Everything You Should Know Before Moving to South Gastonia, NC
Thinking of moving to South Gastonia, NC? With a welcoming population of about 23,000, South Gastonia offers affordable living—median home prices hover around $195,000 and average rents are just $1,050. Expect reasonable commute times of about 25 minutes, a mild climate with 62% sunny days, and local schools like Hunter Huss High and Gaston College nearby. While property crime is above national averages, the area features a strong sense of community, access to major hospitals, and a lower cost of living than many U.S. cities—making it a practical choice for families and newcomers.
Demographics - South Gastonia, NC
Demographics - South Gastonia, NC
South Gastonia is home to approximately 23,000 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 40 years. The population density of 1,500 people per square mile is balanced, and the city features a mix of ethnic backgrounds, with about 62% White and 26% Black residents. A small but notable percentage (6.5%) speak a language other than English at home, contributing to the city's multicultural feel.
Population:
23,000
Density:
1,500 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.8
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
62.4%
Black:
26.3%
Asian:
1.3%
Others:
10.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in South Gastonia, NC?
South Gastonia boasts a cost of living index of 87.6, which is below the national average, making it an affordable option for newcomers. Median home values are around $195,000 and average monthly rents are $1,050, while utility and insurance expenses remain manageable. Residents benefit from reasonable state taxes and lower housing costs compared to many other U.S. cities.
Median House Value:
$195,000
Gross Rent:
$1,050
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$125
Auto Insurance:
$1,110
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,350
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
5.25%
|
High:
5.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
87.6
Grocery:
94.8
Housing:
74.1
Utilities:
98.4
Transportation:
92.5
Health Care:
97.0
Miscellaneous:
93.0
Crime
Is South Gastonia, NC a safe place to live?
The city experiences a higher-than-average property crime rate, with about 2,650 incidents per 100,000 residents and a 1 in 38 chance of being affected. Violent crime is less common, with a rate of 380 per 100,000 and a 1 in 263 chance. While overall crime is above the national average, many residents appreciate the community’s vigilance and neighborhood spirit.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
380
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,650
Crime Index:
3,030
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 263
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 38
Weather
What is the weather like in South Gastonia, NC year-round?
South Gastonia enjoys a mild climate, with summer highs averaging 89°F and winter lows around 32°F. The city receives about 45.5 inches of rainfall annually and boasts sunny weather 62% of the year. This comfortable weather supports a range of outdoor activities throughout all four seasons.
Winter
Min:
32°F
Max:
51°F
Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
74°F
Summer
Min:
68°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
74°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
45.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Typical households in South Gastonia have a median income of $56,200, with a poverty rate of 16.8%. Most residents commute about 25 minutes to work, and only a small fraction rely on public transportation. The community features a high school graduation rate of nearly 85% and a low unemployment rate of 4.1%.
Median Income:
$34,500
Household Income:
$56,200
Family Income:
$61,800
Per Capita Income:
$25,200
Income Male:
$39,800
Income Female:
$29,400
Poverty Rate:
16.8%
Non English Speakers:
6.5%
Rent:
$1,050
Unemployment Rate:
4.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
25.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
84.7%
Bachelors or More:
18.6%
Education
How are the schools in South Gastonia, NC?
South Gastonia offers a range of educational options, including public schools like Hunter Huss High and Woodhill Elementary, as well as private institutions such as Gaston Day School. Higher education is easily accessible, with Gaston College just 5 miles away and Belmont Abbey College within a short drive. The local schools provide supportive learning environments with favorable student-teacher ratios.
Public Schools
Name:
Hunter Huss High School
Street:
1518 Edgefield Ave
Phone:
704-866-6610
Students:
1,250
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Name:
Woodhill Elementary School
Street:
1027 Woodhill Dr
Phone:
704-866-6282
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.0
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:
5 miles
Students:
5,000
Name:
Belmont Abbey College
City:
Belmont
State:
NC
Distance:
9 miles
Students:
1,500
Healthcare
Residents of South Gastonia have access to major healthcare services at CaroMont Regional Medical Center, which offers comprehensive emergency and surgical care. The area has an average of 2.2 physicians per 1,000 people, and nearly 90% of the population is covered by health insurance. Healthcare services are accessible and rated favorably for a city of this size.
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:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.5%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in South Gastonia, NC?
The local housing market is affordable, with a median home price of $195,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $1,050. About 64% of homes are owner-occupied, and the area has seen a healthy 7.4% appreciation rate over the past year. Vacancy and foreclosure rates remain low, making the city attractive for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$195,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,050
Owner Occupied Rate:
64.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.4%
New Construction Rate:
2.0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Residents can handle vehicle registration, licensing, and other motor vehicle needs at the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in nearby Charlotte. The DMV offers in-person and online services for South Gastonia residents. Detailed information and resources are available on the state DMV website.
State:
North Carolina
Department:
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
601 E. Trade Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
Phone:
1-919-715-7000
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.