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Gaston County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#96 in North Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
31.8
County Score
Weather & Climate 60.1Income & Jobs 55.8Property Tax 53.7

County Report Card

About Gaston County, North Carolina

Struggling Against National Averages

Gaston County’s 31.8 composite score puts it significantly behind the 50.0 national median. It ranks in a lower percentile for overall livability across the United States.

Below the North Carolina Mean

The county's score of 31.8 is well below the North Carolina average of 44.7. It faces uphill battles compared to neighboring counties in the Charlotte metropolitan region.

Solid Incomes and Moderate Taxes

The county performs well in Income (55.8) and Tax (53.7) metrics. A median household income of $65,472 supports a decent standard of living for many residents.

Critical Safety and Cost Issues

A Safety Score of 10.1 and a Cost Score of 23.9 are the county's primary weaknesses. High housing costs relative to income make it harder for new residents to settle comfortably.

A Choice for Working Families

Gaston is best for those who have secured stable employment and can prioritize income over local safety and school metrics. It offers a suburban lifestyle for those willing to accept lower public safety rankings.

Score breakdown

Tax53.7Cost23.9Safety10.1Health40.1Schools29.7Income55.8Risk15.1Water42Weather60.1
🏛53.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠23.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼55.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡10.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤40.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓29.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡15.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧42
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤60.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨13.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱43.2
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

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Deep Dives

Gaston County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Gaston County

via TaxByCounty

Gaston below national average

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Gaston County

via CostByCounty

Gaston rents strain tight household budgets

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Gaston County

via IncomeByCounty

Gaston matches state income profile

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Gaston County

via CrimeByCounty

Safety Score Higher Than National Average

Gaston County earns a safety score of 95.6, though its total crime rate of 2,772.4 per 100K is slightly above the national average of 2,385.5. Thirteen agencies contribute to this robust data reporting.

Consistent Performance Near State Averages

Gaston's safety score of 95.6 sits just below the North Carolina average of 96.8. The county's crime rate is roughly 700 points higher than the state average of 2,050.0 incidents per 100K.

A Safer Alternative to Forsyth

Gaston County is significantly safer than nearby Forsyth County, which reports a crime rate over 4,000 per 100K. It offers a more secure residential profile than other urban neighbors.

Understanding Property vs Violent Crime

Property crime remains the primary threat at 2,361.0 incidents per 100K residents. Violent crime is relatively low at 411.4 per 100K, making physical harm less common than theft.

Building a Defensible Home Environment

Securing valuables and installing exterior lighting can deter the property crimes that make up most local reports. Proactive community policing helps keep these numbers stable for residents.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Gaston County

via HealthByCounty

Gaston lags behind national health benchmarks

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Gaston County

via SchoolsByCounty

High Graduation Rates in a Suburban Setting

Gaston County supports a robust network of 60 public schools, serving a large population of 34,751 students. The landscape is dominated by 32 elementary schools, supplemented by 11 middle schools, 13 high schools, and four specialized facilities. This infrastructure is managed across five school districts.

Outperforming State Graduation Benchmarks

Gaston County boasts an impressive 88.5% graduation rate, exceeding both the state average and the national benchmark of 87.0%. This success comes despite a lean per-pupil expenditure of $6,151, which is significantly lower than the $13,000 national average. The county’s composite school score of 50.9 places it comfortably above the national median.

A Balance of Traditional and Charter Schools

Gaston County Schools is the primary provider, educating 30,281 students across 56 schools. The county also hosts four charter schools, which include the largest individual campuses like Piedmont Community Charter with 1,906 students. These charters represent nearly 7% of all schools, offering significant alternatives to the traditional district system.

Suburban Life and Large Campus Cultures

With 29 schools in suburban locales and 19 in city settings, most students experience a modernized, high-density academic environment. Schools average 579 students, but major high schools like Ashbrook High serve over 1,300 students. This variety ensures that families can find everything from smaller rural schools to large, amenity-rich suburban campuses.

Relocate to a High-Achieving District

Strong graduation rates make Gaston County a premier destination for families prioritizing academic outcomes. Homes in the suburban corridors near Piedmont Community Charter or Ashbrook High are particularly sought after. Investing in a home here means securing a place in a system that consistently beats state performance averages.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Gaston County

via RiskByCounty

Gaston County faces elevated disaster exposure

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Gaston County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer than the national average

Gaston County experiences an annual average temperature of 62.0°F, placing it well above the national median for U.S. counties. This humid subtropical climate is defined by mild winters and significantly warmer than average year-round conditions.

Among the state's warmest regions

With a 62.0°F average, the county remains significantly warmer than the North Carolina state average of 59.3°F. It consistently ranks as one of the warmer inland counties in the Piedmont region.

A dry pocket in the Piedmont

While neighboring counties often see more rainfall, Gaston receives just 43.4 inches annually compared to the state average of 51.5 inches. Its temperature profile is similar to Mecklenburg but features slightly less precipitation than coastal-facing neighbors.

Hot summers and rare snow

Residents face 50 extreme heat days per year where temperatures hit 90°F or higher, driven by a July average of 80.5°F. Winter remains mild with an average of 44.7°F and only 1.2 inches of annual snowfall.

Equip for the heat

High-efficiency HVAC systems are essential here to manage 50 days of extreme heat annually. Outdoor planning should account for the lower-than-average 43.4 inches of rain, making drought-resistant landscaping a smart choice.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Gaston County

via SoilByCounty

Gaston's characteristic red clay base

Gaston County soil has a pH of 5.28, staying consistent with the typical North Carolina average of 5.14. This is more acidic than the 6.5 national median, often requiring soil amendments for garden success.

Highest clay content in the group

With 17.7% clay and 48.0% sand, this soil has a heavier texture than many neighboring counties. This composition provides excellent nutrient retention but can be difficult to work when it is too wet or too dry.

Water retention in Gaston soil

Organic matter is low at 1.19%, trailing the national average of 2.0%. Despite this, the soil maintains an available water capacity of 0.126 in/in, helping plants survive during short dry periods.

Soil stability and water flow

While specific drainage class data is not recorded, the significant clay fraction suggests slower drainage compared to coastal areas. This profile typically offers a very stable foundation for building projects and infrastructure.

Thriving in Zone 8a

Gaston sits in hardiness zone 8a, supporting everything from blueberries to robust summer vegetables. Adding organic mulch will help break up the clay and boost your garden's productivity.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Gaston County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Gaston's Moderate Growing Conditions

Gaston County presents a lawn difficulty score of 43.2, placing it just above the state average of 40.8. In this Zone 8a environment, maintaining a green lawn is more challenging than the national median of 50.0. Success requires a proactive approach to soil health and irrigation management.

Hot Summers and High Growth Energy

With 50 extreme heat days annually, Gaston far exceeds the state average for high-temperature stress. The county sees 43.4 inches of rain, which is slightly below the state average of 51.6, while 5,179 growing degree days push grass to grow rapidly. This combination necessitates a rigorous watering schedule to prevent summer dormancy.

A Sandy Foundation with Acidic Soil

Gaston's soil is composed of 48.0% sand and 17.7% clay, providing a decent balance for drainage and structure. However, the pH levels average 5.28, which is significantly more acidic than the preferred 6.0-7.0 range. You will likely need to incorporate lime to unlock the nutrients your grass needs to thrive.

Battling Severe Drought Conditions

Gaston is currently experiencing 100% severe drought coverage, with 24 weeks of drought recorded in the past year. To conserve water, prioritize irrigating high-traffic areas and allow less-visible sections of the lawn to go dormant if necessary. Proper aeration can also help water reach deep roots during these dry spells.

Spring Planting for Zone 8a

Heat-loving grasses like Centipede or Bermuda are excellent choices for Gaston's long growing season. Your spring frost usually ends by March 27, giving you an early start on the planting season. This early window is vital for establishing turf before the fall frost begins on November 9.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gaston County's county score?
Gaston County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 31.8 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Gaston County rank among counties in North Carolina?
Gaston County ranks #96 among all counties in North Carolina on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Gaston County, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Gaston County is $1,872, with an effective tax rate of 0.80%. This earns Gaston County a tax score of 53.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Gaston County?
The median household income in Gaston County, North Carolina is $65,472 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Gaston County earns an income score of 55.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Gaston County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Gaston County scores 31.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #96 in North Carolina. The best way to evaluate Gaston County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Gaston County with other counties side by side.

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Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.