Hickory County, Missouri

Income Data

-41% vs. Missouri average
$35,084
Median Household Income
$21,208
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$35,084
-41% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$21,208
-46% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
28.5%
income as % of home value
Rank in Missouri
#115 / 115
by median household income

How Hickory County Compares

Hickory County$35,084
Missouri Average$59,503
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$35,084
Median Household Income
$21,208
Per Capita Income
$123,200
Median Home Value
28.5%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Hickory County, Missouri

Hickory faces steepest income deficit

Hickory County's median household income of $35,084 trails the national median by 53.1%—the largest gap among these eight counties. This income challenge reflects structural economic headwinds in rural Appalachian Missouri.

Lowest income in Missouri sample

Hickory County ranks among Missouri's lowest-income counties, earning 41.0% less than the state average of $59,503. This gap signals acute economic distress requiring targeted investment and opportunity expansion.

Significantly behind all peer counties

Hickory County's $35,084 income lags every comparable county in this analysis, including Howell ($49,814) and Iron ($51,161). This isolation at the bottom of the income distribution indicates concentrated economic disadvantage.

Housing strain signals broader stress

Hickory County's rent-to-income ratio of 23.9% approaches the danger threshold of 30%, indicating housing affordability pressure. Combined with low median income, this signals households have limited financial cushion for emergencies or investment.

Prioritize stability and skill investment

With per capita income at just $21,208, Hickory County households should focus on income diversification and low-cost skill development. Accessing community college programs, grants, and employer training can unlock higher-wage pathways without debt burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Hickory County, Missouri?
The median household income in Hickory County, Missouri is $35,084, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Hickory County?
The per capita income in Hickory County is $21,208, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $35,084.
How does Hickory County compare to the Missouri average?
Hickory County's median household income of $35,084 is lower than the Missouri state average of $59,503. The per capita income is $21,208, compared to the state average of $31,011.
What is the per capita income in Hickory County, Missouri?
The per capita income in Hickory County, Missouri is $21,208, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Hickory County a low-income area in Missouri?
Hickory County's median household income of $35,084 is below the Missouri average of $59,503. The per capita income of $21,208 is also lower than the state average of $31,011. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Hickory County rank for income in Missouri?
Hickory County ranks #115 out of 115 counties in Missouri by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $35,084 and per capita income of $21,208, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Hickory County

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1.00x

Your income is above the Hickory County median

County median: $35,084 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

-41%

vs. National Median

-53%

vs. Hickory County MedianAbout equal
vs. Missouri Average41% below
vs. National Median53% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent4.2x

Your monthly income ($2,924) vs. median rent ($699/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.