Lenoir Public RecordsNorth Carolina

As of 2022, Lenoir County, NC, has a population of approximately 55,900. The median age is 43.4 years. Females make up 52% and males 48% of residents. The racial and ethnic composition is about 52% White, 40% Black or African American, 6% Hispanic or Latino, and 2% other races or two or more races.

Lenoir County, NC, has approximately 37,600 registered voters as of 2024, with affiliations split among Democrats (46%), Republicans (27%), and Unaffiliated (27%). The Board of Elections administers local, state, and federal elections, including primaries, generals, and municipal contests. Key 2022 issues included economic development and school funding. Polling locations number 17 across the county. In the 2020 presidential election, 53% voted Republican, 46% Democratic. The county board ensures compliance with state election laws and manages voter registration, with regularly updated rolls and bilingual assistance in high-turnout precincts.

Lenoir County, NC, has a homeownership rate of about 57%, with median home values around $140,000 and median rents at $800/month. Housing types include single-family homes, apartments, and some townhomes, with neighborhoods like Kinston Historic District and Falling Creek popular among residents. Property values have risen roughly 5% in the past year. The effective property tax rate is about 0.99%, meaning annual taxes on a $140,000 home average $1,386. The area offers affordable living compared to state averages, attracting both buyers and renters seeking budget-friendly options in Eastern North Carolina.

As of 2023, Lenoir County, NC, reports an unemployment rate of approximately 4.6%. Major employment sectors include manufacturing (22%), healthcare and social assistance (20%), and retail trade (12%). The leading occupational group is production (18%), followed by office and administrative support (16%). About 79% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 21 minutes; roughly 23% of the workforce is employed outside the county, often commuting to nearby Pitt and Wayne counties.

Lenoir County, NC, has approximately 15 public schools, including Kinston High School and North Lenoir High. The county’s high school graduation rate is about 83%, while roughly 15% of adults have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Schools report average test scores below the state median, with a GreatSchools rating around 4/10. The district offers Career & Technical Education, Advanced Placement, and adult education programs. School safety initiatives include on-campus resource officers and anti-bullying policies.

Lenoir County, NC, has experienced fluctuating crime rates in recent years. In 2022, the county reported a violent crime rate of 6.2 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 25.4 per 1,000. Lenoir’s crime index is 5, meaning it is safer than only 5% of U.S. counties. Law enforcement encourages community reporting, leading to over 2,000 incidents documented annually. Despite targeted initiatives, burglary and larceny remain persistent concerns, accounting for nearly 68% of property crimes.