Gastonia, NC — City Data, Demographics & Statistics
Gaston County · North Carolina
City DNA
A unique fingerprint for Gastonia based on 8 key metrics — compared to averages.
Quick Stats
Population
81,632
2023 ACS
Median Income
$60,554
2023
Median Home Value
$250,000
2023
Median Rent
$1,145
2023
Median Age
37.2
Unemployment
5.2%
Cost of Living Index
107.3
100 = national avg
Gastonia is a city in Gaston County, North Carolina, with a population of 81,632 according to the 2023 American Community Survey. Gastonia is one of the communities in North Carolina.
The median household income in Gastonia is $60,554, and the median home value is $250,000. The cost of living index is 107.3 (where 100 = national average), and the median rent is $1,145 per month. The unemployment rate is 5.2%, and the median age is 37.2 years.
People & Demographics
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (2023)Population
Total Population
81,632
Male
39,031
47.8%
Female
42,601
52.2%
Median Age
37.2
Education & Household
Bachelor's or Higher
18.4%
High School or Higher
37.2%
Foreign Born
7.3%
Veterans
5.5%
Married
35.9%
Avg Household Size
2.5
Marital Status by Age
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
0.579
Simpson's Index (0-1)
Largest Group
White
55.2%
Foreign Born
7.3%
Hispanic/Latino Ethnicity
Hispanic/Latino is an ethnicity, not a race. People of any race can identify as Hispanic. This percentage overlaps with the racial categories above.
Hispanic/Latino
11.4%
9,339 people
Not Hispanic/Latino
88.6%
Hispanic/Latino Detail
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (2023)Asian Detail
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (2023)Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander Detail
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (2023)American Indian & Alaska Native Detail
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (2023)Languages Spoken
Total Speakers (5+)
76,032
English Only
88.2%
#1 Non-English Language
Spanish
7,360 speakers
Limited English
4.7%
Language Distribution
English Proficiency
Speaks English Very Well
95.3%
Limited English Proficiency
4.7%
Veterans & Military
Total Veterans
4,483
5.5% of population
Disability Rate
29.0%
1,299 with disability
Veteran Median Income
$41,093
Unemployment Rate
3.6%
Period of Service
Veteran Age Distribution
Male Veterans
4,122
91.9%
Female Veterans
361
8.1%
Veteran vs Non-Veteran Income
Veteran Income
$41,093
Non-Veteran Income
$35,485
Difference
$5,608
15.8% higher
Disability Status
With Disability
1,299
Without Disability
3,184
Disability Rate
29.0%
Ancestry & Heritage
Total Reporting Ancestry
45,238
#1 Ancestry
American
15.8% (12,904)
#2 Ancestry
German
8.8% (7,203)
#3 Ancestry
English
8.3% (6,765)
Top 20 Ancestries
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (2023)Families & Households
Total Households
31,707
Family Households
20,375
64.3%
Married Couples
12,715
40.1%
Non-Family Households
11,332
35.7%
Single Mother Households
5,357
16.9%
Single Father Households
2,303
7.3%
Living Alone
8,928
28.2%
Children Under 18
Total Children
15,929
In Married Couple
8,737
54.8%
With Single Mother
5,168
32.4%
With Single Father
2,024
12.7%
Family Income
Median Family Income
$76,805
Married Couple Income
$103,686
Single Mother Income
$37,982
Single Father Income
$60,574
Avg Family Size
2.5
Avg Non-Family Size
2.3
Grandparents w/ Grandchildren
2,208
Grandparents Responsible
830
Economy
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (2023)Income Overview
Median Household Income
$60,554
-17% vs national
Per Capita Income
$33,611
-10% vs national
Poverty Rate
14.3%
+5% vs national
Gini Index
0.4696
0 = perfect equality
Unemployment
5.2%
-0% vs national
SNAP Recipients
20.6%
of households
How Gastonia Compares
Gastonia vs Similar Cities
Compared to cities with 50,000 - 100,000 residents. Gastonia is highlighted.
Median Household Income
Gastonia, NC has a median household income of $60,554, making it the 16,274th highest median household income out of 28,123 cities in our database. This means that Gastonia has a higher median household income than 42% of all the cities we measured.
Per Capita Income
Gastonia, NC has a per capita income of $33,611, making it the 13,536th highest per capita income out of 28,123 cities in our database. This means that Gastonia has a higher per capita income than 52% of all the cities we measured.
Poverty Rate
Gastonia, NC has a poverty rate of 14.3%, making it the 11,842nd highest poverty rate out of 31,262 cities in our database. This means that Gastonia has a higher poverty rate than 62% of all the cities we measured.
Unemployment Rate
Gastonia, NC has a unemployment rate of 5.2%, making it the 11,140th highest unemployment rate out of 31,012 cities in our database. This means that Gastonia has a higher unemployment rate than 64% of all the cities we measured.
Where Do You Stack Up?
Enter your household income to see how you compare to other households in Gastonia. The median household income here is $60,554.
Income Distribution
Employment Snapshot
Unemployment Rate
5.2%
-11% vs NC avg
Labor Force
40,874
Employed
38,715
Mean Commute
23 min
How People Get to Work
Employment by Sector
Education & Workforce
Bachelor's Degree+
18.4%
of adults 25+
High School Diploma+
37.2%
of adults 25+
Median Age
37.2
Work from Home
9.8%
of workers
Top Occupations & Wages
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS (2024)
Data represents the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC metro area
Highest-Paying Job
Software Developers
Top Median Wage
$132.1K
per year
Occupations Tracked
20
Cost of Living
Overall Index
107.3
100 = national avg
+7.3 vs national average
Living Wage (1 Adult)
$47,234
per year
Living Wage (Family of 4)
$111,643
per year
Cost Index by Category
100 = national average. Higher = more expensive.
Fair Market Rent
Source: HUD
1 Bedroom
$1,538
per month
2 Bedroom
$1,686
per month
The median household income in Gastonia, NC is $60,554, which is 17.3% below the national average of $73,224. Per capita income is $33,611. The poverty rate of 14.3% is lower than the NC state average of 16.0%. The Gini index of income inequality is 0.4696, where 0 represents perfect equality and 1 represents maximum inequality. The unemployment rate is 5.2%, compared to the state average of 5.8%. The labor force is 40,874. 18.4% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 23 minutes, with 9.8% working from home. About 77.7% of workers drive alone to work. The overall cost of living index is 107.3, which is 7.3% above the national average. Housing costs are above the national average at an index of 125.9. A single adult needs to earn approximately $47,234 per year to cover basic expenses.
Housing & Real Estate
Market SnapshotRedfin — January 2026
Median Sale Price
$282,000
Median List Price
$340,000
Price Per Sq Ft
$184
Days on Market
97
Active Inventory
462
Months of Supply
4.8
Balanced market
Zillow Home Value
$272,679
ZHVI — January 2026
Zillow Rent Index
$1,526
ZORI — January 2026
Market CompetitivenessRedfin
Sold Above List
14.6%
Off Market in 2 Weeks
16.5%
Sale-to-List Ratio
96.5%
Buyer's market
Price TrendsRedfin
Market ActivityRedfin
Homes Sold
96
New Listings
103
Price Per Square FootRedfin
Median Sale $/SF
$184
Median List $/SF
$182
House Price IndexFHFA
How much have housing prices increased in Gastonia, NC? According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) House Price Index for the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC metro area, home prices have risen 496.1% over the past 40 years. Over 20 years, prices grew 163.1%. The 10-year growth rate is 132.0%. Over the last 5 years, prices increased 63.8%. In the most recent 2-year period, the index rose 7.6%. The FHFA HPI tracks average price changes in repeat sales or refinancings of single-family properties with conforming mortgages. Because this is a metro-level index, it reflects the broader Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC housing market rather than Gastonia alone.
Metro area: Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
Gastonia vs Similar CitiesCensus ACS / Redfin
Compared to cities with 50,000 - 100,000 residents. Gastonia is highlighted.
Median Home Value
Gastonia, NC has a median home value of $250,000, making it the 9,179th highest median home value out of 27,993 cities in our database. This means that Gastonia has a higher median home value than 67% of all the cities we measured.
Median Rent
Gastonia, NC has a median rent of $1,145, making it the 7,396th highest median rent out of 22,337 cities in our database. This means that Gastonia has a higher median rent than 67% of all the cities we measured.
Median Price Per Sq Ft
Gastonia, NC has a price per square foot of $184, making it the 9,329th highest price per square foot out of 20,748 cities in our database. This means that Gastonia has a higher price per square foot than 55% of all the cities we measured.
Rent Burden
Gastonia, NC has a rent burden of 22.7%, making it the 5,473rd highest rent burden out of 21,928 cities in our database. This means that Gastonia has a higher rent burden than 75% of all the cities we measured.
Census Housing DataU.S. Census Bureau ACS 2023
Median Home Value
$250,000
Median Rent
$1,145
Total Housing Units
34,721
Vacancy Rate
8.7%
Owner Occupied
54.2%
Renter Occupied
45.8%
Median Property Tax
$2,355
per year
Monthly Cost (w/ Mortgage)
$1,234
Housing Types
Property TaxU.S. Census Bureau ACS 2023
Median Property Tax
$2,355
per year
Effective Tax Rate
0.94%
of home value
Median Home Value
$250,000
Estimated Mean Tax
$2,473
The effective property tax rate is calculated by dividing the median annual property tax ($2,355) by the median home value ($250,000). In Gastonia, NC, this works out to an effective rate of 0.94%. This is below the national average of approximately 1.1%.
The current median sale price in Gastonia, NC is $282,000 according to Redfin data. Homes spend a median of 97 days on the market. 14.6% of homes sold above asking price. The market has 4.8 months of supply. The median price per square foot is $184. Zillow's observed rent index is $1,526/month. About 54.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. The median year homes were built is 1979. There are 34,721 total housing units. Homeowners pay a median annual property tax of $2,355. The effective tax rate is 0.94%, below the national average.
Crime Overview
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (2024)Violent Crime Rate
8.49
per 1,000 residents
+227% vs national
Property Crime Rate
35.14
per 1,000 residents
+104% vs national
Total Crimes
3,714
2024
Violent Clearance
46%
cases solved
Property Clearance
24%
cases solved
YoY Change
+6.8%
violent crime rate
worsening vs 2023
How Gastonia Compares
Source: FBI (2024)Gastonia vs Similar Cities
Source: FBI (2024)Compared to cities with 50,000 - 100,000 residents. Gastonia is highlighted in green.
Violent Crime Rate (per 1,000)
Property Crime Rate (per 1,000)
Murder Rate (per 1,000)
Crime Rate Trends
Source: FBICrime Composition
Source: FBI (2024)Violent Crime Breakdown
Property Crime Breakdown
Crime Clearance (Solve) Rates
Source: FBI (2024)Gastonia police solve 75% of murder cases but only 9% of motor vehicle theft cases.
Weapon Used in Violent Crime
Source: FBI (2024)Crime Breakdown
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (2024)| Crime Type | Category | Count | Rate per 1K | Clearance % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murder | Violent | 4 | 0.05 | 75.0% |
| Rape | Violent | 32 | 0.38 | 28.1% |
| Robbery | Violent | 105 | 1.23 | 37.1% |
| Aggravated Assault | Violent | 582 | 6.84 | 47.9% |
| Burglary | Property | 436 | 5.12 | 28.7% |
| Larceny/Theft | Property | 2,202 | 25.87 | 25.2% |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | Property | 353 | 4.15 | 9.3% |
Gastonia, NC reported 723 violent crimes and 2,991 property crimes in 2024. The violent crime rate of 8.49 per 1,000 residents is 226.7% above the national average of 2.60 per 1,000. Law enforcement cleared 46% of violent crimes. Larceny/theft accounts for 2,202 of the property crime reports. Firearms were involved in 42.6% of aggravated assaults. Violent crime has been trending upward.
Crime History
Source: FBI| Year | Violent | Property | Violent Rate | Property Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 723 | 2,991 | 8.49 | 35.14 |
| 2023 | 666 | 3,196 | 7.95 | 38.17 |
| 2022 | 647 | 3,253 | 7.90 | 39.70 |
| 2021 | 716 | 3,121 | 9.15 | 39.88 |
| 2020 | 724 | 3,189 | 9.29 | 40.93 |
| 2018 | 558 | 3,839 | 7.22 | 49.65 |
| 2017 | 595 | 3,714 | 7.81 | 48.75 |
| 2016 | 576 | 3,440 | 7.67 | 45.79 |
| 2015 | 531 | 3,829 | 7.16 | 51.61 |
Natural Hazard Risk
Source: FEMA National Risk IndexRisk Score
84.9
Relatively Moderate
Expected Annual Loss
86.0
Score (0-100)
Social Vulnerability
29.1
Score (0-100)
Community Resilience
51.3
Score (0-100)
Scores range from 0 (lowest risk) to 100 (highest risk) relative to all U.S. communities. Data from FEMA National Risk Index.
Disaster History & Federal Spending
Source: FEMATotal Declarations
18
Public Assistance
$38.2M
Individual Assistance
$2.9M
Most Common Type
Hurricane
6 declarations
Public Assistance by Category
| Disaster | Type | Date | PA $ | IA $ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Severe Winter Storm → | Winter Storm | Jan 2026 | — | — |
| Tropical Storm Helene → | Tropical Storm | Sep 2024 | $2.4M | $3K |
| Hurricane Isaias → | Hurricane | Aug 2020 | — | — |
| Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding → | Severe Storm | May 2020 | $289K | — |
| Covid-19 Pandemic → | Biological | Mar 2020 | $33.5M | $2.9M |
| Covid-19 → | Biological | Mar 2020 | — | — |
| Hurricane Dorian → | Hurricane | Sep 2019 | — | — |
| Hurricane Florence → | Hurricane | Sep 2018 | — | — |
| Hurricane Katrina Evacuation → | Hurricane | Sep 2005 | — | — |
| Tropical Storm Frances → | Hurricane | Sep 2004 | — | — |
| Severe Ice Storm → | Severe Ice Storm | Dec 2002 | $2.0M | — |
| Winter Storm → | Snowstorm | Feb 1996 | — | — |
| Blizzard of 96 → | Snowstorm | Jan 1996 | — | — |
| Severe Snowfall & Winter Storm → | Snowstorm | Mar 1993 | — | — |
| Hurricane Hugo → | Hurricane | Sep 1989 | — | — |
| Drought → | Drought | Aug 1977 | — | — |
| Drought & Freezing → | Snowstorm | Mar 1977 | — | — |
| Tornadoes → | Tornado | Apr 1974 | — | — |
| Hurricane Matthew → | Unknown | — | — | — |
| Covid-19 Pandemic → | Unknown | — | — | — |
Showing 20 of 21 disasters
PA = FEMA Public Assistance (infrastructure recovery). IA = Individual Assistance (homeowner/renter aid).
Flood Insurance (NFIP)
Source: FEMA NFIPTotal Claims
105
Total Claims Paid
$1,335,677
Avg Claim Payout
$12,721
County-level NFIP data from FEMA National Flood Insurance Program.
Hazard Mitigation
Source: FEMA Hazard Mitigation AssistanceMitigation Projects
2
Federal Funding
$1,492,950
Avg Benefit-Cost Ratio
7.97
BCR
Top Mitigation Project Types
| Project Type | Projects | Federal $ |
|---|---|---|
| 402.3: Infrastructure Protective Measures | 1 | $1,492,950 |
| 200.3: Acquisition of Public Real Property (Structures and Land) - Riverine | 1 | $0 |
Federally funded projects to reduce future disaster risk. Only includes completed or obligated projects.
Gastonia has a relatively moderate overall natural hazard risk rating according to FEMA's National Risk Index. The top hazard risks are ice storm, strong wind, tornado. The area has had 18 federal disaster declarations. The most common disaster type is hurricane (6 declarations). 105 flood insurance claims have been filed in the area. FEMA has obligated $38,203,311 in public assistance recovery funding. $2,923,244 has been distributed in individual assistance to disaster-affected residents. 2 hazard mitigation projects have been funded to reduce future risk.
Health
Community Health
Source: CDC PLACES
Obesity Rate
37.8%
1.7pp above the national average
Depression Rate
24.3%
0.8pp above the national average
Diabetes Rate
13.5%
1.6pp above the national average
Uninsured Rate
12.5%
1.9pp above the national average
Health Scorecard
Higher scores indicate better health outcomes relative to the national average (50 = average)
Health Outcomes
Age-adjusted prevalence rates. Green bars indicate rates below the national average; red indicates above.
High Cholesterol
36.2%
Arthritis
28.3%
Cancer (excl. skin)
7.6%
Teeth Lost (65+)
17.2%
Health Risk Behaviors
Prevention & Screening
Green bars indicate rates above the national average (more preventive care); red indicates below.
Mental Health & Wellbeing
Frequent Mental Distress
17.6%
14+ days in past month
Depression
24.3%
Loneliness
34.3%
Lack of Support
24.2%
Disability Prevalence
Any Disability
34.4%
Mobility
16.4%
Cognitive
16.6%
Hearing
7.4%
Vision
6.7%
Self-Care
5.0%
Independent Living
9.8%
Health-Related Social Needs
Prevalence of social risk factors affecting community health
Gastonia has an obesity rate of 37.8%, which is 1.7pp above the national average. The depression rate is 24.3%, 0.8pp above the national average. About 12.5% of adults lack health insurance. 80.4% of residents had an annual checkup in the past year.
Nearby Hospitals
Source: CMS Hospital Compare
Nearest Hospitals
5
With Emergency Services
5
Avg CMS Rating
3.2 / 5
Nearest Hospital
3.0 mi
Caromont Regional Medical Cent...
| Hospital | Distance | Type | Rating | ER |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caromont Regional Medical Center | 3.0 mi | Acute Care Hospitals | 4/5 | Yes |
| Atrium Health Lincoln | 16.6 mi | Acute Care Hospitals | 4/5 | Yes |
| Carolinas Medical Center/Behav Health | 18.7 mi | Acute Care Hospitals | 3/5 | Yes |
| Piedmont Medical Center | 20.1 mi | Acute Care Hospitals | 2/5 | Yes |
| Atrium Health Pineville | 20.3 mi | Acute Care Hospitals | 3/5 | Yes |
Climate & Environment
Water Systems
Source: EPA SDWISWater Systems
6
Pop. Served
98,836
Violations (5yr)
2
| System Name | Pop. Served | Violations (5yr) |
|---|---|---|
| TWO RIVERS UTILITIES | 93,877 | 0 |
| RANLO, TOWN OF | 4,511 | 1 |
| WINDSOR HEIGHTS MHP | 178 | 0 |
| PINES MHP | 173 | 1 |
| DELLINGER`S MHP | 53 | 0 |
| MOUNTAIN VILLAGE MHP | 44 | 0 |
Greenhouse Gas Emitters
Source: EPA GHGRP (2023)Facilities Reporting
1
Total CO₂e
56.3K MT
Top Emitter
PSNC
56.3K MT CO₂e
Total CO₂e vs Similar Cities (50,000 - 100,000)
| Facility | Sector | CO₂e (MT) |
|---|---|---|
PSNC Dominion Energy Inc | Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems | 56,272 |
Data from EPA Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (GHGRP). Includes facilities emitting 25,000+ metric tons CO₂e/year.
There are 6 water systems serving the area. 2 water quality violations have been reported in the past 5 years. 1 industrial facility reports greenhouse gas emissions totaling 56.3K metric tons of CO₂e.
Infrastructure
Commute Overview2023 ACS
Mean Commute
23 min
-1% vs national
Drive Alone
77.7%
-1% vs national
Public Transit
1.0%
+10% vs national
Work From Home
9.8%
+5% vs national
Carpool
9.6%
Walk
0.8%
How Gastonia's Commute ComparesCensus ACS 2023
How People Get to WorkCensus ACS 2023
Commute Mode BreakdownCensus ACS 2023
Traffic Fatalities
Source: NHTSA FARS (2023)Fatalities
10
2023
6-Year Avg
8
fatalities/yr
Pedestrian
1
Cyclist
1
Nighttime
1
dark conditions
| Year | Crashes | Fatalities | Alcohol | Pedestrian | Cyclist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 10 | 10 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| 2022 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| 2021 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | 8 | 9 | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| 2019 | 10 | 10 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| 2018 | 10 | 10 | 2 | 4 | 0 |
Data from NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS). Includes only crashes involving at least one fatality.
The average commute in Gastonia, NC is 23 minutes, which is 0.9% below the national average of 23 minutes. 77.7% of workers drive alone, compared to the national average of 78.7%. 9.8% work from home, which is above the NC state average of 9.4%. 9.6% of workers carpool. In 2023, there were 10 traffic fatalities from 10 fatal crashes. 1 was a pedestrian.
Internet & Broadband Access
Source: Census ACSBroadband Access
86.3%
of households
Cable / Fiber / DSL
74.1%
of households
No Internet
11.1%
of households
Total Households
31,707
Internet Subscription Types
Device Ownership
Source: Census ACSHas Computer
93.9%
of households
Smartphone
89.7%
of households
Desktop / Laptop
73.6%
of households
Tablet
58.8%
of households
Percentage of households with each device type. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau ACS (2023 5-year estimates, tables B28001 & B28002).
Electricity Rates
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (2024)Residential Rate
14.1¢
per kWh
-23% vs 50,000 - 100,000 avg
Commercial Rate
10.6¢
per kWh
-29% vs 50,000 - 100,000 avg
Industrial Rate
7.8¢
per kWh
-30% vs 50,000 - 100,000 avg
Avg Monthly Bill
$144
residential
-1% vs 50,000 - 100,000 avg
17% below the national average of 17.1¢/kWh
Residential electricity in North Carolina averages 14.1¢ per kWh, compared to the national average of 17.1¢. The average monthly electric bill is $144. State-level averages from EIA Electric Sales & Revenue data (2024).
Gastonia vs Similar Cities
Source: EIA (2024)Comparing electricity rates with randomly selected cities of similar population (50,000 - 100,000). Each city represents its state's average rate.
Residential Rate (¢/kWh)
Commercial Rate (¢/kWh)
Industrial Rate (¢/kWh)
Average Monthly Bill
Water Systems
Source: EPA SDWISWater Systems
6
Population Served
98,836
Violations (5yr)
2
| System Name | Type | Source | Pop. Served | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TWO RIVERS UTILITIES | Community | Surface water | 93,877 | 0 |
| RANLO, TOWN OF | Community | Purchased surface water | 4,511 | 1 |
| WINDSOR HEIGHTS MHP | Community | Ground water | 178 | 0 |
| PINES MHP | Community | Ground water | 173 | 1 |
| DELLINGER`S MHP | Community | Ground water | 53 | 0 |
| MOUNTAIN VILLAGE MHP | Community | Ground water | 44 | 0 |
86.3% of households in Gastonia have broadband internet access. 74.1% have cable, fiber, or DSL service. 9.0% rely solely on cellular data without a wired connection. 11.1% of households have no internet access. 13.9% use only a smartphone without a desktop or laptop. The area is served by 6 water systems, providing water to 98,836 people. A total of 2 water quality violations have been recorded over the past 5 years.
Politics & Government
County-level data: Election results are reported at the county level. Gastonia is located in Gaston County, NC. Results reflect all voters in the county, not just those in Gastonia.
Election Overview
Source: Gaston County (2024)2024 Winner
Republican
Dem Votes
44,062
37.0%
GOP Votes
73,828
62.1%
Total Votes
118,959
Margin
R+25.0%
Shift from 2020
D+2.7pp
vs prior election
Election History
Source: County-Level Election Results| Year | Dem Votes | GOP Votes | Total | Dem % | GOP % | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 44,062 | 73,828 | 118,959 | 37.0% | 62.1% | R+25.0 |
| 2020 | 40,959 | 73,033 | 115,498 | 35.5% | 63.2% | R+27.8 |
| 2016 | 30,982 | 61,467 | 94,872 | 32.7% | 64.8% | R+32.1 |
In the 2024 presidential election, Gaston County recorded 118,959 total votes. Republicans won the county with 62.1% of the vote compared to 37.0% for Democrats, a margin of R+25.0%. Compared to 2020, the margin shifted D+2.7pp from the previous election. Since 2016, Gaston County has shifted 7.1 percentage points toward Democrats.
Nonprofits Overview
Source: IRS Exempt Organizations BMFTotal Nonprofits
448
Total Assets
$2.7B
Total Income
$1.5B
Per 10K Residents
54.9
nonprofits
+25.2% vs peers avg
Orgs with >$1M Assets
49
Median Assets
$367K
Oldest Active
1936
ruling year
Newest Org
2026
ruling year
Nonprofits by Category
Source: IRS / NTEE ClassificationTop 10 hold $2.4B of $2.7B total
Nonprofit Size Distribution
Source: IRS Exempt Organizations BMFNumber of nonprofits by total asset size
When Were Nonprofits Founded?
Source: IRS Ruling DateNumber of currently active nonprofits by founding decade
Nonprofits per 10K Residents vs Similar Cities
Source: IRS BMF + Census ACSCompared to cities with population 50,000 - 100,000
Largest Nonprofits in Gastonia
Source: IRS Exempt Organizations BMFGastonia, NC has 448 registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with combined assets of $2.7B. The most common category is Religion-Related, with 81 organizations. 49 nonprofits have assets exceeding $1 million. That works out to 54.9 nonprofits per 10,000 residents. The oldest active nonprofit dates back to 1936.
SBA Lending Overview
Source: SBA FOIA Loan-Level DataTotal SBA Loans
391
Total Approved
$163.6M
Jobs Supported
3,087
Per 10K Residents
47.9
SBA loans
-82.9% vs peers avg
Unique Lenders
86
Top Lender
First Horizon Bank
60 loans
Top Industry
Health Care & Social Assistance
Data Span
1992–2026
Loan Program Breakdown
Source: SBA FOIALoans
328
Total Amount
$133.8M
Avg Loan
$407,808
Median Loan
$120,000
SBA Guaranteed
$99.9M(75%)
Jobs Supported
2,367
Loans
63
Total Amount
$29.8M
Avg Loan
$473,603
Median Loan
$335,000
Recent Activity (Last 5 Years)
Source: SBA FOIARecent Loans
72
18% of all-time total
Recent Amount
$66.7M
41% of all-time total
Avg Recent Loan
$926,101
Top Industries Funded
Source: SBA FOIA / NAICS CodesSBA Loans per 10K Residents vs Similar Cities
Source: SBA FOIA + Census ACSCompared to cities with population 50,000 - 100,000
Top SBA Borrowers
Source: SBA FOIA| Business | Loans | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Peace Hospitality Llc | 3 | $11.1M |
| Sapphire Bay Car Wash Llc | 3 | $5.9M |
| Star Hotels of Gastonia Inc | 1 | $5.0M |
| Hoffman Road Self Storage Llc | 1 | $5.0M |
| River Rock Storage – Gastonia Llc | 1 | $5.0M |
| In His Care Inc | 2 | $5.0M |
| Siyaraj Llc | 1 | $4.1M |
| Imagemark Business Services Inc | 3 | $3.5M |
| John E. Jenkins, Inc. | 3 | $3.0M |
| High Ground Endeavors Inc. | 2 | $3.0M |
Gastonia, NC has received 391 SBA loans totaling $163.6M in approved funding between 1992 and 2026. The 7(a) program accounts for 328 loans (84% of the total), supporting 2,367 jobs. The 504 program, focused on real estate and large equipment, has funded 63 loans totaling $29.8M. The most common industry receiving SBA funding is Health Care & Social Assistance. The most active SBA lender in Gastonia is First Horizon Bank with 60 loans. That works out to 47.9 SBA loans per 10,000 residents.
ZIP Code Overview
Source: Census ACSZIP Codes
9
Total Population
179,218
Avg Median Income
$71,008
Avg Home Value
$242,189
ZIP Code Details
Source: Census ACS| ZIP Code | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Median Rent | Area (sq mi) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28012 | 26,519 | $81,057 | $324,400 | $1,288 | 27.3 |
| 28016 | 12,882 | $52,058 | $187,600 | $880 | 43.0 |
| 28032 | 3,222 | $74,085 | $273,900 | $1,016 | 2.1 |
| 28034 | 19,470 | $59,969 | $221,000 | $841 | 45.6 |
| 28052 | 36,896 | $46,015 | $173,500 | $1,058 | 41.4 |
| 28054 | 39,493 | $59,524 | $220,200 | $1,150 | 19.3 |
| 28056 | 35,963 | $90,422 | $283,800 | $1,097 | 48.3 |
| 28098 | 3,746 | $51,879 | $153,300 | $1,152 | 3.6 |
| 28101 | 1,027 | $124,063 | $342,000 | $1,167 | 0.5 |
Gastonia, NC has 9 ZIP codes with a combined population of 179,218. The average median household income across all ZIP codes is $71,008. The average median home value is $242,189. The average median monthly rent is $1,072.
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