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CITY · 2000 CENSUS

Lenoir

North Carolina · 16,793 residents · 20.825 sq mi
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The short version

Lenoir has notably lower household income than the US average, with a median household income of $29,369. Population has grown 18% since 1990. 13% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national rate of 24%. Median home value has risen by half since 1990, reaching $75,200. Households here earn about 25% less than the North Carolina median.

At a glance
Lower income
below the US median
US median: $42,589
Older
median age 39.0
US median: 35.2
Less educated
13% hold a bachelor's degree
US average: 24%
Stable housing
home values roughly flat, inflation adjusted
US median home: $120,530
Section 01

Population & growth

Total population
16,793
+18%since 1990
from 14,192 in 1990
1990 – 2025
Population density
806 / sq mi
+18%since 1990
from 681 / sq mi in 1990
US average: 242
Median age
39.0
+6%since 1990
from 36.8 in 1990
US average: 35.2
Population, 1990 – 2024
14K15K16K18K19K1990201020202024Lenoir
202418K
1990201020202024
Section 02

Income & economy

Median household income
$29,369
+4%inflation adjusted, since 1990
from $21,372 in 1990
US average: $42,589
1990 – 2024
Per capita income
$16,697
+39%since 1990
from $12,012 in 1990
US average: $21,522
Poverty rate
14.3%
−3.2 ptssince 1990
from 17.6% in 1990
US average: 12.4%
Section 03

Housing

Median home value
$75,200
+21%inflation adjusted, since 1990
from $47,100 in 1990
US average: $120,530
1990 – 2024
Median gross rent
$435
+4%inflation adjusted, since 1990
from $317 in 1990
US average: $602
Owner-occupied
63.1%
Unchangedsince 1990
from 63.1% in 1990
36.9% rent
Afford Score
2.6
+16%since 1990
from 2.2 in 1990
1990 – 2024
RELATED:See current rent listings in Lenoir on RentDataNow
Section 04

Race & ethnicity

1990
White, non-Hispanic83.2%(11,805)
Black16%(2,276)
Hispanic / Latino0.3%(38)
Asian0.3%(38)
Diversity Score35.8%(5,077)
2000
White, non-Hispanic79.2%(13,305)
Black14.6%(2,451)
Hispanic / Latino4.3%(714)
Asian0.7%(112)
Diversity Score41.6%(6,978)
Diversity Score
42
+16%since 1990
from 36 in 1990
1990 – 2024
Section 05

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher
13.3%
+1.6 ptssince 1990
from 11.7% in 1990
US average: 24.4%
High school or higher
65.8%
+7.4 ptssince 1990
from 58.4% in 1990
US average: 80.3%
Graduate degree
4.0%
+0.2 ptssince 1990
from 3.8% in 1990
US average: 8.8%
Section 06

Commute & transportation

Average commute
11.9 min
−5%since 1990
from 12.5 min in 1990
US average: 17.6
Section 07

Work & employment

No data for the years selected.

Section 08

People & community

No data for the years selected.

Drill deeper

Places similar to Lenoir

New Port Richey
Pop 18,299
Belle Glade
Pop 17,241
Gladeview
Pop 16,655
Lady Lake
Pop 17,496
Places similar to Lenoir
Head to head

Compare Lenoir to nearby cities

LENOIR VS
Morganton
Income$51,355+75%
Home value$221,700+195%
Population17,849−3%
SEE FULL COMPARISON →
LENOIR VS
Hickory
Income$64,576+120%
Home value$278,400+270%
Population45,975+150%
SEE FULL COMPARISON →
LENOIR VS
St. Stephens
Income$60,394+106%
Home value$213,300+184%
Population9,457−49%
SEE FULL COMPARISON →
LENOIR VS
Conover
Income$65,972+125%
Home value$271,300+261%
Population8,938−51%
SEE FULL COMPARISON →
Frequently asked

How many people live in Lenoir, North Carolina?

Lenoir, North Carolina has about 16,793 residents according to the 2000 Census.

What is the median household income in Lenoir, North Carolina?

The typical household in Lenoir, North Carolina earns about $29,369 a year. Half of households make more than that, and half make less.

Is Lenoir, North Carolina expensive?

In Lenoir, North Carolina, the median home is worth about $75,200, and the typical rent is about $435 a month.

How educated are people in Lenoir, North Carolina?

About 13.3% of adults age 25 and over in Lenoir, North Carolina hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

What is the poverty rate in Lenoir, North Carolina?

About 14.3% of people in Lenoir, North Carolina live below the federal poverty line.

Has Lenoir, North Carolina grown since 1990?

Yes, Lenoir, North Carolina has grown since 1990. The population has added about 2,601 residents, a change of about 18 percent over that period.

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DATA: US CENSUS BUREAU ACS 5-YEAR + DECENNIAL CENSUS · UPDATED 2024

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