Hertford, NC
Population 1,703 · North Carolina
About Hertford, NC
Hertford is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 1,703 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $40,096 per year, which is 47% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44.7 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Hertford features a median home value of $178,600, which is 27% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Hertford in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $634, 45% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,050 total housing units, 54% are owner-occupied (400 units) and 46% are renter-occupied (344 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Hertford shows an unemployment rate of 7.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 24.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Hertford have an average one-way commute time of 36.9 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
13.2% of Hertford residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 6.8% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 3.3% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Hertford Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Hertford, NC
Compared to national averages, Hertford has a median household income of $40,096 (47% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $178,600, which is 27% below the national median. Monthly rent at $634 is 45% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Hertford's income is 38% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 22% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Hertford, NC?
Hertford offers affordable housing with a median home value of $178,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $634/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($40,096) that falls below the national average. However, Hertford’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Hertford has a population of 1,703 with a median age of 44.7 years. Compare Hertford with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Hertford
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic Beach | 1,705 | $58,056 | $466,400 | Compare |
| Horse Shoe | 1,699 | $67,703 | $396,400 | Compare |
| Tryon | 1,713 | $47,604 | $222,700 | Compare |
| Walnut Creek | 1,684 | $145,417 | $423,800 | Compare |
| Pinebluff | 1,723 | $75,188 | $219,800 | Compare |
| Bryson City | 1,676 | $43,387 | $246,700 | Compare |
| Foxfire | 1,730 | $75,163 | $352,300 | Compare |
| Sea Breeze | 1,731 | $57,379 | $398,800 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in North Carolina
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Hertford With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Hertford
What is the population of Hertford, NC?
The population of Hertford, NC is 1,703 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in Hertford?
The median household income in Hertford, NC is $40,096 per year, which is 47% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Hertford?
The median home value in Hertford, NC is $178,600, which is 27% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Hertford?
The median monthly rent in Hertford, NC is $634, which is 45% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Hertford?
The unemployment rate in Hertford, NC is 7.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Hertford, NC a good place to live?
Hertford offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,703 and a median age of 44.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Hertford, NC?
13.2% of residents in Hertford aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Hertford?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Hertford, NC: median home value is $178,600 (27% below national), median rent is $634/month, and median household income is $40,096. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.5x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Hertford?
The poverty rate in Hertford, NC is 24.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Hertford, NC?
Hertford's population is 6.8% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 3.3% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 45.2% two or more races. 1.6% of residents are foreign-born.