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
What sets Hertford County apart is money: median household income runs $47,472, below the US median of $78,538. With 20,492 residents, Hertford County is a county in North Carolina.
Incomes run on the lower side: a median household income of $47,472, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 14.1% of residents fall below the poverty line, above the national 12.4%. Property is affordable here, the median home worth $111,100, with typical rent around $806.
Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 16.7%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the lower side here, at 4.6%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 28 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.
Hertford County, NC Climate
Hertford County, NC has an average annual temperature of 15.3°C (60°F) and receives about 1199 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
15.3°C
Avg Temp
1199
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 4° / 40° | 102 mm |
| February | 6° / 42° | 92 mm |
| March | 10° / 50° | 102 mm |
| April | 15° / 58° | 82 mm |
| May | 19° / 66° | 107 mm |
| June | 23° / 74° | 108 mm |
| July | 26° / 79° | 132 mm |
| August | 25° / 77° | 128 mm |
| September | 22° / 72° | 102 mm |
| October | 16° / 60° | 86 mm |
| November | 11° / 52° | 73 mm |
| December | 6° / 44° | 85 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Hertford County, NC
The most comfortable months to visit Hertford County, NC are typically September, May and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near -1°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Hertford County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.