey’s Celtic Treasure is an Irish gift shop, while the Christmas Store is a Christmas store with decorations, ornaments, and Christmas gifts.
Isle of Wight County Museum
The Isle of Wight County Museum is best known for being home to the world’s oldest ham, which was cured in 1902 and is still on display. You can also enjoy interactive exhibits like a turn-of-the-century country store and go on walking tours of downtown Smithfield while living in Smithfield VA.
103 Main Street, Smithfield, VA, 23430, 757-356-1223
Smithfield Little Theatre
The Smithfield Little Theatre is a community theater specializing in kid-friendly and family-friendly productions like Matilda the Musical. The theater offers workshops and scholarships for high school students to learn about acting and theatrical productions, making it the top point of interest for teens living in Smithfield VA.
210 North Church Street, Smithfield, VA, 23430, 757-357-7338
Windsor Castle Park
Windsor Castle Park covers 208 acres located along the Pagan River, making it the largest park in the Smithfield town limits. It’s home to many points of interest and interesting sites, including a dog park, a fishing pier, and a woodland trail system.
705 Cedar Street, Smithfield, VA, 23430, 757-356-9939
Additional Fun Things to Do in Smithfield
Smithfield Parks and Recreation oversees all parks and green spaces in Smithfield, ensuring they are safe and accessible to the public. The department also plans recreational programs and special events like holiday festivals. You can view the Smithfield events calendar to see when these programs and events will take place.
Restaurants in Smithfield
Smithfield may be well known for its Smithfield ham, which you can find at many restaurants, cafes, and bakeries in the community. But you can also enjoy a wide range of cuisines and experiences at Smithfield VA restaurants, including kid-friendly and romantic experiences. Here are the best restaurants in Smithfield.
Smithfield Station
Smithfield Station is a classy and romantic restaurant ideal for date nights and weekend brunches with friends and other customers. It serves seafood, including Calabash-style shrimp and flounder, as well as steak, ribs, and sandwiches. Smithfield Station has a full beer and wine menu, including bourbon, draft beer, and mocktails.
415 South Church Street, Smithfield, VA, 23430, 757-357-7700
Farmer’s Table
Farmer’s Table is a hamburger restaurant and ice cream parlor well known for its handcrafted patties with beef from local farms. You can order cheeseburgers and sundaes with multiple toppings for less than $15, making it one of the most affordable Smithfield VA restaurants.
13416 Benns Church Boulevard, Smithfield, VA, 23430, 757-357-1717
Smithfield Gourmet Bakery
Smithfield Gourmet Bakery serves breakfast, lunch, and brunch, including classic Southern dishes like biscuits and gravy and Monte Cristo sandwiches. You can taste an assortment of teas and desserts, including freshly baked cakes, pies, and cookies.
218 Main Street, Smithfield, VA, 23430, 757-357-0045
Smithfield Virginia Jobs
According to DataUSA, 4,274 people had jobs in Smithfield VA in 2023, up by 4.9% from 2022. The biggest employment sectors are manufacturing, health care, and professional services, each of which has median earnings of over $110,000 a year. 12.1% of Smithfield Virginia jobs are management occupations with median earnings of nearly $165,000 a year. According to Payscale, the average salary in Smithfield is $71,000 a year, with an average hourly rate of $19.61.
According to the Town of Smithfield, the meatpacking industry has played a major role in the town’s economy, with several major businesses in the industry. Food processing is also a prominent industry, with many business owners living in Smithfield VA. Major employers in Smithfield include Smithfield Foods, Keurig Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, and International Paper Company. You can look for quality jobs in Smithfield VA using Indeed, and you can apply for Town of Smithfield jobs on the town government’s page.
Schools in Smithfield
Isle of Wight County Schools serves all students living in Smithfield VA. You can use Isle of Wight County Schools’ attendance zones to find out which schools your child is zoned for. In general, students living in Smithfield VA attend Hardy Elementary School from kindergarten to 4th grade, which US News ranks in the top 500 elementary schools in Virginia. 76% of students in Hardy Elementary School test at or above the proficiency level in mathematics, higher than many schools in Richmond and other major cities.
Hardy students then attend Westside Elementary School for 5th and 6th grade, which US News also ranks in the top 500 Virginia elementary schools. Westside Elementary School students then attend Smithfield Middle School, which US News ranks in the top 150 middle schools in Virginia. 74% of Smithfield Middle School students test at or above the proficiency level in reading, nine percentage points higher than the state rate.
Smithfield Middle School students then attend Smithfield High School, which US News ranks in the top 150 Virginia high schools. Smithfield High School is home to dozens of extracurricular teams, including a chess club and a Future Business Leaders of America affiliate.
There are no notable private schools in Smithfield. Paul D. Camp Community College is the only college in Smithfield, offering associate’s degrees and certificates in fields like nursing and business administration. The Isle of Wight County Library Smithfield Branch is in downtown Smithfield.
Smithfield Statistics and Information
- County: Isle of Wight County
- Smithfield area: 10.65 square miles
- Smithfield zip codes: 23430 and 23431
- Smithfield area codes: 757 and 948
- Smithfield elevation: 30 feet
- Smithfield time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC -4 and-5)
- Closest airport to Smithfield: Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF), 22.7 miles from Smithfield VA
FAQ
What Did Smithfield Used to Be Called?
According to Wikipedia, Indigenous communities that lived in the Smithfield area called the area “Warascoyak” or “Warrosquoyacke.” This word means “point of land,” as Smithfield is a point of land located along the Pagan River. Smithfield got its current name when it was incorporated in 1754, and it has had that name ever since.
Does Smithfield, VA Have a Hospital?
Yes, Smithfield, VA has a hospital. Riverside Smithfield Hospital opened its doors in January 2026, and it provides full medical care to all people living in Smithfield VA. The hospital offers inpatient, emergency, diagnostic, and surgical services around the clock, as part of the Riverside Health network.
Is Smithfield, VA Considered Hampton Roads?
Yes, Smithfield, VA, is considered a part of the Hampton Roads area. It’s located in the southern portion of the Hampton Roads area, which is called Southern Hampton Roads. Smithfield is within 50 miles of all major municipalities in Hampton Roads, including Norfolk and Virginia Beach.
Map of Smithfield, VA
You can use this map of Smithfield, VA, to find supply stores, restaurants, and things to do in this quaint region of Virginia!
Start Living in Smithfield VA Today
It’s time to start living in Smithfield VA and becoming members of this wonderful community today! Families with young children will love the low crime rates and luxurious homes for sale. Singles and couples will enjoy the low cost of living and the conveniently located geography.
Now that you’ve completed your research on living in Smithfield VA, you can start moving to Smithfield now. Off Load Moving has the best Virginia Beach movers, with 30 years of experience in the moving industry. Call 757-749-7212 for a free quote now.
