Median Income
$66,563
11% lower than US avg
Home Value
$189,200
33% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.2%
49% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$930
20% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.3%
10% higher than US avg
Unemployment
11.9%
231% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Gatesville Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population310
Median Age44.6 yrs
Density775/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 82%
Veterans6.5%
Economy
B
Median Income$66,563
Per Capita$35,885
Unemployment11.9%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$240M
Commute44 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$189,200
Rent$930
Ownership73.6%
Zillow$220,525
Housing Units156
Rent Burden18.7%
Health
Obesity35.3%
Uninsured9.7%
Smoking16.8%
Depression28.8%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp59°F (15°C)
Rain49.6 in/yr
Elevation22 ft (7 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.2%
High School+90.0%
Graduate+5.0%
School Score5.40
Community
2024 VoteR 60% / D 39%
Commute44 min
Broadband97.5%
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is Gatesville a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Gatesville receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include affordable housing, a low poverty rate, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, long commute times. Gatesville offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Gatesville is $66,563, 11% below the national average of $75,149. At 11.9%, unemployment is notably high. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 44 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Gatesville is $189,200, 33% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $930 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
17.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Gatesville enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F. Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 49.6 inches.
Gatesville has a population of 310 with a density of 775 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 44.6 years, 15% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.8% female and 54.2% male. The city is predominantly White (81.6%), with 6.1% Hispanic, 12.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.8% of residents. 6.5% of the population are veterans. 13.9% of residents have a disability. 90.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
310
Total Population
2023 Census
44.6yrs
Median Age
15% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Gatesville vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.8%
23% above US avg
Spanish
2.5%
81% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Gatesville vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Gatesville is $66,563, which is 11% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,885. The average weekly wage is $854, 40% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 11.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 204 business establishments, including 6 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 44 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 2.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Gatesville vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $66,563 |
| 11% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,885 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $854 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,895 |
| Gini Index | 0.395 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 11.9% |
| 231% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 204 |
| County GDP | $240M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 6 |
| Healthcare | 10 |
| Retail | 23 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,476 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.31% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 44.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.7% |
The median home value in Gatesville is $189,200, 33% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $220,525, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $930 (20% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $981 for a one-bedroom to $1,161 for a two-bedroom apartment. 73.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 156 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1953. The average annual property tax is $2,476 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 18.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $189,200 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $220,525 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $930 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 18.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $932 |
| 1 Bedroom | $981 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,161 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,499 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 73.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 73.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 26.4% |
| Housing Units | 156 |
| Median Year Built | 1953 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,476 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.31% |
In Gatesville, 35.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 32.6% have high blood pressure. 16.8% are current smokers. 17.0% report binge drinking. 24.3% are physically inactive. 28.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.9% experience frequent mental distress. 9.7% of residents lack health insurance. The dentist ratio is 1:10,383. 26.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Gatesville vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.3% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.6% |
| Asthma | 11.5% |
| COPD | 7.3% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.8% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.3% |
| Depression | 28.8% |
| Mental Distress | 19.9% |
| Physical Distress | 13.2% |
| Short Sleep | 34.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.3% |
| Uninsured | 9.7% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Dentists | 1:10,383 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.5% |
| Dental Visits | 60.9% |
| Premature Death | 11,366/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 26.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 10 |
Gatesville enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 49.6 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 2.6 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 22 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
39°F Jan (4°C)
78°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 58.5°F |
| 8% above US avg |
| January Average | 39°F (4°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 22 ft (7 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 775/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.4074°N, 76.7566°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Gates County County |
| Nearest Airport | Franklin Regional (FKN)
22 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
49.6"
31% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
5.64"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 10.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 42.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 10.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.9 on Feb 11, 2014.
| Aug 6, 1994 |
4 km SSW of Bayboro, North Carolina |
M3.6 |
145 km |
| Aug 3, 1995 |
13 km N of Williamsburg, Virginia |
M2.9 |
110 km |
| Feb 11, 2014 |
7 km NW of Hobucken, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
124 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Hurricane History
20 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Dorian (2019, Cat 2).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 2 |
170 km |
| 2018 |
Florence |
Category 2 |
244 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 1 |
202 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 2 |
132 km |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
76 km |
| 2010 |
Earl |
Category 2 |
294 km |
| 2005 |
Ophelia |
Category 1 |
209 km |
| 2004 |
Alex |
Category 2 |
187 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 2 |
71 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 2 |
228 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 2 |
73 km |
| 1999 |
Dennis |
Category 2 |
284 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 2 |
102 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 3 |
221 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
174 km |
| 1993 |
Emily |
Category 3 |
188 km |
| 1991 |
Bob |
Category 3 |
195 km |
| 1986 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
82 km |
| 1985 |
Gloria |
Category 2 |
152 km |
| 1984 |
Diana |
Category 4 |
270 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
360 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 31 fatalities, 476 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 30, 2023 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 2020 |
EF3 |
59 km |
2 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF3 |
83 km |
2 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF3 |
40 km |
12 |
| Apr 28, 2008 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Oct 14, 1986 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF3 |
50 km |
6 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF3 |
7 km |
2 |
| Sep 5, 1979 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1978 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1967 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| Aug 4, 2020 |
EF2 |
34 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2017 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 2014 |
EF2 |
39 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 2014 |
EF2 |
39 km |
1 |
| Apr 7, 2014 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 2011 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
22 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
39 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ALLAN ROAD (110,696 ac, 1985).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1985 |
ALLAN ROAD |
110,696 |
91 km |
| 2008 |
EVANS ROAD |
41,560 |
87 km |
| 2011 |
LATERAL WEST |
6,188 |
30 km |
| 2008 |
SOUTH 1 |
5,940 |
30 km |
| 2023 |
LAST RESORT |
4,974 |
82 km |
| 1999 |
NORTH RIVER |
3,055 |
69 km |
| 2009 |
SW MASHOES |
2,499 |
97 km |
| 2008 |
OLD STAGE ROAD |
2,238 |
94 km |
| 2008 |
MCPHERSON ROAD |
2,087 |
40 km |
| 2022 |
FEREBEE ROAD |
1,954 |
87 km |
| 2014 |
NCMCR-FY14-RX-MIDDLE MARSH |
1,876 |
73 km |
| 2010 |
1 1 2 NORTH MARSH FY 10 |
1,506 |
74 km |
| 2005 |
1.1.2 NORTH MARSH |
1,418 |
74 km |
| 1991 |
TRIANGLE |
1,387 |
80 km |
| 2005 |
1.2.1 WEST MIDDLE MARSH |
1,338 |
73 km |
| 1998 |
SE BLOCKS |
1,278 |
34 km |
| 1994 |
UNIT 5 |
1,148 |
74 km |
| 2008 |
POCAHONTAS ROAD |
1,146 |
92 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
1,091 |
30 km |
| 2009 |
1 3 7 INDIAN CREEK MARSH FY 09 |
1,087 |
73 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
39°F (4°C) |
3.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
42°F (6°C) |
2.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
48°F (9°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| April |
58°F (14°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
66°F (19°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| July |
78°F (26°C) |
5.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (24°C) |
5.6 in |
Wettest |
| September |
71°F (21°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| October |
60°F (15°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| November |
49°F (10°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
43°F (6°C) |
3.5 in |
|
Gatesville has a seasonal temperature swing of 39°F / from 39°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 49.6 inches, with August being the wettest month (5.6") and February the driest (2.8").
Average costs for common services in Gatesville. 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 | $905 |
| Toddler | $594 |
| Preschool | $401 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $583 |
| Toddler | $495 |
| Preschool | $495 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Gatesville
What is the population of Gatesville?
Gatesville has a population of 310 residents and is located in North Carolina. The population density is 775 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45.8% female and 54.2% male.
Is Gatesville expensive to live in?
Gatesville 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 $66,563, 11% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $189,200 (33% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $930 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Gatesville?
Gatesville enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 39°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 49.6 inches, with 2.6 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Gatesville?
The job market in Gatesville faces challenges, with unemployment at 11.9% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $854. There are 204 business establishments in the area, including 6 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 44 minutes, and 2.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Gatesville?
The median home value in Gatesville is $189,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $220,525. For renters, the median monthly rent is $930. Fair market rent is $981 for a 1-bedroom and $1,161 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 73.6%. The average annual property tax is $2,476.
How are the schools in Gatesville?
Schools in Gatesville score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.2% of adults in Gatesville hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.0% have completed high school. 5.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Gatesville?
The obesity rate in Gatesville is 35.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.8% of adults are smokers. 24.3% are physically inactive. 28.8% of residents report depression. 9.7% lack health insurance. 26.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Gatesville?
The average commute in Gatesville is 44 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 74.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Gatesville?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Gatesville is 81.6% White, 12.3% Black or African American, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino. 96.8% of residents speak only English at home. 6.5% of the population are military veterans. 13.9% of residents have a disability. 90.3% have health insurance coverage.