RANK #650 / 996 · POP 228,972 · NC
PROJECTED GROWTH: +0.2%
Gaston County, North Carolina, offers a blend of small-town charm and natural beauty, with Crowders Mountain State Park standing out as a major draw for outdoor enthusiasts. Located just west of Charlotte, across the Catawba River, the county provides a quieter setting while maintaining access to urban amenities. Commute times to Charlotte are a consideration, though the completion of the I-485 western loop has improved connectivity. Towns like Belmont, known for Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden and Belmont Abbey College, and Gastonia, the county seat, contribute to the community's character. The Carolina Thread Trail also provides miles of pathways for hiking and biking throughout the county.
Life in Gaston County appeals to families and individuals seeking a balance between suburban and rural living. The Gaston County Schools district serves over 30,000 students across 56 schools and is considered above average. The economy, historically rooted in the textile industry, has been diversifying. Recent economic developments include investments in commercial and residential projects, as well as growth in manufacturing and energy sectors. These developments are contributing to job creation and an expanding tax base within the county.
Above national median (4.7x)
Below national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Housing is fairly valued at 5.4x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Allen 2 Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
Duke Energy
|
$167M | Planned |
|
Riverbend Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
Duke Energy
|
$115M | Planned |
|
Fit Precast Headquarters and Production Facility
Fit Precast
|
$102M | Planned |
|
Allen 1 Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
Duke Energy
|
$100M | Operating |
|
Hornet Solar
Capital Power
|
$73M | Under Construction |
|
Franklin Yards Mixed-Use Development
Highline Partners
|
$58M | In Planning |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Gaston County has a Boom Town Index score of 35/100, ranking #650 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +2.7% and a median household income of $62,628, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Gaston County is $206,700 with median rent at $1,005/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.303, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +1.3% year-over-year. Job growth: +2.7%. Home values changed +1.0% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 3.38% of Gaston County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.