Median Income
$49,417
34% lower than US avg
Home Value
$87,300
69% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.0%
55% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$819
30% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.3%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
7.1%
97% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.9%
20% lower than US avg
How Gaston Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population709
Median Age36.2 yrs
Density1,969/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans9.5%
Economy
B
Median Income$49,417
Per Capita$23,164
Unemployment7.1%
Poverty9.9%
County GDP$5,403M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$87,300
Rent$819
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$192,584
Rent Burden26.7%
Health
Obesity38.3%
UninsuredN/A
Depression31.2%
Heart Disease6.5%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F
AQI41 (Good)
Rain43.8 in/yr
Elevation896 ft
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.0%
High School+89.5%
School Score6.01
Community
2024 VoteR 57% / D 41%
Commute25 min
Broadband83.8%
Libraries5
Is Gaston a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Gaston receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes. Gaston offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Gaston is $49,417, 34% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 7.1% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 9.9% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Gaston is $87,300, 69% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $819 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
15.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Gaston experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 43.8 inches, including 20.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Gaston has a population of 709 with a density of 1,969 people per square mile. The median age is 36.2 years, 7% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (89%), with 7.8% Hispanic.
Population
36.2yrs
Median Age
7% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 97.6% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Spanish | 2.4% |
| 82% below US avg |
The median household income in Gaston is $49,417, which is 34% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 7.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 9.9% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $49,417 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,164 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $987 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $58,728 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.1% |
| 97% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.9% |
| 20% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,354 |
| County GDP | $5,403M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 220 |
| Healthcare | 342 |
| Retail | 387 |
| Manufacturing | 106 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,457 |
| 1% below US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.96% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 70.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.6% |
The median home value in Gaston is $87,300, 69% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $819 (30% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $192,584.
Home Values
| Census Median | $87,300 |
| 69% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $192,584 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $819 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $882 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,096 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,391 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,457 |
| 1% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.96% |
In Gaston, 38.3% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 31.2% report depression. 25.9% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Gaston vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.3% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.3% |
| Heart Disease | 6.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.7% |
| Asthma | 12.3% |
| COPD | 9.0% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 17.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.9% |
| Depression | 31.2% |
| Mental Distress | 21.6% |
| Physical Distress | 15.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.4% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 77.5% |
| Premature Death | 12,615/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 76.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 342 |
Crime Rates: Gaston vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 15 |
Safety Score
Gaston has an average annual temperature of 53°F (11°C). Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation is 43.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Temperature
28°F Jan (-2°C)
74°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 52.6°F |
| 3% below US avg |
| January Average | 28°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (24°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 43.8 inches |
| 15% above US avg |
| Snowfall | 20.8 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 896 ft (273 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (0.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,969/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.3140°N, 85.5010°W |
| County FIPS | 18035 |