Hickory, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Hickory, North Carolina is 43,747 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 24th-largest city in North Carolina. The median household income is $63,361, the median home value is $248,300, and the median age is 37.7.
The population has grown 12.6% since 2010 (40,034 → 45,081).
43,747
Population
1355
People / sq mi
$63,361
Median Income
$248,300
Median Home Value
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Hickory covers 32.3 sq mi of land at 1355 people per square mile.
About Hickory, NC
What distinguishes Hickory is density: among the most sparsely settled of US cities, around 1,355 people per square mile. Hickory is a city in North Carolina with a population of 43,747. It ranks #24 among cities in North Carolina by population.
Incomes run on the lower side: a median household income of $63,361, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 11.9% of residents fall below the poverty line, close to the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $248,300, with typical rent around $975.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US cities: 35.9% of adults hold a four-year degree, near the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 11.0%, and the average commute runs about 20 minutes each way.
Hickory city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Hickory city had a population of 40,034 in 2010 and 45,081 in 2024, a 12.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 45,081 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.86%.
45,081
Population (2024)
40,034
Population (2010)
45,081
Peak (2024)
0.86%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 40,034 |
| 2011 | 39,938 |
| 2012 | 39,947 |
| 2013 | 39,948 |
| 2014 | 40,035 |
| 2015 | 40,143 |
| 2016 | 40,425 |
| 2017 | 40,776 |
| 2018 | 40,983 |
| 2019 | 41,171 |
| 2020 | 43,688 |
| 2021 | 43,791 |
| 2022 | 44,155 |
| 2023 | 44,560 |
| 2024 | 45,081 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 68.3% |
| Black or African American | 13.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$63,361
Median Household Income
$36,266
Per Capita Income
11.9%
Poverty Rate
2.9%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$248,300
Median Home Value
$975
Median Rent
55.9%
Owner-Occupied
Education
89.8%
High School+
35.9%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.1%
Drive Alone
73.3%
Public Transit
11.0%
Work From Home
20.1 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
30.1%
Foreign Born
85.9%
Non-English at Home
6.9%
Veterans
12.5%
With Disability
87.8%
Health Insurance
94.2%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 21.4% |
| Manufacturing | 21.1% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 8.2% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 7.4% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 7.0% |
| Construction | 5.6% |
| Retail Trade | 3.9% |
| Information | 3.7% |
| Public Administration | 3.2% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.5% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.3% |
Largest cities in North Carolina
Largest counties in North Carolina
Part of North Carolina
Metro areas in North Carolina
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Hickory, North Carolina has a population of 43,747 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 24th-largest city in North Carolina.
The median household income in Hickory, North Carolina is $63,361, with 11.9% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Hickory, North Carolina is $248,300, with median monthly rent at $975 and a homeownership rate of 55.9%.
The median age in Hickory, North Carolina is 37.7 years. The population is 49.1% male and 50.9% female.
The population has grown 12.6% since 2010 (40,034 → 45,081).
Where to stay in Hickory
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Statewide data for North Carolina
Population, race, income, age, and trends across North Carolina
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.