Cost of Living in Lenoir, NC
Population 18,282 · North Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Lenoir is a smaller North Carolina community of around 18000 residents, where median household incomes of $48,889 and housing costs ($165,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape.
Geographically, Lenoir is about 60 miles northwest of Concord, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 50% lower than Concord's $328,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Lenoir
The median home value in Lenoir is $165,200 — 46% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $671/month, 49% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $48,889/year is 34% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.4%, above the national average of 4.8%. North Carolina's top state income tax rate is 4.5% and the combined sales tax is 7.0%. The climate averages highs of 69.1°F and lows of 48.9°F. Overall, Lenoir has a cost of living index of 53 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 47% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 49 | 53 | 61 | 70 | 77 | 84 | 87 | 86 | 80 | 70 | 60 | 52 |
| Low °F | 30 | 33 | 40 | 48 | 56 | 64 | 68 | 67 | 61 | 49 | 39 | 33 |
| Precip" | 3.81 | 3.21 | 4.08 | 4.08 | 3.86 | 4.35 | 4.29 | 4.58 | 3.93 | 3.49 | 3.62 | 3.85 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Lenoir, NC?
Lenoir has a cost index of 53 (100 = national average). It is 47% below the national average.
What is average rent in Lenoir, NC?
The median gross rent in Lenoir is $671 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Lenoir?
The median home value in Lenoir is $165,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Lenoir?
The median household income in Lenoir is $48,889 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Lenoir, NC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Lenoir is 7.0%. The North Carolina state income tax top rate is 4.5%.
Is Lenoir, NC affordable?
Yes, Lenoir is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 53 — about 47% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Lenoir?
Lenoir has average high temperatures of 69.1°F and average lows of 48.9°F. Annual precipitation is 47.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Lenoir at a Glance
- Population
- 18,282
- Median Income
- $48,889
- Home Value
- $165,200
- Median Rent
- $671/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 69.1°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
North Carolina Rankings
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