Hickory, NC
Population 43,747 · North Carolina
About Hickory, NC
Hickory is a mid-sized city in North Carolina with a population of 43,747 residents. The median household income is $63,361 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Hickory is 37.7 years.
Housing in Hickory has a median home value of $248,300 and median monthly rent of $975. Of the 19,328 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 9,674 owner-occupied and 7,635 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Hickory is 4.8% and the poverty rate is 16.9%. 35.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 20.1 minutes.
How Hickory Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Hickory, NC
Compared to national averages, Hickory has a median household income of $63,361 (16% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $248,300, which is 1% above the national median. Monthly rent at $975 is 16% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Hickory's income is 2% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 8% above the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Hickory, NC?
Hickory offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $975/month, and a well-educated community where 35.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 20.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($63,361) that falls below the national average. However, Hickory’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Hickory has a population of 43,747 with a median age of 37.7 years. Compare Hickory with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Hickory
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holly Springs | 43,429 | $132,435 | $485,500 | Compare |
| Indian Trail | 41,146 | $99,073 | $343,500 | Compare |
| Wilson | 47,740 | $47,294 | $192,000 | Compare |
| Fuquay-Varina | 37,749 | $111,447 | $410,600 | Compare |
| Wake Forest | 51,199 | $120,777 | $435,000 | Compare |
| Mooresville | 51,447 | $88,592 | $348,500 | Compare |
| Salisbury | 35,730 | $51,058 | $215,200 | Compare |
| Monroe | 35,596 | $67,265 | $270,600 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in North Carolina
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Hickory
What is the population of Hickory, NC?
The population of Hickory, NC is 43,747 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Hickory?
The median household income in Hickory, NC is $63,361 per year.
What is the median home value in Hickory?
The median home value in Hickory, NC is $248,300.
What is the average rent in Hickory?
The median monthly rent in Hickory, NC is $975.
What is the unemployment rate in Hickory?
The unemployment rate in Hickory, NC is 4.8%.