Cost of Living in Hickory, NC
Population: 43,747 • 2026 Data
$63,361
Median Household Income
-18% vs national
$975
Median Monthly Rent
-28% vs national
$248,300
Median Home Value
-27% vs national
4.8%
Unemployment Rate
Housing in Hickory
The median home value in Hickory, NC is $248,300. Monthly rent for a typical unit averages $975, while total monthly housing costs (including utilities and insurance) average $1,014.
Rent-to-income ratio: 18.5%. This is within the recommended 30% threshold, suggesting housing is relatively affordable for median-income earners.
Income and Employment
The median household income in Hickory, NC is $63,361. The unemployment rate stands at 4.8%, with a labor force of 21,334 people.
Data Sources
All data from the US Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. National median figures used for comparison context.