Gastonia, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Gastonia, North Carolina is 81,632 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 13th-largest city in North Carolina. The median household income is $60,554, the median home value is $250,000, and the median age is 37.2.
The population has grown 19.3% since 2010 (71,707 → 85,535).
81,632
Population
1519
People / sq mi
$60,554
Median Income
$250,000
Median Home Value
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Gastonia covers 53.7 sq mi of land at 1519 people per square mile.
About Gastonia, NC
Homeownership is the standout figure in Gastonia: 54.2% of homes are owner-occupied, lower than the national rate. With 81,632 residents, Gastonia is a city in North Carolina. It ranks #13 among cities in North Carolina by population.
Incomes run on the lower side: a median household income of $60,554, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 11.2%, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $250,000, with typical rent around $1,145.
Roughly 27.7% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 9.8%, and the average commute runs about 26 minutes each way.
Gastonia city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Gastonia city had a population of 71,707 in 2010 and 85,535 in 2024, a 19.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 85,535 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.27%.
85,535
Population (2024)
71,707
Population (2010)
85,535
Peak (2024)
1.27%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 71,707 |
| 2011 | 71,871 |
| 2012 | 72,503 |
| 2013 | 72,789 |
| 2014 | 73,183 |
| 2015 | 74,009 |
| 2016 | 74,963 |
| 2017 | 76,307 |
| 2018 | 76,885 |
| 2019 | 77,273 |
| 2020 | 80,561 |
| 2021 | 81,386 |
| 2022 | 82,646 |
| 2023 | 84,231 |
| 2024 | 85,535 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 55.2% |
| Black or African American | 30.9% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$60,554
Median Household Income
$33,611
Per Capita Income
11.2%
Poverty Rate
3.3%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$250,000
Median Home Value
$1,145
Median Rent
54.2%
Owner-Occupied
Education
88.4%
High School+
27.7%
Bachelor's+
Commute
1.0%
Drive Alone
77.7%
Public Transit
9.8%
Work From Home
25.7 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
29.5%
Foreign Born
88.2%
Non-English at Home
7.3%
Veterans
14.3%
With Disability
88.1%
Health Insurance
93.8%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 22.1% |
| Manufacturing | 13.6% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 10.8% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 7.7% |
| Retail Trade | 7.7% |
| Construction | 6.6% |
| Information | 6.0% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 5.1% |
| Public Administration | 4.1% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.4% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.6% |
Largest cities in North Carolina
Largest counties in North Carolina
Part of North Carolina
Metro areas in North Carolina
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Gastonia, North Carolina has a population of 81,632 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 13th-largest city in North Carolina.
The median household income in Gastonia, North Carolina is $60,554, with 11.2% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Gastonia, North Carolina is $250,000, with median monthly rent at $1,145 and a homeownership rate of 54.2%.
The median age in Gastonia, North Carolina is 37.2 years. The population is 47.8% male and 52.2% female.
The population has grown 19.3% since 2010 (71,707 → 85,535).
Gastonia city, NC Climate
Gastonia city, NC has an average annual temperature of 15.2°C (59°F) and receives about 1196 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
15.2°C
Avg Temp
1196
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 4° / 40° | 106 mm |
| February | 6° / 43° | 101 mm |
| March | 11° / 51° | 122 mm |
| April | 15° / 59° | 78 mm |
| May | 19° / 67° | 100 mm |
| June | 24° / 74° | 106 mm |
| July | 26° / 78° | 104 mm |
| August | 25° / 77° | 109 mm |
| September | 22° / 71° | 101 mm |
| October | 15° / 60° | 88 mm |
| November | 10° / 51° | 84 mm |
| December | 6° / 43° | 97 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Gastonia city, NC
The most comfortable months to visit Gastonia city, NC are typically September, May and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near -1°C low). March is usually the wettest month.
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Statewide data for North Carolina
Population, race, income, age, and trends across North Carolina
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.