Hertford County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#70 in North Carolina
39.1
County Score
Weather & Climate 72.6Cost of Living 57.5Water Quality 55.6

County Report Card

About Hertford County, North Carolina

Below Average National Livability

Hertford County maintains a composite score of 39.1, trailing the national median of 50.0. This score places the county in the bottom half of U.S. jurisdictions across most livability metrics.

Trailing the North Carolina Average

At 39.1, Hertford sits below the North Carolina state average of 44.7. While it outperforms some coastal neighbors, it faces ongoing challenges in catching up to the state's economic leaders.

High Affordability and Moderate Safety

The county's strongest suit is housing affordability, earning a cost score of 57.5 with a median home value of $111,100. A safety score of 36.5 is also competitive compared to other rural counties in the region.

Income and Health Constraints

Hertford faces significant difficulty in income and health, with scores of 10.2 and 21.9 respectively. The median household income of $47,472 limits economic mobility for many residents in the area.

Best for Low-Cost Living

Hertford County is best for those who prioritize homeownership and low rent over high wages or health infrastructure. It serves as a practical choice for budget-conscious families who want a safer environment than the state's urban centers.

Score breakdown

Tax40.1Cost57.5Safety36.5Health21.9Schools35.9Income10.2Risk31.8Water55.6Weather72.6
🏛40.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠57.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼10.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡36.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
21.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓35.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
31.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧55.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤72.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨24.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱40.6
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
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Deep Dives

Hertford County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Hertford County

via TaxByCounty

Hertford taxes notably above US median

Hertford County's 0.975% effective rate ranks in the 70th percentile nationally, 39% higher than the US median of 0.703%. While annual taxes of $1,083 appear modest, that reflects low home values; on a per-dollar basis, Hertford residents shoulder a substantial tax load compared to most Americans.

Hertford among NC's steepest rates

Hertford's 0.975% effective rate ranks in the upper fifth of North Carolina's 100 counties, standing 39% above the state average of 0.701%. The county imposes a notably heavier tax burden than most NC communities.

Hertford second only to Halifax regionally

Hertford's 0.975% rate trails only Halifax's 1.135% among the eight counties compared, and significantly exceeds Hoke (0.692%), Harnett (0.744%), and Guilford (0.883%). The eastern region shows markedly higher tax rates than the Piedmont and western counties.

Hertford resident annual tax burden

On the median home valued at $111,100, Hertford homeowners pay roughly $1,083 in annual property taxes. Mortgaged properties typically see escrow-adjusted taxes around $1,303.

High-rate counties need vigilant appeals

In counties with above-average tax rates, assessment accuracy becomes critical to protecting household budgets. Hertford homeowners should obtain a professional valuation and file a property tax appeal if their assessed value exceeds recent comparable sales.

Cost of Living in Hertford County

via CostByCounty

Hertford renters stretch thin on income

Hertford County's 20.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the tightest in our analysis, with renters paying $806/month from a median household income of $47,472. The county sits above the national comfort zone despite modest rent levels.

Low income, pinched affordability

Hertford's 20.4% rent-to-income ratio exceeds North Carolina's 18.6% state average, while median household income of $47,472 ranks among the lowest statewide. The combination creates persistent housing affordability stress.

Rural eastern NC rental consistency

Hertford's $806 rent mirrors Halifax County ($776) and undercuts most western comparison counties, reflecting its rural Coastal Plain character. Despite cheaper rents, the ratio remains elevated due to chronically low incomes.

Renting and buying equally burdensome

Renters and homeowners pay nearly identical amounts—$806 and $807/month respectively—yet pursue housing from vastly different financial positions. Median home value of $111,100 offers entry points, but low incomes make down payment savings difficult.

Hertford: affordability's double bind

Hertford offers cheap rents, but low regional incomes mean the affordability ratio stays pinched at 20.4%. Relocate here only with stable remote income substantially above the county median, or you'll face the same housing squeeze as current residents.

Income & Jobs in Hertford County

via IncomeByCounty

Hertford trails nation by $27,000

Hertford County's median household income of $47,472 falls significantly short of the national median of $74,755, creating a $27,000 gap that limits household wealth-building capacity. The county ranks among the lowest-earning regions in America, reflective of limited access to high-wage employment and economic diversification challenges.

Hertford among state's lowest earners

At $47,472, Hertford County's median household income is 22% below North Carolina's state average of $61,072, placing it in the bottom tier of the state's 100 counties. This income deficit constrains household budgets and limits local economic development capacity.

Hertford struggles in low-income tier

Hertford's $47,472 median household income ranks slightly above Halifax ($45,071) but trails all other profiled counties, sitting second-lowest alongside Hyde in regional income rankings. The county faces persistent economic challenges shared with its neighboring rural counties, requiring targeted economic development and workforce training initiatives.

Rent burden tight, homes very affordable

At 20.4% of income, Hertford's rent-to-income ratio is acceptable but leaves limited flexibility for additional expenses on a household income of $47,472. The median home value of $111,100 is the second-lowest among profiled counties, offering genuine homeownership accessibility despite low income.

Focus on stability, then growth

Hertford households should prioritize building a $1,000–$2,000 emergency fund and exploring low-cost retirement savings options like Roth IRAs, which allow flexible withdrawals of contributions. Once basic financial security is established, even $25–$50 monthly contributions compound meaningfully over decades, creating a path toward retirement readiness.

Safety in Hertford County

via CrimeByCounty

High Safety Standards in Hertford

Hertford County maintains a strong safety score of 97.7, which is well above the national average. Its total crime rate of 1470.0 per 100,000 residents is much lower than the 2,385.5 reported nationwide. This suggests that residents enjoy a significantly safer environment than the average American.

One of North Carolina's Safer Counties

The county's safety score of 97.7 easily beats the North Carolina average of 96.8. Additionally, the local crime rate of 1470.0 is roughly 28% lower than the state average of 2,050.0. Hertford County stands as a model for public safety within the state.

Comparing Hertford to Nearby Areas

Hertford County is even safer than Henderson County, which has a slightly higher crime rate of 1498.2. It also reports significantly less crime than Halifax County, where the rate is a much higher 2962.7. These numbers place Hertford in a very favorable position within its regional context.

Property and Violent Crimes Trend Low

The property crime rate of 1188.0 is nearly half the national average, showing a very low risk of theft. Violent crime is also below national norms, reported at 282.0 compared to the US average of 369.8. This low frequency across all categories contributes to the county's high overall safety score.

Preserving Peace in Your Neighborhood

To keep crime rates low, residents should continue to participate in community watch programs. Simple actions like securing outbuildings and garages can prevent the most common types of property theft. Home security systems remain a smart investment even in very safe areas like Hertford.

Health in Hertford County

via HealthByCounty

Hertford struggles with poor health

Life expectancy in Hertford County is just 72.2 years—more than 2 years below the U.S. average of 74.5 years. A quarter of residents (25.2%) report poor or fair health, nearly 40% above the national average.

Hertford faces NC's toughest challenges

At 72.2 years, Hertford's life expectancy trails North Carolina's 74.4-year state average by over 2 years. The county ranks among the state's worst on health outcomes, indicating urgent community health needs.

Mixed provider availability

Hertford offers 61 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—adequate but below optimal—and 267 mental health providers per 100,000. The provider base exists but may be insufficient to serve all residents.

11.9% of Hertford residents uninsured

Nearly 1 in 8 Hertford residents lack coverage in a county already struggling with poor health outcomes. Insurance gaps compound existing barriers to care.

Insurance is essential here

Go to nchealthplans.gov or call 1-855-408-1010 to find affordable coverage today. In Hertford, insurance access can be lifesaving.

Schools in Hertford County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Concentrated and Focused School System

Hertford County maintains 7 public schools serving a close-knit student body of 2,486. The system is streamlined, consisting of 3 elementary, 1 middle, and 3 high schools, all managed by a single district.

Academic Outcomes on Par with National Data

Hertford County's 87.0% graduation rate matches the national average exactly. The county also invests $6,996 per pupil, which is slightly above the North Carolina state average of $6,969.

Unified District Management

Hertford County Schools is the sole provider for the region, ensuring consistent standards across all 7 facilities. There are currently no charter schools in the county, focusing all public resources on the main district schools.

Small-Town and Rural School Settings

Schools in Hertford are exclusively rural or town-based, creating a small-town atmosphere for students. The average school size is just 355 students, with Hertford County High being the largest at 573 students.

Find a Home in a Tight-Knit District

For families who prefer smaller environments where every student is known, Hertford County offers a unique appeal. Consider homes in Ahoskie to be near the primary and secondary education hubs.

Disaster Risk in Hertford County

via RiskByCounty

Hertford's risk is below national average

Hertford County scores 68.16, placing it below the national median with a Relatively Low rating. This coastal county's overall risk profile is actually more favorable than many American counties, despite specific coastal hazards.

Lower-risk county in North Carolina

At 68.16, Hertford sits just slightly above North Carolina's state average of 66.72, ranking in the lower half of the state's 100 counties. Most hazard categories remain below the statewide norm.

Safest among northeastern coastal neighbors

Hertford (68.16) shows lower composite risk than Edgecombe, Halifax, and Pitt counties to the west, and comparable or better risk than other Albemarle region counties. Its position offers relative safety compared to the broader northeastern coast.

Hurricane risk dominates coastal exposure

Hertford's hurricane risk score of 93.58 is exceptionally high, reflecting its low-lying coastal location vulnerable to storm surge and tropical systems. Tornado risk (47.58) is moderate, while flood and wildfire risks remain relatively subdued.

Hurricane preparedness is your priority

With hurricane risk at 93.58, Hertford residents must ensure comprehensive wind and water damage coverage in their homeowners policy. Elevation, storm shutters, and reinforced roofing provide essential protection against tropical systems.

Weather & Climate in Hertford County

via WeatherByCounty

Hertford County sits above the national median

The county's average annual temperature of 58.5°F is significantly warmer than the national median of roughly 55°F. This humid subtropical climate is defined by mild winters and lush, damp vegetation.

Slightly cooler than the North Carolina average

Hertford's 58.5°F annual average trails just behind the state average of 59.3°F. It experiences a slightly more temperate profile than its neighbors in the southern Coastal Plain.

Comparing the Inner Banks region

With 49.6 inches of annual precipitation, Hertford stays slightly drier than the state average of 51.5 inches. Its moderate snow total of 2.6 inches aligns with the typical Inner Banks experience.

A blend of summer heat and mild winters

Residents face 29 extreme heat days where temperatures top 90°F, concentrated mostly in the 77.9°F July peak. Winters remain mild with an average December-to-February temperature of 41.2°F.

Prepare for humidity and light winter dusting

Ensure your HVAC system is ready for the nearly month-long stretch of 90-degree days. Since snowfall averages only 2.6 inches, heavy-duty winter gear is rarely necessary here.

Soil Quality in Hertford County

via SoilByCounty

Highly Acidic Coastal Soil

Hertford County features a notably acidic soil pH of 4.90, falling well below the state average of 5.14 and the national median of 6.5. This low pH is characteristic of the coastal plain and dictates what can be grown without significant lime application. The county earns a respectable soil score of 24.1.

Sandy Texture with Minimal Clay

The soil profile is 64.4% sand, 21.9% silt, and 11.2% clay. This high-sand composition ensures the soil is light and easy to till, though it can be prone to erosion if left uncovered. The low clay content means the soil provides little natural resistance to water movement.

Moderate Organic Matter and Water

Hertford’s organic matter content is 2.98%, which is higher than the national average of 2.0% but lower than the state's 5.12%. Available water capacity is 0.126 in/in, slightly below the state benchmark of 0.134. These numbers suggest a soil that requires consistent organic amendments to reach its full potential.

Rapid Drainage for Light Farming

The 64.4% sand content indicates that water moves quickly through the soil profile, minimizing the risk of ponding. This rapid drainage is beneficial for building foundations but requires gardeners to be vigilant about irrigation. It is a 'thirsty' soil that rewards those who manage their water use carefully.

Perfect for Acid-Loving Plants

In Zone 8a, Hertford’s naturally acidic and sandy soil is perfect for blueberries, camellias, and peanuts. Most garden vegetables will require lime to raise the pH, but once adjusted, the long growing season is highly productive. Start your coastal garden today by focusing on species that love these unique conditions.

Lawn Care in Hertford County

via LawnByCounty

Standard Care in the Coastal Plain

Hertford County hits a lawn difficulty score of 40.6, almost exactly matching the North Carolina state average. In this Zone 8a region, gardeners can expect a typical Southern lawn experience with moderate maintenance requirements.

Predictable Rain and Managed Heat

Annual precipitation of 49.6 inches is nearly ideal for turf, and the 29 heat days are lower than the state average of 38. With 4,341 growing degree days, the season is long but lacks the extreme intensity found further south.

Overcoming High Soil Acidity

The soil pH is notably low at 4.90, making it one of the more acidic environments for grass in the state. With 64.4% sand, the soil lacks the structure to hold nutrients, so frequent small applications of fertilizer are better than one large dose.

Variable Drought Conditions

Hertford dealt with 30 weeks of drought over the past year, though current severe drought only covers 67.6% of the county. This variability means homeowners should monitor their specific local conditions rather than relying on regional averages.

Warm-Season Varieties Win Here

Zoysia or Centipede grass are fantastic options for Hertford's acidic, sandy soil. Wait for the April 6 frost to pass before starting your spring projects to ensure your new lawn has the best start possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hertford County's county score?
Hertford County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 39.1 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 Hertford County rank among counties in North Carolina?
Hertford County ranks #70 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 Hertford County, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Hertford County is $1,083, with an effective tax rate of 0.97%. This earns Hertford County a tax score of 40.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hertford County?
The median household income in Hertford County, North Carolina is $47,472 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hertford County earns an income score of 10.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hertford County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Hertford County scores 39.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #70 in North Carolina. The best way to evaluate Hertford 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 Hertford County with other counties side by side.