Gaston, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
912
5.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$42,105/yr
2.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
480
-5.3% year-over-year change

Gaston population

How many people live in Gaston

Gaston is home to 912 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.2% of Gaston locals are male, and 53.8% are female.

Total population
912
5.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.2%
421
Female
53.8%
491
Value Percent YoY change
Male 421 46.2% -7.1%
Female 491 53.8% 19.5%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Gaston is 43, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.4% are children under 15, then 18.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 17.2% of the population, while another 30.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
43
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.4%
15 to 24
18.6%
25 to 44
17.2%
45 to 64
30.4%
Over 65
18.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 140 15.4% 34.6%
15 to 24 170 18.6% -30.0%
25 to 44 157 17.2% 3.3%
45 to 64 277 30.4% 42.0%
Over 65 168 18.4% -1.2%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Gaston, 99.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. As for race, 36.6% of locals are Caucasian, 58.4% are African American and 0.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 3.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.6%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 907 99.4% 6.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 5 0.6% -54.5%
Racial breakdown
White
36.6%
Black or African American
58.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3.2%
Other
1.2%
Value Percent
White 334 36.6%
Black or African American 533 58.4%
Asian 5 0.6%
Two or more races 29 3.2%
Other 11 1.2%

Households in Gaston

A peek inside Gaston households

Gaston has 394 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 64.2% are families, while the remaining 35.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
394
0.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
141
Family households
253
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 141 35.8% 2.9%
Family households 253 64.2% -0.8%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Gaston

The housing landscape of Gaston

Gaston's housing consists of 480 units, with 58.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 32.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
480
-5.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 282 58.8%
2 units 34 7.1%
3 or 4 units 6 1.2%
Mobile home 158 32.9%
Homes built since 2020
23
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Gaston

In Gaston, the median construction year is 1979. About 5.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 22.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 5.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 1.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 4.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 26 5.4% 420.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 107 22.3% 9.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 46 9.6% -41.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 23 4.8% 21.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 44 9.2% -56.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 45 9.4% -29.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 130 27.1% 20.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 27 5.6% -15.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 9 1.9% 350.0%
Built in 2020 or later 23 4.8% N/A
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Gaston occupancy rates

Out of the 394 occupied housing units in Gaston, 58.9% are owner-occupied, while 41.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 17.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
394
0.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
162
Owner occupied
232
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 162 41.1% -28.9%
Owner occupied 232 58.9% 41.5%
Unoccupied housing units
17.9%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Gaston housing costs

Housing costs in Gaston come to a median of $687 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $818.

Median housing costs per month
$687/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Gaston
$818/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Gaston

Gaston education at a glance

About 57.2% of the population in Gaston went to high school, while 21.9% pursued college studies. Another 4.4% earned an associate degree and 6.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 34 4.9% 3.0%
High school diploma 394 57.2% -18.4%
College diploma 151 21.9% 39.8%
Associate degree 30 4.4% -26.8%
Bachelor's degree 46 6.7% 7.0%
Graduate degree 34 4.9% 100.0%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Gaston

How much people earn in Gaston

The average annual household income in Gaston was $74,499 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +58.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $42,105, reflecting a +2.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Gaston
$74,499/year
58.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Gaston
$42,105/year
2.1% year-over-year change

Gaston income by age

In Gaston, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $31,136. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $68,750 overall. Overall, 72.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $31,136 -2.2%
45 - 64 $68,750 13.9%
Over 65 $26,250 -8.7%
Above poverty level
640
Below poverty level
242
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 640 72.6% -0.6%
Below poverty level 242 27.4% 33.7%

Average renter income in Gaston

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Gaston, their median household income was $25,221 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 38.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$25,221
Rent-to-income ratio
38.9%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Gaston

Workforce and job types in Gaston

The job market in Gaston is powered by 339 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 66.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 33.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 13.6% run their own businesses, 67.3% are employed by private companies, and 12.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
339
-2.0% year-over-year change
White collar
226
Blue collar
113
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 226 66.7% 19.6%
Blue collar 113 33.3% -28.0%
Employer type
Self employees
13.6%
Private companies
67.3%
Governmental workers
12.7%
Not for profit companies
6.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 46 13.6% 206.7%
Private companies 228 67.3% -14.9%
Governmental workers 43 12.7% -4.4%
Not for profit companies 22 6.5% 22.2%
Unemployment rate
17.5%
24.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Gaston stands at 17.5%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Gaston

How people get around in Gaston

Commuting methods vary: 80% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.5% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 252 80% -11.9%
Walk 11 3.5% 83.3%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Gaston by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
27832 2,783 1,226 $52,194 $81,597

Explore more communities

FAQs about Gaston demographics 

What is the total population of Gaston?

Gaston has a total population of 912 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +5.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Gaston?

The gender ratio in Gaston is as follows:
  • 46.2% males (421 residents)
  • 53.8% females (491 residents)

What is the median age in Gaston?

The median age in Gaston is 43.

What is the age distribution of the population in Gaston?

The age distribution in Gaston is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.4% (140 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 18.6% (170 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 17.2% (157 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 30.4% (277 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.4% (168 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Gaston?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Gaston is as follows:
  • White: 36.6% (334 residents)
  • Black or African American: 58.4% (533 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0.6% (5 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3.2% (29 residents)
  • Other: 1.2% (11 residents)

What percentage of the population in Gaston are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.4% of the population in Gaston.

How many housing units are there in Gaston?

There are 480 housing units in Gaston, reflecting a -5.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Gaston and what is the average household size?

Gaston has a total of 394 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Gaston?

Gaston has a median household income of $42,105, representing a +2.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Gaston?

The employment rate is 82.5% in Gaston, with a workforce of 339 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 66.7% (226 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 33.3% (113 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 13.6% (46 residents)
  • Private companies: 67.3% (228 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.7% (43 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.5% (22 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025