2023 Harnett County, North Carolina Demographics | Data & Analysis

Ready-to-use reports, analytics, and visualizations covering Harnett County, North Carolina, including population, race, income, and more. Based on 2023 American Community Survey Estimates.

Harnett County, North Carolina Key Demographic Statistics (2023 Estimates)

Key demographic statistics summarized from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS).

Total Population
136,503
Median Age
35.4 years
Median Household Income
$69,012
Bachelor's Degree+
23.92%
Uninsured Rate
10.7%
Total Households
48,639
Total Workers
55,181
Citizenship Rate
96.4%
Total Veterans
10,898
Top Veteran Era
Post-9/11 Only
Poverty Rate
11.0%
Families in Poverty
3,698
SNAP Recipients
14.39%
Households w/ SNAP
6,997

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates

Harnett County, North Carolina 2023 Demographics: Age & Gender Distribution

Bar chart showing the population distribution of Harnett County, North Carolina by age group and gender, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the total population of Harnett County, North Carolina is 136,503. The median age of the population in Harnett County, North Carolina is 35.4 years. The median age for males is 34.8 years, and for females it is 35.9 years.

The age distribution of the population in Harnett County, North Carolina by age group is as follows:

Population Percentage by Age Group in Harnett County, North Carolina, 2023
Age Group Percentage
Under 5 years 7.05%
5–17 years (children) 18.58%
18–24 years (young adults) 8.43%
25–34 years 15.22%
35–54 years 26.08%
55–64 years 11.23%
65 years and over (seniors) 13.41%

Understanding the Demographic Dependency Ratio in Harnett County, North Carolina

The total dependency ratio in Harnett County, North Carolina is 64.04. The youth dependency ratio is 42.05, and the old-age dependency ratio is 21.99. In demographic terms, the dependency ratio measures the size of the population typically not in the labor force (children under 18 and older adults 65+) relative to the working age (18-64) population. A higher ratio indicates a greater financial and social burden on the working population to support the non-working age groups.

For more detailed reports, explore the demographics for each of the most populated ZIP Codes in Harnett County, North Carolina, including Fuquay Varina (27526) (59,306), Holly Springs (27540) (45,993), and Sanford (27330) (41,473).


What is the Racial and Ethnic Breakdown of Harnett County, North Carolina?

Race and Ethnicity Distribution Chart for Harnett County, North Carolina
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

The racial makeup and ethnic composition (racial demographics) of Harnett County, North Carolina is detailed below, based on the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates.

The Diversity Index for Harnett County, North Carolina is calculated at 58.81, suggesting a moderate level of racial and ethnic diversity. This index measures the probability that two people chosen at random will be from different racial or ethnic groups.

The following table provides the breakdown of the population of Harnett County, North Carolina by race and ethnicity:

Population Percentage by Racial and Ethnic Group in Harnett County, North Carolina, 2023
Racial/Ethnic Group Percentage
White Alone (Non-Hispanic) 58.95%
Black/African American Alone 20.32%
Hispanic or Latino (Any Race) 14.63%
Two or More Races 3.93%
Asian Alone 0.94%
American Indian and Alaska Native Alone 0.57%
Some Other Race Alone 0.48%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander Alone 0.17%

Harnett County, North Carolina 2023 Demographics: Household Income Distribution

Horizontal bar chart showing household income distribution in Harnett County, North Carolina.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the median household income in Harnett County, North Carolina over the past 12 months, adjusted for 2023 inflation, was $69,012. This figure is based on a total of 48,639 households.

The distribution of household income in Harnett County, North Carolina across various income brackets is as follows:

Household Income Distribution in Harnett County, North Carolina, 2023
Income Range Percentage of Households
Less than $20,000 13.18%
$20,000 to $34,999 12.35%
$35,000 to $49,999 11.52%
$50,000 to $74,999 17.00%
$75,000 to $149,999 33.13%
$150,000 or more 12.82%

For detailed household income distribution reports on the ZIP Codes with the highest median household income in Harnett County, North Carolina, explore the data for: Holly Springs (27540) ($125,681), Fuquay Varina (27526) ($105,055), and Willow Spring (27592) ($94,564).


Harnett County, North Carolina 2023 Demographics: Property Value Distribution

Line chart showing the distribution of property values for owner-occupied housing units in Harnett County, North Carolina.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the distribution of property values for owner-occupied housing units in Harnett County, North Carolina is based on a total of 33,801 properties.

The property value distribution in Harnett County, North Carolina across various value brackets is as follows:

Property Value Distribution in Harnett County, North Carolina, 2023
Property Value Range Percentage of Properties
Less than $25,000 3.88%
$25,000 to $49,999 2.14%
$50,000 to $99,999 8.87%
$100,000 to $199,999 28.71%
$200,000 to $499,999 51.64%
$500,000 to $999,999 4.54%
$1,000,000 or more 0.21%

Educational Attainment in Harnett County, North Carolina (2023 Data)

Treemap chart illustrating the educational attainment breakdown for population 25 years and over in Harnett County, North Carolina.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the educational attainment data covers the population 25 years and older in Harnett County, North Carolina, totaling 90,001 individuals.

88.66% of Harnett County, North Carolina population has a high school diploma or higher. Furthermore, the percentage of individuals who hold a Bachelor's Degree or a higher professional/graduate degree is 23.92%.

The detailed breakdown by educational level is presented below:

Educational Attainment Distribution in Harnett County, North Carolina, 2023
Educational Attainment Level Percentage of Population 25+
Less than high school graduate 11.34%
High school graduate (incl. equivalency) 28.96%
Some college or associate's degree 35.78%
Bachelor's Degree 15.86%
Graduate or professional degree 8.06%

What is the Health Insurance Coverage Rate in Harnett County, North Carolina?

Pyramid chart showing health insurance coverage by age and sex in Harnett County, North Carolina.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the health insurance coverage data for Harnett County, North Carolina shows that 10.7% of the population lacks health insurance coverage. This represents 13,905 individuals out of a total population of 130,208 people.

The uninsured rates vary significantly by age group. Young adults (18-34 years) have uninsured rates of 24.8% for males and 15.1% for females. In the 35-64 age bracket, 15.7% of males and 14.2% of females are uninsured.

Children under 18 and seniors aged 65+ generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs like Medicaid/CHIP and Medicare. In Harnett County, North Carolina, uninsured rates for children are 2.8% for males and 3.7% for females, while seniors have rates of 1.3% for males and 0.2% for females.

Uninsured Rates by Age Group and Sex in Harnett County, North Carolina, 2023
Age Group Male Uninsured % Female Uninsured %
Under 18 2.8% 3.7%
18-34 years 24.8% 15.1%
35-64 years 15.7% 14.2%
65+ years 1.3% 0.2%

Harnett County, North Carolina 2023 Population by Nativity and Citizenship Status

Treemap showing the population distribution by nativity and citizenship status in Harnett County, North Carolina based on U.S. Census data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the nativity and citizenship data for Harnett County, North Carolina shows that 96.4% of the population are U.S. citizens. This includes both native-born and naturalized citizens, representing 131,523 individuals out of a total population of 136,503 people.

The nativity breakdown reveals diverse origins: 90.6% were born in the United States, 1.2% were born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas, and 1.9% were born abroad of American parent(s).

Among the foreign-born population, 2.6% of the total population have become naturalized U.S. citizens (3,597 individuals), while 3.6% are non-citizens (4,980 individuals).

Nativity and Citizenship Distribution in Harnett County, North Carolina, 2023
Nativity/Citizenship Status Percentage
Born in the United States 90.6%
Born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas 1.2%
Born abroad of American parent(s) 1.9%
U.S. citizen by naturalization 2.6%
Not a U.S. citizen 3.6%
Total U.S. Citizens 96.4%

Harnett County, North Carolina 2023 Demographics: Means of Transportation to Work

Treemap showing means of transportation to work distribution in Harnett County, North Carolina.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the commuting patterns for Harnett County, North Carolina show that 90.3% of workers commute by car, truck, or van. This represents 53,000 workers out of a total workforce of 58,697 people.

Public transportation usage stands at 0.0% (24 workers), which includes buses, subways, light rail, commuter trains, and ferries, but excludes taxicabs. Active transportation methods include walking (1.7%) and bicycling (0.2%).

7.0% of workers in Harnett County, North Carolina report working from home. An additional 0.8% use other means such as taxicabs, motorcycles, or other forms of transportation. These alternative commuting patterns reflect changing work arrangements and transportation preferences in the modern workforce.

Commuting Methods Distribution in Harnett County, North Carolina, 2023
Transportation Method Percentage Number of Workers
Car, truck, or van 90.3% 53,000
Public transportation 0.0% 24
Bicycle 0.2% 92
Walked 1.7% 1,007
Taxicab, motorcycle, or other means 0.8% 464
Worked from home 7.0% 4,110
Total Workers - 58,697

Harnett County, North Carolina 2023 Demographics: Employment by Class of Worker

Horizontal bar chart showing employment distribution by class of worker and gender in Harnett County, North Carolina, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the civilian employed population aged 16 and over in Harnett County, North Carolina totals 55,181 workers. Of these, 28,674 (52.0%) are male and 26,507 (48.0%) are female.

The employment distribution by class of worker in Harnett County, North Carolina is as follows:

Employment Distribution by Class of Worker and Sex in Harnett County, North Carolina, 2023
Employment Class Male Workers Female Workers
Private For-Profit 21,894 (39.7%) 17,256 (31.3%)
Private Non-Profit 899 (1.6%) 2,095 (3.8%)
Government (All Levels) 4,325 (7.8%) 5,938 (10.8%)
  • Local Government 1,542 2,319
  • State Government 996 2,258
  • Federal Government 1,787 1,361
Self-Employed 1,528 (2.8%) 1,181 (2.1%)

Class of worker categorizes employed civilians by their employment arrangement. Private sector workers are employed by for-profit or non-profit companies. Government workers include those employed at local, state, or federal levels. Self-employed workers operate their own unincorporated businesses. Understanding the class of worker distribution provides insights into the economic structure and employment diversity of Harnett County, North Carolina.


Harnett County, North Carolina 2023 Demographics: Veterans by Period of Service

Horizontal bar chart showing veteran distribution by period of military service in Harnett County, North Carolina, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, there are 10,898 civilian veterans aged 18 and over in Harnett County, North Carolina.

The largest group of veterans served during Post-9/11 Only, accounting for 2,967 veterans (27.2% of all veterans). The second-largest group served during Vietnam Era Only, with 2,180 veterans (20.0%).

The complete distribution of veterans by period of military service in Harnett County, North Carolina is as follows:

Veteran Distribution by Period of Military Service in Harnett County, North Carolina, 2023
Period of Service Number of Veterans Percentage
Post-9/11 Only (September 2001 or later) 2,967 27.2%
Vietnam Era Only (August 1964 to April 1975) 2,180 20.0%
Post-9/11 and Gulf War (August 1990 to August 2001) 1,804 16.6%
Gulf War Only (August 1990 to August 2001) 1,687 15.5%
Between Gulf War and Vietnam Era 1,255 11.5%
Gulf War and Vietnam Era 288 2.6%
Between Vietnam Era and Korean War 254 2.3%
Korean War Only (July 1950 to January 1955) 160 1.5%
Vietnam Era and Korean War 153 1.4%
World War II Only (December 1941 to December 1946) 66 0.6%
Post-9/11, Gulf War, and Vietnam Era 51 0.5%
Between Korean War and World War II 24 0.2%
Vietnam Era, Korean War, and World War II 9 0.1%
Total Veterans 10,898 100.0%

Period of military service categorizes veterans based on when they served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces. Veterans may have served during multiple periods, including World War II (December 1941–December 1946), the Korean War (July 1950–January 1955), the Vietnam Era (August 1964–April 1975), the Gulf War (August 1990–August 2001), and Post-9/11 (September 2001 or later). Understanding veteran demographics helps communities provide appropriate services, benefits, and support to those who have served.


Harnett County, North Carolina 2023 Demographics: Families by Income-to-Poverty Ratio

Horizontal bar chart showing family distribution by income-to-poverty ratio in Harnett County, North Carolina, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, there are 33,475 families in Harnett County, North Carolina.

Of these families, 3,698 (11.0%) live below the poverty line (income less than 100% of the federal poverty level). An additional 12,033 families (35.9%) are at or near poverty (100-199% of poverty). Meanwhile, 17,744 families (53.0%) have incomes at least twice the poverty level.

The complete distribution of families by income-to-poverty ratio in Harnett County, North Carolina is as follows:

Family Distribution by Income-to-Poverty Ratio in Harnett County, North Carolina, 2023
Income-to-Poverty Ratio Number of Families Percentage
Below 50% of Poverty 1,682 5.0%
50-74% of Poverty 946 2.8%
75-99% of Poverty 1,070 3.2%
100-124% of Poverty 946 2.8%
125-149% of Poverty 1,703 5.1%
150-174% of Poverty 1,392 4.2%
175-184% of Poverty 494 1.5%
185-199% of Poverty 767 2.3%
200-299% of Poverty 6,731 20.1%
300-399% of Poverty 5,099 15.2%
400-499% of Poverty 4,128 12.3%
500%+ of Poverty 8,517 25.4%
Total Families 33,475 100.0%

Income-to-poverty ratio measures how a family's income compares to the federal poverty threshold, which varies by family size and composition. A ratio below 1.00 (100%) indicates the family lives in poverty. Ratios between 1.00 and 1.99 represent families with low incomes who may still struggle financially despite being technically above the poverty line. Families with ratios of 2.00 (200%) or higher generally have more economic security. Understanding poverty distribution helps communities allocate resources and develop programs to support families in need.


Harnett County, North Carolina 2023 Demographics: SNAP/Food Stamps Recipients

Stacked bar chart showing SNAP/Food Stamps recipient household composition by presence of children under 18 in Harnett County, North Carolina, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, there are 48,639 total households in Harnett County, North Carolina. Of these, 6,997 households (14.39%) received SNAP/Food Stamps benefits in the past 12 months.

Among SNAP-recipient households, 3,890 (55.60%) have children under 18 years, while 3,107 (44.40%) do not have children under 18 years.

Household Composition of SNAP Recipients

SNAP Recipient Household Composition in Harnett County, North Carolina, 2023
Household Type With Children Under 18 No Children Under 18
Married-Couple Family 1,546 (22.10%) 524 (7.49%)
Male Householder, No Spouse 503 (7.19%) 200 (2.86%)
Female Householder, No Spouse 1,820 (26.01%) 465 (6.65%)
Nonfamily Households 21 (0.30%) 1,918 (27.41%)

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, provides nutrition assistance to low-income individuals and families. The program aims to help eligible households purchase nutritious food. SNAP participation rates and household composition patterns provide important insights into economic hardship and food security challenges in Harnett County, North Carolina. Households with children under 18 often face greater nutritional needs, while households without children may include seniors, disabled individuals, or working adults facing economic challenges.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The age breakdown for the population of Harnett County, North Carolina is detailed below, showing the percentage of the total population for each group:

Age Group Percentage
Under 5 years7.05%
5–17 years (children)18.58%
18–24 years (young adults)8.43%
25–34 years15.22%
35–54 years26.08%
55–64 years11.23%
65 years and over (seniors)13.41%

The racial and ethnic composition of Harnett County, North Carolina is dominated by: White Alone (Non-Hispanic): 58.95%, Black/African American Alone: 20.32%, Hispanic or Latino (Any Race): 14.63%. The complete breakdown includes 8 distinct racial and ethnic categories.

The median household income in Harnett County, North Carolina is $69,012. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the area, meaning half of households earn more than this amount and half earn less.

The household income distribution in Harnett County, North Carolina is: Very Low Income (under $20,000): 13.18%, Low Income ($20,000-$34,999): 12.35%, Lower Middle Income ($35,000-$49,999): 11.52%, Middle Income ($50,000-$74,999): 17.00%, Upper Middle Income ($75,000-$149,999): 33.13%, High Income ($150,000+): 12.82%.

Approximately 29.79% of households in Harnett County, North Carolina earn over $100,000 annually. This includes households earning between $100,000 and $124,999, $125,000 and $149,999, $150,000 and $199,999, and $200,000 or more.

The property value distribution for owner-occupied housing units in Harnett County, North Carolina is: Less than $25,000: 3.88%, $25,000-$49,999: 2.14%, $50,000-$99,999: 8.87%, $100,000-$199,999: 28.71%, $200,000-$499,999: 51.64%, $500,000-$999,999: 4.54%, $1,000,000 or more: 0.21%.

There are 33,801 owner-occupied housing units in Harnett County, North Carolina. This represents homes that are owned by the people living in them, as opposed to rental properties or vacant units.

Approximately 4.75% of owner-occupied housing units in Harnett County, North Carolina are valued over $500,000. This includes properties valued between $500,000 and $749,999, $750,000 and $999,999, $1,000,000 and $1,499,999, $1,500,000 and $1,999,999, and $2,000,000 or more.

In Harnett County, North Carolina, 23.92% of the population aged 25 and older holds a bachelor's degree or higher. This includes those with bachelor's degrees as well as those with graduate or professional degrees.

The educational attainment breakdown for Harnett County, North Carolina (population 25+) is: Less than high school graduate: 11.34%, High school graduate (including equivalency): 28.96%, Some college or associate's degree: 35.78%, Bachelor's degree: 15.86%, Graduate or professional degree: 8.06%.

In Harnett County, North Carolina, 88.66% of the population aged 25 and older has completed at least a high school education. This includes high school graduates, those with some college, associate's degrees, bachelor's degrees, and graduate degrees.

In Harnett County, North Carolina, 10.7% of the population lacks health insurance coverage. This represents 13,905 individuals out of a total population of 130,208 people.

The uninsured rates vary by age group in Harnett County, North Carolina. For young adults (18-34 years), 24.8% of males and 15.1% of females lack coverage. In the 35-64 age group, 15.7% of males and 14.2% of females are uninsured. These working-age populations typically face different coverage challenges than children or seniors.

Children under 18 in Harnett County, North Carolina have uninsured rates of 2.8% for males and 3.7% for females. Seniors aged 65 and older, who are typically covered by Medicare, have uninsured rates of 1.3% for males and 0.2% for females. These age groups generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs.

In Harnett County, North Carolina, 96.4% of the population are U.S. citizens. This includes native-born citizens and naturalized citizens. Out of a total population of 136,503 people, 131,523 are U.S. citizens.

Harnett County, North Carolina has 3,597 naturalized U.S. citizens, representing 2.6% of the total population. These are foreign-born individuals who have gone through the naturalization process to become U.S. citizens.

The nativity and citizenship breakdown for Harnett County, North Carolina is: 90.6% were born in the United States, 1.2% were born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas, 1.9% were born abroad of American parent(s), 2.6% are foreign-born naturalized U.S. citizens, and 3.6% are foreign-born non-citizens.

In Harnett County, North Carolina, 90.3% of workers commute by car, truck, or van, making it the most common means of transportation to work. Out of 58,697 total workers, 53,000 use personal vehicles for their commute.

24 workers in Harnett County, North Carolina use public transportation (excluding taxicabs) to commute to work, representing 0.0% of all workers. This includes buses, subways, light rail, commuter trains, and ferries.

Alternative commute methods in Harnett County, North Carolina include: 7.0% work from home, 1.7% walk to work, 0.2% bicycle, and 0.8% use other means such as taxicabs or motorcycles. These alternatives to driving alone help reduce traffic congestion and environmental impact.

"Class of worker" refers to the type of employer or work arrangement for employed civilians aged 16 and over in Harnett County, North Carolina. It categorizes workers into private sector (for-profit and non-profit), government (local, state, and federal), self-employed, and unpaid family workers. This classification helps understand the employment structure and economic composition of the workforce.

According to the American Community Survey, Harnett County, North Carolina has 55,181 employed civilians aged 16 and over. The private for-profit sector employs the largest share of workers, with 39.7% of male workers and 31.3% of female workers in this category.

In Harnett County, North Carolina, there are 4,325 male government workers and 5,938 female government workers. Government employment includes local, state, and federal positions. This represents 7.8% of male workers and 10.8% of female workers.

Self-employment in Harnett County, North Carolina includes 1,528 males (2.8%) and 1,181 females (2.1%). Self-employed workers operate their own businesses that are not legally incorporated.

In Harnett County, North Carolina, 6,997 households (14.39% of all households) received SNAP/Food Stamps benefits in the past 12 months. Out of 48,639 total households, these families rely on this federal nutrition assistance program to help purchase food.

Of the SNAP-receiving households in Harnett County, North Carolina, 3,890 (55.60%) have children under 18 years. These families face additional nutritional needs and food security challenges as they work to provide adequate nutrition for growing children.

SNAP recipients in Harnett County, North Carolina include diverse household types. Among households with children, 1,820 (26.01%) are headed by a female householder with no spouse present, while 1,546 (22.10%) are married-couple families. The program also serves households without children, including seniors, disabled individuals, and working adults facing economic challenges.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, is a federal program that provides nutrition assistance to low-income individuals and families. Eligibility is based on household income, resources, and size. In Harnett County, North Carolina, SNAP helps eligible households purchase nutritious food at authorized retailers. The program aims to alleviate hunger and improve nutrition and health outcomes for vulnerable populations.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey, there are 10,898 civilian veterans aged 18 and over living in Harnett County, North Carolina. These individuals have served on active duty in the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard. This number does not include those with only National Guard or Reserves training without active duty service.

The most common period of military service for veterans in Harnett County, North Carolina is Post-9/11 Only, with 2,967 veterans (27.2% of all veterans) who served during this period. The second most common period is Vietnam Era Only, with 2,180 veterans (20.0%).

"Period of service" categorizes veterans based on when they served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces. Major periods include World War II (December 1941-December 1946), the Korean War (July 1950-January 1955), the Vietnam Era (August 1964-April 1975), the Gulf War (August 1990-August 2001), and Post-9/11 (September 2001 or later). Veterans may have served during multiple periods. Understanding the distribution of service periods helps communities in Harnett County, North Carolina provide appropriate services and support to their veteran population.

Veterans who served during the Gulf War era (1990-2001) and Post-9/11 era (2001-present) represent approximately 73.9% of all veterans in Harnett County, North Carolina. These more recent-era veterans, totaling around 8,052 individuals, often have different service experiences and support needs compared to veterans of earlier conflicts. They may benefit from targeted programs addressing issues such as transition to civilian life, employment assistance, and access to VA healthcare services.

In Harnett County, North Carolina, 3,698 families (11.0% of all families) live below the federal poverty line. This means their household income is less than 100% of the poverty threshold established by the U.S. Census Bureau, which varies by family size and composition. Out of 33,475 total families, these households face significant economic challenges meeting basic needs.

"Income-to-poverty ratio" measures how a family's income compares to the federal poverty threshold. A ratio of 1.00 (100%) means the family's income equals the poverty line. Below 1.00 indicates poverty, while ratios above 1.00 show income levels relative to poverty. For example, a ratio of 2.00 (200%) means the family earns twice the poverty threshold. In Harnett County, North Carolina, this data helps identify not just families in poverty, but also those who are economically vulnerable despite being above the official poverty line.

Beyond families living in poverty, Harnett County, North Carolina has 12,033 families (35.9%) with incomes between 100% and 199% of the poverty level. These families are often called 'near poverty' or low-income households. Specifically, 4,041 families (12.1%) have incomes between 100% and 149% of poverty. While technically above the poverty line, these families often struggle with housing costs, healthcare, childcare, and other expenses, making them economically vulnerable.

In Harnett County, North Carolina, 1,682 families (5.0%) live in extreme poverty, with incomes below 50% of the federal poverty threshold. These families face severe economic hardship and often require comprehensive assistance programs. On the other end of the spectrum, 17,744 families (53.0%) have incomes at least 200% above the poverty level, indicating greater financial stability and economic security.