Lexington city, North Carolina Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Lexington city, North Carolina has a total population of 19,691, the 48th largest city in North Carolina, with a median household income of $41,775, which is 40% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 25.4%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 40% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- More than 1 in 4 residents live below the poverty line (25.4%), well above the national average of 12.4%.
- One of the most racially diverse communities in North Carolina (diversity index: 70/100).
Lexington city Quick Facts
How Lexington city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
This community is exceptionally diverse, with no single racial or ethnic group dominating the population.
State average: 57 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Lexington city Rankings in North Carolina
Explore North Carolina Rankings
Cities Similar to Lexington city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lumberton city | 19,220 | $43,114 | $140,100 | 21.3% | 31.0% |
| Kinston city | 19,576 | $35,250 | $108,300 | 16.1% | 28.9% |
| Elizabeth City city | 18,740 | $50,947 | $202,100 | 28.0% | 15.0% |
| Lenoir city | 18,282 | $48,889 | $165,200 | 20.6% | 12.9% |
| Boone town | 19,534 | $28,633 | $373,600 | 53.1% | 52.1% |
Population Overview
Lexington city is a small city located in North Carolina. The total population is 19,691. It ranks as the 48th most populous out of 774 cities and towns in North Carolina.
Age Demographics
The median age in Lexington city is 35.9 years. This is 8% lower than the state median of 39.1 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Lexington city is $41,775. This is 40% lower than the state median of $69,904. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 47% lower. The poverty rate stands at 25.4%. This is 93% higher than the state poverty rate of 13.2%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 5.9%. This is 23% higher than the state rate of 4.8%. The median home value is $158,100. Housing costs are 39% lower than the state median of $259,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.8x. 41.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 38% lower than the state average of 66.4%.
Race & Ethnicity
Lexington city is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. Black or African American residents account for 26.0%. The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (20.8% vs 10.9%).
Education
13.4% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 62% 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 80.2%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Lexington 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 Lexington city, North Carolina?
Lexington city, North Carolina has a population of 19,691 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Lexington city, NC?
The median household income in Lexington city is $41,775, which is 47% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Lexington city, NC?
The poverty rate in Lexington city is 25.4%. This means approximately 4,794 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Lexington city, North Carolina?
Lexington city's population is 43.1% White, 26.0% Black, 20.8% Hispanic/Latino, and 4.3% Asian.
What is the median home value in Lexington city, NC?
The median home value in Lexington city is $158,100. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.8x.
How educated is Lexington city, North Carolina?
13.4% of adults (25+) in Lexington city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 4.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.