Gaston County, North Carolina

Income Data

+7% vs. North Carolina average
$65,472
Median Household Income
$35,557
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$65,472
+7% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$35,557
-10% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
27.9%
income as % of home value
Rank in North Carolina
#27 / 100
by median household income

How Gaston County Compares

Gaston County$65,472
North Carolina Average$61,072
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$65,472
Median Household Income
$35,557
Per Capita Income
$235,000
Median Home Value
27.9%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Gaston County, North Carolina

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Gaston County, North Carolina?
The median household income in Gaston County, North Carolina is $65,472, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Gaston County?
The per capita income in Gaston County is $35,557, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $65,472.
How does Gaston County compare to the North Carolina average?
Gaston County's median household income of $65,472 is higher than the North Carolina state average of $61,072. The per capita income is $35,557, compared to the state average of $33,920.
What is the per capita income in Gaston County, North Carolina?
The per capita income in Gaston County, North Carolina is $35,557, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Why is Gaston County income higher than the North Carolina average?
Gaston County's median household income of $65,472 is higher than the North Carolina average of $61,072. This difference of $4,400 can be attributed to factors such as local industry mix, proximity to major employment centers, educational attainment levels, and cost of living. Counties with higher incomes often have a greater concentration of professional and technical occupations.
How does Gaston County rank for income in North Carolina?
Gaston County ranks #27 out of 100 counties in North Carolina by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $65,472 and per capita income of $35,557, it falls in the top third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Gaston County

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County median: $65,472 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

+7%

vs. National Median

-12%

vs. Gaston County MedianAbout equal
vs. North Carolina Average7% above
vs. National Median12% below

Income Adequacy

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Your monthly income ($5,456) vs. median rent ($1,085/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.