| ZIP Code | 28602 |
|---|---|
| City | Hickory |
| State | North Carolina (NC) |
| County | Catawba County |
| Area Code | 828 |
| Elevation | 1,168 ft |
| Latitude | 35.673522 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -81.382627 |
| Timezone | New York (DST) |
| FIPS | 37035 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 40.9 yrs ↑ 3% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.50 |
| Below Poverty | 16.2% ▲ 62% above avg |
| College Grads | 32.7% ▼ 16% below avg |
| Unemployment | 3.6% ▼ 26% below avg |
| No HS Diploma | 301 (1.6%) |
| HS Graduate | 5,834 (31.7%) |
| Some College | 3,206 (17.4%) |
| Associates | 3,060 (16.6%) |
| Bachelors | 2,472 (13.4%) |
| Graduate Degree | 3,550 (19.3%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $56,031 ▼ 27% below avg ↑ 22% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $180,300 ▼ 35% below avg ↑ 36% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 3.2x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $830/mo ↑ 20% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 12,941 |
| Vacant Units | 1,406 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.50 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 12,941 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 1,406 |
| Owner Occupied | 66.2% |
| Renter Occupied | 33.8% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.50 |
ZIP code 28602 is located in Hickory, North Carolina, within Catawba County. With a population of 29,273, this is a moderately populated ZIP code with a middle-aged community — the median age is 40.9 years. Economically, 28602 is a solidly middle-class ZIP code: the median household income of $56,031 is below the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 28602 represents an affordable housing market. The median home value of $180,300 is below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $830 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 66.2% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 36% since 2019.
The population of 28602 is majority White (69.59%). Residents are moderately educated — 32.7% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is below the national average. Poverty affects some residents at 16.2%. Household income has grown by 22% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 28602 stands at 3.6%, 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 28602 in Hickory, NC is characterized as solidly middle-class, moderately educated, a middle-aged community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 29,273 residents, a median household income of $56,031, and a median home value of $180,300, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of North Carolina.