Hickory, NC—28602
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 $245,000, with a year-over-year change of 1.3%. This indicates that home prices in Hickory, NC are increasing. According to Zillow, the 1-year price projection is 2.0%, suggesting an increase housing market in the next year.
Cost per Home Type
| Home Type | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
All Homes | $245,000 | 1.3% |
| Single Family | $245,000 | 1.7% |
| Condos | N/A | N/A |
Cost per Home Size
| Home Size | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
1 Bed | $124,000 | 0.8% |
2 Bed | $165,000 | 0.6% |
3 Bed | $270,000 | 2.3% |
4 Bed | $392,000 | 2.9% |
| 5 Bed | $419,000 | 3.2% |
% of Housing Stock
Rental Trends — Hickory, NC
As of July '25, Rentcast reports the average rent in Hickory, NC is $1,380, with a year-over-year rent change of 5.3%. Per bedroom, the median rent as of July '25 in Hickory, NC is studios: $1,880, 1-bedrooms: $1,000, 2-bedrooms: $1,270, 3-bedrooms: $1,620, 4-bedrooms: $2,000. The most common rental property sizes in Hickory, NC are 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom, accounting for 53.1% and 23.2% of the rental stock.
| Type | Median Rent | Average Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,420 | $1,380 |
| Studio Rent | $1,880 | $1,880 |
| 1 Bed Rent | $850 | $1,000 |
| 2 Bed Rent | $1,100 | $1,270 |
| 3 Bed Rent | $1,600 | $1,620 |
| 4 Bed Rent | $1,900 | $2,000 |
% 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 55. This is a increase of 21.0% 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 38.0%, representing a large inventory and a lot of supply pressure on home prices.
| Metric | Zip Code Average | Year over Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
Median Listing Price | $328,000 | 9.0% |
Listing Count | 117 | 11.0% |
| Listings as % of Homes | 0.4% | 11.0% |
Days on Market | 55 | 21.0% |
Demographics — Hickory, NC
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Hickory, NC has a population of 29,300, which has remained stable by 0.6% over the past 5 years. Hickory, NC is a moderately popular place for families, as children make up 22.1% of the population. The area has a poorly educated workforce, with 18.0% of adult residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are few residents working remotely, with 7.1% reporting working from home.
| Metric | Latest Census | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
Population | 29,300 | 0.6% |
% Under 18 | 22.1% | 1.4% |
% Seniors | 17.6% | 12.1% |
% WFH | 7.1% | 173.1% |
% w/ College Degree | 18.0% | -5.3% |
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Hickory, NC is a predominantly white area, with 69.6% of the population identifying as white. The white population has shrunk by 3.5% in the last 5 years. The second most common race or ethnicity in Hickory, NC is black, making up 11.6% of the population. Foreign-born residents account for 6.0% of the population in Hickory, NC, and this percentage has decreased by 10.4% 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 | 69.6% | -3.5% |
% Black | 11.6% | -10.8% |
% Hispanic | 9.7% | 12.8% |
% Asian | 5.6% | 24.4% |
% Foreign Born | 6.0% | -10.4% |
Mortgage and Risk — Hickory, NC
According to HUD data as of 2023, there were 570 mortgage originations in Hickory, NC, of which 80.0% of loans were conventional mortgages. The average loan-to-value was 59.0%, with 27.0% 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. 15.0% of loans were cash-out refinances, suggesting many homeowners are tapping equity.
Mortgages
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
Total Loan Originations | 570 |
% Conventional Loans | 80.0% |
% Government Loans | 20.0% |
% Investor Loans | 2.0% |
% Second Loans | 0.0% |
% Cash Out Refinance | 15.0% |
Loan Activity
Rentals and Section 8 — Hickory, NC
As of 2024, the percent of homes in Hickory, NC under the Section 8 program is 17.1%. This is considered high, suggesting that the neighborhood is heavily 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 | 670 |
Total Units Section 8 | 669 |
% Rentals under Section 8 | 17.1% |
% Occupied Section 8 | 79.4% |
Section 8 Opportunity
| Home Size | HUD Premium | Market Rent | Max HUD Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $40 | $850 | $890 |
| 2 Bedroom | -$10 | $1,100 | $1,090 |
| 3 Bedroom | -$210 | $1,600 | $1,390 |
| 4 Bedroom | -$270 | $1,900 | $1,630 |
Affordability — Hickory, NC
Home Price to Income Ratio
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
| Home Price to Income Ratio | 3.9 |
| Median Home Price | $245,000 |
| Median Household Income | $56,000 |