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
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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).
Hickory city, NC Climate
Hickory city, NC has an average annual temperature of 14.7°C (58°F) and receives about 1223 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
14.7°C
Avg Temp
1223
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 3° / 38° | 97 mm |
| February | 6° / 42° | 100 mm |
| March | 10° / 50° | 121 mm |
| April | 15° / 58° | 88 mm |
| May | 19° / 66° | 112 mm |
| June | 23° / 74° | 114 mm |
| July | 25° / 78° | 108 mm |
| August | 25° / 76° | 103 mm |
| September | 21° / 70° | 104 mm |
| October | 15° / 59° | 94 mm |
| November | 10° / 49° | 88 mm |
| December | 5° / 41° | 94 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Hickory city, NC
The most comfortable months to visit Hickory city, NC are typically September, May and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near -3°C low). March is usually the wettest month.
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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.