South Carolina · Metropolitan Area
Gaston is a small town in South Carolina with a population of 2,026. Residents earn $59,500 per year, which is 21% below the national average.
Based on current data, Gaston receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Gaston has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
The median household income in Gaston is $59,500, 21% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.1%. 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 27 minutes.
The median home value in Gaston is $117,900, 58% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $920 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Gaston is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 61 per 100,000 residents — well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,005 per 100,000, 104% above the national average.
9.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.5/10.
Gaston enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F. Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 45.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
| English Only | 87.6% |
| 12% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 12.4% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $59,500 |
| 21% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $26,712 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,077 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $75,428 |
| Unemployment | 1.1% |
| 69% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 20.0% |
| 61% above US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 8,854 |
| County GDP | $19,752M |
| Restaurants | 628 |
| Healthcare | 754 |
| Retail | 1,199 |
| Manufacturing | 194 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,132 |
| 11% below US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.66% |
| Commute Time | 26.7 min |
| Work from Home | 8.2% |
| Census Median | $117,900 |
| 58% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $152,785 |
| Census Median Rent | $920 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Studio | $928 |
| 1 Bedroom | $982 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,155 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,450 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,699 |
| Owner-Occupied | 62.7% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,132 |
| 11% below US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 2.66% |
| Obesity | 40.2% |
| 25% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 13.3% |
| Heart Disease | 6.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.9% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 8.9% |
| Stroke | 4.0% |
| Binge Drinking | 15.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.1% |
| Depression | 27.2% |
| Mental Distress | 20.3% |
| Physical Distress | 16.3% |
| Insurance Rate | 75.5% |
| Checkup Rate | 78.8% |
| Premature Death | 8,865/100K |
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 68.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 754 |
| Total Violent | 60.7/100K |
| 84% below US avg | |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg | |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 60.7/100K |
| Total Property | 4,004.9/100K |
| 104% above US avg | |
| Burglary | 1,577.7/100K |
| Theft | 2,305.8/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 121.4/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 41 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 64.3°F |
| 19% above US avg | |
| January Average | 46°F (8°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 45.2 inches |
| 19% above US avg | |
| Snowfall | 1.2 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 483 ft (147 m) |
| Area | 5.3 sq mi (13.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 381/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 33.8180°N, 81.0997°W |
| County FIPS | 45063 |
Winner: Republican by 33.5 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 9.2% |
| 73% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 85.8% |
| School Test Score | 4.51 |
| RUCC Code 2 | Metro — 250K–1M |
| Population Density | 381/sq mi |
| Total Area | 5.3 sq mi |
| Public Libraries | 11 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 754 |
| Restaurants | 628 |
| Retail Stores | 1,199 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 41 |
| Avg Commute | 26.7 min |
| Work from Home | 8.2% |