Kinston is a city in Lenoir County, North Carolina, United States, with a population of 21,677 as of the 2010 census. It has been the county seat of Lenoir County since its formation in 1791. Kinston is located in the coastal plains region of eastern North Carolina. In 2009, Kinston won the All-America City Award. This marks the second time in 21 years the city has won the title.

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