Lenoir, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Lenoir, North Carolina is 18,282 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 56th-largest city in North Carolina. The median household income is $48,889, the median home value is $165,200, and the median age is 43.5.
The population has grown 0.4% since 2010 (18,216 → 18,280).
18,282
Population
878
People / sq mi
$48,889
Median Income
$165,200
Median Home Value
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Lenoir covers 20.8 sq mi of land at 878 people per square mile.
About Lenoir, NC
Among US cities, Lenoir stands out first on household income: a median of $48,889, below the US median of $78,538. With 18,282 residents, Lenoir is a city in North Carolina.
Money is tight relative to the rest of US cities: the median household earns just $48,889, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 8.4%, below the national 12.4%. Housing is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $165,200, with typical rent around $671.
Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 20.6%, below the national 35.0%. Just 6.7% of workers are home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 24 minutes each way.
Lenoir city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Lenoir city had a population of 18,216 in 2010 and 18,280 in 2024, a 0.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 18,350 in 2020. Average annual growth rate: 0.03%.
18,280
Population (2024)
18,216
Population (2010)
18,350
Peak (2020)
0.03%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 18,216 |
| 2011 | 18,071 |
| 2012 | 17,965 |
| 2013 | 17,953 |
| 2014 | 17,860 |
| 2015 | 17,801 |
| 2016 | 17,892 |
| 2017 | 17,908 |
| 2018 | 17,903 |
| 2019 | 17,913 |
| 2020 | 18,350 |
| 2021 | 18,301 |
| 2022 | 18,207 |
| 2023 | 18,267 |
| 2024 | 18,280 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 71.8% |
| Black or African American | 12.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$48,889
Median Household Income
$27,839
Per Capita Income
8.4%
Poverty Rate
2.9%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$165,200
Median Home Value
$671
Median Rent
61.1%
Owner-Occupied
Education
84.5%
High School+
20.6%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.0%
Drive Alone
79.7%
Public Transit
6.7%
Work From Home
23.6 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
23.8%
Foreign Born
86.9%
Non-English at Home
6.3%
Veterans
21.6%
With Disability
86.1%
Health Insurance
86.2%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 26.1% |
| Manufacturing | 14.0% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 8.5% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 7.1% |
| Construction | 6.9% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 6.6% |
| Retail Trade | 4.7% |
| Information | 3.9% |
| Public Administration | 2.3% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.5% |
Largest cities in North Carolina
Largest counties in North Carolina
Part of North Carolina
Metro areas in North Carolina
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Lenoir, North Carolina has a population of 18,282 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 56th-largest city in North Carolina.
The median household income in Lenoir, North Carolina is $48,889, with 8.4% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Lenoir, North Carolina is $165,200, with median monthly rent at $671 and a homeownership rate of 61.1%.
The median age in Lenoir, North Carolina is 43.5 years. The population is 45.7% male and 54.3% female.
The population has grown 0.4% since 2010 (18,216 → 18,280).
Where to stay in Lenoir
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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.