Kinston, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Kinston, North Carolina is 19,576 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 49th-largest city in North Carolina. The median household income is $35,250, the median home value is $108,300, and the median age is 42.9.
The population has declined 10.2% since 2010 (21,729 → 19,519).
19,576
Population
1071
People / sq mi
$35,250
Median Income
$108,300
Median Home Value
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Kinston covers 18.3 sq mi of land at 1071 people per square mile.
About Kinston, NC
What sets Kinston apart is money: median household income runs $35,250, below the US median of $78,538. With 19,576 residents, Kinston is a city in North Carolina. It ranks #49 among cities in North Carolina by population.
Incomes are among the lowest of comparable places, with a median household income of $35,250, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is among the highest of comparable US cities: 22.6%, above the national 12.4%. Housing costs are among the lowest of comparable places: a median home value of $108,300, with typical rent around $822.
Four-year-degree attainment is near the bottom of the range for US cities, 16.1%, below the national 35.0%. Home-based work is uncommon, at 2.1%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 20 minutes each way.
Kinston city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Kinston city had a population of 21,729 in 2010 and 19,519 in 2024, a -10.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 21,729 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.76%.
19,519
Population (2024)
21,729
Population (2010)
21,729
Peak (2010)
-0.76%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 21,729 |
| 2011 | 21,650 |
| 2012 | 21,545 |
| 2013 | 21,340 |
| 2014 | 21,131 |
| 2015 | 21,044 |
| 2016 | 20,563 |
| 2017 | 20,336 |
| 2018 | 20,044 |
| 2019 | 20,041 |
| 2020 | 19,763 |
| 2021 | 19,516 |
| 2022 | 19,307 |
| 2023 | 19,431 |
| 2024 | 19,519 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 24.8% |
| Black or African American | 65.9% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$35,250
Median Household Income
$27,843
Per Capita Income
22.6%
Poverty Rate
6.7%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$108,300
Median Home Value
$822
Median Rent
42.2%
Owner-Occupied
Education
81.2%
High School+
16.1%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.2%
Drive Alone
79.6%
Public Transit
2.1%
Work From Home
20.1 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
22.1%
Foreign Born
95.6%
Non-English at Home
9.9%
Veterans
28.8%
With Disability
90.9%
Health Insurance
87.6%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 30.7% |
| Manufacturing | 19.2% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 9.7% |
| Construction | 6.6% |
| Public Administration | 6.4% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 6.0% |
| Retail Trade | 4.6% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 4.4% |
| Information | 3.2% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 1.0% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 0.5% |
Largest cities in North Carolina
Largest counties in North Carolina
Part of North Carolina
Metro areas in North Carolina
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Kinston, North Carolina has a population of 19,576 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 49th-largest city in North Carolina.
The median household income in Kinston, North Carolina is $35,250, with 22.6% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Kinston, North Carolina is $108,300, with median monthly rent at $822 and a homeownership rate of 42.2%.
The median age in Kinston, North Carolina is 42.9 years. The population is 46.8% male and 53.2% female.
The population has declined 10.2% since 2010 (21,729 → 19,519).
Where to stay in Kinston
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Full rankings of North Carolina cities by population
Statewide data for North Carolina
Population, race, income, age, and trends across North Carolina
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.