Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Gaston, SC
Considering a move to Gaston, SC? With a small-town population of around 1,700, Gaston offers affordable living—median home values are just $142,000 and average rents average $915. The area enjoys a mild climate with 63% sunny days and warm summers, while residents benefit from a manageable 28-minute average commute. Local schools and proximity to major hospitals in Columbia make it a practical choice, though crime rates are a bit higher than the national average. Explore Gaston for a welcoming community and a cost-effective lifestyle in the heart of South Carolina.
Demographics - Gaston, SC
Demographics - Gaston, SC
Gaston, SC is a close-knit community of about 1,700 residents with a median age of 36.5. The town is predominantly White (67.5%), with a significant Black population (25.8%), and has a balanced gender ratio. Around 6.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home, reflecting some cultural diversity.
Population:
1,700
Density:
390 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.5
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
67.5%
Black:
25.8%
Asian:
0.6%
Others:
6.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Gaston, SC?
Living in Gaston is budget-friendly, with a median home value of $142,000 and average rents at $915 per month. The overall cost of living index is 84.7, which is lower than the national average, making Gaston an affordable choice for families and individuals alike. Utilities and groceries are reasonably priced, helping residents manage day-to-day expenses comfortably.
Median House Value:
$142,000
Gross Rent:
$915
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,230
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,120
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
7%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.7
Grocery:
94.6
Housing:
62.5
Utilities:
104.9
Transportation:
98.2
Health Care:
97.5
Miscellaneous:
97.1
Crime
Is Gaston, SC a safe place to live?
Gaston experiences higher-than-average crime rates, with a property crime risk of 1 in 40 and a violent crime risk of 1 in 282. While the town maintains a small-community atmosphere, new residents should be mindful of security and neighborhood safety. Staying informed and taking precautions can help ensure peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
355
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,480
Crime Index:
2,835
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 282
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 40
Weather
What is the weather like in Gaston, SC year-round?
The climate in Gaston features mild winters, warm summers with highs near 92°F, and pleasant springs and falls. Residents enjoy about 63% sunny days each year and approximately 45 inches of annual rainfall. This weather is ideal for outdoor activities and enjoying the natural beauty of South Carolina.
Winter
Min:
33°F
Max:
57°F
Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
76°F
Summer
Min:
70°F
Max:
92°F
Fall
Min:
53°F
Max:
78°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
45.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
63%
Neighbors
Gaston households have a median income of $44,700, with a per capita income of $18,200 and a poverty rate of 19.1%. Most residents commute about 28 minutes to work, and public transportation use is minimal. The community has a strong high school graduation rate, though only 11.2% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Median Income:
$38,220
Household Income:
$44,700
Family Income:
$52,300
Per Capita Income:
$18,200
Income Male:
$37,900
Income Female:
$31,400
Poverty Rate:
19.1%
Non English Speakers:
6.5%
Rent:
$915
Unemployment Rate:
5.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
28.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
81.7%
Bachelors or More:
11.2%
Education
How are the schools in Gaston, SC?
Gaston offers quality educational options with public schools such as Frances F. Mack Intermediate and Sandhills Middle, both featuring favorable student-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private education at Calvary Christian School and are within commuting distance to Midlands Technical College and the University of South Carolina. This variety supports lifelong learning and educational growth.
Public Schools
Name:
Frances F. Mack Intermediate School
Street:
161 Gaston St
Phone:
803-490-7001
Students:
620
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.3
Name:
Sandhills Middle School
Street:
582 Meadowfield Rd
Phone:
803-490-7004
Students:
560
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.9
Private Schools
Name:
Calvary Christian School
Street:
2329 Old State Rd
Phone:
803-794-8997
Students:
110
Colleges
Name:
Midlands Technical College
City:
West Columbia
State:
SC
Distance:
15 miles
Students:
9,400
Name:
University of South Carolina
City:
Columbia
State:
SC
Distance:
19 miles
Students:
34,500
Healthcare
Residents have access to major hospitals like Lexington Medical Center and Prisma Health Baptist Hospital within a short drive, ensuring quality emergency and general care. With 2 physicians per 1,000 people and nearly 90% health insurance coverage, healthcare services are readily available. The local healthcare index reflects stable and accessible medical support.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Lexington Medical Center
Address:
2720 Sunset Blvd, West Columbia, SC 29169
Phone:
(803) 791-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Prisma Health Baptist Hospital
Address:
1330 Taylor St, Columbia, SC 29201
Phone:
(803) 296-5010
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.0
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.7%
Health Care Index:
67.9
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Gaston, SC?
Gaston’s housing market is attractive for buyers, with a median home price of $142,000 and a homeownership rate of nearly 68%. Rents for a two-bedroom average $915, and the area has seen steady appreciation with a 7.4% increase in home values over the past year. Low foreclosure and vacancy rates indicate a stable housing environment.
Median Home Price:
$142,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$915
Owner Occupied Rate:
67.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.4%
New Construction Rate:
1.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Gaston residents are served by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles located in nearby Blythewood. The DMV offers a full range of services including licensing, vehicle registration, and title services, with information accessible online or by phone. This convenient access supports the transportation needs of local drivers.
State:
South Carolina
Department:
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
10311 Wilson Blvd, Blythewood, SC 29016
Phone:
803-896-5000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.