City of Lenoir

City of Lenoir Main Photo

Creative energy thrives in Lenoir, the county seat of Caldwell County. A stroll through downtown is to experience the arts — the Smithsonian recognizes its permanent public outdoor sculpture collection as the largest per capita in the nation. This community spirit further fuels Lenoir to be a place where people forge partnerships to build a better future. From the entrepreneurs who made Lenoir the furniture manufacturing center of the South to the local biotech and cyberspace industries, Lenoir is continually growing.

Population

Total Population

18,472

Median Age

44

Diversity Index

56.800

Source: ESRI, 2025-08-18

Housing & Income

Households

7,749

Total Housing Units

8,562


Owner Occupied

4,759

Renter Occupied

2,990

Vacant

813

Median Home Value

$202,213


Average Home Value

$227,613

Income Projection

Median Household

$51,857 $55,225


Average Household

$69,693 $76,292


Per Capita

$29,286 $32,523

Source: ESRI, 2025-08-18

Workforce

Total Businesses

1,158

Total Employed

13,660

Workers 16+

7,476

2025 HealthCare / Social Assistance

cp-industries

Businesses

145

Employed

3,130

2025 Retail Trade Businesses

cp-industries

Businesses

181

Employed

1,709

2025 Manufacturing Businesses

cp-industries

Businesses

50

Employed

1,693

2025 Public Administration

cp-industries

Businesses

75

Employed

1,510

2025 Accommodation / Food Service

cp-industries

Businesses

92

Employed

1,268

2025 Food Service / Drinking Est.

cp-industries

Businesses

84

Employed

1,206

Some
High School

1,179

Graduated
High School

3,176

Associates
Degree

1,327

Bachelor's
Degree

2,162

Graduate
Degree

755

Average Commute Time

24 min.



Resident Commuters

5,067

Non-Resident Commuters

2,337

Drive Alone

5,957

Carpooled

841

Public

0

Work At Home

504

Source: ESRI, 2025-08-18