Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Gastonia, NC
Considering a move to Gastonia, NC? With just over 80,000 residents, Gastonia offers affordable living—median home prices are around $247,000 and average 2-bedroom rents just $1,180. The city boasts a mild Southern climate with 63% sunny days, and average commutes are a quick 25 minutes. While crime rates are higher than the national average, Gastonia provides solid public schools and access to major healthcare at CaroMont Regional. With a cost of living well below the U.S. average, Gastonia is an attractive choice for budget-minded movers seeking a friendly community atmosphere.
Demographics - Gastonia, NC
Demographics - Gastonia, NC
Gastonia is home to about 80,400 residents, with a diverse community where 56% identify as White and 27% as Black. The median age of 38.2 reflects a balanced mix of families and working adults, and nearly one in ten residents speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
80,411
Density:
1,700 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.2
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
9.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
56.2%
Black:
27.1%
Asian:
2.0%
Others:
14.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Gastonia, NC?
Gastonia offers a cost of living nearly 10% below the national average, making it an affordable option in North Carolina. Median home values are around $247,000, while average monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment is just $1,180, appealing to both homeowners and renters.
Median House Value:
$247,000
Gross Rent:
$1,180
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,040
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,450
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$425
State Taxes:
Low:
4.75%
|
High:
4.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
89.4
Grocery:
95.2
Housing:
71.0
Utilities:
97.5
Transportation:
89.3
Health Care:
94.6
Miscellaneous:
93.2
Crime
Is Gastonia, NC a safe place to live?
Gastonia’s crime rate is higher than the national average, with a 1 in 293 chance of experiencing violent crime and a 1 in 36 chance of property crime. Residents should be mindful of safety, but many neighborhoods offer a strong sense of community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
341
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,755
Crime Index:
3,096
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 293
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 36
Weather
What is the weather like in Gastonia, NC year-round?
Gastonia enjoys a mild Southern climate, with warm summers reaching highs around 89°F and winters rarely dipping below freezing. The city experiences about 63% sunny days annually and receives roughly 46 inches of rainfall, making for pleasant outdoor living most of the year.
Winter
Min:
32°F
Max:
52°F
Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
74°F
Summer
Min:
68°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
75°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
45.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
63%
Neighbors
Local households in Gastonia typically earn a median income of $54,300, while the poverty rate stands at 17.6%. Most residents have completed high school, and the average commute is just under 25 minutes, offering a balance of affordability and convenience.
Median Income:
$34,800
Household Income:
$54,300
Family Income:
$61,200
Per Capita Income:
$27,900
Income Male:
$45,000
Income Female:
$36,800
Poverty Rate:
17.6%
Non English Speakers:
9.2%
Rent:
$1,180
Unemployment Rate:
4.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.6%
Commute Time:
24.6 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
85.4%
Bachelors or More:
22.3%
Education
How are the schools in Gastonia, NC?
Gastonia offers a variety of public and private school options, including Ashbrook High School and Gaston Day School, as well as access to higher education at nearby Gaston College and Belmont Abbey College. The local school system serves families with a range of educational needs from elementary through college.
Public Schools
Name:
Ashbrook High School
Street:
2222 S New Hope Rd
Phone:
704-866-6600
Students:
1,350
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.5
Name:
W.P. Grier Middle School
Street:
1622 E Garrison Blvd
Phone:
704-866-6080
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.0
Private Schools
Name:
Gaston Day School
Street:
2001 Gaston Day School Rd
Phone:
704-864-7744
Students:
500
Colleges
Name:
Gaston College
City:
Dallas
State:
NC
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
5,000
Name:
Belmont Abbey College
City:
Belmont
State:
NC
Distance:
9 miles
Students:
1,600
Healthcare
Gastonia residents benefit from access to CaroMont Regional Medical Center, a major hospital providing emergency and surgical services. The area has about 2.1 physicians per 1,000 people, and nearly 87% of locals have health insurance coverage.
Major Hospitals
Name:
CaroMont Regional Medical Center
Address:
2525 Court Dr, Gastonia, NC 28054
Phone:
(704) 834-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
86.8%
Health Care Index:
77.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Gastonia, NC?
Gastonia’s housing market is marked by a median home price of $247,000 and a healthy owner-occupancy rate of 55%. Home values have appreciated by over 7% in the past year, making it an appealing choice for both buyers and investors.
Median Home Price:
$247,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,180
Owner Occupied Rate:
54.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Driver services for Gastonia residents are provided by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, with a conveniently located office in nearby Charlotte. Information on licensing, registration, and appointments can be found at the official DMV website.
State:
North Carolina
Department:
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
601 N. Church Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
Phone:
919-715-7000
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.