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.
Gaston County, NC Climate
Gaston County, NC has an average annual temperature of 15.4°C (60°F) and receives about 1191 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
15.4°C
Avg Temp
1191
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 4° / 40° | 104 mm |
| February | 6° / 44° | 101 mm |
| March | 11° / 51° | 121 mm |
| April | 15° / 59° | 78 mm |
| May | 20° / 67° | 102 mm |
| June | 24° / 75° | 107 mm |
| July | 26° / 78° | 103 mm |
| August | 25° / 77° | 108 mm |
| September | 22° / 71° | 100 mm |
| October | 16° / 60° | 87 mm |
| November | 10° / 51° | 83 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 Gaston County, NC
The most comfortable months to visit Gaston County, 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.
Where to stay near Gaston County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.