Lenoir, NC

Very Low · 49

North Carolina · Population 18,282 · Updated March 2026

$671
Median Rent / Month
$48,889
Median Income
$165,200
Median Home Value
$660
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Lenoir

16.5%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Affordable
Rent takes less than 25% of median income — considered affordable by HUD standards.

Tax Burden in North Carolina

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

4.5%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
4.75%
Sales Tax
0.8%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$8,052
Annual Rent
$2,200
State Income Tax
$1,322
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Lenoir is significantly cheaper than the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families. With a cost index of 49 (where 100 equals the national median), Lenoir residents can expect to pay median rent of $671/month while earning a median household income of $48,889/year.

The median home value in Lenoir, NC is $165,200, with typical monthly owner costs around $660 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 16.5% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.

North Carolina has a moderate income tax rate of 4.5%. Combined with a 4.75% sales tax rate and 0.8% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Lenoir.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Lenoir

What is the cost of living in Lenoir, NC?
The cost of living index in Lenoir, NC is 49 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $671, median household income is $48,889/year, and the median home value is $165,200.
Is Lenoir, NC affordable?
Yes, Lenoir is more affordable than the national average with a cost index of 49. The rent-to-income ratio is 16.5%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Lenoir, NC?
The median gross rent in Lenoir, NC is $671 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $8,052.
What is the median household income in Lenoir?
The median household income in Lenoir, NC is $48,889 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in North Carolina?
North Carolina has a top income tax rate of 4.5%, a sales tax of 4.75%, and an effective property tax rate of 0.8%.