Through the first part of the 20th century, Hertford thrived as a lumber town, making good use of the nearby river.

When a boat came near and wanted passage, the bridge would be unhooked from one bank and allowed to float out of the way.

Disc jockey Wolfman Jack is buried in nearby Belvidere, and the record company he started is still located in Hertford.

[9] As of the 2020 United States census, there were 1,934 people, 1,045 households, and 612 families residing in the town.

As of the census[3] of 2010, there were 2,143 people, 875 households, 553 families, and 1,062 housing units residing in the town.

Hertford is served by U.S. Route 17 (US 17) which connects the town with Edenton to the south and Elizabeth City to the north.

A business route of US 17 also exists, which connects Hertford to the neighboring town of Winfall and crosses over the Perquimans River.