Hickory, NC, Crime Rate 2024 – Latest Statistics

Located in scenic Catawba County, Hickory is home to a diverse and vibrant community. The aptly named “Furniture Capital of the World’” continues to be a leader in furniture manufacturing, while other sectors of the economy lean heavily on healthcare, technology, and education. North Carolina is ranked as the 36th safest state in the country. For those who live in the area or are wishing to move there, it can be very useful to see how the Hickory, NC, crime rate looks.

Hickory Crime Rates

Hickory earns an overall crime grade of C minus from CrimeGrade.org. A crime occurs every three hours and 23 minutes. Downtown Hickory has a higher rate of crime than the northern and southern edges of the city. A grade of C minus is slightly higher than the average city in the United States. Around 65% of cities in the U.S. are safer, while around 35% of cities have higher rates of crime.

This equates to a crime rate of 39.07 per 1,000 residents in an average year. Hickory residents consider the southwest portion of the city to be the safest. Crime rates vary considerably based on where you live in Hickory. Someone who lives in a central neighborhood has as high as a 1 in 9 chance of experiencing a crime within a given year. In safer neighborhoods, that rate goes down to as low as 1 in 47.

Hickory has a higher property crime rate than the average rate in North Carolina. The statewide average for property crimes (such as burglary, theft, vandalism, robbery, and arson) is 20.64. The rate of property crimes in Hickory is 34.73. 

Hickory has a higher rate of crime per square mile than North Carolina. For every square mile in Hickory, there are an average of 59 crimes. The rate in North Carolina is 23 crimes per square mile. The safest neighborhoods in Hickory include Advent Crossroads, Camp Creek, St. Stephens North, Hickory Northwest, and Henry River.

Crime Trends in Hickory

Hickory’s crime rate is trending downward. It hit its highest point in recent years in 2013 (5505.0) and its lowest in 2020 (539.95). North Carolina’s crime rate also decreased, peaking in 2012 (3627.58) and hitting its lowest in 2020 (2313.77). The U.S. crime rate dropped, too, peaking in 2013 (3519.17) and hitting its lowest in 2021 (1689.67).

Hickory’s crime rate was higher than the state average by 12.89% (3119.78 vs 2763.47). It was also 7.12% higher than the national average (3119.78 vs 2912.43).

Violent crime rates are also trending downward in Hickory. Violent crime includes assault, robbery, homicide, and rape. The violent crime rate decreased from its highest point in 2012 (656.57) to its lowest in 2014 (390.75). In North Carolina, the trend went up, reaching its lowest in 2015 (302.17) and its highest in 2021 (393.84). The U.S. crime rate dropped from its peak in 2016 (446.76) to its lowest in 2021 (281.24).

Hickory had a higher violent crime rate than the state average of 43.13% (479.63 vs 335.11). It also exceeded the national average by 18.15%.

FAQs

Q: Is Hickory, North Carolina, a Good Place to Live?

A: Hickory, North Carolina, is a wonderful place to live. The city has a diverse economy, strong educational institutions, like Lenoir-Rhyne University, and a vibrant cultural life. Hickory has a rich stock car racing history. As home to the Hickory Motor Speedway, Hickory is the birthplace of many NASCAR careers.

Q: What City in North Carolina Has the Lowest Level of Crime?

A: The safest city in North Carolina is Pinehurst. The remaining safest cities (in order) in 2024 are Whispering Pines, Davidson, Waxhaw, Elon, Rolesville, Fuquay-Varina, Winterville, Holly Springs, and Mint Hill. Safe cities in North Carolina usually engage in crime prevention efforts and implement effective strategies to maintain public safety.

Q: What Are the Demographics of Hickory, North Carolina?

A: The average age of residents in Hickory is 37. Nearly 70% of Hickory residents are white, 13% are Black, and 7% are multiracial. Based on the most recent census data, there are 43,490 people living in Hickory. Around 24% of residents have a college degree or higher, while 86% have graduated from high school. This tracks closely with North Carolina demographics, where 62% of North Carolinians are white and 20% are Black. 

Q: What County Has the Highest Crime Rate in North Carolina?

A: According to the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), Robeson County holds the top spot for crime rates, while Scotland County ranks second for overall crime rates.
North Carolina’s violent crime rate increased for the second year in a row, rising from 4.3 incidents per 1,000 people to 4.7. The state’s property crime rate experienced a slight decrease, dropping from 22.4 incidents per 1,000 to 21.6.

Q: What Steps Can I Take to Stay Safe When Visiting Hickory, North Carolina?

A: Statistics do not always capture the details and nuances of a city. Downtown Hickory has a higher incidence rate of crimes than other parts of the city, but this could be due to the concentration of people in the urban core. To stay safe in any city, take prudent precautions by avoiding dark areas at night, going out in groups, and trying to stay around crowds. Do not keep your wallet or valuables in your back pockets.

Schedule Your Hickory, North Carolina, Attorney Consultation Today

Hickory is seeing downward trends in violent and property crimes. Anyone who is accused of committing a crime could face serious consequences, even if they are a first-time offender. Cody Law Firm in Hickory, North Carolina, provides aggressive representation for people facing criminal charges. We have stood alongside many clients and worked to lower the potential penalties they face.

With the right strategy in place, you may be able to resolve your case with favorable outcomes, allowing you to once again focus on the things that matter most to you. To schedule your consultation, please contact our office today.