Harnett Public RecordsNorth Carolina

As of 2022, Harnett County, NC has a population of approximately 138,000. The median age is about 35 years. The gender split is roughly equal, with 50.6% female and 49.4% male. Racially, the county is 64% White, 21% Black or African American, 2% Asian, and 10% Hispanic or Latino. Other races and multiracial individuals comprise about 3%.

Harnett County, NC, had approximately 82,000 registered voters as of 2024. Voters participate in federal, state, and local elections, including primaries and general elections. In the 2020 presidential race, 62% voted Republican, 36% Democrat, reflecting its conservative lean. There are 35 polling locations administered by the Harnett County Board of Elections. Key issues include education, development, and infrastructure. The county’s voter registration breakdown: ~44% Republican, 27% Democrat, 29% Unaffiliated. Major parties are Democratic and Republican, with administration ensuring accessible, secure voting. Turnout in recent general elections ranged from 60–65%.

Harnett County, NC, has a homeownership rate of about 69%, with a median home value near $240,000—a 6% increase over the past year. Median rent is approximately $1,250/month. Housing includes single-family homes, townhouses, and some apartments, with neighborhoods like Anderson Creek, Lillington, and Dunn being popular. Property tax rates average 0.94%, so the annual tax on a median-priced home is roughly $2,256. The area offers a mix of suburban and rural living, appealing to families and commuters.

As of 2023, Harnett County, NC has an unemployment rate of approximately 3.7%. The leading employment sectors are education and health services (22%), retail trade (13%), and manufacturing (11%). Most residents work in office and administrative support (15%), sales (10%), and management occupations (9%). About 78% of workers commute by car, with an average travel time of 33 minutes; nearly 30% work outside the county, mainly in Wake and Cumberland counties.

Harnett County, NC, operates 29 public schools, including 6 high schools, serving over 20,000 students. Around 19% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, below the national average (33%). The county’s average school rating is 5/10, based on state test scores. Adult education is supported through partnerships with Central Carolina Community College. School safety initiatives include resource officers in all high schools. Educational programs feature Advanced Placement (AP), Career and Technical Education (CTE), and dual enrollment, with about 15% of students participating in AP courses.

Harnett County, NC, has a crime rate slightly above the national average, with a reported violent crime rate of 3.9 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 18.2 per 1,000, according to 2023 statistics. The Sheriff’s Office and local law enforcement actively report crimes through annual public safety reports, noting improvements in response time and increased community engagement. Despite concerns about burglary and theft, both violent and property crime rates have declined by approximately 6% since 2021, reflecting ongoing efforts to enhance safety and crime prevention in the county.