Gastonia, NC
Population 81,632 · North Carolina
About Gastonia, NC
Gastonia is a mid-sized city located in North Carolina with a population of 81,632 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $60,554 per year, which is 19% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Gastonia features a median home value of $250,000, which is 2% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Gastonia in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,145, 2% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 34,721 total housing units, 54% are owner-occupied (17,175 units) and 46% are renter-occupied (14,532 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Gastonia shows an unemployment rate of 5.2%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 14.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Gastonia have an average one-way commute time of 25.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
27.7% of Gastonia residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 3.4% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 1.6% Black or African American, and 6.3% Asian residents, with 7.3% of the population being foreign-born.
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 US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in Gastonia?
The median household income in Gastonia, NC is $60,554 per year, which is 19% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Gastonia?
The median home value in Gastonia, NC is $250,000, which is 2% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Gastonia?
The median monthly rent in Gastonia, NC is $1,145, which is 2% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Gastonia?
The unemployment rate in Gastonia, NC is 5.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Gastonia, NC a good place to live?
Gastonia offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 81,632 and a median age of 37.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Gastonia, NC?
27.7% of residents in Gastonia 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 Gastonia?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Gastonia, NC: median home value is $250,000 (2% above national), median rent is $1,145/month, and median household income is $60,554. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.1x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Gastonia?
The poverty rate in Gastonia, NC is 14.3%, 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 Gastonia, NC?
Gastonia's population is 3.4% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 1.6% Black or African American, 6.3% Asian, and 30.6% two or more races. 7.3% of residents are foreign-born.