Kinston, NC
Population 19,576 · North Carolina
About Kinston, NC
Kinston is a mid-sized city located in North Carolina with a population of 19,576 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $35,250 per year, which is 53% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.9 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Kinston features a median home value of $108,300, which is 56% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Kinston one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $822, 29% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 10,653 total housing units, 42% are owner-occupied (3,724 units) and 58% are renter-occupied (5,103 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Kinston shows an unemployment rate of 13.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 28.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Kinston have an average one-way commute time of 20.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
16.1% of Kinston residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 1.5% White, 2.6% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Black or African American, and 0.4% Asian residents, with 3.7% of the population being foreign-born.
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.
Compare Kinston With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Kinston
What is the population of Kinston, NC?
The population of Kinston, NC is 19,576 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in Kinston?
The median household income in Kinston, NC is $35,250 per year, which is 53% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Kinston?
The median home value in Kinston, NC is $108,300, which is 56% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Kinston?
The median monthly rent in Kinston, NC is $822, which is 29% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Kinston?
The unemployment rate in Kinston, NC is 13.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Kinston, NC a good place to live?
Kinston offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 19,576 and a median age of 42.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Kinston, NC?
16.1% of residents in Kinston aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Kinston?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Kinston, NC: median home value is $108,300 (56% below national), median rent is $822/month, and median household income is $35,250. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Kinston?
The poverty rate in Kinston, NC is 28.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Kinston, NC?
Kinston's population is 1.5% White, 2.6% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, and 65.8% two or more races. 3.7% of residents are foreign-born.