Data compiled Oct 30, 2026 · public sources only
Wake vs Johnston County: new construction compared
Wake and Johnston are the two Triangle counties with the most new-construction communities in our data. Here is how they compare on price, HOA dues, tax rates and schools.
| County | Communities tracked | Lowest / median “from” price | Median HOA | County tax rate | Total rate range in tracked communities | Median sale, homes built 2025+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wake | 58 from 24 builders | $269,900 / $397,990 | $172/mo (16 published) | 0.5371 source + fire 0.1225 outside towns | 0.8806–1.0721 | $426,000 |
| Johnston | 28 from 15 builders | $257,900 / $339,900 | — | 0.51 source + fire 0.115 outside towns | 0.9600–1.1200 | $408,750 |
Tax rates are per $100 of assessed value, per $100 assessed value, FY2026-27; totals add the town rate (and fire district where it applies). "From" prices are builder-advertised starting prices. HOA medians use only communities where the builder publishes dues. Our calculation from county sale records (sales recorded Apr 1, 2026 or later, retrieved Oct 29, 2026): Wake County parcel data (7,824 filtered sales); Johnston County parcel data (2,094 filtered sales). "New" = county-recorded year built 2025 or later; recent year-built often means a builder sale, but not always. Filters are described on the comps page.
Towns in our data
Wake: Apex, Fuquay-Varina, Garner, Holly Springs, Knightdale, Raleigh, Rolesville, Wake Forest, Wendell.
Johnston: Benson, Clayton, Selma, Smithfield, Wilson's Mills.
See each town's communities on the town pages.
Schools
- Wake (WCPSS): reassignment activity flagged — 2027-28 enrollment proposal; board vote Nov 17, 2026. Lookup: assignment lookup assignment lookup
- Johnston (JCPS): reassignment activity flagged — Phased changes tied to the new Wilson's Mills High School (full 9-12 by 2028). Lookup: assignment lookup
Always confirm the assigned school for the exact address with the district.
Commute and lifestyle
We don't rate commutes. Use the comps & amenities map to see nearby sales and amenities around a community.
Questions answered from our data
Is new construction cheaper in Johnston County than Wake County?
In our data, the median advertised starting price is $339,900 in Johnston vs $397,990 in Wake, as of Oct 30, 2026. Prices vary widely by community.
What are the property tax rates in Wake vs Johnston County?
FY2026-27 county rates per $100: Wake 0.5371, Johnston 0.51, plus any town or fire district rate.
More guides: all guides · incentives this month · best-rated builders · warranties compared · new vs resale · rate buydowns · questions to ask
Compiled from cited public sources as of Oct 30, 2026 and provided as-is; details change often and may be out of date. Verify prices, incentives and warranty terms with the builder and your lender. Not financial or legal advice. See our terms & disclaimer. Corrections: [email protected].