State of the County Health Report 2024

Conducting a Community Health Assessment is an ongoing process that brings together a multidisciplinary team to identify community strengths, assets, and areas of need. The Lincoln County Health Department, in collaboration with our Partnership for Health team, leads this effort to promote the well-being of our residents.

This State of the County Health (SOTCH) Report provides an update on the progress made since the findings of the 2022 Community Health Assessment, highlighting key developments and ongoing initiatives. The 2024 Lincoln County SOTCH Report was submitted to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) on February 26, 2025.

Lincoln County Profile 

Lincoln County, North Carolina, is classified as a metropolitan area, but 73.7% of its population lives in low population density areas (less than 2,000 housing units and less than 5,000 people), which represents an increase from 2023. Lincoln County is faring better than the average county in North Carolina for Health Outcomes and Health Factors, and better than the average county in the nation.

Total Population: The population is recorded at 96,000 based on the 2023 census data. However, the 2024 data has not yet been released, but projections estimate the population to be approximately 98,500.

Race and Ethnicity Distribution in Lincoln County

Lincoln County's population is predominantly White, comprising 90.0% of residents. The Black or African American population accounts for 6.4%, while 0.6% identify as American Indian or Alaska Native. The Asian population represents 1.1%, and Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander individuals make up 0.1% of the county’s residents. Additionally, 1.9% of the population identifies as belonging to two or more racial groups.

Hispanic or Latino residents make up 8.4% of the population, while the percentage of individuals identifying as White alone, not Hispanic or Latino, stands at 82.7%.

Age and Sex Distribution in Lincoln County

In Lincoln County, 5.2% of the population is under the age of five, while 20.4% are under the age of 18. Older adults, aged 65 and over, make up 19.8% of the county’s residents. The population is nearly evenly split by gender, with females comprising 50.1% of the total population.

Educational Attainment in Lincoln County

From 2019 to 2023, 90.0% of Lincoln County residents aged 25 and older attained a high school diploma or higher. Additionally, 27.0% of residents in this age group earned a bachelor’s degree or higher.

Income & Poverty in Lincoln County

Between 2019 and 2023, the median household income in Lincoln County was $78,490, while the per capita income over the past 12 months was $42,170. Despite these income levels, 10.7% of residents live below the poverty line.

Sources:

County Health Rankings & Roadmaps

U.S. Census, American Community Survey 1- Year Estimates

U.S Census Bureau, Quick Facts

The 2022 Community Health Assessment (CHA) determined three community health priorities that should be addressed in Lincoln County: Access to Care; Health Behaviors; and Substance Use. Each of these priorities have activities and programs that are designed to improve health outcomes and have a positive impact on the overall health and wellness of the community. These programs have measurable outcomes as Performance Measures to determine if the programs and activities were on the path toward growth.

All Lincoln County priorities are addressed in the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). Click on the links below for Progress Made in 2024.

For the priority area Access to Care see Progress in 2024 note tabs for each program below.

Adult Health Clinic 

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Promotion

For the priority area Health Behaviors see Progress in 2024 note tabs for each program below.

NC Quitline

CATCH My Breath

Nutrition Education

Lincolnton Fire Department Youth Firesetter Intervention Program

City of Lincolnton Homeless Committee

For the priority area Substance Use see Progress in 2024 note tabs for each program below.

Naloxone Kit Distribution

Recovery Court

Post-Overdose Response Team

Lincoln County Drug Prevention & Recovery Coalition

According to the most recent available data, there have been no significant changes in morbidity and mortality since the last State of the County Health (SOTCH) report. The leading causes of death continue to be heart disease and cancer. 

An emerging issue since the last Community Health Assessment is the nationwide increase in cases of H5N1, or avian influenza. The virus has been affecting both bird populations and, in some cases, other livestock, raising significant public health concerns. This surge in cases has prompted increased monitoring and response efforts at the federal, state, and local levels. Health and agricultural agencies are working collaboratively to track the spread of the virus and mitigate its potential for broader transmission, while also focusing on public awareness and preparedness.

Another emerging issue is the growing concern over behavioral health challenges among children in Lincoln County. This trend has been observed in increasing rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health struggles. In response, we are actively supporting our Fire Department’s Youth Firesetter Intervention Program (YFIP). This program is designed to provide early intervention and support for youth and families, addressing behavioral issues related to fire-setting behaviors and promoting overall well-being.

Access to Care

New Initiative: A new initiative aimed at improving access to healthcare in our community is the Health Department's mobile unit, called "The Link." The goal of The Link is to provide comprehensive healthcare services to all individuals, particularly those in underserved areas or facing transportation barriers. This mobile unit brings essential medical care directly to communities, ensuring that no one is left behind in accessing the health services they need.

Health Behaviors 

New Initiative: As part of our ongoing efforts to promote safety and raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving, we are hosting a DUI simulation event at a local high school each year. This event provides students with a firsthand experience of the consequences of driving under the influence, using a simulation that mimics the real-life challenges and hazards of impaired driving. The goal is to educate young drivers, encourage responsible behavior, and reduce the risk of DUI-related incidents in our community.

Substance Use 

New Initiative: Since the last SOTCH and CHA, we’ve launched the PORT program as a new initiative. The PORT (Post-Overdose Response Team) program is designed to provide immediate support to individuals who have experienced an overdose, connecting them with essential services such as substance use treatment, mental health support, and recovery resources. We're now opening the application process for Peer Support Specialists, who will play a crucial role in guiding individuals on their recovery journey. We're collaborating with EMS, Fire, and Atrium to ensure the program's success and create a strong foundation for its implementation.