Gastonia
RANK #859 / 996 NAT · #41 / 51 NC · POP 228,972
1YR FORECAST: +0.2%
5YR OUTLOOK: +14%
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.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
| 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.
The data is not encouraging — Gaston County scores just 13/100 on the Boom Town Index, ranking #859 of 996 counties. Job growth at +2.7% and median household income of $62,628 reflect an economy that has been contracting or stagnating relative to the rest of the country.
Housing in Gaston County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $206,700 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.30, with rents averaging $1,005/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Gaston County is growing on multiple fronts. Population is up +1.3% year-over-year while employers added jobs at a +2.7% clip. Home values shifted +1.0% in the past year.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 3.38% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Gaston County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.