Lenoir County, North Carolina Real Estate Investing Guide

Lenoir County is located in the coastal plains region of eastern North Carolina, approximately 80 miles southeast of Raleigh. The county seat is Kinston, which serves as the economic and population center. Other communities in the county include La Grange and Pink Hill.

Investors are drawn to Lenoir County for its affordable housing prices, below-average rental rates compared to state and national averages, and proximity to larger employment centers. The county’s location provides access to coastal areas while maintaining lower cost structures than metro markets. The presence of the North Carolina Global TransPark—a multimodal industrial park supporting aerospace and advanced manufacturing—creates employment stability and long-term economic potential. Additionally, healthcare and manufacturing sectors provide steady employment for the local workforce.

The county offers entry points for both rental hold and fix-and-flip strategies, with median home prices significantly below the North Carolina state average and moderate inventory levels.

Population & Demographic Overview

Current population: ~54,917 (2023). Data USA

Trend: Slight decline from 2022 to 2023 (about -0.28%). Data USA

Median household income: $44,795 (2019–2023, inflation-adjusted). Census.gov+1

The median household income in Lenoir County is $44,795, which is lower than the state average but reflects the county’s affordability and cost of living. The county’s racial composition includes White (48.2%), Black (39.8%), and Hispanic (8.3%) populations. The median age is 42.7 years.

The tenant base in Lenoir County consists primarily of workforce renters employed in healthcare, manufacturing, and service industries. Families make up a significant portion of renters, along with retirees attracted to the area’s affordability. The county’s homeownership rate is approximately 61%, with 39% of residents renting.

Rental Market & Long-Term Rental Potential

Typical rent range (long-term hold):
HUD’s Fair Market Rent (FMR) is a useful baseline for “middle-of-market” rent expectations.

Observed asking-rent examples (active listings snapshot):

  • Zillow house rentals in Kinston show 2BR houses commonly around ~$950–$1,200/mo depending on condition/location. Zillow
  • Zillow also shows a mix of apartment/townhome inventory with 2BR and 3BR options, often starting in the high-$800s/$900s+ range in some complexes. Zillow

Primary rent drivers (what to underwrite):

  • Employment base tied to manufacturing/industrial firms (including the TransPark cluster) ncgtpedr.com+1
  • Healthcare employment (UNC Health Lenoir is a major local employer) unclenoir.org

Common tenant profile: Workforce renters and families prioritizing affordability, with demand often strongest for clean, durable 2–3BR inventory near employment corridors and commuting routes.

Primary rent drivers include healthcare employment at UNC Lenoir Healthcare, manufacturing jobs at Spirit AeroSystems and other industrial facilities at the Global TransPark, and general workforce employment in retail and service sectors. Lenoir Community College also contributes to rental demand, though to a lesser extent than in traditional college towns.

The common tenant profile includes working families, healthcare professionals, manufacturing employees, and service industry workers seeking affordable housing options within commuting distance of their employment.

Fix-and-Flip & Value-Add Opportunities

The median home sold price in Kinston (Lenoir County’s largest city) was $190,333 in December 2024, up 6.9% from the previous year. Price ranges across the county vary considerably based on condition and location.

Typical price ranges for distressed or fixer properties generally fall between $75,000 and $150,000, providing accessible entry points for investors. Properties requiring cosmetic updates, system replacements, or more extensive renovations can often be acquired at significant discounts to after-repair value.

Homes in Kinston had an average of 76 days on market in December 2024, indicating a moderately paced market. During December 2024, 57% of sold homes were sold under asking price, 30% at asking, and 13% over asking, suggesting negotiation opportunities for buyers.

Demand for renovated homes remains steady, particularly for properties with modern finishes, updated systems, and desirable locations near employment centers or schools. The market supports value-add strategies for investors willing to improve distressed inventory and bring properties to retail-ready condition.

Local Economy & Employment Base

Lenoir County’s economy is anchored by several key sectors:

Major Employers:

  • Spirit AeroSystems (aerospace component manufacturing at the North Carolina Global TransPark)
  • UNC Lenoir Healthcare (199-bed hospital)
  • Caswell Development Center (approximately 1,400 employees providing disability services)
  • West Pharmaceutical Services, MasterBrand Cabinets, and Hillco LTD

Economic Drivers:

  • The North Carolina Global TransPark supports nearly 3,000 jobs directly and indirectly, creates $43.6 million in tax revenue, and has a $781 million impact on the local economy. The facility includes an 11,500-foot runway and supports aerospace, defense, and logistics operations.
  • Lenoir Community College provides workforce training and associate degree programs
  • Manufacturing sector employing over 3,400 workers in the Kinston area
  • Healthcare sector with approximately 4,800 employees

The diversity of employment across manufacturing, healthcare, and service sectors provides rental stability and reduces overexposure to a single industry.

Why Invest in Lenoir County?

  • Affordable Housing: Home prices and rental rates significantly below state and national averages
  • Below-Market Entry Points: Median home prices in the $190,000 range with distressed properties available at lower price points
  • Economic Anchors: Global TransPark, UNC Lenoir Healthcare, and manufacturing employers provide stable job base
  • Strategic Location: Proximity to Raleigh (80 miles), Greenville (30 miles), and North Carolina coast
  • Rental Demand: Workforce renters and families seeking affordable housing options
  • Low Competition: Less investor activity compared to metro markets creates opportunity

Buying or Selling Property in Lenoir County?

JND Real Estate Group, LLC works with local and out-of-state investors looking to buy discounted properties in Lenoir County, North Carolina. If you are searching for off-market deals, long-term rental properties, or fix-and-flip opportunities, contact us today to learn more.

Contact Information:

Janice Shearin – 252-326-1197
Dwight Cox – (919) 944-7248

jdrealestategroup@yahoo.com

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Important Investment Disclosure

The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be financial, legal, tax, or investment advice. All market data, population statistics, rental estimates, pricing information, and other metrics are derived from third-party sources believed to be reliable; however, JND Real Estate Group, LLC makes no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of such information. Real estate markets are subject to change, and conditions may vary by property, neighborhood, and time. Investors are strongly encouraged to conduct their own independent due diligence, verify all data independently, and consult with licensed professionals prior to making any investment decision. JND Real Estate Group, LLC assumes no liability for investment decisions made based on the information presented on this website.