| ZIP Code | 28601 |
|---|---|
| City | Hickory |
| State | North Carolina (NC) |
| County | Catawba County |
| Area Code | 828 |
| Elevation | 1,004 ft |
| Latitude | 35.772393 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -81.326659 |
| Timezone | New York (DST) |
| FIPS | 37035 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 40.2 yrs |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.43 |
| Below Poverty | 12.4% ▲ 24% above avg |
| College Grads | 48.2% ▲ 24% above avg |
| Unemployment | 4.0% ▼ 18% below avg |
| No HS Diploma | 552 (1.7%) |
| HS Graduate | 7,886 (23.7%) |
| Some College | 3,273 (9.8%) |
| Associates | 5,524 (16.6%) |
| Bachelors | 3,959 (11.9%) |
| Graduate Degree | 12,090 (36.3%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $67,839 ▼ 11% below avg ↑ 25% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $236,100 ▼ 15% below avg ↑ 43% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 3.5x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $951/mo ↑ 29% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 23,400 |
| Vacant Units | 2,156 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.43 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 23,400 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 2,156 |
| Owner Occupied | 68.1% |
| Renter Occupied | 31.9% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.43 |
ZIP code 28601 is located in Hickory, North Carolina, within Catawba County. With a population of 52,839, this is a highly populated ZIP code with a middle-aged community — the median age is 40.2 years. Economically, 28601 is a solidly middle-class ZIP code: the median household income of $67,839 is near the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 28601 represents an affordable housing market. The median home value of $236,100 is below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $951 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 68.1% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 43% since 2019.
The population of 28601 is primarily White (73.23%). Residents are well-educated — 48.2% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is above the national average. Poverty affects some residents at 12.4%. Household income has grown by 25% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 28601 stands at 4.0%, which is below the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 80%.
Overall, ZIP code 28601 in Hickory, NC is characterized as solidly middle-class, well-educated, a middle-aged community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 52,839 residents, a median household income of $67,839, and a median home value of $236,100, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of North Carolina.