Lenoir, NC
Population 18,282 · North Carolina
About Lenoir, NC
Lenoir is a mid-sized city in North Carolina with a population of 18,282 residents. The median household income is $48,889 per year, which is below the national average. The median age in Lenoir is 43.5 years.
Housing in Lenoir has a median home value of $165,200 and median monthly rent of $671. Of the 8,602 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 4,743 owner-occupied and 3,017 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Lenoir is 5.4% and the poverty rate is 12.9%. 20.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 23.6 minutes.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Lenoir
What is the population of Lenoir, NC?
The population of Lenoir, NC is 18,282 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Lenoir?
The median household income in Lenoir, NC is $48,889 per year.
What is the median home value in Lenoir?
The median home value in Lenoir, NC is $165,200.
What is the average rent in Lenoir?
The median monthly rent in Lenoir, NC is $671.
What is the unemployment rate in Lenoir?
The unemployment rate in Lenoir, NC is 5.4%.