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 43,500 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $260,000 and average rents near $1,050. Commute times average 24 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (58% 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 43,500 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 41 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 71% White, 18% Black, and 4% Asian residents, and over 12% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
43,500
Density
1,300 per sq mi
Median Age
40.7
Gender Ratio
91 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
11.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
70.5%
Black
17.8%
Asian
4.2%
Others
7.5%

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 88.4. Median home values are around $260,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,050. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$260,000
Gross Rent
$1,050
Monthly Electricity Charges
$140
Auto Insurance
$1,520
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,620
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$520
State Taxes
Low: 4.75%| High: 4.75%
Cost Of Living Index
88.4
Grocery
93.2
Housing
74.8
Utilities
98.7
Transportation
92.1
Health Care
96.5
Miscellaneous
90.8

Crime

Is Hickory, NC a safe place to live?

Hickory is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 520 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 35. 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
520
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,850
Crime Index
3,370
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 192
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 35

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 32°F. The area receives about 45 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 58% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
32°F
Max
52°F

Summer

Min
67°F
Max
89°F

Spring

Min
47°F
Max
72°F

Fall

Min
49°F
Max
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches
45.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
58%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $59,000 and a low poverty rate of 16.8%. Over 87% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 24% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 24 minutes, and almost 3% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$33,500
Household Income
$59,000
Family Income
$72,500
Per Capita Income
$28,500
Income Male
$39,500
Income Female
$31,000
Poverty Rate
16.8%
Non English Speakers
16.5%
Rent
$1,050
Unemployment Rate
4.8%
Public Transport Usage
2.6%
Commute Time
23.9 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
86.5%
Bachelors or More
23.5%

Education

How are the schools in Hickory, NC?

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

Public Schools

Name
St. Stephens High School
Street
3205 34th St Dr NE
Phone
828-256-4641
Students
1,200
Student Teacher Ratio
16.4
Name
Hickory High School
Street
1234 3rd St NE
Phone
828-328-6146
Students
1,000
Student Teacher Ratio
15.8

Private Schools

Name
Hickory Christian Academy
Street
828 7th Ave NE
Phone
828-328-0091
Students
350
Name
Tabernacle Christian School
Street
1220 3rd Ave NE
Phone
828-322-4910
Students
280

Colleges

Name
Lenoir-Rhyne University
City
Hickory
State
NC
Distance
0 miles
Students
1,700
Name
Catawba Valley Community College
City
Hickory
State
NC
Distance
4 miles
Students
4,100

Healthcare

Hickory residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Atrium Health Hickory and Catawba Valley Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.1 per 1,000 people and 88.6% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Atrium Health Hickory
Address
1000 1st St NE, Hickory, NC 28601
Phone
(828) 326-3000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Catawba Valley Medical Center
Address
810 Fairgrove Church Rd SE, Hickory, NC 28602
Phone
(828) 326-3500
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage
88.6%
Health Care Index
68.4

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Hickory, NC?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $260,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 64%. The market has seen a 4.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 6.1%. Hickory offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$260,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,050
Owner Occupied Rate
63.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.1%
New Construction Rate
1.6%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of Hickory handle vehicle services through the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Raleigh. 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
1100 New Bern Ave, Raleigh, NC 27697
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 43,500, median home value $260,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,050, commute time 23.9 minutes, and sunny days percentage 58%.

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