North Carolina · Metropolitan Area
Gastonia is a mid-size city in North Carolina with a population of 81,632. Residents earn $60,554 per year, which is 19% below the national average.
Based on current data, Gastonia receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates. Gastonia offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
The median household income in Gastonia is $60,554, 19% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.3%, indicating a healthy job market. 11.2% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
The median home value in Gastonia is $250,000, 11% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,145 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 4.1x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
With 658 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern — this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,013 per 100,000, 156% above the national average.
27.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Gastonia enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F. Winters average 47°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. With 297 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 43.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
| English Only | 88.8% |
| 13% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 11.2% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $60,554 |
| 19% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $33,611 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,043 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $69,245 |
| Unemployment | 3.3% |
| 8% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 11.2% |
| 10% below US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 5,635 |
| County GDP | $11,264M |
| Restaurants | 410 |
| Healthcare | 553 |
| Retail | 631 |
| Manufacturing | 265 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,212 |
| 20% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.68% |
| Commute Time | 25.7 min |
| Work from Home | 9.8% |
| Census Median | $250,000 |
| 11% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $274,745 |
| Median List Price | $325,000 |
| Median List Price | $325,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $174 |
| Homes Sold | 91 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.9% |
| Price Drops | 23.3% |
| Inventory | 467 |
| Census Median Rent | $1,145 |
| 2% below US avg | |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,478 |
| Studio | $932 |
| 1 Bedroom | $981 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,161 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,499 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
| Owner-Occupied | 54.2% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,212 |
| 20% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 1.68% |
| Obesity | 37.7% |
| 17% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 11.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.5% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
| Binge Drinking | 15.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.5% |
| Depression | 24.9% |
| Mental Distress | 18.5% |
| Physical Distress | 13.2% |
| Insurance Rate | 89.8% |
| Checkup Rate | 78.9% |
| Premature Death | 11,889/100K |
| Food Environment | 7.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 553 |
| Total Violent | 657.8/100K |
| 73% above US avg | |
| Murder | 1.4/100K |
| 78% below US avg | |
| Rape | 31.3/100K |
| Robbery | 153.6/100K |
| Assault | 471.6/100K |
| Total Property | 5,012.5/100K |
| 156% above US avg | |
| Burglary | 864.4/100K |
| Theft | 3,876.3/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 271.8/100K |
| Arson | 28.5/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 22 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 61.7°F |
| 14% above US avg | |
| January Average | 47°F (8°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 297 days/yr |
| Annual Rainfall | 43.1 inches |
| 13% above US avg | |
| Snowfall | 0.2 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 774 ft (236 m) |
| Area | 53.7 sq mi (139.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,519/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.2490°N, 81.1848°W |
| County FIPS | 37071 |
Winner: Republican by 25 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 27.7% |
| 18% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 88.4% |
| School Test Score | 5.46 |
| RUCC Code 1 | Metro — 1 million+ |
| Population Density | 1,519/sq mi |
| Total Area | 53.7 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 26 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 30 |
| Public Libraries | 10 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 553 |
| Restaurants | 410 |
| Retail Stores | 631 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 22 |
| Avg Commute | 25.7 min |
| Work from Home | 9.8% |