countyscore

Harnett County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#84 in North Carolina

Explore on ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
34.7
County Score
Water Quality 69.3Income & Jobs 64.3Weather & Climate 59

County Report Card

About Harnett County, North Carolina

Performance Lags Behind National Median

Harnett County holds a composite score of 34.7, which is well under the national median of 50.0. This score indicates that the county ranks in the bottom third of counties nationwide for its combination of economic and social factors.

Lagging North Carolina's State Average

Harnett's 34.7 composite score is significantly lower than the North Carolina average of 44.7. Despite recent growth, the county has yet to match the livability metrics of the state's top performers.

Solid Income and Low Taxes

The county boasts a high income score of 64.3 and a strong tax score of 58.2, thanks to a low effective tax rate of 0.744%. With a median household income of $69,012 and a water score of 69.3, the area provides a sturdy economic foundation for families.

High Housing Costs and School Rankings

Harnett faces challenges in housing affordability with a cost score of 20.7 and a school score of 23.7. Median home values of $220,700 and low safety scores of 20.8 place a strain on the quality of life for local residents.

Best for Moderate-Income Earners

Harnett County is ideal for working families who value lower property taxes and strong household earnings. Prospective residents should balance these financial benefits against the trade-offs in school performance and housing affordability.

Score breakdown

Tax58.2Cost20.7Safety20.8Health40.1Schools23.7Income64.3Risk24.7Water69.3Weather59
🏛58.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠20.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼64.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡20.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤40.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓23.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡24.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧69.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤59
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨14.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱33.7
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Harnett County

Whether buying or refinancing in Harnett County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Harnett County with Jefferson County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Jefferson County
Alabama
Median income: $64,589
34.7
Des Moines County
Iowa
Median income: $60,662
34.7
Reno County
Kansas
Median income: $60,498
34.7
Riley County
Kansas
Median income: $59,560
34.7
Kay County
Oklahoma
Median income: $56,673
34.7
Yuma County
Arizona
Median income: $60,417
34.8
Mitchell County
Georgia
Median income: $51,908
34.8
Grenada County
Mississippi
Median income: $47,998
34.8

Nearby counties

Cumberland County
North Carolina
25.9
Lee County
North Carolina
35.9
Johnston County
North Carolina
43.5
Hoke County
North Carolina
35.4
Moore County
North Carolina
48.6
Chatham County
North Carolina
40.7
Wake County
North Carolina
53.8
Sampson County
North Carolina
36.3

Deep Dives

Harnett County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Harnett County

via TaxByCounty

Harnett taxes align closely with NC

Harnett's 0.744% effective rate sits just above North Carolina's 0.701% average and below the national median of 0.703%, placing it near the 50th percentile nationally. At $1,642 annually on a median home worth $220,700, Harnett residents pay roughly 39% less than the national median tax bill of $2,690.

Harnett near middle of NC pack

At 0.744%, Harnett ranks slightly above the state average of 0.701%, landing in the middle third of North Carolina's 100 counties. The county represents a balanced tax environment compared to high-burden areas like Halifax and low-burden ones like Henderson.

Harnett reasonable within Piedmont region

Harnett's 0.744% rate sits between Hoke County's lower 0.692% and Guilford's higher 0.883%, offering moderate tax positioning in the central Piedmont. The 14-percentage-point gap between Harnett and high-rate Halifax is significant for homeowners.

Typical Harnett property tax payment

On the median home valued at $220,700, Harnett homeowners pay approximately $1,642 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, the escrow-included amount typically rises to about $1,796.

Even moderate rates warrant review

Even in counties with reasonable tax rates, individual overassessments occur regularly—assessment offices sometimes lag market value trends. Harnett homeowners should verify their valuation matches recent comparable home sales to ensure they're not overpaying.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Harnett County

via CostByCounty

Harnett offers near-perfect affordability

Harnett County's 18.8% rent-to-income ratio sits right at the national comfort zone, with renters paying $1,080/month against a median household income of $69,012. This is among the healthiest housing burden ratios in our analysis.

Best-in-class NC affordability

Harnett's 18.8% rent-to-income ratio beats North Carolina's state average of 18.6%, making it one of the most affordable counties statewide. Median household income of $69,012 also outpaces several rural peers.

Harnett undercuts Guilford and Henderson

At $1,080/month, Harnett's median rent runs $28 below Guilford and $40 below Henderson, while incomes remain competitive. The county offers the best rent-to-income math in this immediate cluster.

Homeowners pay more, but manageable

Renters spend $1,080/month while homeowners face $1,171/month in mortgage costs—a $91 monthly gap reflecting the county's $220,700 median home value. Both housing types remain accessible relative to median income.

Harnett: NC's balanced housing market

If you're relocating to North Carolina, Harnett delivers rare affordability paired with solid regional income—Fort Bragg proximity adds job stability. Your housing costs will consume just under 19% of income, leaving breathing room for other needs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Harnett County

via IncomeByCounty

Harnett outearns state, approaches nation

Harnett County's median household income of $69,012 exceeds North Carolina's state average of $61,072 by 13%, bringing it within striking distance of the national median of $74,755. The county ranks above many American counties and demonstrates economic strength for its size and rural character.

Harnett ranks among state's strongest earners

At $69,012, Harnett County's median household income places it comfortably above the state average, positioning it in the upper third of North Carolina's counties. This performance reflects the county's access to regional employment hubs and a diversified local economy.

Harnett leads rural county peer group

Harnett's $69,012 median household income edges out Guilford ($66,027) and surpasses smaller neighbors like Hoke ($60,095) and Haywood ($61,001), making it a top earner among rural counties. The county's per capita income of $31,382 reflects strong earning potential, though it lags more urbanized peers like Henderson ($38,976).

Housing affordable, rent well-managed

Harnett households spend just 18.8% of income on rent, the lowest ratio among comparable counties, leaving substantial room for savings and other expenses. The median home value of $220,700 represents a reasonable multiple of median household income, making homeownership accessible for families with modest down payments.

Harnett's advantage: invest early

With above-state-average income and below-average rent burdens, Harnett households have genuine capacity to invest 10–15% of earnings toward retirement and wealth-building goals. Families here should maximize employer retirement matches, open IRAs, and explore diversified investment accounts to capitalize on this favorable income-to-cost-of-living position.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Harnett County

via CrimeByCounty

Harnett Remains Safer Than National Average

Harnett County maintains a total crime rate of 2051.0 per 100,000 people, which is lower than the national average of 2,385.5. The county earns a safety score of 96.8, positioning it as a relatively secure place to live. Residents benefit from crime levels that trend below many other parts of the country.

Matching the North Carolina Benchmark

Harnett County's safety score of 96.8 perfectly matches the North Carolina state average. Its total crime rate of 2051.0 is also nearly identical to the state average of 2,050.0. This makes the county a representative snapshot of public safety across the state of North Carolina.

Comparative Safety in the Region

Harnett County is notably safer than Guilford County, which reports a much higher crime rate of 2900.7. However, it sees more crime than neighboring Henderson County, where the rate drops to 1498.2. Local safety levels remain stable compared to more urbanized neighbors.

Low Violent Crime Trends Locally

The violent crime rate in Harnett County is 302.9 per 100,000, which is lower than the national average of 369.8. Property crime stands at 1748.1, also falling below the national mark of 2,015.7. These figures reflect a community where both violent and property offenses are less frequent than in many other areas.

Taking Practical Safety Precautions

Maintaining home security through simple habits like locking all doors can further lower your risk. Since property crime remains the primary concern, consider basic alarm systems or video monitoring. Active community engagement helps keep Harnett County's crime rates below the national curve.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Harnett County

via HealthByCounty

Harnett slightly below national average

Life expectancy in Harnett County stands at 74.5 years, roughly matching the U.S. average of 74.5 years. However, 19.5% report poor or fair health, slightly above the national average of 18%.

Harnett edges ahead of NC average

At 74.5 years, Harnett's life expectancy slightly exceeds North Carolina's state average of 74.4 years, placing it near the middle of the state's county rankings. The uninsured rate of 11.8% is marginally better than the state's 12.5%.

Primary care access needs improvement

Harnett offers just 27 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—substantially below state norms. With 111 mental health providers per 100,000, mental healthcare is also limited.

11.8% of Harnett residents uninsured

Nearly 1 in 8 Harnett residents lack health insurance, and with fewer primary care providers available, seeking care becomes harder. Many residents travel outside the county for routine medical services.

Coverage matters in rural Harnett

Check your eligibility for NC marketplace plans or Medicaid at nchealthplans.gov. With limited local providers, insurance helps you travel and receive the care you need.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Harnett County

via SchoolsByCounty

Growing Enrollment in a Thriving County

Harnett County supports 30 public schools and a large student population of 20,496 across three districts. The landscape is primarily elementary-focused with 17 schools, balanced by 6 middle and 6 high schools.

Graduation Rates Match National Standards

Harnett County achieves an 87.0% graduation rate, perfectly matching the national average. This is accomplished with a leaner per-pupil expenditure of $5,985, which is notably lower than both state and national spending levels.

Harnett County Schools Dominates Enrollment

Harnett County Schools is the central pillar of the community, serving 20,050 students in 28 schools. While charter options like Anderson Creek Academy exist, they represent less than 7% of the total school landscape.

Larger Campuses in a Rural Setting

The county features an average school size of 683 students, with 17 schools situated in rural locales. Overhills High stands out as the largest facility, housing 1,971 students in a modern educational environment.

Settle Near Harnett’s Leading Schools

With a mix of rural charm and growing suburban centers, Harnett County is an emerging choice for families. Check out homes near Overhills or Harnett Central to take advantage of the county's largest high school programs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Harnett County

via RiskByCounty

Harnett's risk aligns with U.S. average

Harnett County scores 75.29 on the composite risk index, landing it squarely in the Relatively Low category and near the national median. Residents face typical American-level disaster exposure rather than exceptional vulnerability.

Middle of the pack in North Carolina

At 75.29, Harnett ranks slightly above North Carolina's average of 66.72, placing it in the mid-range of the state's 100 counties. The county experiences moderate hazard exposure compared to both high-risk and low-risk regions statewide.

Risk comparable to nearby counties

Harnett (75.29) sits between Halifax (72.90) to the east and Lee County to the west, with similar exposure patterns. Neighboring Johnson and Wake counties show slightly different risk profiles despite geographic proximity.

Hurricanes and tornadoes create compound threat

Harnett faces a hurricane risk of 88.86 and tornado risk of 87.09, making tropical systems and spring severe weather the dominant concerns. Wildfire risk (69.05) has increased in recent years and warrants attention during dry seasons.

Multi-hazard insurance strategy recommended

Given hurricane (88.86) and tornado (87.09) risks, ensure your homeowners policy explicitly covers wind damage and consider additional wildfire protection. Flood insurance is a separate purchase but worth evaluating given the county's 73.92 flood risk score.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Harnett County

via WeatherByCounty

A hot spot in the South

Harnett County is significantly warmer than the national median with an annual average of 62.3°F. It represents the warmer tier of the humid subtropical climate zone in the United States.

Warmest of the central counties

At 62.3°F, Harnett is three degrees warmer than the North Carolina state average. It is also one of the few inland counties where January temperatures stay well above 40°F on average.

Intense summer heat compared to neighbors

With 49 extreme heat days, Harnett is significantly hotter than Guilford or Granville. It matches the state average for rain almost perfectly, receiving 50.1 inches compared to the state's 51.5 inches.

Sweltering summers and mild winters

July is hot with an average of 81.3°F, and the county hits the 90°F mark 49 times a year. Winters are short and mild, with a January average of 43.1°F and minimal snowfall of 2.1 inches.

Invest in cooling

The 49 days of extreme heat make high-quality air conditioning a non-negotiable requirement for residents. Because the county receives 50.1 inches of rain, residents should also prepare for high humidity during the peak summer months.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Harnett County

via SoilByCounty

Sandhill-Influenced Acidic Earth

Harnett County’s soil pH of 5.18 sits right at the state average of 5.14, representing a typical acidic North Carolina profile. This is far from the national median of 6.5, meaning soil amendments are a standard part of local agriculture. The county earns a soil score of 14.7, reflecting the challenges of its high sand content.

High Sand, Low Clay Composition

With a composition of 68.9% sand and only 10.2% clay, Harnett possesses some of the sandiest soil in the region. This texture allows for excellent aeration but offers very little in the way of natural nutrient storage. The 20.9% silt helps provide some minimal structure to prevent total erosion.

Limited Water and Nutrient Storage

The soil contains just 1.61% organic matter, trailing the state average of 5.12%. Available water capacity is also low at 0.109 in/in, compared to the state average of 0.134. Plants in this soil will experience drought stress faster than those in neighboring counties without supplemental watering.

Rapid Drainage for Arid Gardening

The extremely high sand percentage suggests a very fast drainage rate, which is ideal for avoiding standing water. This makes the soil excellent for building foundations but difficult for moisture-loving plants. Landscapers should prioritize drought-tolerant species that can handle the quick-drying nature of this terrain.

Start Your Sandhill Garden

In Zone 8a, Harnett is perfect for heat-loving crops that prefer well-drained feet, such as okra and lavender. Succulents and native pines also perform exceptionally well in these sandy conditions. Adding mulch will help your garden retain the moisture that the natural soil struggles to hold.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Harnett County

via LawnByCounty

Tough Conditions for Harnett Lawns

Harnett County sits at a difficulty score of 33.7, making it one of the more demanding places in the state for lawn care. This Zone 8a environment demands constant attention to soil health and irrigation to overcome regional climate pressures.

Intense Heat and High Growth

With 49 days per year reaching 90°F or higher, heat stress is a major factor for local turf. The county experiences 5,311 growing degree days, which is significantly higher than the state average, leading to an aggressive and long-lasting mowing schedule.

Sandy Terrain Demands Extra Care

The soil is comprised of 68.9% sand, the highest in this group, leading to exceptionally fast drainage and low nutrient retention. Combined with a very acidic pH of 5.18, significant lime and organic matter are required to sustain healthy growth.

Water Conservation is Critical

Harnett experienced 26 weeks of drought last year and currently suffers from 100% severe drought coverage. Using mulch in garden beds and maintaining a taller grass height can help the soil retain what little moisture is available.

Choose Heat-Hardy Grass Types

Bermuda grass is the gold standard here due to its heat tolerance and ability to handle the 5,311 degree days. Aim to seed after the March 28 frost to take full advantage of the exceptionally long growing season.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Harnett County's county score?
Harnett County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 34.7 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Harnett County rank among counties in North Carolina?
Harnett County ranks #84 among all counties in North Carolina on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Harnett County, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Harnett County is $1,642, with an effective tax rate of 0.74%. This earns Harnett County a tax score of 58.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Harnett County?
The median household income in Harnett County, North Carolina is $69,012 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Harnett County earns an income score of 64.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Harnett County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Harnett County scores 34.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #84 in North Carolina. The best way to evaluate Harnett County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Harnett County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.