Kinston, NC
Population 19,576 · North Carolina
About Kinston, NC
Kinston is a mid-sized city in North Carolina with a population of 19,576 residents. The median household income is $35,250 per year, which is below the national average. The median age in Kinston is 42.9 years.
Housing in Kinston has a median home value of $108,300 and median monthly rent of $822. Of the 10,653 total housing units, renting is more common than owning, with 3,724 owner-occupied and 5,103 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Kinston is 13.2% and the poverty rate is 28.9%. 16.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 20.1 minutes.
How Kinston Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Kinston, NC
Compared to national averages, Kinston has a median household income of $35,250 (53% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $108,300, which is 56% below the national median. Monthly rent at $822 is 29% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Kinston's income is 45% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 53% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Kinston, NC?
Kinston offers affordable housing with a median home value of $108,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $822/month, and short commute times averaging just 20.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($35,250) that falls below the national average. However, Kinston’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Kinston has a population of 19,576 with a median age of 42.9 years. Compare Kinston with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Kinston
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boone | 19,534 | $28,633 | $373,600 | Compare |
| Knightdale | 19,532 | $91,638 | $331,900 | Compare |
| Lexington | 19,691 | $41,775 | $158,100 | Compare |
| Lumberton | 19,220 | $43,114 | $140,100 | Compare |
| Harrisburg | 19,203 | $143,393 | $431,900 | Compare |
| Mebane | 18,899 | $84,312 | $295,600 | Compare |
| Elizabeth City | 18,740 | $50,947 | $202,100 | Compare |
| Lenoir | 18,282 | $48,889 | $165,200 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in North Carolina
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Kinston
What is the population of Kinston, NC?
The population of Kinston, NC is 19,576 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Kinston?
The median household income in Kinston, NC is $35,250 per year.
What is the median home value in Kinston?
The median home value in Kinston, NC is $108,300.
What is the average rent in Kinston?
The median monthly rent in Kinston, NC is $822.
What is the unemployment rate in Kinston?
The unemployment rate in Kinston, NC is 13.2%.