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
What sets Lenoir County apart is where people work — remote work is unusually rare here, at 2.9% versus 14.0% nationally. Lenoir County is a county in North Carolina with a population of 54,917. It ranks #48 among counties in North Carolina by population.
Money is tight relative to the rest of US counties: the median household earns just $44,795, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 17.4%, above the national 12.4%. Housing is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $111,400, with typical rent around $814.
Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 15.8%, below the national 35.0%. Almost everyone commutes — only 2.9% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 24 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.