Elkhart, IN 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.
Elkhart
71.7
#963 nationally
Hickory
70.8
#1056 nationally
Hickory leads in crime level (11.2 vs 27.3). Elkhart leads in walk score (38 vs 28). Hickory leads in median household income ($58,251 vs $46,534).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Elkhart, IN | Hickory, NC |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 71.7 (#963) | 70.8 (#1056) |
| Population | 53,484 | 44,415 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $231,547 | $298,293 |
| Median Household Income | $46,534 | $58,251 |
| Average Commute | 17.9 min | 19.6 min |
| Walk Score | 38 | 28 |
| Crime Level | 27.3 | 11.2 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 86 | 98 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+32.4 | R+38.0 |
C-
71.7 Score
Elkhart, IN
Indiana community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$231,547
Population
53,484
Crime
Very High
Walk Score
38
Midwest
View Elkhart, IN →
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 →