Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Hickory, NC
Thinking of moving to Hickory, NC? With a friendly community of 43,532 residents, Hickory offers affordable living—median home prices are around $215,000 and average rents about $1,090. Residents enjoy short average commutes of 20.6 minutes and a mild climate with 63% sunny days per year. The city features reputable schools, two major hospitals, and a reasonable cost of living index of 85.4, making it a great choice for families and professionals alike. Explore more about Hickory’s cost of living, schools, and lifestyle below to help plan your move.
Demographics - Hickory, NC
Demographics - Hickory, NC
Hickory is home to about 43,500 residents, with a median age of just over 40, creating a balanced atmosphere for families and individuals alike. The city is predominantly White (74.8%), but also includes Black, Asian, and other communities, and nearly 10% of residents speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
43,532
Density:
1,300 per sq mi
Median Age:
40.2
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
9.3%

Ethnic Composition
White:
74.8%
Black:
12.5%
Asian:
4.5%
Others:
8.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Hickory, NC?
Living in Hickory is notably affordable, with a cost of living index of 85.4—well below the national average. Median home values are around $215,000, rents average $1,090 per month, and local taxes are relatively low, making it attractive for both renters and homeowners.
Median House Value:
$215,000
Gross Rent:
$1,090
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,010
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,350
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$480
State Taxes:
Low:
4.75%
|
High:
4.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
85.4
Grocery:
95.2
Housing:
72.7
Utilities:
99.1
Transportation:
86.4
Health Care:
98.6
Miscellaneous:
92.1
Crime
Is Hickory, NC a safe place to live?
Hickory experiences moderate crime rates, with about 330 violent crimes and 2,150 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. While the chance of violent crime is roughly 1 in 303, most residents find the city to offer a safe and welcoming environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
330
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,150
Crime Index:
2,480
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 303
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 46
Weather
What is the weather like in Hickory, NC year-round?
Residents enjoy a mild four-season climate, with winter lows averaging 28°F and summer highs reaching near 89°F. Hickory receives about 47 inches of rainfall per year and enjoys sunshine about 63% of the time, making it pleasant for outdoor activities year-round.

Winter
Min:
28°F
Max:
48°F

Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
72°F

Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
89°F

Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
63%
Neighbors
The typical household brings in around $54,250 annually, with a median income of $32,400 and a poverty rate of 16.3%. Education levels are solid, as nearly 88% of adults have a high school diploma or higher, and average commute times are about 21 minutes, offering a comfortable suburban lifestyle.
Median Income:
$32,400
Household Income:
$54,250
Family Income:
$66,900
Per Capita Income:
$28,100
Income Male:
$43,200
Income Female:
$34,500
Poverty Rate:
16.3%
Non English Speakers:
9.3%
Rent:
$1,090
Unemployment Rate:
4.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
20.6 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
87.6%
Bachelors or More:
28.1%
Education
How are the schools in Hickory, NC?
Hickory offers a range of educational opportunities, from public schools like Hickory High and Viewmont Elementary to private options such as Hickory Christian Academy. Higher education is also accessible with Catawba Valley Community College and Lenoir-Rhyne University located right in town.

Public Schools
Name:
Hickory High School
Street:
1234 3rd St NE
Phone:
828-328-6711
Students:
1,050
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2
Name:
Viewmont Elementary School
Street:
909 8th St NE
Phone:
828-322-4451
Students:
530
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.4

Private Schools
Name:
Hickory Christian Academy
Street:
3260 6th St Dr NW
Phone:
828-324-5405
Students:
480

Colleges
Name:
Catawba Valley Community College
City:
Hickory
State:
NC
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
4,300
Name:
Lenoir-Rhyne University
City:
Hickory
State:
NC
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
2,700
Healthcare
Hickory residents have access to comprehensive healthcare, including two major hospitals—Catawba Valley Medical Center and Frye Regional Medical Center—both offering emergency services. With 2.2 physicians per 1,000 people and nearly 90% health insurance coverage, the city provides reliable medical care.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Catawba Valley Medical Center
Address:
810 Fairgrove Church Rd SE, Hickory, NC 28602
Phone:
(828) 326-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Frye Regional Medical Center
Address:
420 N Center St, Hickory, NC 28601
Phone:
(828) 315-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.5%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Hickory, NC?
Hickory's housing market is affordable and stable, with a median home price of $215,000 and a homeownership rate of nearly 58%. The market has seen a 6.2% appreciation over the last year, and rental options remain accessible with average two-bedroom rents at $1,090.
Median Home Price:
$215,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,090
Owner Occupied Rate:
57.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Local DMV services are provided by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles at 1465 29th Avenue Dr NE in Hickory, making it convenient for residents to handle licensing, registration, and other vehicle-related needs.
State:
North Carolina
Department:
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1465 29th Avenue Dr NE, Hickory, NC 28601
Phone:
1-919-715-7000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.