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Kinston, NC

Kinston, NC

Kinston is a city in Lenoir County, North Carolina, It has been the county seat of Lenoir County since its formation in 1791. Kinston is located in the coastal plains region of eastern North Carolina. In 2009, Kinston won the All-America City Award. This marks the second time in 21 years the city has won the title.

At the time of English settlement, the Neusiok people inhabited the area. Preceding the historic tribe, indigenous peoples of various cultures had lived in the area for thousands of years. Before the English colonists established the city, they called the area "Atkins Bank", referring to a bluff once owned by Robert Atkins just above the Neuse River. Atkins Bank was the site of farms, a tobacco warehouse, and a Church of England mission.

Kinston was created by an act of the North Carolina General Assembly in December 1762 as "Kingston", in honor of King George III, who had just recently ascended to the throne. The bill to incorporate it was introduced by Richard Caswell, who made his home there and later served as the first governor of the state of North Carolina from 1776 to 1780. After victory in the American Revolution, the citizens renamed the city "Kinston" in 1784 to show the population's disavowal of royalty. In 1833, Kinston briefly became "Caswell", in honor of Governor Caswell, but the name Kinston was restored the following year.

Kinston is in the Atlantic coastal plain region of North Carolina. It is mainly on the northeast side of the Neuse River and is northeast of the center of Lenoir County. It is 26 miles (42 km) east of Goldsboro, 30 miles (48 km) south of Greenville, and 35 miles (56 km) west of New Bern. The Atlantic Ocean at Emerald Isle is 57 miles (92 km) to the southeast, and Raleigh, the state capital, is 80 miles (130 km) to the northwest.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city of Kinston has a total area of 18.6 sq mi (48.1 km²), of which 0.2 sq mi (0.5 km²), or 0.95%, is covered by water.

In terms of health and wellness, Kinston prioritizes the well-being of its residents. The Kinston Community Health Center facility serves as a cornerstone for comprehensive healthcare services in the community. The city also encourages a healthy lifestyle with parks, walking trails, and recreational facilities such as the Kinston Senior Dance Club and Aquatics. The Grainger Stadium, home to the Down East Wood Ducks, offers sports enthusiasts an opportunity to enjoy baseball games and outdoor parks such as the Neuseway Nature Park and Kinston Music Park.

The top sites in Kinston, NC are the Community Council for the Arts, Confederate States Ship Neuse II, and G.I. Joe's Military Living History Museum.

Population: 19,900 (2020). ZIP Codes: 28501. Area codes: 252. Elevation: 82 ft (25 m). Area: 18.43 sq mi (47.73 km²).

FAQs

What is the race population in Kinston, NC?

The 5 largest ethnic groups in Kinston, NC are Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) (66.8%), White (Non-Hispanic) (25.2%), Two+ (Non-Hispanic) (5.04%), White (Hispanic) (1.09%), and Asian (Non-Hispanic) (0.825%). None of the households in Kinston, NC reported speaking a non-English language at home as their primary shared language. This does not consider the potential multi-lingual nature of households, but only the primary self-reported language spoken by household members.

What is Kinston, NC famous for?

Kinston is known for being a hub for art, a culinary capital of the South, a place for outdoor adventure and so much more. With scenic parks, riverfront trails, and nearby outdoor recreation areas, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities like hiking, kayaking, fishing, and birdwatching, immersing themselves in the beauty of Eastern North Carolina's landscapes. Whether indulging in art, cuisine, or outdoor pursuits, Kinston offers something for every taste and interest, inviting visitors to discover the many facets of this charming Southern city.

What is the poverty rate in Kinston NC?

The average household income in Kinston is $54,363 with a poverty rate of 28.24%. The median age in Kinston is 44.1 years: 36.4 years for males, and 47 years for females. Kinston is a city located in Jones County and Lenoir County North Carolina. Kinston has a 2024 population of 18,978. Kinston is currently declining at a rate of -1.01% annually and its population has decreased by -3.92% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 19,752 in 2020.

Sources

Wikipedia

Kinston Community Health Center

World Population Review

Visit Kinston

Data USA

CSS Neuse II Interpretive Center

Senior Dance Club

Aquatics

Grainger Stadium

Neuseway Nature Park

Kinston Music Park

City of Kinston

Community Council for the Arts

Confederate States Ship Neuse II

G.I. Joe's Military Living History Museum

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