At a Glance
Median Income
$60,554
$33,611 per capita
Home Value
$250,000
Zillow: $275,364
Median Rent
$1,145/mo
31.2% of income on rent
Violent Crime
854/100K
3,562/100K property
Bachelor's Degree+
27.7%
88.4% high school+
Unemployment
5.2%
11.2% poverty rate
Obesity Rate
37.7%
15.7% smoking rate
How Gastonia Compares to the U.S. Average
Each bar shows Gastonia's value as a percentage of the national average (100% = U.S. avg)
Thin vertical line = U.S. national average (100%)
Is Gastonia a Good Place to Live?
B
3.0 / 5.0 - Good
Based on economy, affordability, safety, and education metrics compared to national averages.
Economy & Jobs
Gastonia residents earn a median household income of $60,554 , which is 19% below the national average of $75,149.
Per capita income is $33,611. The unemployment rate stands at 5.2% (44% above the U.S. rate of 3.6%). 11.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The area is home to 5,635 business establishments, including 410 restaurants.
Housing & Cost of Living
The median home value in Gastonia is $250,000 , 11% below the national median of $281,900.
Zillow estimates the typical home at $275,364. Median rent is $1,145/month, with 31.2% of renters spending more than 30% of income on housing. The cost of living index is 94.3 (100 = national average). The median home was built in 1978.
Safety & Crime
Gastonia reports 854 violent crimes per 100,000 residents
, which is 125% above the national average of 380/100K.
Property crime is 3,562/100K. The murder rate is 4.7/100K.
Education
27.7% of adults in Gastonia hold a bachelor's degree or higher
(18% below the national average).
88.4% have completed high school. Local schools score 5.4/10 in standardized testing.
Climate & Weather
Gastonia has an average annual temperature of 62°F (17°C).
Winters average 43°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 43.3 inches.
Data Overview
People
Population81,632
Median Age37.2 yrs
Density1,519/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Foreign Born7.3%
Veterans7.3%
Economy
B
Median Income$60,554
Per Capita$33,611
Unemployment5.2%
Poverty11.2%
County GDP$11,264M
Avg Weekly Wage$1,043
Housing
A
Home Value$250,000
Rent$1,145
Ownership54.2%
Zillow$275,364
Housing Units34,467
Rent Burden31.2%
Crime
F
Violent854/100K
Property3,562/100K
Murder4.7/100K
Assault686/100K
Burglary517/100K
Health
Obesity37.7%
Diabetes11.9%
Smoking15.7%
Heart Disease5.9%
Premature Death11,889/100K
Climate
Avg Temp62°F
Rain43.3 in/yr
Elevation774 ft
Education
B
Bachelor's+27.7%
High School+88.4%
Graduate+8.5%
School Score5.4/10
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 37%
Commute26 min
Broadband86.3%
Internet Speed194 Mbps
EV Stations26
Libraries10
Did You Know?
The median home in Gastonia was built in 1978.
The nearest airport is Charlotte/Douglas International (14 miles).
The Gini coefficient (income inequality) is 0.459 (U.S. avg: 0.490).
Natural hazard risk is rated "Relatively Moderate" by FEMA.
14.3% of the population has a disability.
Average internet download speed is 194 Mbps.
There are 410 restaurants in the area.
The county recorded 22 fatal vehicle crashes.