Living in Gastonia, NC
Gastonia is the 416th-largest city in the US, home to about 87,000 people in 2025. It is growing fast: up 8.2% since 2020. Prices across the metro area run close to the national average (97.3 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population, 2025
- 87,067+8.2% since 2020
- Median home value
- $277,6004.3 years of median income
- Median rent
- $1,204/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $64,059median, per year
- Price level
- 97.3US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 52° / 90°lows 32° / 70°
- Average commute
- 27 min12% work from home
- State income tax
- 3.99%top rate, flat
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County: Gaston County
Time zone: Eastern Time (UTC-5, UTC-4 in summer)
Elevation: about 804 ft
Metro area: Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
Cost of living in Gastonia
The median home in Gastonia is worth $277,600 and the median household earns $64,059 a year, so a typical home costs about 4.3 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $1,204 a month, about 23% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC metro area at 97.3, with housing at 97.6 and goods at 96.6 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $73,000 here. North Carolina taxes wages at a top rate of 3.99% (a flat rate). The average combined state and local sales tax in North Carolina is 7.1%.
What would my salary be worth in Gastonia?
Gastonia weather
Average highs run from 52°F in January to 90°F in July, and January nights average 32°F. It gets 44 inches of rain and melted snow a year and 4 inches of snow. Expect about 49 days a year at 90°F or hotter. The most comfortable months are April to May and September to October.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Gastonia
People and work
The median resident is 36.5 years old, and 27% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 54% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 27 minutes; 12% of workers work from home.
- Median age
- 36.5272nd youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 27%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 54%of households
- People per sq mile
- 1,62053.7 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 1%1% walk, 0% bike
- Unemployment
- 5.7%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 16.3%of residents
- Typical home built
- 1978median year
Who moves to Gastonia, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from Raleigh (Wake County), Fayetteville (Cumberland County) and Fort Lauderdale (Broward County). People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to Raleigh (Wake County), Horry County, SC and Brunswick County, NC. See the map and full lists
IRS county-to-county migration, 2022 to 2023 tax years. Where Americans are moving.
Natural hazards, home prices and air quality
Natural hazard risk
Relatively Moderate
FEMA rating for Gaston County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: ice storm, tornado, strong wind, lightning.
Home prices
+1.5% in a year
Up 50% over five years. FHFA house price index for the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC area, 2026 Q2.
Air quality, 2025
46% good days
0 days unhealthy at least for sensitive groups. EPA daily air quality index for the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC area (365 days measured).
FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025) combines expected losses from 18 natural hazards with how vulnerable and resilient the community is. It describes the county, not your street; check flood maps for a specific address at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
Parks and sights near Gastonia
The best-known parks, museums, zoos and landmarks within about 35 miles. Tap Been or Want to add them to your city passport.
- Central Piedmont Community College 20 miles
- Davidson College 26 miles
- Winthrop University 23 miles
- Catawba Valley Community College 32 miles
- Gardner-Webb University 27 miles
- Belmont Abbey College 8 miles
- Johnson C Smith University 19 miles
Places from Wikidata (CC0), linked to each one's official site or Wikipedia article. Check hours and fees before you go.
Airports near Gastonia
| Airport | Distance | Passengers boarding in 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte Douglas International Airport CLT | 14 mi | 28,523,822 |
| Concord Regional Airport USA | 29 mi | 132,000 |
| Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport GSP | 63 mi | 1,412,702 |
| Asheville Airport AVL | 77 mi | 1,096,465 |
Federal Aviation Administration, calendar year 2024 passenger boardings (enplanements) at commercial service airports. Straight-line distance.
Colleges in and near Gastonia
| College | Distance | Undergrads | Net price a year | Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Piedmont Community College | 20 mi | 15,067 | $1,741 | 38% |
| Winthrop University | 23 mi | 3,523 | $16,375 | 52% |
| Belmont Abbey College | 8 mi | 1,276 | $25,416 | 50% |
| Johnson C Smith University | 19 mi | 1,244 | $21,397 | 34% |
| Queens University of Charlotte | 21 mi | 1,211 | $29,421 | 57% |
US Department of Education College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Net price is the average yearly cost after grants for students who get federal aid. Graduate: share finishing within 150% of normal time.
Frost dates and fall color in Gastonia
Half the years, the last spring night at 32°F comes before March 30, so plant tender crops after that date or wait a week or two to be safer. Fall color depends on the trees, but the US Department of Agriculture says the brightest leaves come with warm, sunny days and cool nights, and that frost ruins vivid color. Here, cool 36°F nights usually start around October 27 and the first frost comes around November 3.
NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for Charlotte Douglas Airport, NC, median (50%) dates. All frost dates for Gastonia.
Wildfire smoke in Gastonia
From 2021 through 2025, a smoke plume covered Gastonia on about 125 days a year, including about 16 days of medium or heavy smoke. Smoke high overhead can turn sunsets red without reaching the ground, so check the air quality reading before you change plans.
NOAA Hazard Mapping System smoke analysis, daily satellite plumes over the city center, 2021 to 2025. Smoke days for every city.
Home internet in Gastonia
Census Bureau American Community Survey 2020-2024, table B28002, 32,378 households. Compare every city.
Public schools in Gastonia
Downtown Gastonia is in this district. Neighborhoods farther out may belong to a different one, so check the address with the district before you buy or rent.
| District | Grades | Students | Schools | Students per teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gaston County Schools | Pre-K to 13 | 30,995 | 56 | 15.9 |
Other districts within 10 miles: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (147,299 students), Cleveland County Schools (14,504 students), York School District 2 (9,038 students).
National Center for Education Statistics, school district boundaries and characteristics, 2024-25 school year.
Gastonia's twin cities
Cities at least 250 miles away with the closest match to Gastonia's weather month by month and its costs (price level, home values and rent).
- Norfolk, VA83% matchCompare
- Portsmouth, VA82% matchCompare
- Newport News, VA81% matchCompare
- Huntsville, AL80% matchCompare
Find a twin that is cheaper, warmer or cooler
Stargazing near Gastonia
The nearest certified International Dark Sky Places:
Designations by DarkSky International as recorded in Wikidata (CC0). All dark sky places.
Ski resorts near Gastonia
- Appalachian Ski Mountain 69 miles
- Wolf Ridge Ski Resort 89 miles
- Cataloochee Ski Area 109 miles
- Ober Mountain Adventure Park & Ski Area 137 miles
Straight-line distance. All ski resorts.
Pros and cons of living in Gastonia
Data points come from the official sources on this page. Points marked Local come from people who live here, are read by a person before they appear, and are ranked by readers.
Pros
- Data The city is growing fast (+8.2% since 2020), a sign of jobs and new housing.
Cons
- Nothing stands out in the data. Locals, what should newcomers know?
Gastonia report card from locals
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Gastonia through locals' eyes
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Cities near Gastonia
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rock Hill, SC | 18 mi | 75,911 | $295,100 | 97.3 | Compare |
| Charlotte, NC | 21 mi | 964,784 | $385,700 | 97.3 | Compare |
| Concord, NC | 38 mi | 114,598 | $353,700 | 97.3 | Compare |
| Greenville, SC | 74 mi | 75,310 | $487,500 | 93.3 | Compare |
| Winston-Salem, NC | 77 mi | 257,271 | $233,800 | 92.0 | Compare |
| Asheville, NC | 80 mi | 93,523 | $440,000 | 96.5 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
Gastonia ranks 25th of 27 in our best suburbs of Charlotte ranking.
Cities with a similar profile
Closest match on climate, price level, size, income and median age, outside the immediate area.
Compare Gastonia with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Gastonia a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show a growing population. Compare Gastonia side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Gastonia?
The Census Bureau estimates Gastonia had 87,067 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 80,453 in April 2020 (+8.2%).
How much do you need to earn to live in Gastonia?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $73,000 in the Gastonia area. The median household here earns $64,059.
When is the best time to visit Gastonia?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, April to May and September to October are the most comfortable months. July averages 90°F and January 52°F for daytime highs.
What county is Gastonia in?
Gastonia is in Gaston County, North Carolina. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Gastonia in?
Gastonia is on Eastern Time (UTC-5, or UTC-4 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Gastonia?
About 804 feet above sea level at the city center. Elevation varies across the city.
Does North Carolina have a state income tax?
Yes. North Carolina has a flat income tax with a top rate of 3.99% for 2026. Some cities add a local income tax, which is not included here.
Sources
Population: Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025). Income, housing, education and commuting: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates for the city of Gastonia. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Charlotte Douglas Airport, NC station. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.