Harnett County’s economic decline and growth pressure spread unaffordable housing

Despite the commissioners’ strategic planning, affordable housing remains a problem without solutions for Harnett County residents, as highlighted in the April 14 meeting.

Harnett County has more than an affordability problem; it has a structural imbalance between growth, wages, and policy control.

While the board has planned development services, quality of life projects, land use, health services, protection for rural communities and promoted economic development, localized and statewide challenges resulted in a crisis.

Locally, the population faces economic challenges because of low wages.

Statewide, increasing growth is a problem, according to the Deputy County Manager Coley Price, who reviewed an 18-month study by the UNC School of Government.

No one knew how many people were migrating to Harnett County.

Harnett County grew 11.6% between 2014 and 2023.

The state grew 9.49% between 2014 and 2023.

The housing shortage increased the price of housing.

“In the eighties there were a lot of jobs. Economic development growth moved out. How many Section 8 housing do we have?” Commissioner Barbara McKoy said.

Harnett has about 2,000 vouchers and relies on the Sanford Housing Authority, which has 1,362 on the waitlist. See details here.

In 2019, an apartment was about $793 and in 2026 it is $980.

To afford an apartment in 2026, an individual needs an income of $39,200.

Since 2017, home prices increased 80%, and rent increased by 50%, but salaries increased at only 38%.

“If you are paying 30% or more, you are housing burdened for income. Can use HOME funds,” a Carolina Across 100 Affordable Housing representative said.

Review how to apply for HOME funds here.

Structurally, there is a problem with the government overriding local communities as seen in North Carolina House Bill 382.

It restricts municipalities from initiating down-zoning, reducing property density or uses without written permission from all affected landowners. The change strengthened property rights but raised concerns for local governments in managing land use and housing development.

HB 382 does not support controlling growth.

At the March 30 Sanford City Council Retreat, Senator Jim Burgin shared news on countering HB 382.

“What do you want to do [about down-zoning]? I have a local bill. [It does not have a number yet.] I can add up to 15 other counties, including Harnett and Sampson. Tell me if you want it,” Burgin said. “There will not be an overall fix [bill] for everyone [on down-sizing].”

In other news, the board honored Harnett County Veteran Hero Private First-Class Christopher W. Hankins.

The next meeting is April 20 at 6 p.m.

April 14, 2026

Stephanie M. Sellers

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