Hertford County

North Carolina · NC

#77 in North Carolina
64.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Hertford County, North Carolina

Strong livability well above national norm

Hertford County scores 70.7, more than 40 points above the national median of 50.0, demonstrating solid overall livability. The county ranks comfortably in the upper half of U.S. counties across measured dimensions.

Slightly below state average performance

Hertford's score of 70.7 falls just below North Carolina's state average of 72.7, positioning it in the middle tier among state counties. The county remains competitive despite this modest gap.

Affordability is the standout strength

Hertford scores 81.7 on cost, with exceptional housing affordability: median home value of $111,100 and rent of $806/month. The tax score of 74.9 with an effective rate of 0.975% adds to its budget-friendly appeal.

Income earnings significantly lag peers

The income score of just 14.4 reflects a median household income of $47,472, among the lowest in this group. Safety, health, school, and environmental data gaps prevent fuller livability assessment.

Optimal for ultra-budget-conscious movers

Hertford suits retirees, remote workers, and families making affordability their primary criterion. The county offers exceptional value, though those seeking higher-wage employment should carefully evaluate local job prospects first.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax74.9Cost81.7SafetyComing SoonHealth58.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome14.4Risk31.8WaterComing Soon
🏛74.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠81.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼14.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
58.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
31.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Hertford County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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.

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.

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.

ByCounty Network

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