Hickory, NC—28601
Real Estate Data & Market Trends
Key Metrics at a Glance
Other Zip Codes in Hickory, NC
Home Price Trends — Hickory, NC
As of Oct '25, the median home price in Hickory, NC is $299,000, with a year-over-year change of 2.0%. This indicates that home prices in Hickory, NC are increasing. According to Zillow, the 1-year price projection is 1.9%, suggesting an increase housing market in the next year.
Cost per Home Type
| Home Type | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
All Homes | $299,000 | 2.0% |
| Single Family | $302,000 | 2.0% |
| Condos | $227,000 | 0.4% |
Cost per Home Size
| Home Size | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
1 Bed | $175,000 | 0.6% |
2 Bed | $194,000 | 1.0% |
3 Bed | $289,000 | 2.1% |
4 Bed | $472,000 | 2.8% |
| 5 Bed | $654,000 | 3.2% |
% of Housing Stock
Rental Trends — Hickory, NC
As of July '25, Rentcast reports the average rent in Hickory, NC is $1,410, with a year-over-year rent change of 3.7%. Per bedroom, the median rent as of July '25 in Hickory, NC is studios: $949, 1-bedrooms: $942, 2-bedrooms: $1,160, 3-bedrooms: $1,800, 4-bedrooms: $2,300. The most common rental property sizes in Hickory, NC are 2-bedroom and 1-bedroom, accounting for 53.0% and 21.1% of the rental stock.
| Type | Median Rent | Average Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,250 | $1,410 |
| Studio Rent | $1,000 | $949 |
| 1 Bed Rent | $850 | $942 |
| 2 Bed Rent | $1,140 | $1,160 |
| 3 Bed Rent | $1,750 | $1,800 |
| 4 Bed Rent | $2,200 | $2,300 |
% of Rental Stock
Property Listings — Hickory, NC
As of Oct '25, Realtor.com reports that the median days on market for a home in Hickory, NC is 64. This is a increase of 24.0% from last year, suggesting that homes are sitting on the market longer than last year. The percentage of listed homes with a reduced price is 30.0%, representing a large inventory and a lot of supply pressure on home prices.
| Metric | Zip Code Average | Year over Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
Median Listing Price | $395,000 | 10.0% |
Listing Count | 288 | 41.0% |
| Listings as % of Homes | 0.7% | 41.0% |
Days on Market | 64 | 24.0% |
Demographics — Hickory, NC
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Hickory, NC has a population of 52,800, which has increased by 2.2% over the past 5 years. Hickory, NC is a moderately popular place for families, as children make up 20.7% of the population. The area has a moderately educated workforce, with 34.7% of adult residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are few residents working remotely, with 7.9% reporting working from home.
| Metric | Latest Census | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
Population | 52,800 | 2.2% |
% Under 18 | 20.7% | -6.8% |
% Seniors | 18.6% | 5.1% |
% WFH | 7.9% | 139.4% |
% w/ College Degree | 34.7% | 10.9% |
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Hickory, NC is a predominantly white area, with 73.2% of the population identifying as white. The white population has shrunk by 5.3% in the last 5 years. The second most common race or ethnicity in Hickory, NC is hispanic, making up 9.4% of the population. Foreign-born residents account for 7.6% of the population in Hickory, NC, and this percentage has decreased by 1.3% as of the ACS Survey 5 years prior, suggesting fewer immigrants are calling the area home.
Race and Ethnicity
| Metric | Latest Census | 5-Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
% White | 73.2% | -5.3% |
% Black | 8.3% | 38.3% |
% Hispanic | 9.4% | -8.7% |
% Asian | 4.5% | 0.0% |
% Foreign Born | 7.6% | -1.3% |
Mortgage and Risk — Hickory, NC
According to HUD data as of 2023, there were 1107 mortgage originations in Hickory, NC, of which 85.0% of loans were conventional mortgages. The average loan-to-value was 58.0%, with 24.0% above 90% LTV (very high). This implies large mortgage risk in Hickory, NC. Investor activity is low, as 2.0% of loans were by investors. 10.0% of loans were cash-out refinances, suggesting few homeowners are tapping equity.
Mortgages
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
Total Loan Originations | 1,107 |
% Conventional Loans | 85.0% |
% Government Loans | 15.0% |
% Investor Loans | 2.0% |
% Second Loans | 1.0% |
% Cash Out Refinance | 10.0% |
Loan Activity
Rentals and Section 8 — Hickory, NC
As of 2024, the percent of homes in Hickory, NC under the Section 8 program is 11.3%. This is considered low, suggesting that the neighborhood is sparsely composed of Section 8 homes. Section 8 opportunity is good when HUD pays more than market rent. 1-bedroom units appear to be good home sizes to consider for Section 8 housing in Hickory, NC, because HUD payments exceed market rent, while 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom and 4-bedroom units do not.
Section 8 Market Size
Total Units under HUD | 766 |
Total Units Section 8 | 766 |
% Rentals under Section 8 | 11.3% |
% Occupied Section 8 | 71.8% |
Section 8 Opportunity
| Home Size | HUD Premium | Market Rent | Max HUD Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $80 | $850 | $930 |
| 2 Bedroom | $0 | $1,140 | $1,140 |
| 3 Bedroom | -$300 | $1,750 | $1,450 |
| 4 Bedroom | -$490 | $2,200 | $1,710 |
Affordability — Hickory, NC
Home Price to Income Ratio
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
| Home Price to Income Ratio | 4 |
| Median Home Price | $299,000 |
| Median Household Income | $67,800 |