Violent Crime
128/100K
66% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.5%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Hickory Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population53
Median Age21.8 yrs
Density60/mi²
Male / Female70% / 30%
Largest GroupWhite 51%
Veterans53.0%
Economy
Per Capita$11,130
Unemployment0.0%
County GDP$1,754M
Commute8 min
Housing
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$200,887
Housing Units87
Rent Burden28.4%
Crime
F
Violent128/100K
Property2,813/100K
Climate
Avg Temp58°F (15°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Sunny Days318/yr
Elevation430 ft (131 m)
Education
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+0.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score6.11
Community
2024 VoteR 80% / D 19%
Commute8 min
Broadband17.0%
EV Stations5
Libraries2
Is Hickory a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Hickory receives an overall livability score of 1.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of F. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Hickory faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Workers commute an average of 8 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Safety & Crime
Hickory is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 128 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,813 per 100,000, 44% above the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 0.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Hickory enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F. Winters average 36°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 318 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Hickory has a population of 53 with a density of 60 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 21.8 years, 44% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 30.2% female and 69.8% male. The city is predominantly White (50.9%), with 11.3% Hispanic, 37.7% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.5% of residents. 53.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 43.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
21.8yrs
Median Age
44% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.5%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.5%
74% below US avg
Per capita income is $11,130 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $962, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). The area has 1,042 business establishments, including 49 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 8 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $11,130 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $962 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $61,498 |
| Gini Index | 0.483 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
| Establishments (County) | 1,042 |
| County GDP | $1,754M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 49 |
| Healthcare | 83 |
| Retail | 133 |
| Manufacturing | 42 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,368 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.20 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 7.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 18.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $200,887. Fair market rent ranges from $794 for a one-bedroom to $984 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 87 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2012. The average annual property tax is $2,368 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 28.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $719 |
| 1 Bedroom | $794 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $984 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,277 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,442 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 87 |
| Median Year Built | 2012 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,368 |
| 32% below US avg |
In Hickory, 34.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,662. The dentist ratio is 1:2,427. 31.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Hickory vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.5% |
| 7% above US avg |
Behaviors & Mental Health
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.5% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:3,662 |
| Dentists | 1:2,427 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,013 |
| Dental Visits | 56.4% |
| Premature Death | 10,917/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 31.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 83 |
Hickory has a violent crime rate of 128 per 100,000 residents, 66% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,813 per 100,000, 44% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Hickory receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Hickory vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 128.3/100K |
| 66% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,813.4/100K |
| 44% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Hickory enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (15°C). Winters average 36°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 318 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 430 feet.
Temperature
36°F Jan (2°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 58.2°F |
| 8% above US avg |
| January Average | 36°F (2°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 318 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 430 ft (131 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 60/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.8174°N, 88.6479°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Graves County County |
| Nearest Airport | Barkley Regional (PAH) 18 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Mar)
5.20"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 84.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 75.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 37.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
329 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.8. Most recent: M2.7 on May 2, 2025.
| Sep 26, 1990 |
4 km SE of Chaffee, Missouri |
M4.8 |
93 km |
| May 4, 1991 |
2 km NNW of Risco, Missouri |
M4.5 |
108 km |
| Feb 5, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Dongola, Illinois |
M4.2 |
78 km |
| Apr 30, 2003 |
1 km N of Blytheville, Arkansas |
M4.0 |
149 km |
| Jun 6, 2003 |
1 km NE of Bardwell, Kentucky |
M4.0 |
32 km |
| Jun 2, 2005 |
12 km S of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M4.0 |
105 km |
| Feb 21, 2012 |
4 km SSE of Bertrand, Missouri |
M3.9 |
69 km |
| May 16, 2024 |
6 km S of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M3.8 |
101 km |
| Mar 2, 2010 |
2 km ENE of East Prairie, Missouri |
M3.7 |
63 km |
| Apr 24, 2019 |
12 km NNW of Dyersburg, Tennessee |
M3.7 |
104 km |
| Jan 16, 2018 |
4 km SW of Caruthersville, Missouri |
M3.6 |
118 km |
| Apr 2, 2015 |
1 km WNW of Cooter, Missouri |
M3.6 |
136 km |
| Jun 20, 2005 |
4 km WSW of Blandville, Kentucky |
M3.6 |
34 km |
| Jan 2, 2006 |
3 km NNE of Eldorado, Illinois |
M3.6 |
116 km |
| Mar 15, 2017 |
9 km ESE of Wyatt, Missouri |
M3.6 |
43 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SE of Wyatt, Missouri |
M3.5 |
47 km |
| Jun 15, 2004 |
3 km S of Canalou, Missouri |
M3.5 |
93 km |
| May 1, 2016 |
5 km SE of New Grand Chain, Illinois |
M3.5 |
53 km |
| Sep 9, 2016 |
9 km NW of Tiptonville, Tennessee |
M3.4 |
89 km |
| Aug 29, 1990 |
9 km WSW of Central, Tennessee |
M3.4 |
145 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
545 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 111 fatalities, 1,436 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF4 |
57 km |
57 |
| Feb 29, 2012 |
EF4 |
98 km |
8 |
| May 6, 2003 |
EF4 |
61 km |
2 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1971 |
EF4 |
84 km |
3 |
| Apr 3, 1968 |
EF4 |
37 km |
2 |
| Mar 4, 1964 |
EF4 |
22 km |
3 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
97 km |
4 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
61 km |
1 |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2016 |
EF3 |
12 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
37 km |
3 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Sep 22, 2006 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2006 |
EF3 |
80 km |
2 |
| Apr 2, 2006 |
EF3 |
90 km |
6 |
| Apr 2, 2006 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 2005 |
EF3 |
15 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DEVILS BACKBONE RX (3,215 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
DEVILS BACKBONE RX |
3,215 |
70 km |
| 2010 |
FRANKLIN CREEK RX |
2,828 |
52 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
2,286 |
67 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
2,282 |
51 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
1,837 |
63 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
1,627 |
89 km |
| 2019 |
ATWOOD RIDGE RX |
1,622 |
89 km |
| 2021 |
GAP VIEW RX |
1,575 |
82 km |
| 2022 |
DENNISON HOLLOW RX |
1,573 |
95 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
1,510 |
76 km |
| 2022 |
ONE HORSE GAP RX |
1,502 |
79 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
1,493 |
98 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,493 |
55 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
1,447 |
94 km |
| 2021 |
BEATTY BRANCH RX |
1,396 |
69 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
1,334 |
77 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,299 |
79 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
1,257 |
85 km |
| 2021 |
OZARK HILL PRAIRIE RX |
1,235 |
85 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
1,216 |
79 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
36°F (2°C) |
3.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
38°F (3°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| March |
48°F (9°C) |
5.2 in |
Wettest |
| April |
58°F (14°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| May |
66°F (19°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
71°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
59°F (15°C) |
3.5 in |
Driest |
| November |
48°F (9°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| December |
39°F (4°C) |
5.1 in |
|
Hickory has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 36°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 52.7 inches, with March being the wettest month (5.2") and October the driest (3.5").
Average costs for common services in Hickory. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$226 ($135–$361) |
| Specialist Visit |
$316 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$316) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,984 ($722–$4,510) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$226 ($135–$361) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$271 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($361–$902) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$316) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$361 ($135–$722) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,314 ($3,608–$10,824) |
| Roof Repair |
$902 ($361–$1,804) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,118 ($4,961–$13,530) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,353 ($451–$3,157) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,530 ($4,510–$27,060) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,510 ($1,804–$9,020) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,353 ($722–$2,706) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$902) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,255 ($902–$4,510) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$226) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.70 ($2.71–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.16 ($2.26–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.43 ($2.26–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.06 ($2.71–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.61–$6.77) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$226) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,804 ($1,082–$3,157) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.22–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$226) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,082 ($541–$2,255) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$902 ($451–$1,804) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$361 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$902 ($361–$2,255) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,275 ($4,510–$27,060) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$271 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$361) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $482 |
| Toddler | $436 |
| Preschool | $436 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $484 |
| Toddler | $499 |
| Preschool | $499 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Hickory
What is the population of Hickory?
Hickory has a population of 53 residents and is located in Kentucky. The population density is 60 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 21.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 30.2% female and 69.8% male.
Is Hickory expensive to live in?
Hickory is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.2 / below the baseline of 100.
Is Hickory safe?
Hickory is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 128 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,813 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Hickory receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Hickory?
Hickory enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 36°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 318 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Hickory?
The job market in Hickory is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $962. There are 1,042 business establishments in the area, including 49 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 8 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in Hickory?
Schools in Hickory score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 0.0% of adults in Hickory hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 0.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Hickory?
The obesity rate in Hickory is 34.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 31.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,662.
What is transportation like in Hickory?
The average commute in Hickory is 8 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 18.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Hickory?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Hickory is 50.9% White, 37.7% Black or African American, 11.3% Hispanic or Latino. 96.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.5% speak Spanish. 53.0% of the population are military veterans. 43.5% of residents have a disability. 96.5% have health insurance coverage.