Gaston County, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 9th-largest in North Carolina
The population of Gaston County, North Carolina is 231,485 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 9th-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $65,472, the median home value is $235,000, and the median age is 39.5.
The population of Gaston County has grown 17.4% since 2010 (206,114 → 242,010), a +1.15% annualized rate.
231,485
Population
+1.15%
Annual growth
651
People / sq mi
$65,472
Median Income
$235,000
Median Home Value
Gaston County covers 356 sq mi of land at 650.7 people per square mile.
About Gaston County, NC
What distinguishes Gaston County is density: among the most densely settled of US counties, around 651 people per square mile. Gaston County is a county in North Carolina with a population of 231,485. It is the #9-largest of all counties in North Carolina nationally.
Median household income is $65,472, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 9.4%, below the national 12.4%. A typical home is worth $235,000, with typical rent around $1,085.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 26.0% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the higher side at 10.3%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 26 minutes each way.
That density explains much of the rest of the profile in Gaston County: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.
Gaston County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Gaston County had a population of 206,114 in 2010 and 242,010 in 2024, a 17.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 242,010 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.15%.
242,010
Population (2024)
206,114
Population (2010)
242,010
Peak (2024)
1.15%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 206,114 |
| 2011 | 206,894 |
| 2012 | 207,915 |
| 2013 | 209,242 |
| 2014 | 210,599 |
| 2015 | 212,998 |
| 2016 | 216,727 |
| 2017 | 219,788 |
| 2018 | 222,862 |
| 2019 | 224,652 |
| 2020 | 228,625 |
| 2021 | 231,409 |
| 2022 | 234,208 |
| 2023 | 238,153 |
| 2024 | 242,010 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 70.4% |
| Black or African American | 17.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
39.5
Median Age
51.5%
Female
48.5%
Male
16.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.6% · Seniors (65+): 16.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $65,472$-4,432 vs state |
| Mean household income | $87,551 |
| Per-capita income | $35,557 |
| Poverty rate | 9.4% |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 59.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Gaston County is professional & business services, accounting for 19.9% of workers.
How residents commute
0.5%
Drive alone
1.0%
Carpool
78.2%
Public transit
10.3%
Work from home
26.4 min
Avg commute
Housing
$235,000$-24,400 vs state
Median home value
$1,085
Median rent
65.8%
Homeownership rate
100,109
Total housing units
92.2%
Occupied
7.8%
Vacant
34.2%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
89.1%
With health insurance
93.7%
With broadband internet
28.2%
Foreign-born
7.1%
Veterans (18+)
14.5%
With a disability
90.7%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
88.1%
High School+
26.0%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in North Carolina
Other counties in North Carolina
Part of North Carolina
Metro areas in North Carolina
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Gaston County, North Carolina has a population of 231,485 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 9th-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 651 people per square mile.
The population of Gaston County has grown 17.4% since 2010 (206,114 → 242,010), a +1.15% annualized rate.
The median household income in Gaston County, North Carolina is $65,472, with mean (average) household income of $87,551 and per-capita income of $35,557. 9.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Gaston County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (70.4%), Black or African American (17.6%), Hispanic or Latino (1.3%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Gaston County, North Carolina is 39.5 years. Residents are 51.5% female and 48.5% male.
The median home value in Gaston County is $235,000 and median monthly rent is $1,085. 65.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 100,109 total housing units, 7.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Gaston County, North Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 19.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.0%.
Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with Gaston County, North Carolina, with a population of 886,283.
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Full rankings of North Carolina counties
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.