Lincolnton, NC
Population 11,503 · North Carolina
About Lincolnton, NC
Lincolnton is a mid-sized city located in North Carolina with a population of 11,503 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $43,294 per year, which is 42% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.7 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Lincolnton features a median home value of $224,600, which is 8% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Lincolnton in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $920, 21% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,407 total housing units, 45% are owner-occupied (2,287 units) and 55% are renter-occupied (2,760 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 Lincolnton shows an unemployment rate of 3.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 18.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Lincolnton have an average one-way commute time of 24.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
19.4% of Lincolnton 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 7.2% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Black or African American, and 7.2% Asian residents, with 8.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Lincolnton, NC
Compared to national averages, Lincolnton has a median household income of $43,294 (42% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $224,600, which is 8% below the national median. Monthly rent at $920 is 21% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Lincolnton's income is 33% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 2% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Lincolnton, NC?
Lincolnton offers affordable housing with a median home value of $224,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $920/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.4%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 24.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($43,294) that falls below the national average. However, Lincolnton’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Lincolnton has a population of 11,503 with a median age of 37.7 years. Compare Lincolnton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Lincolnton
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kings Mountain | 11,472 | $45,507 | $177,700 | Compare |
| Wendell | 11,585 | $93,848 | $316,700 | Compare |
| Spring Lake | 11,613 | $50,497 | $101,300 | Compare |
| Elon | 11,325 | $82,717 | $355,800 | Compare |
| Smithfield | 11,798 | $37,827 | $217,000 | Compare |
| Spout Springs | 11,073 | $87,905 | $310,100 | Compare |
| Summerfield | 11,031 | $151,131 | $490,100 | Compare |
| Archdale | 11,992 | $64,984 | $188,200 | 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 Lincolnton With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Lincolnton
What is the population of Lincolnton, NC?
The population of Lincolnton, NC is 11,503 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 Lincolnton?
The median household income in Lincolnton, NC is $43,294 per year, which is 42% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Lincolnton?
The median home value in Lincolnton, NC is $224,600, which is 8% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Lincolnton?
The median monthly rent in Lincolnton, NC is $920, which is 21% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Lincolnton?
The unemployment rate in Lincolnton, NC is 3.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Lincolnton, NC a good place to live?
Lincolnton offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 11,503 and a median age of 37.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Lincolnton, NC?
19.4% of residents in Lincolnton 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 Lincolnton?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Lincolnton, NC: median home value is $224,600 (8% below national), median rent is $920/month, and median household income is $43,294. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.2x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Lincolnton?
The poverty rate in Lincolnton, NC is 18.4%, 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 Lincolnton, NC?
Lincolnton's population is 7.2% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Black or African American, 7.2% Asian, and 20.3% two or more races. 8.8% of residents are foreign-born.