208 movers in Hickory
What to know when moving to Hickory, NC
Hickory at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 34.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and 31.9% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $67,839, making it affordable for many.
- The Reality Check:
- A low public transit usage at just 0.1%, so a car is essential.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median gross rent of $951 per month.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
In Hickory, you will find a population of around 52,839 people, with a median household income of $67,839. About a third of the residents are renters, reflecting a mix of housing options. The education level is notable, with 34.7% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher, contributing to a well-informed community. The area experiences approximately 125 rainy days a year, which might influence how you prepare for outdoor activities.
Probably not your spot if: you rely on public transit, as only 0.1% of commuters use it.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $951, while the median owner-occupied home value is $236,100.
- 34.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, indicating a relatively educated community.
- The poverty rate stands at 12.7%, suggesting economic diversity.
- Only 31.9% of residents rent, showing a stronger owner-occupied presence.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In North Carolina, the state-level crime numbers indicate a trend of decreasing crime rates. The violent crime rate is 321 per 100,000 residents, which is slightly lower than the national average of 325.3. Property crime sits at 1,780.6 per 100,000, higher than the national average of 1,546.9, but has dropped by 15.1% since 2022.
- Violent crime: 321 per 100,000 (down 21.5% since 2022)
- Property crime: 1,780.6 per 100,000 (down 15.1% since 2022)
- Notable trend: Homicide rate decreased by 23.2% since 2022, currently at 6.4 per 100,000.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for North Carolina).
Schools & Higher Ed
Hickory has access to a few regional educational institutions, with three nearby schools. These include Catawba Valley Community College and Lenoir-Rhyne University, both located in Hickory, as well as Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute in Hudson.
- Catawba Valley Community College
- Lenoir-Rhyne University
- Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute (nearby in Hudson)
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations (NCES) + College Scorecard (ED).
Weather & Getting Outside
Catawba County sees about 41.5 inches of precipitation annually, with roughly 125 rainy days each year. Snowfall is light, with only about 1 inch annually and around 4 snow days. For outdoor activities, check out nearby parks like Bakers Mountain Park (4.8 stars based on 770 reviews) and Kiwanis Park (4.7 stars based on 1,406 reviews) for some enjoyable local outings.
- Bakers Mountain Park - 4.8 stars (770 reviews)
- Kiwanis Park - 4.7 stars (1,406 reviews)
- Glenn C. Hilton, Jr. Memorial Park - 4.6 stars (1,341 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
