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 is a county in North Carolina with a population of 90,359. It ranks #32 among counties in North Carolina by population. The median age is 44.3, older than the national median. The population is 49.7% male and 50.3% female.
The median household income in Lincoln County is $78,490, above the US median of $74,580. 6.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $279,500, with monthly rent averaging $977. The homeownership rate of 78.5% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Lincoln County reflects 27.0% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 12.0% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 29.8 minutes each way.
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.
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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.