The Hickory metro is home to 366,972 people (up 0.4% over five years), with a median household income of $60,255. Typical rent of $1,595/month works out to 31.8% of the median household income — near the 30% affordability threshold (Census ACS + Zillow, September 2026).
The share of Hickory's workforce by sector — the base of tenant demand:
| Sector | % of workforce |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing | 24.5% |
| Education & health care | 20.4% |
| Retail trade | 11.4% |
| Arts, food & hospitality | 7.7% |
| Professional & management | 7.0% |
Manufacturing is the metro's largest employment base; a diversified mix beneath it spreads tenant-demand risk.
Rents at 31.8% of median income leave moderate headroom; underwrite rent growth conservatively. Market pricing, yields and the Star Score live on the Hickory market page; run a deal in the calculator.
At the 30%-of-income affordability rule, typical rent of $1,595/month suggests a household income around $64,000/year. The metro's median household income is $60,255.
By workforce share: Manufacturing (24.5%), Education & health care (20.4%), Retail trade (11.4%) (Census ACS 5-year).