Gastonia, NC Census Data
The 13th largest city in North Carolina by population · 22 cities ranked
Gastonia is the 13th largest city in North Carolina by population and ranks 15th of 22 for median household income. With 81,632 residents, its poverty rate of 14.3% ranks among the higher rates in North Carolina. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
81,632
47.8% male · 52.2% female
Median Age
37.2
1.5 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$60,554
$17,984 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
27.7%
7.3% below the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 88.4%
Poverty Rate
14.3%
1.9% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 11.9%
Broadband Access
93.8%
4.1% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$250,000
Median rent: $1,145 · 54% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
5.2%
Labor force participation: 61.1%
Per Capita Income
$40,594
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
7.3%
Disability rate: 14.3%
How Gastonia Compares to Other North Carolina Cities
Rankings among all 22 North Carolina cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 13th of 22 | Bottom half |
| Highest Median Income | 15th of 22 | Bottom half |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 12th of 22 | Bottom half |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 20th of 22 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Home Value | 13th of 22 | Bottom half |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Gastonia, NC Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Gastonia, NC?
The population of Gastonia, NC is 81,632 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 37.2 years.
What is the median household income in Gastonia?
The median household income in Gastonia, NC is $60,554, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $40,594.
What is the poverty rate in Gastonia?
The poverty rate in Gastonia, NC is 14.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 11.9% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Gastonia residents have a college degree?
27.7% of adults (25+) in Gastonia hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 88.4% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Gastonia?
The median home value in Gastonia, NC is $250,000. Median rent is $1,145 per month, with 54% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Gastonia?
Gastonia's population is 55.2% White, 30.9% Black, 11.4% Hispanic or Latino, and 1.2% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Gastonia rank among North Carolina cities?
Gastonia is the 13th largest city in North Carolina by population, the 15th highest for median household income, the 12th lowest for poverty rate, the 20th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 22 ranked North Carolina cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Gastonia?
The unemployment rate in Gastonia, NC is 5.2%, with a labor force participation rate of 61.1%. Per capita income is $40,594.
Cities Similar to Gastonia
Other North Carolina cities with comparable population and income levels.