Lenoir County, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 48th-largest in North Carolina
The population of Lenoir County, North Carolina is 54,917 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 48th-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $44,795, the median home value is $111,400, and the median age is 42.2.
The population of Lenoir County has declined 7.0% since 2010 (59,491 → 55,332), a -0.52% annualized rate.
54,917
Population
-0.52%
Annual growth
138
People / sq mi
$44,795
Median Income
$111,400
Median Home Value
Lenoir County covers 399 sq mi of land at 137.6 people per square mile.
About Lenoir County, NC
Lenoir County is a county in North Carolina with a population of 54,917. It ranks #48 among counties in North Carolina by population. The median age is 42.2, older than the national median. The population is 47.7% male and 52.3% female.
The median household income in Lenoir County is $44,795, below the US median of $74,580. 17.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $111,400, with monthly rent averaging $814. The homeownership rate of 59.3% is lower than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Lenoir County reflects 15.8% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 2.9% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 24.2 minutes each way.
Lenoir County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Lenoir County had a population of 59,491 in 2010 and 55,332 in 2024, a -7.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 59,491 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.51%.
55,332
Population (2024)
59,491
Population (2010)
59,491
Peak (2010)
-0.51%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 59,491 |
| 2011 | 59,425 |
| 2012 | 59,132 |
| 2013 | 58,754 |
| 2014 | 58,275 |
| 2015 | 58,012 |
| 2016 | 57,264 |
| 2017 | 56,644 |
| 2018 | 56,050 |
| 2019 | 56,074 |
| 2020 | 55,058 |
| 2021 | 54,710 |
| 2022 | 54,529 |
| 2023 | 54,967 |
| 2024 | 55,332 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 50.6% |
| Black or African American | 39.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
42.2
Median Age
52.3%
Female
47.7%
Male
21.1%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.5% · Seniors (65+): 21.1%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $44,795$-25,109 vs state |
| Mean household income | $63,281 |
| Per-capita income | $28,409 |
| Poverty rate | 17.4%+8.0% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 51.3% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Lenoir County is professional & business services, accounting for 29.1% of workers.
How residents commute
0.5%
Drive alone
1.2%
Carpool
82.6%
Public transit
2.9%
Work from home
24.2 min
Avg commute
Housing
$111,400$-148,000 vs state
Median home value
$814
Median rent
59.3%
Homeownership rate
26,767
Total housing units
85.7%
Occupied
14.3%
Vacant
40.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
89.8%
With health insurance
89.6%
With broadband internet
18.7%
Foreign-born
8.8%
Veterans (18+)
23.0%
With a disability
92.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
82.5%
High School+
15.8%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in North Carolina
Other counties in North Carolina
Part of North Carolina
Metro areas in North Carolina
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Lenoir County, North Carolina has a population of 54,917 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 48th-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 138 people per square mile.
The population of Lenoir County has declined 7.0% since 2010 (59,491 → 55,332), a -0.52% annualized rate.
The median household income in Lenoir County, North Carolina is $44,795, with mean (average) household income of $63,281 and per-capita income of $28,409. 17.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Lenoir County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (50.6%), Black or African American (39.7%), Hispanic or Latino (1.4%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Lenoir County, North Carolina is 42.2 years. Residents are 52.3% female and 47.7% male.
The median home value in Lenoir County is $111,400 and median monthly rent is $814. 59.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 26,767 total housing units, 14.3% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Lenoir County, North Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 29.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 4.0%.
Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with Lenoir County, North Carolina, with a population of 886,283.
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Full rankings of North Carolina counties
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.