Cost of Living in Harnett County, North Carolina
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Harnett County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Harnett County ranks #2,886 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 8%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Harnett County, North Carolina
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Harnett County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Harnett County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $1,080/month in gross rent, with 26.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Harnett County is $1,080/month, while owner costs run $1,171/month. Renting saves approximately $91/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $43,200/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $50,186/year. With a median household income of $69,012, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Harnett County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Harnett County sits 6% less expensive than Pasquotank County ($1,146/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Harnett County
Rent Burden
18.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,610
per month
Owner Cost Burden
20.4%
of gross income
The median home in Harnett County may be a stretch
Median home value is $220,700. Estimated monthly cost: $1,762 vs. your max of $1,610.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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