Abilene, TX vs Hickory, NC
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Abilene
77.5
#236 nationally
Hickory
70.8
#1056 nationally
Abilene leads in average commute (15.2 min vs 19.6 min). Abilene leads in walk score (31 vs 28). Abilene leads in cost of living index (93 vs 98).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Abilene, TX | Hickory, NC |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 77.5 (#236) | 70.8 (#1056) |
| Population | 129,043 | 44,415 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $222,710 | $298,293 |
| Median Household Income | $59,254 | $58,251 |
| Average Commute | 15.2 min | 19.6 min |
| Walk Score | 31 | 28 |
| Crime Level | 11.6 | 11.2 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 93 | 98 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+49.8 | R+38.0 |
C+
77.5 Score
Abilene, TX
Mid-size Texas city with community character
Median Home
$222,710
Population
129,043
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
31
Southwest
View Abilene, TX →
C-
70.8 Score
Hickory, NC
Small North Carolina city with local appeal
Median Home
$298,293
Population
44,415
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
28
Southeast
View Hickory, NC →