Hertford County, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
19,908
-2.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$45,537/yr
-4.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
9,816
-0.1% year-over-year change

Hertford County population

How many people live in Hertford County

Hertford County is home to 19,908 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.2% of Hertford County locals are male, and 51.8% are female.

Total population
19,908
-2.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.2%
9,604
Female
51.8%
10,304
Value Percent YoY change
Male 9,604 48.2% -4.4%
Female 10,304 51.8% -1.3%
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 Hertford County is 43, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.7% are children under 15, then 14.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.5% of the population, while another 24.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 22.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
42.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.7%
15 to 24
14.7%
25 to 44
22.5%
45 to 64
24.4%
Over 65
22.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,125 15.7% -0.6%
15 to 24 2,918 14.7% -5.5%
25 to 44 4,472 22.5% -3.5%
45 to 64 4,860 24.4% -7.6%
Over 65 4,533 22.8% 3.8%
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 Hertford County, 95.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 34% of locals are Caucasian, 55.8% are African American and 1.1% have Asian roots. Another 1.7% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 2.6% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 4.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
95.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.4%
Non-citizens
3.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 19,014 95.5% -2.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 278 1.4% -21.2%
Non-citizens 616 3.1% -10.7%
Racial breakdown
White
34%
Black or African American
55.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.7%
Asian
1.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
4.6%
Other
2.6%
Value Percent
White 6,773 34%
Black or African American 11,117 55.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 342 1.7%
Asian 215 1.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 23 0.1%
Two or more races 926 4.6%
Other 512 2.6%

Households in Hertford County

A peek inside Hertford County households

Hertford County has 8,285 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 60.7% are families, while the remaining 39.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
8,285
-0.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
3,257
Family households
5,028
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 3,257 39.3% 2.7%
Family households 5,028 60.7% -2.5%
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 Hertford County

The housing landscape of Hertford County

Hertford County's housing consists of 9,816 units, with 65% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2% 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 22.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
9,816
-0.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 6,383 65%
1 unit, attached 191 2%
2 units 560 5.7%
3 or 4 units 200 2%
5 to 9 units 116 1.2%
10 to 19 units 15 0.2%
20 to 49 units 102 1%
50 or more units 20 0.2%
Mobile home 2,229 22.7%
Homes built since 2020
70
1.4% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Hertford County

In Hertford County, the median construction year is 1978. About 8.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 10.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 855 8.7% 4.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 590 6% -9.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 787 8% -20.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,321 13.5% -11.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,751 17.8% 15.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,469 15% 15.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,393 14.2% -14.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,001 10.2% 8.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 579 5.9% 18.6%
Built in 2020 or later 70 0.7% 1.4%
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.

Hertford County occupancy rates

Out of the 8,285 occupied housing units in Hertford County, 67.4% are owner-occupied, while 32.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 15.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
8,285
-0.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,704
Owner occupied
5,581
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,704 32.6% -3.4%
Owner occupied 5,581 67.4% 0.9%
Unoccupied housing units
15.6%
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.

Hertford County housing costs

Housing costs in Hertford County come to a median of $851 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $844.

Median housing costs per month
$851/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 Hertford County
$844/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 Hertford County

Hertford County education at a glance

About 43.7% of the population in Hertford County went to high school, while 26.2% pursued college studies. Another 11.4% earned an associate degree and 9.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 638 4% -4.6%
High school diploma 7,022 43.7% -6.3%
College diploma 4,208 26.2% 2.1%
Associate degree 1,826 11.4% 5.7%
Bachelor's degree 1,487 9.2% -11.2%
Graduate degree 890 5.5% -3.9%
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 Hertford County

How much people earn in Hertford County

The average annual household income in Hertford County was $68,190 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $45,537, reflecting a -4.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Hertford County
$68,190/year
0.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Hertford County
$45,537/year
-4.1% year-over-year change

Hertford County income by age

In Hertford County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $44,913. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $56,964 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $47,774, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $43,002 in earnings. Overall, 77.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $47,774 -1.0%
25 - 44 $44,913 3.7%
45 - 64 $56,964 -9.2%
Over 65 $43,002 -1.0%
Above poverty level
13,940
Below poverty level
4,067
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 13,940 77.4% -4.1%
Below poverty level 4,067 22.6% 4.7%

Employment in Hertford County

Workforce and job types in Hertford County

The job market in Hertford County is powered by 7,909 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 67.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 32.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.6% run their own businesses, 57.9% are employed by private companies, and 22.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
7,909
-5.1% year-over-year change
White collar
5,330
Blue collar
2,579
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 5,330 67.4% -6.5%
Blue collar 2,579 32.6% -2.2%
Employer type
Self employees
8.6%
Private companies
57.9%
Governmental workers
22.2%
Not for profit companies
11.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 681 8.6% -1.0%
Private companies 4,579 57.9% -8.5%
Governmental workers 1,757 22.2% -3.5%
Not for profit companies 892 11.3% 8.4%
Unemployment rate
6.0%
8.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Hertford County stands at 6%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Hertford County

How people get around in Hertford County

In Hertford County, the average commute time is 26 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 90.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.8% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
26 min
-4.7% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 7,026 90.4% -4.0%
Bus or trolleybus 92 1.2% 35.3%
Bicycle 14 0.2% -22.2%
Walk 139 1.8% -10.3%
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 Hertford County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
27818 850 456 $58,478 $104,203
27855 5,783 2,191 $42,938 $62,489
27897 1,194 570 $56,694 $71,991
27910 10,487 4,551 $43,144 $63,549
27922 758 348 $49,250 $66,837
27942 766 365 $44,271 $55,993
27986 1,283 445 $49,784 $73,642
27805 2,517 1,159 $52,679 $71,443

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FAQs about Hertford County demographics 

What is the total population of Hertford County?

Hertford County has a total population of 19,908 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 -2.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Hertford County?

The gender ratio in Hertford County is as follows:
  • 48.2% males (9,604 residents)
  • 51.8% females (10,304 residents)

What is the median age in Hertford County?

The median age in Hertford County is 42.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Hertford County?

The age distribution in Hertford County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.7% (3,125 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.7% (2,918 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.5% (4,472 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.4% (4,860 residents)
  • Over 65: 22.8% (4,533 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Hertford County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Hertford County is as follows:
  • White: 34% (6,773 residents)
  • Black or African American: 55.8% (11,117 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.7% (342 residents)
  • Asian: 1.1% (215 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (23 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.6% (926 residents)
  • Other: 2.6% (512 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 95.5% of the population in Hertford County.

How many housing units are there in Hertford County?

There are 9,816 housing units in Hertford County, reflecting a -0.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Hertford County has a total of 8,285 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Hertford County?

Hertford County has a median household income of $45,537, representing a -4.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Hertford County?

The employment rate is 94% in Hertford County, with a workforce of 7,909 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 67.4% (5,330 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 32.6% (2,579 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.6% (681 residents)
  • Private companies: 57.9% (4,579 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 22.2% (1,757 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11.3% (892 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