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Is Gastonia a Good Place to Live? Gastonia, North Carolina: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Gastonia ranks #1128 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #467 of 524 smaller cities and #20 of 22 in North Carolina. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+1.4%, #79 of 468) and low rents ($1,204/mo, #123 of 524), and trails on high violent crime (889 per 100,000, #433 of 444) and low household income ($64,059, #402 of 524).
Gastonia by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Gastonia's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Gastonia?
Gastonia's cost of living index is 97.3, 3% below the US level of 100 and #556 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,204/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $275,364, 18% below the typical North Carolina home ($334,773).
| Measure | Gastonia | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 97.3#556 of 1,308 | 94.3 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $275,364#313 of 1,187 | $334,773 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,501/mo#332 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $277,600#466 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,204/mo#442 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 4.3x#667 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 22.6%#737 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). North Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Gastonia housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Gastonia is in the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC metro.
North Carolina housing market →Is Gastonia safe?
Gastonia recorded 889 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.7 times the US rate of 328 and 2.7 times North Carolina's 330. That ranks #1029 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #433 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Gastonia Police Department. Property crime runs 2,898 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Gastonia | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 889#1029 of 1,085 | 330 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 2,898#937 of 1,085 | 1,780 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). North Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Gastonia?
The median household in Gastonia earns $64,059, 23% below the US figure of $83,163 and 13% below North Carolina ($73,958). Unemployment is 4.3% (US 4.3%). 16.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Gastonia | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $64,059#947 of 1,312 | $73,958 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.3%#615 of 1,058 | 3.8% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 16.3%#936 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +1.4%#173 of 1,132 | +1.3% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). North Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Gastonia?
The median resident of Gastonia is 36.5 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 26.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #918 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 54.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Gastonia | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 36.5 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 26.6%#918 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 54.2% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Gastonia's schools and health?
Gastonia's 19 public schools graduate 88.3% of students in four years (North Carolina 86.4%), with 17 students per teacher and $11,555 spent per pupil. 37.8% of adults are obese and 13.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Gastonia | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 88.3%#508 of 1,063 | 86.4% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 17#734 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $11,555#1015 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 37.8%#995 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 13.5%#1026 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 17.6%#775 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 12.5%#920 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). North Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 12,618 students are enrolled in Gastonia's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Gastonia?
The average commute in Gastonia is 26.8 minutes (North Carolina 25.7); 0.7% of workers take transit and 12% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Gastonia scores 7.6 of 20 (below average walkable), #1149 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 78.9°F and winters 45.2°F, with 43.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Gastonia | North CarolinaNC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 26.8 min#920 of 1,312 | 25.7 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 7.9%#913 of 1,312 | 6.9% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 77.1% | 71.6% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.7% | 0.8% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 0.7% | 1.6% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 12% | 15.4% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 7.6#1149 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). North Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 53.3 | 32.5 | 3.3 |
| Feb | 57.6 | 35.9 | 3.3 |
| Mar | 65 | 42.1 | 3.9 |
| Apr | 74.1 | 50 | 3.9 |
| May | 80.9 | 58.3 | 3.5 |
| Jun | 87.5 | 66.5 | 4.2 |
| Jul | 90.7 | 70.2 | 3.5 |
| Aug | 89.3 | 69.1 | 4 |
| Sep | 83.3 | 63.1 | 3.8 |
| Oct | 74 | 51.3 | 3.3 |
| Nov | 63.8 | 40.8 | 3.3 |
| Dec | 56.1 | 35.5 | 3.4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Gastonia Muni Airport.
| Measure | Gastonia | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 62.1°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 78.9°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 45.2°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 43.3 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Gastonia Muni Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Gastonia?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Gastonia's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Gaston County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, earthquake, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 76% of US counties.
| Measure | Gastonia | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.12%#363 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Gaston County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Gaston County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Ice storm | 0.0053% | 88% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0054% | 68% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.01% | 54% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.0013% | 53% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.08% | 49% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Gastonia compare with similar-size cities?
Gastonia is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #467 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 82,884.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gastonia, NCPop. 82,884 | #1128 | 47.3 | $64,059 | $1,204/mo | 889 | 26.8 min |
| Warner Robins, GAPop. 82,990 | #764 | 53.9 | $66,970 | $1,212/mo | 513 | 22.2 min |
| Waldorf, MDPop. 82,943 | #598 | 56.7 | $116,089 | $1,995/mo | no data | 41.1 min |
| Longview, TXPop. 82,923 | #941 | 51.1 | $63,340 | $1,101/mo | 346 | 20.7 min |
| Buena Park, CAPop. 82,871 | #643 | 55.9 | $110,550 | $2,206/mo | 281 | 28.8 min |
| Homestead, FLPop. 82,807 | #918 | 51.4 | $65,423 | $1,674/mo | 442 | 35.8 min |
| Cicero, ILPop. 82,797 | #500 | 58.0 | $70,842 | $1,154/mo | 222 | 29.3 min |
| New Rochelle, NYPop. 82,769 | #124 | 67.5 | $109,167 | $1,917/mo | 154 | 32.5 min |
| South Jordan, UTPop. 82,686 | #127 | 67.3 | $134,047 | $1,991/mo | 113 | 24.1 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Gastonia compare with the rest of North Carolina?
Gastonia ranks #20 of the 22 North Carolina cities we track, with a score of 47.3 against North Carolina's statewide 59.1. Its households earn 13% below the North Carolina median. Violent crime is 2.7 times the statewide rate. Homes are 18% below the typical North Carolina home.
| City | Rank in NC | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apex, NCPop. 70,630 | #1 | 74.9 | $144,135 | $1,902/mo | 53 |
| Cary, NCPop. 179,306 | #2 | 71.2 | $134,905 | $1,738/mo | 75 |
| Wake Forest, NCPop. 52,844 | #3 | 69.2 | $123,802 | $1,596/mo | 85 |
| Huntersville, NCPop. 63,969 | #4 | 68.0 | $120,516 | $1,834/mo | 115 |
| Chapel Hill, NCPop. 61,607 | #5 | 65.1 | $85,989 | $1,613/mo | 86 |
| Raleigh, NCPop. 481,031 | #6 | 61.2 | $85,395 | $1,572/mo | 395 |
| Concord, NCPop. 108,719 | #7 | 60.8 | $86,921 | $1,451/mo | 117 |
| Mooresville, NCPop. 52,381 | #8 | 60.5 | $89,647 | $1,626/mo | 247 |
| Kannapolis, NCPop. 57,890 | #9 | 57.9 | $73,836 | $1,319/mo | 170 |
| Durham, NCPop. 291,467 | #10 | 57.4 | $81,619 | $1,508/mo | 507 |
| Charlotte, NCPop. 903,844 | #11 | 56.3 | $82,068 | $1,612/mo | 559 |
| Wilmington, NCPop. 120,805 | #12 | 55.7 | $66,738 | $1,395/mo | 406 |
| Jacksonville, NCPop. 71,279 | #13 | 53.4 | $57,697 | $1,321/mo | 228 |
| High Point, NCPop. 116,245 | #14 | 53.3 | $64,561 | $1,116/mo | 521 |
| Asheville, NCPop. 94,535 | #15 | 51.7 | $71,102 | $1,402/mo | 753 |
| Greensboro, NCPop. 301,198 | #16 | 49.7 | $61,515 | $1,172/mo | 702 |
| Greenville, NCPop. 92,857 | #17 | 49.6 | $49,748 | $1,007/mo | 449 |
| Burlington, NCPop. 59,610 | #18 | 48.1 | $56,880 | $1,051/mo | 640 |
| Winston-Salem, NCPop. 252,037 | #19 | 47.8 | $59,268 | $1,087/mo | 744 |
| Gastonia, NCPop. 82,884 | #20 | 47.3 | $64,059 | $1,204/mo | 889 |
| Fayetteville, NCPop. 210,815 | #21 | 46.8 | $58,407 | $1,250/mo | 614 |
| Rocky Mount, NCPop. 54,297 | #22 | 44.4 | $55,534 | $957/mo | 672 |
All 22 North Carolina cities we track, by overall score. North Carolina statewide: median income $73,958, violent crime 330.3 per 100,000.
How is Gastonia's score calculated?
Gastonia scores 47.3 out of 100, #1128 of 1,312 (grade D, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with North Carolina's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Gastonia. Similar-size median 55.5.
46.2 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Gastonia's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
29.6 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Gastonia. Similar-size median 58.9.
44.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Gastonia's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
51.3 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Gastonia's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
73.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Gastonia. Similar-size median 56.1.
38.0 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Gastonia. Similar-size median 42.4.
54.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Gastonia. Similar-size median 50.0.
42.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Gastonia's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
34.7 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 50.8.
75.7 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Gastonia's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Gastonia has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Gastonia
Is Gastonia, NC a good place to live?
Gastonia ranks #1128 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #467 of 524 smaller cities and #20 of 22 in North Carolina. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+1.4%, #79 of 468) and low rents ($1,204/mo, #123 of 524), and trails on high violent crime (889 per 100,000, #433 of 444) and low household income ($64,059, #402 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Gastonia?
Gastonia's cost of living index is 97.3, 3% below the US level of 100 and #556 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,204/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $275,364, 18% below the typical North Carolina home ($334,773).
What is the crime rate in Gastonia?
Gastonia recorded 889 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.7 times the US rate of 328 and 2.7 times North Carolina's 330. That ranks #1029 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #433 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Gastonia Police Department. Property crime runs 2,898 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Gastonia?
The median household in Gastonia earns $64,059, 23% below the US figure of $83,163 and 13% below North Carolina ($73,958). Unemployment is 4.3% (US 4.3%). 16.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Gastonia?
Median rent in Gastonia is $1,204/mo (Census), #442 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,501/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 22.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Gastonia?
The typical home value in Gastonia is $275,364, down 0.4% in a year, against $334,773 for North Carolina and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $277,600.
How are the public schools in Gastonia?
Gastonia's 19 public schools graduate 88.3% of students in four years (North Carolina 86.4%), with 17 students per teacher and $11,555 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Gastonia?
The average commute is 26.8 minutes, #920 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.7 minutes across North Carolina. 7.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Gastonia?
Gastonia averages 62.1°F over the year, 78.9°F in summer and 45.2°F in winter, with 43.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Gastonia walkable?
Gastonia scores 7.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1149 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Gastonia at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Gaston County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, earthquake, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 76% of US counties.
Who lives in Gastonia?
Gastonia has 82,884 residents. The median resident of Gastonia is 36.5 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 26.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #918 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 54.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Gastonia compare with the rest of North Carolina?
Gastonia ranks #20 of the 22 North Carolina cities we track, with a score of 47.3 against North Carolina's statewide 59.1. Its households earn 13% below the North Carolina median. Violent crime is 2.7 times the statewide rate. Homes are 18% below the typical North Carolina home.
What cities are similar in size to Gastonia?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Gastonia's population of 82,884 are Warner Robins, GA (#764 overall), Waldorf, MD (#598 overall), Longview, TX (#941 overall), Buena Park, CA (#643 overall), and Homestead, FL (#918 overall). Gastonia is #1128.