RANK #395 / 996 · POP 134,718 · NC
PROJECTED GROWTH: +1.2%
Lillington, the county seat of Harnett County, North Carolina, offers a blend of small-town atmosphere and natural beauty, situated along the Cape Fear River. The county is located between Raleigh and Fayetteville, making it a commuter-friendly option for those working in nearby cities. Residents often mention the close-knit community feel and local events that foster a sense of belonging. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore Raven Rock State Park, known for its 150-foot crystalline rock formation overlooking the Cape Fear River, offering extensive trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The county also provides access to the Cape Fear River for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing.
Life in Harnett County appeals to families and individuals seeking a quieter pace with access to urban amenities. The public school system, Harnett County Schools, serves over 20,000 students across 28 schools. Commute options include the Harnett Area Rural Transit System (HARTS), which provides public transportation for medical, personal, employment, and educational trips within and to surrounding counties. Economically, the county is experiencing growth, with recent investments in industrial and logistics sectors. There is also a focus on developing market-ready sites to attract new businesses and create jobs.
Overvalued relative to economy
Above national median
Below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Housing looks overvalued at 8.7x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Fayetteville Data Center Campus
Energy Storage Solutions
|
$19,200M | Planned |
|
MidPort 95 Industrial Development
Private Developer
|
$100M | Under Construction |
|
Harnett 95 Industrial Center - Class A Industrial Building 1
Samet Corporation (in partnership with Harnett County)
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
Community Solar & Battery Storage Portfolio (multiple projects)
Various (e.g., Altus Power America Management, North Carolina El Member Corp, Strata Solar)
|
$50M | Operating |
|
US 401 Corridor Study Improvements
NCDOT, CAMPO
|
$50M | Proposed |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Harnett County has a Boom Town Index score of 60/100, ranking #395 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +1.3% and a median household income of $64,992, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Harnett County is $195,900 with median rent at $1,022/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3318, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +1.2% year-over-year. Job growth: +1.3%. Home values changed +0.7% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 6.54% of Harnett County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.