North Carolina / Lenoir County

Moving to Kinston, NC

Thinking of making a move to Kinston, NC? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Kinston, NC

Considering a move to Kinston, NC? This welcoming community of 20,900 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $132,000 and average rents near $860. Commute times average 21 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (58% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Kinston's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Kinston, NC

Kinston has a population of 20,900 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 39 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 40% White, 50% Black, and 1% Asian residents, and over 7% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
20,900
Density
1,050 per sq mi
Median Age
39.2
Gender Ratio
89 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
6.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
40.0%
Black
49.5%
Asian
1.2%
Others
9.3%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Kinston, NC?

The cost of living in Kinston is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 82.4. Median home values are around $132,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $850. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$132,000
Gross Rent
$850
Monthly Electricity Charges
$145
Auto Insurance
$1,520
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$420
State Taxes
Low: 4.75%| High: 4.75%
Cost Of Living Index
82.4
Grocery
94.0
Housing
62.0
Utilities
101.5
Transportation
91.0
Health Care
96.5
Miscellaneous
90.8

Crime

Is Kinston, NC a safe place to live?

Kinston is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 820 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 27. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in North Carolina.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
820
Property Crimes Per 100k
3,650
Crime Index
4,470
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 122
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 27

Weather

What is the weather like in Kinston, NC year-round?

Kinston experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 91°F and cold winters dipping to 34°F. The area receives about 50 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 58% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
34°F
Max
54°F

Summer

Min
71°F
Max
91°F

Spring

Min
52°F
Max
74°F

Fall

Min
53°F
Max
76°F
Average Rainfall Inches
50.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
58%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $48,900 and a low poverty rate of 22.8%. Over 86% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 19% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 21 minutes, and almost 3% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$34,500
Household Income
$48,900
Family Income
$61,000
Per Capita Income
$25,300
Income Male
$36,500
Income Female
$30,200
Poverty Rate
22.8%
Non English Speakers
8.4%
Rent
$850
Unemployment Rate
6.1%
Public Transport Usage
2.8%
Commute Time
20.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
85.6%
Bachelors or More
19.4%

Education

How are the schools in Kinston, NC?

Kinston offers quality education options, with public schools like Kinston High School and Frink Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Lenoir Community College and East Carolina University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Kinston High School
Street
2601 N Queen St
Phone
252-527-5177
Students
720
Student Teacher Ratio
15.0
Name
Frink Middle School
Street
1701 Carey Rd
Phone
252-527-2129
Students
540
Student Teacher Ratio
13.8

Private Schools

Name
Parrott Academy
Street
2301 S York Rd
Phone
252-523-5361
Students
430

Colleges

Name
Lenoir Community College
City
Kinston
State
NC
Distance
2 miles
Students
2,100
Name
East Carolina University
City
Greenville
State
NC
Distance
28 miles
Students
29,000

Healthcare

Kinston residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like UNC Health Lenoir and Vidant Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.6 per 1,000 people and 86.5% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
UNC Health Lenoir
Address
100 Airport Rd, Kinston, NC 28501
Phone
(252) 522-7000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Vidant Medical Center
Address
2100 Stantonsburg Rd, Greenville, NC 27834
Phone
(252) 847-4100
Type
Regional Referral Hospital
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage
86.5%
Health Care Index
67.8

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Kinston, NC?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $132,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 58%. The market has seen a 3.2% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 8.1%. Kinston offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$132,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$860
Owner Occupied Rate
58.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate
8.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
3.2%
New Construction Rate
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate
0.8%

DMV Information

Residents of Kinston handle vehicle services through the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Raleigh. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
North Carolina
Department
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Address
1100 New Bern Ave, Raleigh, NC 27697
Phone
1-919-715-7000

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.

FAQs About Moving to Kinston, NC

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Kinston, review the core fields on this page: population 20,900, median home value $132,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $860, commute time 20.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 58%.

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