Gaston, NC
Population 864 · North Carolina
About Gaston, NC
Gaston is a small community located in North Carolina with a population of 864 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $41,250 per year, which is 45% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.4 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Gaston features a median home value of $76,300, which is 69% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Gaston one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $688, 41% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 507 total housing units, 42% are owner-occupied (164 units) and 58% are renter-occupied (228 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Gaston shows an unemployment rate of 14.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 22.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Gaston have an average one-way commute time of 17.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
11.6% of Gaston residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.6% White, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Gaston Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Gaston, NC
Compared to national averages, Gaston has a median household income of $41,250 (45% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $76,300, which is 69% below the national median. Monthly rent at $688 is 41% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Gaston's income is 36% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 67% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Gaston, NC?
Gaston offers affordable housing with a median home value of $76,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $688/month, and short commute times averaging just 17.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($41,250) that falls below the national average. However, Gaston’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Gaston has a population of 864 with a median age of 39.4 years. Compare Gaston with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
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Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
Demographics
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Economy & Education
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Other Cities in North Carolina
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Gaston
What is the population of Gaston, NC?
The population of Gaston, NC is 864 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in Gaston?
The median household income in Gaston, NC is $41,250 per year, which is 45% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Gaston?
The median home value in Gaston, NC is $76,300, which is 69% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Gaston?
The median monthly rent in Gaston, NC is $688, which is 41% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Gaston?
The unemployment rate in Gaston, NC is 14.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Gaston, NC a good place to live?
Gaston offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 864 and a median age of 39.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Gaston, NC?
11.6% of residents in Gaston aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Gaston?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Gaston, NC: median home value is $76,300 (69% below national), median rent is $688/month, and median household income is $41,250. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Gaston?
The poverty rate in Gaston, NC is 22.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Gaston, NC?
Gaston's population is 0.6% White, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 60.5% two or more races. 0.3% of residents are foreign-born.