Is Lenoir City Safe, Pros and cons of living in Lenoir City
Is it Safe to Live in Lenoir City?
Lenoir City experiences a crime rate that is higher than the national average when compared to communities of all sizes. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Lenoir City is approximately 1 in 50 (NeighborhoodScout). While the FBI reports an overall downward trend in crime, with both violent and property crime decreasing, specific data from 2019 indicated that Lenoir City’s violent crime rate was slightly higher than the national average (by 3.83%) and its property crime rate was significantly higher (by 37.26%) (FBI Report of Offenses Known to Law Enforcement).
When comparing Lenoir City to other communities of a similar population size, its crime rate per thousand residents stands out as higher than most (NeighborhoodScout). Specifically, the violent crime rate in Lenoir City is 4 per one thousand inhabitants, and the property crime rate is 16 per one thousand population (NeighborhoodScout). Despite these figures, residents generally consider the west part of the city to be the safest, with crime rates varying by neighborhood (CrimeGrade.org).
Demographics and Population
As of the 2020 census, Lenoir City had a population of 10,117 residents (US Census Bureau). The median age in Lenoir City is 35.3 years, with 26.3% of residents under 18 and 14.4% aged 65 or older (US Census Bureau). The racial makeup of Lenoir City is predominantly White, accounting for 78.2% of the population, followed by Hispanic or Latino residents at 15.8% (US Census Bureau).
Recent estimates suggest the population has grown to over 11,000 residents. The gender split is nearly even, with 50.3% male and 49.7% female (Point2Homes). The majority of residents, 91.1%, are US-born citizens, with 3.1% having gained naturalized citizenship (Point2Homes).
Cost of Living
Lenoir City offers a cost of living that is notably lower than the national average. Overall living costs are approximately 16% lower than the national average, with housing expenses being particularly affordable, at 30% below the national average (Payscale). This affordability extends to utilities, which are about 12% lower, and transportation costs, which are 13% less than the national average (Payscale).
The median home value in Lenoir City is significantly below the national average, making homeownership more attainable. For instance, one source indicates a median home value of $193,100 (Kurby AI), while another reports a median sale price of $381,734 as of February 2026 (Zillow). Rental prices are also competitive, with the average rent for an apartment around $1,422 per month (Apartments.com).
Job Market and Economy
The economy of Lenoir City is driven by several key industries, with manufacturing, retail trade, and construction being the largest employing sectors (Data USA). In 2024, manufacturing employed approximately 758 people, followed by retail trade with 508, and construction with 454 (Data USA).
The average annual salary in Lenoir City is around $39,000, or $18.75 per hour (Zippia). However, specific industries offer higher earning potential, such as utilities, which boast an average salary of $122,250, and public administration at $107,654 (Data USA). The unemployment rate in Lenoir City is reported to be 3.0% (Tennessee Labor Market Report), which is lower than the national average (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Major Employers
Identifying specific major employers in Lenoir City can be challenging as detailed lists are not always publicly available. However, given the industrial makeup of the area, manufacturing facilities likely represent a significant portion of employment opportunities. Retail and service industries also contribute substantially to the local job market. The proximity to the Knoxville metropolitan area also provides residents with access to a broader range of employment options and larger companies.
For those seeking employment within city government, Lenoir City Offices is a notable entity. The average annual salary for employees at Lenoir City Offices is approximately $78,435, with roles such as Fire Chief earning around $65,150 (Salary.com).
Climate
Lenoir City experiences a climate characterized by hot, muggy summers and short, cold, wet winters, with the weather being partly cloudy year-round (Weatherbase). The hot season typically spans from late May to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 80°F. July is the hottest month, with average highs around 88°F and lows of 69°F (Time and Date).
The cold season generally runs from late November to late February, with average daily high temperatures falling below 56°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows around 32°F and highs of 48°F (Time and Date). The area receives an average of about 51 inches of rainfall annually (Livability.com), and the average annual snowfall is around 7 inches (Livability.com).
Education and School Ratings
Lenoir City School District serves the community, and it is generally rated as an above-average public school district (Niche). The district has a B overall Niche grade, with specific ratings for academics, diversity, and teachers (Niche). Lenoir City Elementary School, a public school within the district, has an overall Niche grade of B minus (Niche).
Lenoir City High School also holds a B grade from Niche, indicating a solid educational environment. State test scores show that approximately 36% of students in the district are proficient in math and 37% in reading (Niche). The district emphasizes career and technical education programs, with students reporting positive experiences in engineering and health science fields (Niche).
Housing Market
The Lenoir City housing market is described as somewhat competitive, with a median sale price for homes that is below the national average. As of March 2026, the average home price was $375,000, a decrease of 3.8% from the previous year (Redfin). However, other recent data from March 2026 indicates a median sale price of $481,000, with homes selling faster than the previous year (Redfin).
Homes in Lenoir City tend to stay on the market for an average of 115 days, though this can vary significantly (Redfin). The median sale price per square foot is around $211 (Redfin). For those considering renting, the average rent in Lenoir City is approximately $1,800 per month (Zillow).