RANK #765 / 996 · POP 87,933 · NC
PROJECTED GROWTH: -0.3%
Lincoln County, North Carolina, is often recognized for its connection to Lake Norman, the state's largest man-made lake, which provides both recreation and electricity. The county seat, Lincolnton, offers a historic downtown anchored by the Lincoln County Courthouse and features several historic churches. Located in the state's Piedmont region, about 20 miles southeast of Charlotte, Lincoln County offers a community feel with access to urban amenities. Commutes average around 30 minutes, with most residents driving to work. The area boasts a mild climate and rolling terrain with numerous creeks and streams, offering opportunities for outdoor activities like walking, hiking, and water sports.
Life in Lincoln County blends small-town values with economic growth. Many families reside here, with public schools in the Lincoln County Schools district receiving high ratings. The local economy, historically rooted in textiles and iron production, has diversified. Recent economic developments show significant investment in sectors such as manufacturing and energy, with new facilities and expansions contributing to job creation. The county's proximity to Charlotte also ties much of its economic activity to the larger metropolitan area.
Above national median (4.7x)
Moderate climate & terrain
Below national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 5.9x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Lincoln Combustion Turbine Station Expansion
Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC
|
$402M | Operating |
|
Green New Energy Materials Manufacturing Plant
Green New Energy Materials, Inc.
|
$140M | Under Construction |
|
Hornet Solar Project
Capital Power
|
$73M | Under Construction |
|
NC16/NC150 Interchange Development
Lincoln County
|
$50M | Planned |
|
Lincoln County Airport Capital Improvement Plan
Lincoln County Airport Authority
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
Active Concepts Headquarters Expansion
Active Concepts
|
$29M | Planned |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Lincoln County has a Boom Town Index score of 23/100, ranking #765 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +2.6% and a median household income of $75,672, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Lincoln County is $241,200 with median rent at $928/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3137, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +2.6% year-over-year. Job growth: +2.6%. Home values changed +2.4% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 5.0% of Lincoln County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.