Lenoir County, North Carolina

Income Data

-27% vs. North Carolina average
$44,795
Median Household Income
$28,409
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$44,795
-27% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$28,409
-28% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
40.2%
income as % of home value
Rank in North Carolina
#92 / 100
by median household income

How Lenoir County Compares

Lenoir County$44,795
North Carolina Average$61,072
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$44,795
Median Household Income
$28,409
Per Capita Income
$111,400
Median Home Value
40.2%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Lenoir County, North Carolina

Lenoir County faces significant income gap

Lenoir County's median household income of $44,795 trails the national median of $74,755 by $29,960, placing it in the nation's bottom 15%. This 40% shortfall reflects severe economic challenges and limited local employment opportunities.

Among North Carolina's poorest counties

Lenoir County's $44,795 median income runs 27% below North Carolina's state average of $61,072, marking it as one of the state's most economically vulnerable counties. Per capita income of $28,409 trails the state average of $33,920 by 16%, indicating concentrated poverty.

Lenoir County's income crisis stands out

Lenoir County's $44,795 median income falls behind all nearby counties, with the largest gap to Johnston County ($79,838) exceeding $35,000. Even lower-tier neighbors like Jones County ($55,659) earn $10,800 more per household.

Housing costs strain already-tight budgets

Lenoir County's 21.8% rent-to-income ratio represents the state's highest, indicating serious housing affordability stress for renters and homebuyers alike. Median home values of $111,400 provide minimal equity-building potential, trapping residents in a cycle of limited wealth accumulation.

Lenoir County: financial resilience first

Lenoir County residents must prioritize emergency funds and debt elimination before pursuing investments, given severe income constraints. Local nonprofits, government programs, and matched savings accounts offer essential resources for building foundational financial security.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Lenoir County, North Carolina?
The median household income in Lenoir County, North Carolina is $44,795, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Lenoir County?
The per capita income in Lenoir County is $28,409, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $44,795.
How does Lenoir County compare to the North Carolina average?
Lenoir County's median household income of $44,795 is lower than the North Carolina state average of $61,072. The per capita income is $28,409, compared to the state average of $33,920.
What is the per capita income in Lenoir County, North Carolina?
The per capita income in Lenoir County, North Carolina is $28,409, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Lenoir County a low-income area in North Carolina?
Lenoir County's median household income of $44,795 is below the North Carolina average of $61,072. The per capita income of $28,409 is also lower than the state average of $33,920. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Lenoir County rank for income in North Carolina?
Lenoir County ranks #92 out of 100 counties in North Carolina by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $44,795 and per capita income of $28,409, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Lenoir County

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Your income is above the Lenoir County median

County median: $44,795 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

-27%

vs. National Median

-40%

vs. Lenoir County MedianAbout equal
vs. North Carolina Average27% below
vs. National Median40% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent4.6x

Your monthly income ($3,733) vs. median rent ($814/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.