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ZIP Code · NC

ZIP 28601

Part of Hickory, NC
Pop. 53,329·Catawba County·181st most expensive ZIP in North Carolina
Median rent (all units)
$1,423/mo
Year-over-Year
+2.8%
Month-over-Month
+0.8%
vs US Median
-$542
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 28601 · $1,423
More affordable than 79% of US ZIP codes · National median $1,965/mo
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Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$990
1 BR
$1,040
2 BR
$1,260
3 BR
$1,580
4 BR+
$1,910
Research median
$1,260/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$17,076/yr
At $1,423/mo median
Location
StateNC
CountyCatawba County
Rent Market Meter
Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are climbing (2.8% YoY), so leverage tilts toward landlords. Act sooner rather than later.
Based on rent-price momentum (+2.8% YoY, +0.8% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 28601 (Hickory, NC) is majority owner-occupied, 36.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
53,329
Median income
$67,817
Median age
41.2
Renters
31.6%
Age distribution
20.6%
22.8%
23.7%
13.2%
19.7%
Under 1820.6%
18–3422.8%
35–5423.7%
55–6413.2%
65+19.7%
Gender
48.6%
51.4%
Male48.6%
Female51.4%
Race & ethnicity
77.1%
White77.1%
Black6.7%
Hispanic10.4%
Asian5.2%
Other0.6%
Education (25+)
22.7%
31.5%
36.1%
No HS diploma9.8%
HS diploma22.7%
Some college31.5%
Bachelor's+36.1%
Housing tenure
68.4%
31.6%
Owner68.4%
Renter31.6%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 28601 in Hickory, NC has changed in 5 years

Income
$60,277 → $67,817
up 12.5%
Population
52,423 → 53,329
up 1.7%
Renter share
34.1% → 31.6%
-2.5 pts
Bachelor's+
34.2% → 36.1%
+1.9 pts

Census figures show median household income at $67,817 today, compared with $60,277 five years earlier. The population has grown by 1.7% since 2021, moving from about 52,423 residents to roughly 53,329. Renters now make up 31.6% of households, compared with 34.1% five years ago.

Community

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Local insights

Tips for renters in ZIP 28601

About renting in ZIP 28601

Last updated: July 20, 2026

ZIP code 28601 covers Hickory, NC. The median rent here is $1,423/mo as of July 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $1,040/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $1,260/mo.

At 25% of local median household income ($67,817/yr), ZIP 28601 ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 2.8% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 28601?

As of July 20, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 28601 (Hickory, NC) is $1,423. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 28601 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 28601's median rent of $1,423/mo is $542 (28%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo.

How does ZIP 28601 compare to other ZIPs in North Carolina?

ZIP 28601 is among the more affordable ZIP codes in North Carolina, ranking #181 out of 227 ZIPs at $1,423/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 28601?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $57,000/year (~$27/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,423/mo in ZIP 28601. The local median household income is $67,817/yr, meaning the typical household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 28601?

Rent in ZIP 28601 has increased 2.8% over the past year as of July 20, 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Is ZIP 28601 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 28601 is considered affordable for renters. At $1,423/mo, rent takes approximately 25% of the local median household income ($67,817/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 28601 falls comfortably within that range.

What percentage of ZIP 28601 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 31.6% of ZIP 28601 households are renters, while 68.4% are owner-occupied. ZIP 28601 leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does ZIP 28601 compare to the rest of Hickory?

ZIP 28601 is more affordable than Hickory overall. At $1,423/mo, it's $40 below the Hickory citywide median of $1,463/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 28601 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 28601 reflects July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
25%
AFFORDABLE

At $1,423/mo, rent takes ~25% of ZIP 28601's median household income ($67,817/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 28601 25%Benchmark 30%
State income tax4.5%
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Schools nearby

Public schools near ZIP 28601 (Hickory, NC)

Recent submissions

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