Median Income
$41,250
45% lower than US avg
Home Value
$76,300
73% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
583/100K
53% higher 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%
Veterans6.9%
Economy
C
Median Income$41,250
Per Capita$22,511
Unemployment7.9%
Poverty20.0%
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$76,300
Rent$688
Ownership41.8%
Zillow$97,994
Housing Units477
Rent Burden21.3%
Crime
F
Violent583/100K
Property6,589/100K
Health
Obesity44.0%
Uninsured13.9%
Smoking21.7%
Depression26.9%
Heart Disease7.2%
Climate
Avg Temp60°F (15°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain49.5 in/yr
Sunny Days305/yr
Elevation124 ft (38 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.6%
High School+80.7%
Graduate+3.0%
School Score5.39
Community
2024 VoteR 45% / D 54%
Commute18 min
Broadband75.0%
EV Stations5
Is Gaston a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Gaston receives an overall livability score of 2.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Gaston has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
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.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 583 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 6,589 per 100,000, 236% above the national average.
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. With 305 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. 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, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age is 39.4 years, 1% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.6% female and 52.4% male. The city is predominantly Black (60.5%), with 31.8% White, 4.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.5% of residents. 6.9% of the population are veterans. 23.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 80.8% have health insurance coverage.
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. Per capita income is $22,511 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,149, 20% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 7.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 20.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 259 business establishments, including 8 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
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 |
| Gini Index | 0.462 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
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 |
| Cost of Living | 94.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.11% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Gaston is $76,300, 73% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $97,994, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $688 (41% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,538 for a one-bedroom to $1,686 for a two-bedroom apartment. 41.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 477 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1974. The average annual property tax is $1,613 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 21.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
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
| Homeownership | 41.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 41.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 58.2% |
| Housing Units | 477 |
| Median Year Built | 1974 |
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 national rate of 32.1%. 14.5% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.2% of residents, above the national average. 41.5% have high blood pressure. 21.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 13.3% report binge drinking. 33.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 26.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.8% experience frequent mental distress. 13.9% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,859. The dentist ratio is 1:11,226. 23.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.2 out of 10.
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% |
| Cancer | 6.2% |
| Stroke | 4.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 21.7% |
| 55% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 13.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.1% |
| Depression | 26.9% |
| Mental Distress | 21.8% |
| Physical Distress | 16.0% |
| Short Sleep | 40.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 80.8% |
| Uninsured | 13.9% |
| 62% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,859 |
| Dentists | 1:11,226 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,113 |
| Checkup Rate | 79.8% |
| Dental Visits | 52.7% |
| Premature Death | 12,862/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 23.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 3 |
Gaston has a violent crime rate of 583 per 100,000 residents, 53% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 6,589 per 100,000, 236% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Gaston receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Gaston vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 583.3/100K |
| 53% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 6,588.9/100K |
| 236% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 20 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Gaston enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F (15°C). Winters average 40°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 305 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 49.5 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 124 feet.
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) |
| Sunny Days | 305 days/yr |
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 |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Greensville County County |
| Nearest Airport | Halifax/Northampton Regional (RZZ)
11 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
49.5"
30% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.96"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 17.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 95.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 32.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
12 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M3.0 on May 6, 2025.
| Oct 21, 1998 |
13 km S of Dillwyn, Virginia |
M3.8 |
125 km |
| Mar 15, 1991 |
7 km NNW of Goochland, Virginia |
M3.8 |
141 km |
| May 5, 2003 |
Virginia |
M3.6 |
129 km |
| May 22, 2014 |
15 km ENE of Cumberland, Virginia |
M3.1 |
121 km |
| May 6, 2025 |
8 km S of Dillwyn, Virginia |
M3.0 |
130 km |
| Aug 3, 1995 |
13 km N of Williamsburg, Virginia |
M2.9 |
131 km |
| Jan 14, 2025 |
1 km NNE of Wyndham, Virginia |
M2.8 |
135 km |
| Mar 13, 2017 |
6 km ENE of Goochland, Virginia |
M2.6 |
135 km |
| Feb 26, 2015 |
4 km NNE of Goochland, Virginia |
M2.5 |
137 km |
| Sep 23, 2019 |
3 km WNW of Wyndham, Virginia |
M2.5 |
135 km |
| Sep 3, 2001 |
Virginia |
M2.5 |
110 km |
| Apr 29, 2000 |
3 km N of Glen Allen, Virginia |
M2.5 |
135 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
19 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Isaias (2020, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2020 |
Isaias |
Category 1 |
299 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 2 |
234 km |
| 2018 |
Florence |
Category 2 |
245 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 1 |
249 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 2 |
199 km |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
154 km |
| 2005 |
Ophelia |
Category 1 |
252 km |
| 2004 |
Alex |
Category 2 |
252 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 2 |
23 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 2 |
291 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 2 |
117 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 2 |
169 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 3 |
173 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
166 km |
| 1993 |
Emily |
Category 3 |
266 km |
| 1991 |
Bob |
Category 3 |
271 km |
| 1986 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
158 km |
| 1985 |
Gloria |
Category 2 |
223 km |
| 1984 |
Diana |
Category 4 |
278 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
324 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 34 fatalities, 761 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 6, 1993 |
EF4 |
81 km |
4 |
| Sep 27, 2024 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 2024 |
EF3 |
98 km |
1 |
| Jul 19, 2023 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 2020 |
EF3 |
96 km |
2 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF3 |
77 km |
12 |
| Nov 15, 2008 |
EF3 |
86 km |
1 |
| Apr 28, 2008 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1990 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Oct 14, 1986 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1984 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1984 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF3 |
86 km |
2 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF3 |
57 km |
6 |
| May 22, 1983 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1978 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1967 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Nov 8, 1957 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 1953 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Aug 4, 2020 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
7 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: OLD STAGE ROAD (2,238 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
OLD STAGE ROAD |
2,238 |
56 km |
| 2008 |
LYNCH ROAD |
1,824 |
38 km |
| 2008 |
POCAHONTAS ROAD |
1,146 |
36 km |
| 2008 |
SYCAMORE SHORES |
1,044 |
25 km |
| 2008 |
HIGHWAY 1 |
766 |
83 km |
| 2017 |
VAGDR FY17 RX DGIF SUPPORT |
674 |
70 km |
| 2019 |
VAJRR-FY19-RX-FUEL REDUCTION |
514 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
40°F (4°C) |
3.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
42°F (6°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| March |
50°F (10°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| April |
58°F (15°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| May |
67°F (19°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
80°F (26°C) |
5.0 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| September |
71°F (22°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
60°F (16°C) |
2.9 in |
Driest |
| November |
51°F (11°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| December |
43°F (6°C) |
3.3 in |
|
Gaston has a seasonal temperature swing of 40°F / from 40°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 44.4 inches, with July being the wettest month (5.0") and October the driest (2.9").
Average costs for common services in Gaston. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$236 ($141–$377) |
| Specialist Visit |
$330 ($189–$519) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$189 ($94–$330) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,075 ($754–$4,715) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$123 ($71–$189) |
| Dental Filling |
$236 ($141–$377) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($24–$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47–$113) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$283 ($141–$472) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$566 ($377–$943) |
| Battery Replacement |
$189 ($94–$330) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($57–$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47–$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$377 ($141–$754) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,601 ($3,772–$11,316) |
| Roof Repair |
$943 ($377–$1,886) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,487 ($5,187–$14,145) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,415 ($472–$3,301) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,145 ($4,715–$28,290) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,715 ($1,886–$9,430) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,415 ($754–$2,829) |
| Will Preparation |
$472 ($189–$943) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,358 ($943–$4,715) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($71–$236) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$123) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.87 ($2.83–$5.19) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.30 ($2.36–$4.72) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.58 ($2.36–$5.19) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.24 ($2.83–$6.13) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.19 ($3.77–$7.07) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.57–$1.70) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($75–$236) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$113) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47–$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$189 ($71–$472) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,886 ($1,132–$3,301) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$123) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.54–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28–$236) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,132 ($566–$2,358) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$943 ($472–$1,886) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$377 ($189–$660) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24–$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$943 ($377–$2,358) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,788 ($4,715–$28,290) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$57 ($28–$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47–$189) |
| Dog Grooming |
$57 ($28–$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$283 ($141–$472) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$189 ($94–$377) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $759 |
| Toddler | $563 |
| Preschool | $563 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $545 |
| Toddler | $498 |
| Preschool | $498 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Gaston
What is the population of Gaston?
Gaston has a population of 864 residents and is located in North Carolina. The population density is 511 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.4 years. The population is 47.6% female and 52.4% male.
Is Gaston expensive to live in?
Gaston is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.3 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $41,250, 45% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $76,300 (73% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $688 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Gaston safe?
The violent crime rate in Gaston is 583 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 6,589 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Gaston receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Gaston?
Gaston enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 40°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 305 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 49.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Gaston?
The unemployment rate in Gaston is 7.9%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,149. There are 259 business establishments in the area, including 8 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Gaston?
The median home value in Gaston is $76,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $97,994. For renters, the median monthly rent is $688. Fair market rent is $1,538 for a 1-bedroom and $1,686 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 41.8%. The average annual property tax is $1,613.
How are the schools in Gaston?
Schools in Gaston score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 11.6% of adults in Gaston hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.7% have completed high school. 3.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Gaston?
The obesity rate in Gaston is 44.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 21.7% of adults are smokers. 33.1% are physically inactive. 26.9% of residents report depression. 13.9% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 23.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,859.
What is transportation like in Gaston?
The average commute in Gaston is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 75.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Gaston?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Gaston is 31.8% White, 60.5% Black or African American, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino. 98.5% of residents speak only English at home. 6.9% of the population are military veterans. 23.7% of residents have a disability. 80.8% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
