Geography
Catawba County and Hickory, NC are located in Western part of North Carolina situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Official elevation of the county is 1140 feet. We are one hour east of the Mountains and 4 ½ hours west of the Atlantic Ocean.

General Information
Largest City: Hickory
Avg. Annual rainfall: 49 inches
Avg. annual snowfall: 9.6 inches
Avg. relative humidity: 74%
Avg. January High Temp.: 48 degrees
Avg. July High Temp.: 87 degrees
Sunshine an avg. 300 days a year
County Seat: Newton

Population (October 2005)
Catawba County: 149,032
Hickory Metropolitan MSA: 351,715
Median age: 36.4
Minority population (2000 Census): 25,359
*Includes Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, and Catawba Counties
Source: NC Office of State Planning 2004

Economic Indicators
Average Household Size: 2.54
Households: 58,500
Average Household Income: $54,134
Median Household Income: $39,279
Per Capita Personal: $22,196
Total effective buying income: $2,558,253,000
Total retail sales: $2,395,750,000
Source: Sales and Marketing Management Magazine, 2005 Survey of Buying Power and 2000 Census

Taxes
(Effective 2007) For a complete list of taxes contact (828) 465-8408 or visit www.catawbacountync.gov. All property is subject to county tax plus fire or municipality tax.

City/County Taxes
Property Tax
Catawba County $.49/$100
Hickory $.50/$100
Conover $.40/$100
Newton $.46/$100
Claremont $.46/$100
Long View $.40/$100
Brookford $.52/$100
Maiden $.40/$100

State Taxes
Corporate Income Tax 6.9% - 7.5%
State Income Tax 6% - 8.25%
Local State Sales Tax 6.75%

Getting Your NC Driver’s License
All new residents of North Carolina who plan to operate a motor vehicle in this state must obtain a driver’s license within 60 days of establishing a permanent residence. To apply, you must appear in person at one of the state’s driver license offices and take the required tests. Click Here for more information.

Tags and Registration for Your Vehicle
Typically residents have 30 days to apply for new tags. Proof of liability insurance, title (if paid for), and current out of state registration card are required. If your vehicle title is held by a lien holder (usually a bank or finance company), you must furnish the lien holder’s name/address and current out of state registration card. Click Here for more information.

Voting
To register to vote in North Carolina, a person must sign a voter declaration affirming that:
· You are a U.S. Citizen.
· You will have been a resident of NC and Catawba County for 30 days before the election.
· You will be at least 18 years old by the next general election.
· You are neither registered nor will you vote in any other county or state.
· If you have been a convicted felon you must have your citizenship restored.
Visit www.sboe.state.nc.us or call 828-465-8440 for more information


Source: www.catawbachamber.org