This was 15.3 percent lower than the state average of 41.9 percent. In 2020 the total municipality population reached 20,173.
80.1 percent of the population had at least a high school diploma or the equivalent.
Degree distribution in Kinston for 2020*
| Degree | Number of people | Percentage of population |
|---|---|---|
| No degree | 2,754 | 19.9 |
| Regular high school diploma | 3,681 | 26.6 |
| GED or alternative credential | 807 | 5.8 |
| Some college, less than 1 year | 846 | 6.1 |
| Some college, 1 or more years, no degree | 2,086 | 15 |
| Associate's degree | 1,377 | 9.9 |
| Bachelor's degree | 1,603 | 11.6 |
| Master's degree | 454 | 3.3 |
| Professional school degree | 90 | 0.6 |
| Doctorate degree | 163 | 1.2 |
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