Hickory, NC vs Madera, CA
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.
Hickory
70.8
#1056 nationally
Madera
65.3
#1641 nationally
Madera leads in walk score (42 vs 28). Hickory leads in average commute (19.6 min vs 28.3 min). Hickory leads in cost of living index (98 vs 119).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Hickory, NC | Madera, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 70.8 (#1056) | 65.3 (#1641) |
| Population | 44,415 | 68,079 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $298,293 | $426,523 |
| Median Household Income | $58,251 | $61,626 |
| Average Commute | 19.6 min | 28.3 min |
| Walk Score | 28 | 42 |
| Crime Level | 11.2 | 10.8 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 98 | 119 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+38.0 | R+20.8 |
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 →
D
65.3 Score
Madera, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$426,523
Population
68,079
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
42
Pacific
View Madera, CA →