Lenoir County, North Carolina

History

The county was formed by European Americans in 1791 from the southern part of Dobbs County. It was named for William Lenoir (1751-1839), an officer in the American Revolutionary War who took part in the Battle of Kings Mountain. He was a prominent political leader; when the county was established, he was serving as Speaker of the North Carolina Senate.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 403 square miles (1,040 km²), of which 401 square miles (1,040 km²) is land and 2.2 square miles (5.7 km²) (0.6%) is water.

Adjacent counties

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 59,648 people, 23,862 households, and 16,178 families residing in the county. The population density was 149 people per square mile (58/km²). There were 27,184 housing units at an average density of 68 per square mile (26/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 56.47% White, 40.43% Black or African American, 0.18% Native American, 0.34% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 1.88% from other races, and 0.66% from two or more races. 3.17% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 23,862 households out of which 31.30% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.40% were married couples living together, 17.30% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.20% were non-families. 28.40% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.80% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.43 and the average family size was 2.96.

In the county, the population was spread out with 25.30% under the age of 18, 7.90% from 18 to 24, 27.60% from 25 to 44, 24.60% from 45 to 64, and 14.60% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 90.30 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.70 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $31,191, and the median income for a family was $38,815. Males had a median income of $28,879 versus $21,536 for females. The per capita income for the county was $16,744. About 12.60% of families and 16.60% of the population were below the poverty line, including 22.00% of those under age 18 and 18.40% of those age 65 or over.

Law and government

Lenoir County is a member of the regional Eastern Carolina Council of Governments.

Education

The City of Kinston and Lenoir County merged school systems in 1992. There are four public high schools in Lenoir County: Lenoir County Early College, North Lenoir, South Lenoir and Kinston High School. There are three public middle schools: E.B. Frink, Rochelle and Woodington. There are also eight public elementary schools: Banks, La Grange, Moss Hill, Northeast, Northwest, Pink Hill, Southeast and Southwood. Additionally, Contentnea-Savannah is a kindergarten to eighth grade school; there is one alternative school, Sampson.

Lenoir County is home to two private academies—Arendell Parrott Academy and Bethel Christian Academy—and two charter academies—Kinston Charter Academy and Children's Village Academy.

Airport

Lenoir County is served by the Kinston Regional Jetport (IATA: ISO, ICAO: KISO) with service to Orlando, Florida. Raleigh-Durham International Airport is the closest major airport with service to more than 45 domestic and international destinations.

Major highways

The main highway in the county is US 70, which offers access to the North Carolina coast and I-95. Other highways that run through the county include US 258, NC 11, NC 58, NC 903 and NC 55. Interstate 95 is the closest Interstate Highway to the county, located 50 miles west in Selma.

Bus

The county is served by Greyhound with a location in Kinston.

Health

Lenoir County is home to the Lenoir Memorial Hospital, a 261-bed non-proft facility located in Kinston.

City

Towns

Census-designated place

Other unincorporated communities