Harnett County, North Carolina Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Harnett County is located in North Carolina with a total population of 136,503. It is the 23rd most populous county out of 100 in North Carolina. The county encompasses 1 Census-designated place.

Age Demographics

The median age in Harnett County is 35.4 years. This is 9% lower than the state median of 39.1 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Harnett County is $69,012. This is 1% lower than the state median of $69,904. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 12% lower. The poverty rate stands at 14.5%. This is 10% higher than the state poverty rate of 13.2%. The unemployment rate is 5.0%. This is 4% higher than the state rate of 4.8%. The median home value is $220,700. Housing costs are 15% lower than the state median of $259,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.2x. 69.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 5% higher than the state average of 66.4%.

Race & Ethnicity

The largest racial or ethnic group in Harnett County is White (non-Hispanic), making up 59.0% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 20.3%. The Asian population (0.9%) is well below the state average of 3.1%.

Education

23.9% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 31% lower than the state rate of 34.7%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 88.7%.