Lenoir city, North Carolina Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Lenoir city, North Carolina has a total population of 18,282, the 56th largest city in North Carolina, with a median household income of $48,889, which is 30% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 12.9%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 30% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
Lenoir city Quick Facts
How Lenoir city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
Moderate diversity with one or two groups making up the majority.
State average: 57 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Lenoir city Rankings in North Carolina
Explore North Carolina Rankings
Cities Similar to Lenoir city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elizabeth City city | 18,740 | $50,947 | $202,100 | 28.0% | 15.0% |
| Morganton city | 17,541 | $49,434 | $208,300 | 23.0% | 29.9% |
| Graham city | 17,537 | $54,783 | $200,600 | 23.5% | 18.1% |
| Lumberton city | 19,220 | $43,114 | $140,100 | 21.3% | 31.0% |
| Hope Mills town | 17,823 | $60,671 | $176,300 | 23.6% | 15.0% |
Population Overview
Lenoir city is a small city located in North Carolina. The total population is 18,282. It ranks as the 56th most populous out of 774 cities and towns in North Carolina.
Age Demographics
The median age in Lenoir city is 43.5 years. This is 11% higher than the state median of 39.1 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Lenoir city is $48,889. This is 30% lower than the state median of $69,904. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 38% lower. The poverty rate stands at 12.9%. This is 2% lower than the state poverty rate of 13.2%. The unemployment rate is 5.4%. This is 11% higher than the state rate of 4.8%. The median home value is $165,200. Housing costs are 36% lower than the state median of $259,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x. 61.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 8% lower than the state average of 66.4%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Lenoir city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 70.2% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 13.6%. The Asian population (1.0%) is well below the state average of 3.1%.
Education
20.6% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 41% lower than the state rate of 34.7%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 84.5%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Lenoir city, North Carolina is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against North Carolina state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 774 Census-designated places in North Carolina. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Lenoir city, North Carolina?
Lenoir city, North Carolina has a population of 18,282 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Lenoir city, NC?
The median household income in Lenoir city is $48,889, which is 38% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Lenoir city, NC?
The poverty rate in Lenoir city is 12.9%. This means approximately 2,295 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Lenoir city, North Carolina?
Lenoir city's population is 70.2% White, 12.5% Black, 13.6% Hispanic/Latino, and 1.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Lenoir city, NC?
The median home value in Lenoir city is $165,200. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x.
How educated is Lenoir city, North Carolina?
20.6% of adults (25+) in Lenoir city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 4.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.