North Carolina / Catawba County

Moving to Hickory, NC

Thinking of making a move to Hickory, NC? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Hickory, NC

Considering a move to Hickory, NC? This welcoming community of 43,532 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $215,000 and average rents near $1,090. Commute times average 21 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (63% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Hickory's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Hickory, NC

Hickory has a population of 43,532 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 40 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 75% White, 13% Black, and 5% Asian residents, and over 9% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

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?

The cost of living in Hickory is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 85.4. Median home values are around $215,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,090. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

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 is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 330 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 46. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in North Carolina.

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?

Hickory experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 89°F and cold winters dipping to 28°F. The area receives about 47 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 63% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
28°F
Max
48°F

Summer

Min
65°F
Max
89°F

Spring

Min
45°F
Max
72°F

Fall

Min
48°F
Max
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches
46.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
63%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $54,250 and a low poverty rate of 16.3%. Over 88% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 28% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 21 minutes, and almost 1% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

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 quality education options, with public schools like Hickory High School and Viewmont Elementary School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Catawba Valley Community College and Lenoir-Rhyne University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

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 quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Catawba Valley Medical Center and Frye Regional Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.2 per 1,000 people and 89.5% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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

Healthcare Access

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?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $215,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 58%. The market has seen a 6.2% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.7%. Hickory offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

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

Residents of Hickory handle vehicle services through the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Hickory. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
North Carolina
Department
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Address
1465 29th Avenue Dr NE, Hickory, NC 28601
Phone
1-919-715-7000

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.

FAQs About Moving to Hickory, NC

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Hickory, review the core fields on this page: population 43,532, median home value $215,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,090, commute time 20.6 minutes, and sunny days percentage 63%.

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