Gastonia, NC
Population 81,632 · North Carolina
About Gastonia, NC
Gastonia is a mid-sized city in North Carolina with a population of 81,632 residents. The median household income is $60,554 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Gastonia is 37.2 years.
Housing in Gastonia has a median home value of $250,000 and median monthly rent of $1,145. Of the 34,721 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 17,175 owner-occupied and 14,532 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Gastonia is 5.2% and the poverty rate is 14.3%. 27.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 25.7 minutes.
How Gastonia Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Gastonia, NC
Compared to national averages, Gastonia has a median household income of $60,554 (19% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $250,000, which is 2% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,145 is 2% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Gastonia's income is 6% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 9% above the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Gastonia, NC?
Gastonia offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,145/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($60,554) that falls below the national average. However, as a mid-sized city, Gastonia provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Gastonia has a population of 81,632 with a median age of 37.2 years. Compare Gastonia with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Gastonia
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greenville | 88,540 | $50,564 | $213,100 | Compare |
| Jacksonville | 73,507 | $54,069 | $191,700 | Compare |
| Asheville | 94,369 | $67,221 | $411,000 | Compare |
| Apex | 67,765 | $138,442 | $514,800 | Compare |
| Huntersville | 62,458 | $119,951 | $439,300 | Compare |
| Chapel Hill | 59,889 | $85,825 | $576,500 | Compare |
| Burlington | 58,599 | $54,941 | $188,700 | Compare |
| Concord | 106,518 | $84,752 | $327,600 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in North Carolina
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Gastonia With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Gastonia
What is the population of Gastonia, NC?
The population of Gastonia, NC is 81,632 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Gastonia?
The median household income in Gastonia, NC is $60,554 per year.
What is the median home value in Gastonia?
The median home value in Gastonia, NC is $250,000.
What is the average rent in Gastonia?
The median monthly rent in Gastonia, NC is $1,145.
What is the unemployment rate in Gastonia?
The unemployment rate in Gastonia, NC is 5.2%.