Gaston, SC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,803
-11.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$60,000/yr
0.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
885
-3.1% year-over-year change

Gaston population

How many people live in Gaston

Gaston is home to 1,803 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 58.2% of Gaston locals are male, and 41.8% are female.

Total population
1,803
-11.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
58.2%
1,050
Female
41.8%
753
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,050 58.2% -0.4%
Female 753 41.8% -22.5%
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 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.1% are children under 15, then 11.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 30.3% of the population, while another 28.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 14.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
40.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.1%
15 to 24
11.7%
25 to 44
30.3%
45 to 64
28.2%
Over 65
14.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 273 15.1% -33.4%
15 to 24 211 11.7% -24.9%
25 to 44 547 30.3% -6.2%
45 to 64 508 28.2% -8.5%
Over 65 264 14.6% 34.0%
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, 89.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 7.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 73.8% of locals are Caucasian, 8.6% are African American and 0.9% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 12.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
89.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.4%
Non-citizens
7.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,610 89.3% -8.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 62 3.4% -6.1%
Non-citizens 131 7.3% -34.5%
Racial breakdown
White
73.8%
Black or African American
8.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.5%
Asian
0.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
12.4%
Other
3.8%
Value Percent
White 1,330 73.8%
Black or African American 155 8.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 9 0.5%
Asian 16 0.9%
Two or more races 224 12.4%
Other 69 3.8%

Households in Gaston

A peek inside Gaston households

Gaston has 806 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 59.1% are families, while the remaining 40.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
806
-5.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
330
Family households
476
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 330 40.9% 6.1%
Family households 476 59.1% -12.0%
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 885 units, with 48.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.3% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 50.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
885
-3.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 427 48.2%
1 unit, attached 3 0.3%
2 units 7 0.8%
Mobile home 448 50.6%
Homes built since 2020
5
-16.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Gaston

In Gaston, the median construction year is 1989. About 4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 8.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 35 4% -2.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 53 6% -7.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 33 3.7% -35.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 35 4% -20.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 121 13.7% 23.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 185 20.9% 0.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 259 29.3% -16.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 80 9% 6.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 79 8.9% 51.9%
Built in 2020 or later 5 0.6% -16.7%
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 806 occupied housing units in Gaston, 70.7% are owner-occupied, while 29.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 8.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
806
-5.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
236
Owner occupied
570
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 236 29.3% -25.8%
Owner occupied 570 70.7% 6.7%
Unoccupied housing units
8.9%
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 $728 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $995.

Median housing costs per month
$728/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
$995/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 53.3% of the population in Gaston went to high school, while 19.5% pursued college studies. Another 10.5% earned an associate degree and 8.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 2.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 76 5.2% 20.6%
High school diploma 775 53.3% -12.5%
College diploma 284 19.5% 10.5%
Associate degree 153 10.5% -23.5%
Bachelor's degree 126 8.7% 20.0%
Graduate degree 41 2.8% 17.1%
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 $67,212 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $60,000, reflecting a +0.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Gaston
$67,212/year
2.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Gaston
$60,000/year
0.8% 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 $70,882. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $51,563 overall. Overall, 81.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $70,882 12.8%
45 - 64 $51,563 1.3%
Over 65 $54,135 -3.0%
Above poverty level
1,464
Below poverty level
324
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,464 81.9% -1.6%
Below poverty level 324 18.1% -31.4%

Average renter income in Gaston

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Gaston, their median household income was $47,931 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 24.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$47,931
Rent-to-income ratio
24.9%
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 929 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 54% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 46% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 11.7% run their own businesses, 76.8% are employed by private companies, and 8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
929
-10.8% year-over-year change
White collar
502
Blue collar
427
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 502 54% -13.9%
Blue collar 427 46% -7.0%
Employer type
Self employees
11.7%
Private companies
76.8%
Governmental workers
8%
Not for profit companies
3.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 109 11.7% -29.7%
Private companies 713 76.8% -9.4%
Governmental workers 74 8% -6.3%
Not for profit companies 33 3.6% 57.1%
Unemployment rate
2.5%
33.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Gaston stands at 2.5%, 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

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 796 88% -11.3%
Motorcycle 19 2.1% 280.0%
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 Gaston by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
29053 21,076 7,941 $56,703 $65,972

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FAQs about Gaston demographics 

What is the total population of Gaston?

Gaston has a total population of 1,803 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 -11.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Gaston?

The gender ratio in Gaston is as follows:
  • 58.2% males (1,050 residents)
  • 41.8% females (753 residents)

What is the median age in Gaston?

The median age in Gaston is 40.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Gaston?

The age distribution in Gaston is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.1% (273 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.7% (211 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 30.3% (547 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28.2% (508 residents)
  • Over 65: 14.6% (264 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Gaston?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Gaston is as follows:
  • White: 73.8% (1,330 residents)
  • Black or African American: 8.6% (155 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.5% (9 residents)
  • Asian: 0.9% (16 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 12.4% (224 residents)
  • Other: 3.8% (69 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 89.3% of the population in Gaston.

How many housing units are there in Gaston?

There are 885 housing units in Gaston, reflecting a -3.1% 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 806 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Gaston?

Gaston has a median household income of $60,000, representing a +0.8% 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 97.5% in Gaston, with a workforce of 929 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 54% (502 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 46% (427 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 11.7% (109 residents)
  • Private companies: 76.8% (713 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 8% (74 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 3.6% (33 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