Harnett, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
26,669
0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$83,830/yr
3.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
12,605
2.0% year-over-year change

Harnett population

How many people live in Harnett

Harnett is home to 26,669 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.8% of Harnett locals are male, and 52.2% are female.

Total population
26,669
0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.8%
12,737
Female
52.2%
13,931
Value Percent YoY change
Male 12,737 47.8% 1.6%
Female 13,931 52.2% -1.2%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Harnett is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 16% are children under 15, then 12.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.4% of the population, while another 26.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
40
Age breakdown
Under 15
16%
15 to 24
12.8%
25 to 44
25.4%
45 to 64
26.1%
Over 65
19.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 4,278 16% 0.2%
15 to 24 3,406 12.8% -4.4%
25 to 44 6,774 25.4% 2.8%
45 to 64 6,951 26.1% 0.3%
Over 65 5,260 19.7% -0.4%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Harnett, 91.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 77.6% of locals are Caucasian, 10% are African American and 2.4% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 6.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
91.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.4%
Non-citizens
4.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 24,316 91.2% 0.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,161 4.4% -5.2%
Non-citizens 1,192 4.5% -6.1%
Racial breakdown
White
77.6%
Black or African American
10%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
2.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.7%
Other
3.2%
Value Percent
White 20,702 77.6%
Black or African American 2,665 10%
American Indian and Alaska Native 36 0.1%
Asian 633 2.4%
Two or more races 1,783 6.7%
Other 850 3.2%

Households in Harnett

A peek inside Harnett households

Harnett has 11,566 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 63.8% are families, while the remaining 36.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
11,566
1.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
4,188
Family households
7,377
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 4,188 36.2% 1.3%
Family households 7,377 63.8% 2.1%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Harnett

The housing landscape of Harnett

Harnett's housing consists of 12,605 units, with 76.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.5% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
12,605
2.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 9,650 76.6%
1 unit, attached 441 3.5%
2 units 269 2.1%
3 or 4 units 245 1.9%
5 to 9 units 265 2.1%
10 to 19 units 485 3.8%
20 to 49 units 676 5.4%
50 or more units 319 2.5%
Mobile home 255 2%
Homes built since 2020
563
79.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Harnett

In Harnett, the median construction year is 1996. About 0.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 26.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 15.7% between 2010 and 2019, and 4.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 109 0.9% 3.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 175 1.4% 47.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 279 2.2% 36.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 497 3.9% -3.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,362 10.8% -1.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,290 10.2% -6.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 3,054 24.2% 3.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 3,298 26.2% -0.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,978 15.7% -5.6%
Built in 2020 or later 563 4.5% 79.3%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Harnett occupancy rates

Out of the 11,566 occupied housing units in Harnett, 73.6% are owner-occupied, while 26.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 8.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
11,566
1.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
3,053
Owner occupied
8,512
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 3,053 26.4% 0.2%
Owner occupied 8,512 73.6% 2.4%
Unoccupied housing units
8.2%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Harnett housing costs

Housing costs in Harnett come to a median of $1,498 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,609.

Median housing costs per month
$1,498/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Harnett
$1,609/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Harnett

Harnett education at a glance

About 19.3% of the population in Harnett went to high school, while 22.3% pursued college studies. Another 10.4% earned an associate degree and 30.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 15.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 421 2% -12.3%
High school diploma 4,160 19.3% -2.2%
College diploma 4,802 22.3% 4.5%
Associate degree 2,239 10.4% 5.9%
Bachelor's degree 6,516 30.3% -2.6%
Graduate degree 3,389 15.7% 5.4%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Harnett

How much people earn in Harnett

The average annual household income in Harnett was $116,899 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $83,830, reflecting a +3.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Harnett
$116,899/year
2.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Harnett
$83,830/year
3.5% year-over-year change

Harnett income by age

In Harnett, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $87,520. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $106,244 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $95,551, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $68,514 in earnings. Overall, 93% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $95,551 48.0%
25 - 44 $87,520 4.6%
45 - 64 $106,244 2.5%
Over 65 $68,514 -5.1%
Above poverty level
24,313
Below poverty level
1,822
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 24,313 93% -0.5%
Below poverty level 1,822 7% 6.8%

Employment in Harnett

Workforce and job types in Harnett

85.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 14.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 13% run their own businesses, 67.9% are employed by private companies, and 13.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
11,824
Blue collar
2,021
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 11,824 85.4% 0.5%
Blue collar 2,021 14.6% -7.0%
Employer type
Self employees
13%
Private companies
67.9%
Governmental workers
13.6%
Not for profit companies
5.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,797 13% -6.1%
Private companies 9,402 67.9% -1.0%
Governmental workers 1,890 13.6% 17.7%
Not for profit companies 757 5.5% -18.0%

Transportation in Harnett

How people get around in Harnett

In Harnett, the average commute time is 17 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 98.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.3% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
17 min
240.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 10,454 98.9% -4.4%
Taxicab 40 0.4% N/A
Bicycle 49 0.5% 25.6%
Walk 28 0.3% -17.6%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Harnett by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
28405 35,467 15,899 $70,274 $109,255
28411 37,233 15,924 $97,387 $118,944

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Harnett demographics 

What is the total population of Harnett?

Harnett has a total population of 26,669 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Harnett?

The gender ratio in Harnett is as follows:
  • 47.8% males (12,737 residents)
  • 52.2% females (13,931 residents)

What is the median age in Harnett?

The median age in Harnett is 40.

What is the age distribution of the population in Harnett?

The age distribution in Harnett is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16% (4,278 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.8% (3,406 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.4% (6,774 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.1% (6,951 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.7% (5,260 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Harnett?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Harnett is as follows:
  • White: 77.6% (20,702 residents)
  • Black or African American: 10% (2,665 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (36 residents)
  • Asian: 2.4% (633 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.7% (1,783 residents)
  • Other: 3.2% (850 residents)

What percentage of the population in Harnett are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 91.2% of the population in Harnett.

How many housing units are there in Harnett?

There are 12,605 housing units in Harnett, reflecting a +2.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Harnett and what is the average household size?

Harnett has a total of 11,566 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Harnett?

Harnett has a median household income of $83,830, representing a +3.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Harnett?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 85.4% (11,824 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 14.6% (2,021 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 13% (1,797 residents)
  • Private companies: 67.9% (9,402 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13.6% (1,890 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.5% (757 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025