Hickory, NC vs Rochester, MN
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
Rochester
76
#401 nationally
Rochester leads in crime level (4.2 vs 11.2). Rochester leads in median household income ($83,973 vs $58,251). Rochester leads in average commute (17.1 min vs 19.6 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Hickory, NC | Rochester, MN |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 70.8 (#1056) | 76 (#401) |
| Population | 44,415 | 122,413 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $298,293 | $347,877 |
| Median Household Income | $58,251 | $83,973 |
| Average Commute | 19.6 min | 17.1 min |
| Walk Score | 28 | 30 |
| Crime Level | 11.2 | 4.2 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 98 | 106 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+38.0 | D+10.7 |
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 →
C
76 Score
Rochester, MN
Mid-size Minnesota city with community character
Median Home
$347,877
Population
122,413
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
30
Midwest
View Rochester, MN →