Lexington, NC
Population 19,691 · North Carolina
About Lexington, NC
Lexington is a mid-sized city located in North Carolina with a population of 19,691 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $41,775 per year, which is 44% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Lexington features a median home value of $158,100, which is 35% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Lexington in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $882, 24% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 8,973 total housing units, 41% are owner-occupied (3,101 units) and 59% are renter-occupied (4,429 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 Lexington shows an unemployment rate of 5.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 25.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Lexington have an average one-way commute time of 22.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
13.4% of Lexington 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 14.8% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 1.4% Black or African American, and 4.6% Asian residents, with 12.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Lexington Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Lexington, NC
Compared to national averages, Lexington has a median household income of $41,775 (44% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $158,100, which is 35% below the national median. Monthly rent at $882 is 24% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Lexington's income is 35% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 31% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Lexington, NC?
Lexington offers affordable housing with a median home value of $158,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $882/month, and short commute times averaging just 22.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($41,775) that falls below the national average. However, Lexington’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Lexington has a population of 19,691 with a median age of 35.9 years. Compare Lexington with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Lexington
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kinston | 19,576 | $35,250 | $108,300 | Compare |
| Boone | 19,534 | $28,633 | $373,600 | Compare |
| Knightdale | 19,532 | $91,638 | $331,900 | 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 Lexington With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Lexington
What is the population of Lexington, NC?
The population of Lexington, NC is 19,691 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 Lexington?
The median household income in Lexington, NC is $41,775 per year, which is 44% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Lexington?
The median home value in Lexington, NC is $158,100, which is 35% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Lexington?
The median monthly rent in Lexington, NC is $882, which is 24% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Lexington?
The unemployment rate in Lexington, NC is 5.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Lexington, NC a good place to live?
Lexington offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 19,691 and a median age of 35.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Lexington, NC?
13.4% of residents in Lexington 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 Lexington?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Lexington, NC: median home value is $158,100 (35% below national), median rent is $882/month, and median household income is $41,775. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Lexington?
The poverty rate in Lexington, NC is 25.4%, 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 Lexington, NC?
Lexington's population is 14.8% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 1.4% Black or African American, 4.6% Asian, and 26.0% two or more races. 12.8% of residents are foreign-born.