Cost of Living in Hertford County, North Carolina
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Hertford County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Hertford County ranks #2,613 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 17%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Hertford County, North Carolina
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Hertford County
Affordability Verdict
Hertford County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $806/month representing approximately 20.4% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 34.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $806/month rent versus $807/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $1/month cheaper — a 0% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $32,240/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $34,586/year. With a median household income of $47,472, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 34.0% of renter households in Hertford County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Alleghany County where rent averages $755/month, Hertford County is approximately 7% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Hertford County
Rent Burden
20.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,108
per month
Owner Cost Burden
20.4%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Hertford County
Median home value is $111,100. Estimated monthly cost: $887 vs. your max of $1,108.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
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Needed to stay within recommended threshold
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Needed to stay within recommended threshold
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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