Leicester, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
12,216
-5.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$59,013/yr
-9.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
4,853
-1.0% year-over-year change

Leicester population

How many people live in Leicester

Leicester is home to 12,216 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.3% of Leicester locals are male, and 50.7% are female.

Total population
12,216
-5.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.3%
6,024
Female
50.7%
6,192
Value Percent YoY change
Male 6,024 49.3% -6.9%
Female 6,192 50.7% -3.8%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Leicester is 39, with the population distributed as follows: about 22.9% are children under 15, then 6.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.7% of the population, while another 23.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20% are 65 or older.

Median age
38.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
22.9%
15 to 24
6.9%
25 to 44
26.7%
45 to 64
23.5%
Over 65
20%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,801 22.9% 10.7%
15 to 24 838 6.9% -11.6%
25 to 44 3,261 26.7% -11.6%
45 to 64 2,867 23.5% -17.2%
Over 65 2,449 20% 7.5%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Leicester, 96.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 83.7% of locals are Caucasian, 3.2% are African American and 0.5% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 12.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.8%
Non-citizens
1.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 11,746 96.1% -3.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 342 2.8% -27.2%
Non-citizens 129 1.1% -44.6%
Racial breakdown
White
83.7%
Black or African American
3.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
12.4%
Other
0.2%
Value Percent
White 10,226 83.7%
Black or African American 387 3.2%
Asian 59 0.5%
Two or more races 1,519 12.4%
Other 26 0.2%

Households in Leicester

A peek inside Leicester households

Leicester has 4,089 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 72.3% are families, while the remaining 27.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
4,089
-3.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
1,135
Family households
2,955
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,135 27.8% 13.2%
Family households 2,955 72.3% -8.7%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Leicester

The housing landscape of Leicester

Leicester's housing consists of 4,853 units, with 65.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.2% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 31.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
4,853
-1.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,168 65.3%
1 unit, attached 11 0.2%
2 units 47 1%
10 to 19 units 86 1.8%
Mobile home 1,540 31.7%
Homes built since 2020
208
22.4% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Leicester

In Leicester, the median construction year is 1997. About 4.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 27.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 12.7% between 2010 and 2019, and 4.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 221 4.6% -0.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 218 4.5% 16.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 148 3% 3.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 140 2.9% -32.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 534 11% 14.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 413 8.5% -18.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,007 20.8% -20.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,348 27.8% 5.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 617 12.7% 37.4%
Built in 2020 or later 208 4.3% 22.4%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Leicester occupancy rates

Out of the 4,089 occupied housing units in Leicester, 78.6% are owner-occupied, while 21.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 15.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
4,089
-3.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
873
Owner occupied
3,216
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 873 21.4% -16.5%
Owner occupied 3,216 78.6% 0.7%
Unoccupied housing units
15.7%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Leicester housing costs

Housing costs in Leicester come to a median of $850 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,187.

Median housing costs per month
$850/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Leicester
$1,187/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Leicester

Leicester education at a glance

About 45.4% of the population in Leicester went to high school, while 17.5% pursued college studies. Another 11.6% earned an associate degree and 13.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 332 3.7% 2.5%
High school diploma 4,112 45.4% -10.3%
College diploma 1,583 17.5% -9.7%
Associate degree 1,048 11.6% -16.3%
Bachelor's degree 1,262 13.9% -11.0%
Graduate degree 728 8% -1.9%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Leicester

How much people earn in Leicester

The average annual household income in Leicester was $80,520 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -6.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $59,013, reflecting a -9.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Leicester
$80,520/year
-6.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Leicester
$59,013/year
-9.6% year-over-year change

Leicester income by age

In Leicester, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $58,243. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $70,929 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $44,896, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $55,188 in earnings. Overall, 87% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $44,896 3.7%
25 - 44 $58,243 -1.9%
45 - 64 $70,929 -16.0%
Over 65 $55,188 1.8%
Above poverty level
10,439
Below poverty level
1,558
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 10,439 87% -8.0%
Below poverty level 1,558 13% 9.3%

Employment in Leicester

Workforce and job types in Leicester

66.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 33.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 11.4% run their own businesses, 73.2% are employed by private companies, and 11.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
3,473
Blue collar
1,750
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 3,473 66.5% -18.1%
Blue collar 1,750 33.5% -15.8%
Employer type
Self employees
11.4%
Private companies
73.2%
Governmental workers
11.8%
Not for profit companies
3.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 597 11.4% -9.4%
Private companies 3,822 73.2% -19.2%
Governmental workers 617 11.8% -16.9%
Not for profit companies 187 3.6% 0.5%

Transportation in Leicester

How people get around in Leicester

In Leicester, the average commute time is 29 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 99.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
29 min
7.4% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 4,466 99.9% -18.8%
Walk 3 0.1% -91.7%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Leicester by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
28748 12,230 4,094 $59,013 $80,597

Explore more communities

FAQs about Leicester demographics 

What is the total population of Leicester?

Leicester has a total population of 12,216 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -5.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Leicester?

The gender ratio in Leicester is as follows:
  • 49.3% males (6,024 residents)
  • 50.7% females (6,192 residents)

What is the median age in Leicester?

The median age in Leicester is 38.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Leicester?

The age distribution in Leicester is as follows:
  • Under 15: 22.9% (2,801 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 6.9% (838 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.7% (3,261 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.5% (2,867 residents)
  • Over 65: 20% (2,449 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Leicester?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Leicester is as follows:
  • White: 83.7% (10,226 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3.2% (387 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% ( residents)
  • Asian: 0.5% (59 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 12.4% (1,519 residents)
  • Other: 0.2% (26 residents)

What percentage of the population in Leicester are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.1% of the population in Leicester.

How many housing units are there in Leicester?

There are 4,853 housing units in Leicester, reflecting a -1.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Leicester and what is the average household size?

Leicester has a total of 4,089 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Leicester?

Leicester has a median household income of $59,013, representing a -9.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Leicester?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 66.5% (3,473 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 33.5% (1,750 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 11.4% (597 residents)
  • Private companies: 73.2% (3,822 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.8% (617 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 3.6% (187 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025