Hertford County, North Carolina

Income Data

U.S. Census Bureau ACS

-22% vs. North Carolina average

$47,472

Median Household Income

$27,562

Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income

$47,472

-22% vs. state avg

Per Capita Income

$27,562

-30% vs. national

Income-to-Housing Ratio

42.7%

income as % of home value

Rank in North Carolina

#85 / 100

by median household income

Economic Indicators

Unemployment Rate

N/A

Labor Force Participation

N/A

How Hertford County Compares

Hertford County$47,472

North Carolina Average$61,072

National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$47,472

Median Household Income

$27,562

Per Capita Income

$111,100

Median Home Value

42.7%

Income-to-Housing Ratio

Income Advisory: Hertford County

Income Verdict

Hertford County has a median household income of $47,472 and per capita income of $27,562 — a gap of $19,910, suggesting a higher share of single-earner or non-family households.

Housing Affordability

With median gross rent at $806/month and a median household income of $47,472, rent consumes approximately 20.4% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.

Economic Context

With a median household income of $47,472, residents of Hertford County likely face budget constraints in higher-cost regions but may find cost of living manageable locally. Per capita income of $27,562 suggests below-average individual earnings, which may reflect local employment mix or industrial composition.

Neighbor Context

Hertford County earns approximately 22.3% below the North Carolina state median household income of $61,072.

Data Story

About Household Income in Hertford County, North Carolina

Hertford trails nation by $27,000

Hertford County's median household income of $47,472 falls significantly short of the national median of $74,755, creating a $27,000 gap that limits household wealth-building capacity. The county ranks among the lowest-earning regions in America, reflective of limited access to high-wage employment and economic diversification challenges.

Hertford among state's lowest earners

At $47,472, Hertford County's median household income is 22% below North Carolina's state average of $61,072, placing it in the bottom tier of the state's 100 counties. This income deficit constrains household budgets and limits local economic development capacity.

Hertford struggles in low-income tier

Hertford's $47,472 median household income ranks slightly above Halifax ($45,071) but trails all other profiled counties, sitting second-lowest alongside Hyde in regional income rankings. The county faces persistent economic challenges shared with its neighboring rural counties, requiring targeted economic development and workforce training initiatives.

Rent burden tight, homes very affordable

At 20.4% of income, Hertford's rent-to-income ratio is acceptable but leaves limited flexibility for additional expenses on a household income of $47,472. The median home value of $111,100 is the second-lowest among profiled counties, offering genuine homeownership accessibility despite low income.

Focus on stability, then growth

Hertford households should prioritize building a $1,000–$2,000 emergency fund and exploring low-cost retirement savings options like Roth IRAs, which allow flexible withdrawals of contributions. Once basic financial security is established, even $25–$50 monthly contributions compound meaningfully over decades, creating a path toward retirement readiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Hertford County, North Carolina?

The median household income in Hertford County, North Carolina is $47,472, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.

How much do people earn in Hertford County?

The per capita income in Hertford County is $27,562, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $47,472.

How does Hertford County compare to the North Carolina average?

Hertford County's median household income of $47,472 is lower than the North Carolina state average of $61,072. The per capita income is $27,562, compared to the state average of $33,920.

What is the per capita income in Hertford County, North Carolina?

The per capita income in Hertford County, North Carolina is $27,562, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.

Is Hertford County a low-income area in North Carolina?

Hertford County's median household income of $47,472 is below the North Carolina average of $61,072. The per capita income of $27,562 is also lower than the state average of $33,920. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.

How does Hertford County rank for income in North Carolina?

Hertford County ranks #85 out of 100 counties in North Carolina by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $47,472 and per capita income of $27,562, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Hertford County

Your Household Income

1.00x

Your income is above the Hertford County median

County median: $47,472 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

-22%

vs. National Median

-36%

vs. Hertford County MedianAbout equal

vs. North Carolina Average▼ 22% below

vs. National Median▼ 36% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent4.9x

Your monthly income ($3,956) vs. median rent ($806/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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