Lincoln County, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 32nd-largest in North Carolina
The population of Lincoln County, North Carolina is 90,359 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 32nd-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $78,490, the median home value is $279,500, and the median age is 44.3.
The population of Lincoln County has grown 24.9% since 2010 (78,127 → 97,611), a +1.60% annualized rate.
90,359
Population
+1.60%
Annual growth
305
People / sq mi
$78,490
Median Income
$279,500
Median Home Value
Lincoln County covers 296 sq mi of land at 305.4 people per square mile.
About Lincoln County, NC
Lincoln County stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most densely settled of US counties, at roughly 305 people per square mile. Lincoln County is a county in North Carolina with a population of 90,359. It ranks #32 among counties in North Carolina by population.
Households take in a median $78,490, comfortably near the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 6.8%, is on the lower side for US counties and below the national 12.4%. Home values run above average at $279,500, with typical rent around $977.
Educational attainment is on the higher side for US counties — 27.0% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. A solid 12.0% of workers are based at home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 30 minutes each way.
That density explains much of the rest of the profile in Lincoln County: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.
Lincoln County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Lincoln County had a population of 78,127 in 2010 and 97,611 in 2024, a 24.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 97,611 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.61%.
97,611
Population (2024)
78,127
Population (2010)
97,611
Peak (2024)
1.61%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 78,127 |
| 2011 | 78,301 |
| 2012 | 78,743 |
| 2013 | 79,140 |
| 2014 | 79,479 |
| 2015 | 80,646 |
| 2016 | 81,235 |
| 2017 | 82,608 |
| 2018 | 84,334 |
| 2019 | 86,627 |
| 2020 | 87,169 |
| 2021 | 89,913 |
| 2022 | 93,103 |
| 2023 | 95,786 |
| 2024 | 97,611 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 84.7% |
| Black or African American | 5.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
44.3
Median Age
50.3%
Female
49.7%
Male
19.0%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.0% · Seniors (65+): 19.0%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $78,490+$8,586 vs state |
| Mean household income | $103,818 |
| Per-capita income | $42,170 |
| Poverty rate | 6.8%-2.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 59.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Lincoln County is professional & business services, accounting for 19.9% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
0.7%
Carpool
79.1%
Public transit
12.0%
Work from home
29.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$279,500+$20,100 vs state
Median home value
$977
Median rent
78.5%
Homeownership rate
38,589
Total housing units
92.5%
Occupied
7.5%
Vacant
21.5%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
90.8%
With health insurance
93.5%
With broadband internet
35.0%
Foreign-born
7.5%
Veterans (18+)
15.1%
With a disability
92.4%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
90.0%
High School+
27.0%
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
Lincoln County, North Carolina has a population of 90,359 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 32nd-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 305 people per square mile.
The population of Lincoln County has grown 24.9% since 2010 (78,127 → 97,611), a +1.60% annualized rate.
The median household income in Lincoln County, North Carolina is $78,490, with mean (average) household income of $103,818 and per-capita income of $42,170. 6.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Lincoln County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (84.7%), Black or African American (5.8%), Hispanic or Latino (0.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Lincoln County, North Carolina is 44.3 years. Residents are 50.3% female and 49.7% male.
The median home value in Lincoln County is $279,500 and median monthly rent is $977. 78.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 38,589 total housing units, 7.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Lincoln County, North Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 19.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.2%.
Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with Lincoln County, North Carolina, with a population of 886,283.
Lincoln County, NC Climate
Lincoln County, NC has an average annual temperature of 14.9°C (59°F) and receives about 1197 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
14.9°C
Avg Temp
1197
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 4° / 39° | 101 mm |
| February | 6° / 42° | 100 mm |
| March | 10° / 50° | 120 mm |
| April | 15° / 58° | 81 mm |
| May | 19° / 66° | 106 mm |
| June | 23° / 74° | 110 mm |
| July | 25° / 78° | 104 mm |
| August | 25° / 76° | 105 mm |
| September | 21° / 70° | 100 mm |
| October | 15° / 59° | 89 mm |
| November | 10° / 50° | 85 mm |
| December | 6° / 42° | 96 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Lincoln County, NC
The most comfortable months to visit Lincoln County, NC are typically September, May and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 31°C high). The coldest is January (near -2°C low). March is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Lincoln County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.