Hickory, NC
Population 43,747 · North Carolina
About Hickory, NC
Hickory is a mid-sized city located in North Carolina with a population of 43,747 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $63,361 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.7 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Hickory features a median home value of $248,300, which is 1% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Hickory in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $975, 16% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 19,328 total housing units, 56% are owner-occupied (9,674 units) and 44% are renter-occupied (7,635 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Hickory shows an unemployment rate of 4.8%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 16.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Hickory have an average one-way commute time of 20.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
35.9% of Hickory residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 8.0% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 1.8% Black or African American, and 3.9% Asian residents, with 8.9% of the population being foreign-born.
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.
Compare Hickory With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Hickory
What is the population of Hickory, NC?
The population of Hickory, NC is 43,747 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in Hickory?
The median household income in Hickory, NC is $63,361 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Hickory?
The median home value in Hickory, NC is $248,300, which is 1% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Hickory?
The median monthly rent in Hickory, NC is $975, which is 16% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Hickory?
The unemployment rate in Hickory, NC is 4.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Hickory, NC a good place to live?
Hickory offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 43,747 and a median age of 37.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Hickory, NC?
35.9% of residents in Hickory aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Hickory?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Hickory, NC: median home value is $248,300 (1% above national), median rent is $975/month, and median household income is $63,361. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Hickory?
The poverty rate in Hickory, NC is 16.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Hickory, NC?
Hickory's population is 8.0% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 1.8% Black or African American, 3.9% Asian, and 13.3% two or more races. 8.9% of residents are foreign-born.