Gaston, SC
Population 2,026 · South Carolina
About Gaston, SC
Gaston is a small town located in South Carolina with a population of 2,026 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $59,500 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.6 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 $117,900, which is 52% 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 $920, 21% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 913 total housing units, 63% are owner-occupied (534 units) and 37% are renter-occupied (318 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Gaston shows an unemployment rate of 1.7%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 24.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Gaston have an average one-way commute time of 26.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
9.2% 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 6.1% White, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 6.6% Asian residents, with 11.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Gaston Ranks in South Carolina
Cost of Living in Gaston, SC
Compared to national averages, Gaston has a median household income of $59,500 (21% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $117,900, which is 52% below the national median. Monthly rent at $920 is 21% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Carolina, Gaston's income is 1% above the state average of $58,738, and home values are 42% below the state median of $202,187.
Why Live in Gaston, SC?
Gaston offers affordable housing with a median home value of $117,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $920/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.7%.
Potential considerations include median household income ($59,500) 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 2,026 with a median age of 36.6 years. Compare Gaston with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Gaston
Cities in South Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arial | 2,024 | $50,132 | $169,200 | Compare |
| Cowpens | 2,031 | $37,168 | $152,700 | Compare |
| Fairfax | 2,037 | $41,328 | $54,400 | Compare |
| Shell Point | 2,005 | $65,840 | $233,600 | Compare |
| Mayo | 1,963 | $47,384 | $159,200 | Compare |
| Hopkins | 1,962 | $49,464 | $77,300 | Compare |
| Reidville | 1,955 | $117,692 | $326,200 | Compare |
| Tigerville | 1,955 | $0 | $0 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in South Carolina
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Gaston With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Gaston
What is the population of Gaston, SC?
The population of Gaston, SC is 2,026 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in South Carolina.
What is the median household income in Gaston?
The median household income in Gaston, SC is $59,500 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Gaston?
The median home value in Gaston, SC is $117,900, which is 52% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Gaston?
The median monthly rent in Gaston, SC is $920, which is 21% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Gaston?
The unemployment rate in Gaston, SC is 1.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Gaston, SC a good place to live?
Gaston offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,026 and a median age of 36.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Gaston, SC?
9.2% 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, SC: median home value is $117,900 (52% below national), median rent is $920/month, and median household income is $59,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Gaston?
The poverty rate in Gaston, SC is 24.3%, 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 Gaston, SC?
Gaston's population is 6.1% White, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 6.6% Asian, and 16.3% two or more races. 11.0% of residents are foreign-born.