Gates, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,932
-5.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$70,086/yr
5.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,352
3.6% year-over-year change

Gates population

How many people live in Gates

Gates is home to 2,932 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.3% of Gates locals are male, and 51.7% are female.

Total population
2,932
-5.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.3%
1,415
Female
51.7%
1,517
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,415 48.3% -5.5%
Female 1,517 51.7% -6.4%
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 Gates is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.8% are children under 15, then 11.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.2% of the population, while another 23.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 24.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
42.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.8%
15 to 24
11.2%
25 to 44
24.2%
45 to 64
23.9%
Over 65
24.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 464 15.8% 5.7%
15 to 24 329 11.2% -33.9%
25 to 44 711 24.2% 1.4%
45 to 64 702 23.9% -17.9%
Over 65 726 24.8% 16.4%
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 Gates, 97.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.8% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 3.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.8%
Non-citizens
1.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 2,854 97.3% -7.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 24 0.8% 4.3%
Non-citizens 54 1.8% N/A
Racial breakdown
White
54.3%
Black or African American
40.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.3%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3.6%
Other
0.5%
Value Percent
White 1,593 54.3%
Black or African American 1,178 40.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 39 1.3%
Two or more races 107 3.6%
Other 15 0.5%

Households in Gates

A peek inside Gates households

Gates has 1,267 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 62.8% are families, while the remaining 37.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,267
3.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
472
Family households
795
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 472 37.2% -9.8%
Family households 795 62.8% 14.1%
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 Gates

The housing landscape of Gates

Gates's housing consists of 1,352 units, with 60.4% 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 39.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,352
3.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 816 60.4%
Mobile home 536 39.6%
Homes built since 2020
28
211.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Gates

In Gates, the median construction year is 1993. About 7.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 20.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 12.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 100 7.4% -29.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 52 3.8% -45.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 93 6.9% 5.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 147 10.9% 22.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 78 5.8% 32.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 124 9.2% 33.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 288 21.3% 0.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 280 20.7% -17.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 164 12.1% 124.7%
Built in 2020 or later 28 2.1% 211.1%
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.

Gates occupancy rates

Out of the 1,267 occupied housing units in Gates, 81.4% are owner-occupied, while 18.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,267
3.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
236
Owner occupied
1,031
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 236 18.6% 49.4%
Owner occupied 1,031 81.4% -2.9%
Unoccupied housing units
6.3%
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.

Gates housing costs

Housing costs in Gates come to a median of $1,085 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,208.

Median housing costs per month
$1,085/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 Gates
$1,208/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 Gates

Gates education at a glance

About 39.8% of the population in Gates went to high school, while 30.2% pursued college studies. Another 15.2% earned an associate degree and 6.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 96 4.1% -2.0%
High school diploma 937 39.8% -5.9%
College diploma 713 30.2% -24.9%
Associate degree 359 15.2% 59.6%
Bachelor's degree 150 6.4% 19.1%
Graduate degree 102 4.3% -22.7%
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 Gates

How much people earn in Gates

The average annual household income in Gates was $78,789 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $70,086, reflecting a +5.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Gates
$78,789/year
0.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Gates
$70,086/year
5.8% year-over-year change

Gates income by age

In Gates, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $83,359. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $76,731 overall. Overall, 90.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $83,359 12.3%
45 - 64 $76,731 0.3%
Over 65 $43,625 12.3%
Above poverty level
2,588
Below poverty level
268
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 2,588 90.6% -4.4%
Below poverty level 268 9.4% -28.7%

Employment in Gates

Workforce and job types in Gates

59.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 40.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.2% run their own businesses, 67.7% are employed by private companies, and 21.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
733
Blue collar
502
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 733 59.4% -16.0%
Blue collar 502 40.6% 28.7%
Employer type
Self employees
8.2%
Private companies
67.7%
Governmental workers
21.1%
Not for profit companies
2.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 102 8.2% -12.1%
Private companies 837 67.7% 17.9%
Governmental workers 261 21.1% -27.7%
Not for profit companies 36 2.9% -52.6%

Transportation in Gates

How people get around in Gates

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,157 100% -2.0%
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 Gates by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
27937 2,936 1,269 $70,086 $78,975

Explore more communities

FAQs about Gates demographics 

What is the total population of Gates?

Gates has a total population of 2,932 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 -5.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Gates?

The gender ratio in Gates is as follows:
  • 48.3% males (1,415 residents)
  • 51.7% females (1,517 residents)

What is the median age in Gates?

The median age in Gates is 42.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Gates?

The age distribution in Gates is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.8% (464 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.2% (329 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.2% (711 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.9% (702 residents)
  • Over 65: 24.8% (726 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Gates?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Gates is as follows:
  • White: 54.3% (1,593 residents)
  • Black or African American: 40.2% (1,178 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.3% (39 residents)
  • Asian: 0% ( residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3.6% (107 residents)
  • Other: 0.5% (15 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.3% of the population in Gates.

How many housing units are there in Gates?

There are 1,352 housing units in Gates, reflecting a +3.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Gates has a total of 1,267 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Gates?

Gates has a median household income of $70,086, representing a +5.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Gates?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 59.4% (733 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 40.6% (502 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.2% (102 residents)
  • Private companies: 67.7% (837 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 21.1% (261 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 2.9% (36 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