Lexington, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Lexington, North Carolina is 19,691 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 48th-largest city in North Carolina. The median household income is $41,775, the median home value is $158,100, and the median age is 35.9.
The population has grown 5.1% since 2010 (18,934 → 19,904).
19,691
Population
1025
People / sq mi
$41,775
Median Income
$158,100
Median Home Value
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Lexington covers 19.2 sq mi of land at 1025 people per square mile.
About Lexington, NC
What sets Lexington apart is money: median household income runs $41,775, below the US median of $78,538. Lexington is a city in North Carolina with a population of 19,691. It ranks #48 among cities in North Carolina by population.
Money is tight relative to the rest of US cities: the median household earns just $41,775, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 23.2%, is among the steepest of comparable US cities and above the national 12.4%. Property is affordable here, the median home worth $158,100, with typical rent around $882.
Lexington is among the least college-educated US cities, at 13.4% — below the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the lower side here, at 8.0%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 22 minutes each way.
Lexington city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Lexington city had a population of 18,934 in 2010 and 19,904 in 2024, a 5.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 19,904 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.36%.
19,904
Population (2024)
18,934
Population (2010)
19,904
Peak (2024)
0.36%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 18,934 |
| 2011 | 18,899 |
| 2012 | 18,869 |
| 2013 | 18,852 |
| 2014 | 19,065 |
| 2015 | 18,899 |
| 2016 | 18,846 |
| 2017 | 18,722 |
| 2018 | 18,913 |
| 2019 | 18,933 |
| 2020 | 19,513 |
| 2021 | 19,532 |
| 2022 | 19,630 |
| 2023 | 19,724 |
| 2024 | 19,904 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 47.6% |
| Black or African American | 26.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$41,775
Median Household Income
$22,250
Per Capita Income
23.2%
Poverty Rate
3.3%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$158,100
Median Home Value
$882
Median Rent
41.2%
Owner-Occupied
Education
80.2%
High School+
13.4%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.5%
Drive Alone
72.4%
Public Transit
8.0%
Work From Home
22.4 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
19.3%
Foreign Born
77.8%
Non-English at Home
7.6%
Veterans
16.5%
With Disability
84.1%
Health Insurance
91.8%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Manufacturing | 20.5% |
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 19.1% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 9.7% |
| Construction | 9.2% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 8.2% |
| Retail Trade | 4.8% |
| Information | 4.7% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 4.2% |
| Public Administration | 2.4% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 0.9% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.4% |
Largest cities in North Carolina
Largest counties in North Carolina
Part of North Carolina
Metro areas in North Carolina
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Lexington, North Carolina has a population of 19,691 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 48th-largest city in North Carolina.
The median household income in Lexington, North Carolina is $41,775, with 23.2% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Lexington, North Carolina is $158,100, with median monthly rent at $882 and a homeownership rate of 41.2%.
The median age in Lexington, North Carolina is 35.9 years. The population is 47.2% male and 52.8% female.
The population has grown 5.1% since 2010 (18,934 → 19,904).
Where to stay in Lexington
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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.