Median Income
$41,250
45% lower than US avg
Home Value
$76,300
73% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.6%
66% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$688
41% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
44.0%
37% higher than US avg
Unemployment
7.9%
119% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
20.0%
61% higher than US avg
How Gaston Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population864
Median Age39.4 yrs
Density511/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 32%
Economy
C
Median Income$41,250
Per Capita$22,511
Unemployment7.9%
Poverty20.0%
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$76,300
Rent$688
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$97,994
Rent Burden21.3%
Health
Obesity44.0%
UninsuredN/A
Depression26.9%
Heart Disease7.2%
Climate
Avg Temp60°F
AQI40 (Good)
Rain49.5 in/yr
Elevation124 ft
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.6%
High School+80.7%
School Score5.39
Community
2024 VoteR 45% / D 54%
Commute18 min
Is Gaston a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Gaston receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, 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 $41,250, 45% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 7.9% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 20.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Gaston is $76,300, 73% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $688 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
11.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Gaston enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F. Winters average 40°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 49.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Gaston has a population of 864 with a density of 511 people per square mile. The median age is 39.4 years, 1% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly Black (60.5%), with 31.8% White, 4.1% Hispanic.
Population
39.4yrs
Median Age
1% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 98.5% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Spanish | 1.5% |
| 89% below US avg |
The median household income in Gaston is $41,250, which is 45% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 7.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 20.0% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $41,250 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,511 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,149 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $46,270 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.9% |
| 119% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 20.0% |
| 61% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 259 |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 8 |
| Healthcare | 3 |
| Retail | 21 |
| Manufacturing | 5 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,613 |
| 54% below US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.11% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.8 min |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Gaston is $76,300, 73% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $688 (41% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $97,994.
Home Values
| Census Median | $76,300 |
| 73% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $97,994 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $688 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 21.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,469 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,538 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,686 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,076 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,637 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,613 |
| 54% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.11% |
In Gaston, 44.0% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 26.9% report depression. 33.1% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Gaston vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 44.0% |
| 37% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 14.5% |
| Heart Disease | 7.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 41.5% |
| Asthma | 13.1% |
| COPD | 9.7% |
| Stroke | 4.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 13.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.1% |
| Depression | 26.9% |
| Mental Distress | 21.8% |
| Physical Distress | 16.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 80.8% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 79.8% |
| Premature Death | 12,862/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 23.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 3 |
Crime Rates: Gaston vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
Safety Score
Gaston has an average annual temperature of 60°F (15°C). Winters average 40°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. Annual precipitation is 49.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Temperature
40°F Jan (4°C)
80°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 59.6°F |
| 10% above US avg |
| January Average | 40°F (4°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (26°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 49.5 inches |
| 30% above US avg |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 124 ft (38 m) |
| Area | 1.7 sq mi (4.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 511/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.4952°N, 77.6464°W |
| County FIPS | 51081 |