Selma, North Carolina

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 6,317 people, 2,311 households, and 1,480 families residing in the town.

As of the census[3] of 2000, there were 5,914 people, 2,254 households, and 1,480 families residing in the town. The population density was 1,830.6 inhabitants per square mile (706.8/km²). There were 2,515 housing units at an average density of 778.5 per square mile (300.6/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 47.09% White, 40.33% Black, 0.57% Indian, 0.19% Asian, 0.08% Pacific Islander, 9.89% from other races, and 1.84% from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race were 19.02% of the population.

There were 2,254 households, out of which 31.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 38.1% were married couples living together, 21.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.3% were non-families. 28.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.61 and the average family size was 3.17.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 27.9% under the age of 18, 11.6% from 18 to 24, 28.6% from 25 to 44, 20.4% from 45 to 64, and 11.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.8 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $23,856 and the median income for a family was $32,430. Males had a median income of $26,886 versus $21,453 for females. The per capita income for the town was $12,101. About 23.1% of families and 30.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 45.9% of those under age 18 and 22.1% of those age 65 or over.

Approximately 36% of people in Selma are affiliated with a religion. The predominant religion in Selma is Christianity, with the largest numbers of adherents being Baptist (15.64%) and Methodist (6.02%). Others include Pentecostal (4.02%), Roman Catholic (2.52%) and Presbyterian (1.46%).[12]

Johnston County Airport is a general aviation airport located approximately seven miles west of Selma, in Smithfield.

Raleigh-Durham International Airport is the region's primary airport, located approximately 40 miles northwest of Selma, between Raleigh and Durham.

• Interstate Highway
  • 
    Future I-42
  • I-95
• U.S. Highways:
  • US 70
  • US 301 (named Pollock Street)
• North Carolina Highways:
  • NC 39
  • NC 96

Interstate 95 runs along the southern edge of the town, with access from Exit 97 (U.S. Route 70) and Exit 98 (Pine Level–Selma Road). I-95 leads northeast 44 miles (71 km) to Rocky Mount and southwest 51 miles (82 km) to Fayetteville. U.S. Route 301 (Pollock Street) runs through the center of Selma, leading northeast 25 miles (40 km) to Wilson and southwest 4 miles (6 km) to the center of Smithfield. US 70 runs along the southwestern edge of Selma, leading northwest 31 miles (50 km) to Raleigh and southeast 21 miles (34 km) to Goldsboro. North Carolina Highway 96 leads north from the center of Selma 21 miles (34 km) to Zebulon.

Amtrak's Palmetto and Carolinian passenger trains stop at the historic Selma Union Depot. They offer service to Charlotte, New York City, Savannah, and intermediate points.

• CSX Transportation
• Norfolk Southern Railway

The Johnston County Area Transit System (JCATS)[13] is a coordinated transit system that provides transportation services in Selma and throughout Johnston County.

• Historic Union Station
• Max G. Creech Selma Historical Museum

Selma is part of the Raleigh-Durham-Fayetteville Designated Market Area. The following station has broadcast facilities in the city:

• WNGT-CD

There are several newspapers and periodicals serving the city:

• The News & Observer, daily
• Johnstonian News, weekly

Selma is part of the Raleigh-Durham Arbitron radio market. The following stations transmit from the city:

• WTSB (1090 AM)