Hertford County, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 79th-largest in North Carolina
The population of Hertford County, North Carolina is 20,492 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 79th-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $47,472, the median home value is $111,100, and the median age is 42.3.
The population of Hertford County has declined 22.6% since 2010 (24,773 → 19,169), a -1.82% annualized rate.
20,492
Population
-1.82%
Annual growth
58
People / sq mi
$47,472
Median Income
$111,100
Median Home Value
Hertford County covers 353 sq mi of land at 58.0 people per square mile.
About Hertford County, NC
Hertford County is a county in North Carolina with a population of 20,492. It ranks #79 among counties in North Carolina by population. The median age is 42.3, older than the national median. The population is 49.0% male and 51.0% female.
The median household income in Hertford County is $47,472, below the US median of $74,580. 14.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $111,100, with monthly rent averaging $806. The homeownership rate of 66.4% is close to the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Hertford County reflects 16.7% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 4.6% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 27.8 minutes each way.
Hertford County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Hertford County had a population of 24,773 in 2010 and 19,169 in 2024, a -22.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 24,773 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -1.77%.
19,169
Population (2024)
24,773
Population (2010)
24,773
Peak (2010)
-1.77%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 24,773 |
| 2011 | 24,732 |
| 2012 | 24,619 |
| 2013 | 24,603 |
| 2014 | 24,615 |
| 2015 | 24,404 |
| 2016 | 24,211 |
| 2017 | 23,917 |
| 2018 | 23,882 |
| 2019 | 23,642 |
| 2020 | 21,787 |
| 2021 | 19,826 |
| 2022 | 19,525 |
| 2023 | 19,234 |
| 2024 | 19,169 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 35.2% |
| Black or African American | 56.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
42.3
Median Age
51.0%
Female
49.0%
Male
21.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 15.3% · Seniors (65+): 21.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $47,472$-22,432 vs state |
| Mean household income | $67,765 |
| Per-capita income | $27,562 |
| Poverty rate | 14.1%+4.7% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.7% |
| Employment-to-population | 48.8% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Hertford County is professional & business services, accounting for 28.4% of workers.
How residents commute
0.8%
Drive alone
1.9%
Carpool
77.0%
Public transit
4.6%
Work from home
27.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$111,100$-148,300 vs state
Median home value
$806
Median rent
66.4%
Homeownership rate
9,831
Total housing units
84.7%
Occupied
15.3%
Vacant
33.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
90.3%
With health insurance
85.8%
With broadband internet
23.9%
Foreign-born
8.4%
Veterans (18+)
20.0%
With a disability
94.4%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
84.7%
High School+
16.7%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in North Carolina
Other counties in North Carolina
Part of North Carolina
Metro areas in North Carolina
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Hertford County, North Carolina has a population of 20,492 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 79th-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 58 people per square mile.
The population of Hertford County has declined 22.6% since 2010 (24,773 → 19,169), a -1.82% annualized rate.
The median household income in Hertford County, North Carolina is $47,472, with mean (average) household income of $67,765 and per-capita income of $27,562. 14.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Hertford County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are Black or African American (56.8%), White (35.2%), Hispanic or Latino (2.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Hertford County, North Carolina is 42.3 years. Residents are 51.0% female and 49.0% male.
The median home value in Hertford County is $111,100 and median monthly rent is $806. 66.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 9,831 total housing units, 15.3% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Hertford County, North Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 28.4% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.7%.
Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with Hertford County, North Carolina, with a population of 886,283.
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Full rankings of North Carolina counties
Statewide data for North Carolina
Population, race, income, age, and trends across North Carolina
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.