Median Income
$63,750
15% lower than US avg
Home Value
$113,300
60% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.7%
59% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$845
27% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
44.5%
39% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.6%
83% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.7%
86% lower than US avg
How Hickory Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population472
Median Age27.3 yrs
Density502/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 42%
Veterans13.4%
Economy
A
Median Income$63,750
Per Capita$22,129
Unemployment0.6%
Poverty1.7%
County GDP$699M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$113,300
Rent$845
Ownership69.7%
Zillow$163,763
Rent Burden45.0%
Health
Obesity44.5%
UninsuredN/A
Depression19.7%
Heart Disease6.6%
Climate
Avg Temp63°F
AQI43 (Good)
Rain58.2 in/yr
Elevation327 ft
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.7%
High School+91.1%
School Score4.42
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 28%
Commute25 min
Broadband96.1%
Libraries3
Is Hickory a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Hickory receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Hickory offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Hickory is $63,750, 15% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.6%. Only 1.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Hickory is $113,300, 60% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $845 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
13.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Hickory enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F. Winters average 45°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 58.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Hickory has a population of 472 with a density of 502 people per square mile. The median age is 27.3 years, 30% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly Black (50.8%), with 41.7% White, 1.3% Hispanic.
Population
27.3yrs
Median Age
30% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 100.0% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Spanish | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
The median household income in Hickory is $63,750, which is 15% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 0.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 1.7% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $63,750 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,129 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $798 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $51,360 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.6% |
| 83% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.7% |
| 86% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 382 |
| County GDP | $699M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 28 |
| Healthcare | 31 |
| Retail | 67 |
| Manufacturing | 14 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,475 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.18% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 90.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.6% |
The median home value in Hickory is $113,300, 60% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $845 (27% below US avg). 69.7% of homes are owner-occupied. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $163,763.
Home Values
| Census Median | $113,300 |
| 60% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $163,763 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $845 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 45.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $751 |
| 1 Bedroom | $782 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $924 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,177 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 69.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 69.7% |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,475 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.18% |
In Hickory, 44.5% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 19.7% report depression. 35.5% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Hickory vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 44.5% |
| 39% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 15.1% |
| Heart Disease | 6.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 44.4% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 8.2% |
| Stroke | 4.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 12.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 35.5% |
| Depression | 19.7% |
| Mental Distress | 19.3% |
| Physical Distress | 14.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.8% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 81.3% |
| Premature Death | 15,917/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 62.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 31 |
Crime Rates: Hickory vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
Safety Score
Hickory has an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winters average 45°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. Annual precipitation is 58.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Temperature
45°F Jan (7°C)
80°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 63.2°F |
| 17% above US avg |
| January Average | 45°F (7°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (26°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 58.2 inches |
| 53% above US avg |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 327 ft (100 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 502/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 32.3167°N, 89.0217°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County FIPS | 28101 |