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ZIP Code · NC

ZIP 28602

Part of Hickory, NC
Pop. 31,113·Catawba County·162nd most expensive ZIP in North Carolina
Median rent (all units)
$1,490/mo
Year-over-Year
+14.2%
Month-over-Month
+6.9%
vs US Median
-$475
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 28602 · $1,490
More affordable than 74% of US ZIP codes · National median $1,965/mo
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Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$890
1 BR
$940
2 BR
$1,140
3 BR
$1,430
4 BR+
$1,730
Research median
$1,140/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
$17,880/yr
At $1,490/mo median
Location
StateNC
CountyCatawba County
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 14.2% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+14.2% YoY, +6.9% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 28602 (Hickory, NC) is majority owner-occupied, has a median income below the national average, 20.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
31,113
Median income
$62,048
Median age
40.1
Renters
37.1%
Age distribution
23.1%
21.3%
25.9%
12.7%
16.9%
Under 1823.1%
18–3421.3%
35–5425.9%
55–6412.7%
65+16.9%
Gender
49.5%
50.5%
Male49.5%
Female50.5%
Race & ethnicity
68.6%
13.8%
White68.6%
Black13.8%
Hispanic11.6%
Asian5.3%
Other0.7%
Education (25+)
12.5%
31.1%
36.1%
20.3%
No HS diploma12.5%
HS diploma31.1%
Some college36.1%
Bachelor's+20.3%
Housing tenure
62.9%
37.1%
Owner62.9%
Renter37.1%

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

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 28602 in Hickory, NC has changed in 5 years

Income
$49,008 → $62,048
up 26.6%
Population
29,463 → 31,113
up 5.6%
Renter share
33.1% → 37.1%
+4.0 pts
Bachelor's+
17.1% → 20.3%
+3.2 pts
Median age
39.2 → 40.1
+0.9 yrs

On the earnings side, the typical household in ZIP 28602 in Hickory, NC now reports about $62,048, up from $49,008 in 2021. The population has grown by 5.6% since 2021, moving from about 29,463 residents to roughly 31,113. Renters now make up 37.1% of households, compared with 33.1% five years ago. College-educated residents now make up 20.3% of adults here, versus 17.1% in 2021.

Community

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Local insights

Tips for renters in ZIP 28602

About renting in ZIP 28602

Last updated: July 20, 2026

ZIP code 28602 covers Hickory, NC. The median rent here is $1,490/mo as of July 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $940/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $1,140/mo.

At 29% of local median household income ($62,048/yr), ZIP 28602 ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 14.2% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 28602?

As of July 20, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 28602 (Hickory, NC) is $1,490. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 28602 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 28602's median rent of $1,490/mo is $475 (24%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo.

How does ZIP 28602 compare to other ZIPs in North Carolina?

ZIP 28602 is among the more affordable ZIP codes in North Carolina, ranking #162 out of 227 ZIPs at $1,490/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 28602?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $60,000/year (~$29/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,490/mo in ZIP 28602. The local median household income is $62,048/yr, meaning the typical household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 28602?

Rent in ZIP 28602 has increased 14.2% over the past year as of July 20, 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Is ZIP 28602 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 28602 is considered affordable for renters. At $1,490/mo, rent takes approximately 29% of the local median household income ($62,048/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 28602 falls comfortably within that range.

What percentage of ZIP 28602 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 37.1% of ZIP 28602 households are renters, while 62.9% are owner-occupied. ZIP 28602 leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does ZIP 28602 compare to the rest of Hickory?

ZIP 28602 is pricier than Hickory as a whole. At $1,490/mo, it's $27 above the Hickory citywide median of $1,463/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 28602 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 28602 reflects July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
29%
AFFORDABLE

At $1,490/mo, rent takes ~29% of ZIP 28602's median household income ($62,048/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 28602 29%Benchmark 30%
State income tax4.5%
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Schools nearby

Public schools near ZIP 28602 (Hickory, NC)

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