Lenoir, NC
Population 18,282 · North Carolina
About Lenoir, NC
Lenoir is a mid-sized city located in North Carolina with a population of 18,282 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $48,889 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.5 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 Lenoir features a median home value of $165,200, which is 33% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Lenoir in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $671, 42% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 8,602 total housing units, 61% are owner-occupied (4,743 units) and 39% are renter-occupied (3,017 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Lenoir shows an unemployment rate of 5.4%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 12.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Lenoir have an average one-way commute time of 23.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
20.6% of Lenoir 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 4.5% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, and 7.8% Asian residents, with 7.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Lenoir, NC
Compared to national averages, Lenoir has a median household income of $48,889 (35% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $165,200, which is 33% below the national median. Monthly rent at $671 is 42% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Lenoir's income is 24% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 28% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Lenoir, NC?
Lenoir offers affordable housing with a median home value of $165,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $671/month, and short commute times averaging just 23.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($48,889) that falls below the national average. However, Lenoir’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Lenoir has a population of 18,282 with a median age of 43.5 years. Compare Lenoir with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Lenoir
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pinehurst | 17,992 | $104,955 | $423,300 | Compare |
| Mount Holly | 17,928 | $75,928 | $286,400 | Compare |
| Elizabeth City | 18,740 | $50,947 | $202,100 | Compare |
| Hope Mills | 17,823 | $60,671 | $176,300 | Compare |
| Mebane | 18,899 | $84,312 | $295,600 | Compare |
| Morganton | 17,541 | $49,434 | $208,300 | Compare |
| Graham | 17,537 | $54,783 | $200,600 | Compare |
| Harrisburg | 19,203 | $143,393 | $431,900 | 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 Lenoir With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Lenoir
What is the population of Lenoir, NC?
The population of Lenoir, NC is 18,282 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 Lenoir?
The median household income in Lenoir, NC is $48,889 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Lenoir?
The median home value in Lenoir, NC is $165,200, which is 33% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Lenoir?
The median monthly rent in Lenoir, NC is $671, which is 42% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Lenoir?
The unemployment rate in Lenoir, NC is 5.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Lenoir, NC a good place to live?
Lenoir offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 18,282 and a median age of 43.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Lenoir, NC?
20.6% of residents in Lenoir 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 Lenoir?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Lenoir, NC: median home value is $165,200 (33% below national), median rent is $671/month, and median household income is $48,889. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Lenoir?
The poverty rate in Lenoir, NC is 12.9%, 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 Lenoir, NC?
Lenoir's population is 4.5% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, 7.8% Asian, and 12.5% two or more races. 7.5% of residents are foreign-born.