Gaston County's composite score of 69.4 places it well above the national median of 50.0, landing in the 69th percentile nationally. This positions Gaston among more livable American counties across measured dimensions. However, it trails North Carolina's state average of 72.7 by 3.3 points, indicating room for improvement.
2 / 5
Upper-middle tier among NC counties
Gaston's 69.4 score ranks it in the upper-middle portion of North Carolina's counties, 3.3 points shy of the state average. The county sits above many rural areas while remaining below the state's highest-performing counties. This mid-tier status reflects solid but not exceptional performance.
3 / 5
Low taxes and moderate affordability
Gaston shines with a Tax Score of 79.9, backed by a 0.797% effective tax rate among the lowest in the group, and a median household income of $65,472 with an Income Score of 26.1. The Cost Score of 72.4 reflects moderate housing costs ($1,085/month rent, $235,000 median home value) that remain reasonable for the income level. Together, these create a stable financial profile for working families.
4 / 5
Missing data on critical livability factors
Data gaps for safety, health, schools, and environmental risk leave significant questions about true quality of life in Gaston. Without this information, prospective residents cannot fully assess whether the county meets their family needs. Independent research into schools and neighborhood safety is essential before relocating.
5 / 5
Reliable choice for working families
Gaston County appeals to working families with moderate incomes seeking tax relief and stable housing costs without excess. The county's well-balanced tax and income profile makes it attractive to wage-earners and established professionals. However, those prioritizing school quality or neighborhood reputation should verify these factors independently.
Gaston County's composite score of 69.4 places it well above the national median of 50.0, landing in the 69th percentile nationally. This positions Gaston among more livable American counties across measured dimensions. However, it trails North Carolina's state average of 72.7 by 3.3 points, indicating room for improvement.
Upper-middle tier among NC counties
Gaston's 69.4 score ranks it in the upper-middle portion of North Carolina's counties, 3.3 points shy of the state average. The county sits above many rural areas while remaining below the state's highest-performing counties. This mid-tier status reflects solid but not exceptional performance.
Low taxes and moderate affordability
Gaston shines with a Tax Score of 79.9, backed by a 0.797% effective tax rate among the lowest in the group, and a median household income of $65,472 with an Income Score of 26.1. The Cost Score of 72.4 reflects moderate housing costs ($1,085/month rent, $235,000 median home value) that remain reasonable for the income level. Together, these create a stable financial profile for working families.
Missing data on critical livability factors
Data gaps for safety, health, schools, and environmental risk leave significant questions about true quality of life in Gaston. Without this information, prospective residents cannot fully assess whether the county meets their family needs. Independent research into schools and neighborhood safety is essential before relocating.
Reliable choice for working families
Gaston County appeals to working families with moderate incomes seeking tax relief and stable housing costs without excess. The county's well-balanced tax and income profile makes it attractive to wage-earners and established professionals. However, those prioritizing school quality or neighborhood reputation should verify these factors independently.
Score breakdown
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🏛79.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
At 0.797%, Gaston's effective tax rate sits below the national median of 0.86%, placing it near the 45th percentile nationally. The median property tax of $1,872 reflects Gaston's median home value of $235,000, which is close to but slightly below the national median of $281,900.
Gaston slightly above state norm
Gaston's effective rate of 0.797% exceeds North Carolina's average of 0.701% by about 0.1 percentage points, placing it in the upper-middle tier statewide. The median property tax of $1,872 is well above the state average of $1,433, reflecting the county's stronger home values.
Gaston moderate in the region
Gaston's 0.797% rate sits between Franklin/Granville (0.719%) and Forsyth (0.849%), making it a mid-range taxer regionally. It remains below Edgecombe (1.098%) and Greene (0.868%), positioning it as a reasonable option for homebuyers considering the broader Piedmont.
Typical Gaston homeowner pays $1,872
With a median home value of $235,000 and an effective rate of 0.797%, the typical Gaston homeowner pays $1,872 annually in property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages pay $2,095, while those without mortgages pay $1,492.
Your property may be overvalued
Many Gaston homeowners pay taxes on outdated or inflated assessments and can file a simple appeal with the county assessor. Successfully challenging an overassessment could save hundreds of dollars each year.
Gaston residents spend 19.9% of their $65,472 median income on rent—among the highest in the state and above national norms. The $1,085 monthly rent burden accumulates to nearly $13,000 annually, leaving less cushion than peers with similar incomes.
Above-average affordability challenge
Gaston's rent-to-income ratio of 19.9% significantly exceeds North Carolina's 18.6% average, placing it among the state's least affordable counties for renters. Despite solid median incomes, the county's pricing reflects its proximity to Charlotte's booming market.
Priced above Franklin and Granville
Gaston's $1,085 rent and 19.9% ratio make it pricier than Franklin (16.6%, $988) and Granville (17.0%, $1,008) despite similar income levels. The Charlotte suburbs command urban pricing that squeezes Gaston renters harder than residents in eastern Piedmont counties.
Renters pay slightly less than owners
Renters allocate $1,085 monthly to housing while homeowners pay $1,068, both consuming roughly 20% of a $65,472 income. Together, annual housing costs exceed $13,000, requiring two incomes or substantial savings to maintain financial stability.
Consider Franklin as more affordable alternative
Gaston offers excellent Charlotte job access but with high housing costs; Franklin County provides similar income potential with 9% lower rent-to-income strain. If you work in Charlotte but can commute, moving further east dramatically improves housing affordability.
Gaston County's median household income of $65,472 slightly exceeds North Carolina's state average of $61,072 but lags the national median of $74,755 by 12%. The county reflects steady middle-income stability compared to national trends.
Upper-middle rank statewide
At $65,472, Gaston ranks in the upper-middle of North Carolina's 100 counties, outearning roughly two-thirds of peers. Per capita income of $35,557 exceeds the state average of $33,920, indicating relatively balanced wage distribution.
Competitive with nearby counties
Gaston's $65,472 mirrors nearby Forsyth ($65,541) and trails high-performers Franklin ($71,386) and Granville ($70,975) in the region. The county occupies a middle position in the Piedmont's income hierarchy.
Housing costs require attention
Gaston's rent-to-income ratio of 19.9% sits just below the 20% affordability threshold, indicating tight housing budgets for renters. A median home value of $235,000 demands careful financing decisions for first-time buyers.
Deliberate saving builds security
Gaston households earning the median of $65,472 should prioritize building a 6-month emergency fund before investing heavily. Once that's established, systematic investing in employer retirement plans and diversified index funds compounds into substantial long-term wealth.
Gaston County's life expectancy of 73 years falls notably short of the U.S. average of 76.1 years, a gap of 3.1 years that signals meaningful health challenges. Nearly 1 in 5 residents (18.1%) report poor or fair health, above national norms. These metrics suggest higher prevalence of chronic disease and preventable health conditions.
Below-average health ranking within North Carolina
At 73 years, Gaston's life expectancy trails North Carolina's state average of 74.4 years, placing it among the lower-performing counties in the state. The county's 18.1% poor/fair health rate exceeds state norms, indicating systematic health challenges. Gaston ranks in the lower half of county health outcomes across North Carolina.
Competitive with Piedmont region peers, but gaps remain
Gaston's 73-year life expectancy is comparable to neighboring Catawba (72.8 years) and Cleveland (72.5 years), but trails Cleveland County peers like Iredell (74.2 years) and Cabarrus (74.6 years). The 18.1% poor/fair health rate sits near regional medians, though higher-performing Piedmont counties like Forsyth (16.5%) show what's achievable. Gaston faces similar health pressures as textile and manufacturing-dependent neighbors.
Moderate provider access across clinical disciplines
Gaston offers 52 primary care providers per 100K residents—moderate by state standards—and 302 mental health providers per 100K, well above many counties. However, the uninsured rate of 11.2%, slightly below state average, means most residents have some coverage access. Provider availability is reasonable, but health outcomes suggest demand still outpaces supply in certain areas.
Strengthen family health security with coverage
Gaston's 11.2% uninsured rate still represents thousands of residents without healthcare access, making them vulnerable to medical emergencies and preventable disease. During annual enrollment, explore plans through healthcare.gov and the NC Health Insurance Marketplace, including low-cost options for families. Comprehensive coverage is a foundation for improving the county's overall health trajectory.
With a composite risk score of 84.86, Gaston County ranks significantly above the North Carolina state average of 66.72 and well above national norms, earning a "Relatively Moderate" risk rating. The county's Piedmont location and exposure to multiple hazard types create a complex disaster landscape that demands serious preparation. Gaston residents live in one of the state's more hazard-prone regions.
Gaston ranks among North Carolina's riskier counties
Gaston County's composite score of 84.86 places it firmly in the upper portion of North Carolina's risk rankings, well above the state average of 66.72. The county faces notably elevated risks from tornadoes (91.09), flooding (88.55), and earthquakes (85.81), making it one of the state's more hazard-prone communities. Few North Carolina counties experience as consistent and severe multi-hazard exposure.
Gaston outpaces some neighbors, trails others
Gaston's score of 84.86 exceeds Franklin County (51.72) and Granville County (59.35), placing it in the higher-risk category for the Piedmont region. However, it ranks below neighboring Forsyth County (91.54), which faces even more acute hazards. This positioning makes Gaston a moderate-to-high-risk county within its peer group.
Tornadoes and flooding pose greatest threats
Gaston County faces its most severe risks from tornadoes (91.09) and flooding (88.55), both near the top of the county's hazard spectrum and reflecting its Piedmont vulnerability. Earthquakes (85.81) also present meaningful exposure due to regional seismic activity, while the county's lower but still notable hurricane risk (70.21) reflects its inland position. Together, these hazards create substantial cumulative risk.
Comprehensive coverage is your best defense
Gaston County's severe tornado (91.09) and flood risks (88.55) make a complete insurance portfolio essential—standard homeowners policies exclude both wind damage from tornadoes and all flood losses. Secure a homeowners policy with robust wind and hail coverage, add separate flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program, and consider earthquake coverage given regional seismic exposure. Contact your agent to review and strengthen your protection today.