Gaston County

As of the 2020 census, Gaston County, NC, has a population of approximately 227,943 people. The racial makeup is 76.4% White, 16.8% Black or African American, 1.6% Asian, and 4.4% Hispanic or Latino. The median household income is around $50,000, and roughly 13.3% of the population lives below the poverty line. The county spans 364 square miles and includes the city of Gastonia, which is its largest city and county seat.

As of 2023, Gaston County, NC, has a median home price of approximately $250,000. The median rent for a two-bedroom apartment is around $1,200 per month. Housing inventory has seen moderate growth, with about 1,000 homes listed for sale. The homeowner vacancy rate is roughly 1.5%, while the rental vacancy rate stands at 5%. Annual property taxes average around 0.85% of the home value. Demand remains steady, influenced by proximity to Charlotte and economic development in the county.

Gaston County, NC, typically sees active voter participation in both local and national elections. Key offices and candidates vary by election cycle but generally include positions like County Commissioners, Sheriff, Board of Education members, and various municipal officials.

For example, in the 2022 General Election, key races included:

• County Commissioners: Republican candidates included Chad Brown, Kim Johnson, and Bob Hovis.
• Sheriff: The race featured Republican incumbent Alan Cloninger and his challengers.
• Board of Education: Various seats were contested with candidates from multiple districts.

Voter turnout in Gaston County frequently matches or exceeds state averages, often around 50-70% in presidential election years.

For precise numerical data, candidates, and other intricate details, consulting the Gaston County Board of Elections website or contacting their office directly is recommended.

As of the latest available data, Gaston County, NC, reflects the following educational attainment levels:

• High school graduates (age 25+): 85.7%
• Bachelor's degree or higher (age 25+): 19.7%

For comparison, the national averages are:

• High school graduates: 88%
• Bachelor's degree or higher: 33.1%

North Carolina averages:

• High school graduates: 87.8%
• Bachelor's degree or higher: 31.3%

Gaston County falls slightly below both the national and state averages in high school graduation rates. It also lags behind significantly in terms of residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. This suggests that, while a majority of residents have completed high school, fewer have pursued higher education compared to the broader national and state populations.

As of recent data, Gaston County, NC, has an employment rate of approximately 96.8%, with a labor force of around 107,000 individuals. Top industries in Gaston County include manufacturing (22% of employment), retail trade (about 13%), and health care and social assistance (12%).

In comparison, the national average for manufacturing employment is about 8.5%, indicating Gaston County has a relatively strong manufacturing sector. Retail trade and healthcare constitute roughly 11% and 13% of national employment respectively, making Gaston County's figures comparable to these sectors at the national level.

Statewide in North Carolina, manufacturing jobs represent around 10.7% of total employment, retail trade about 11.5%, and healthcare and social assistance about 15%. This shows Gaston County's heavier reliance on manufacturing relative to both state and national averages.

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, NC Department of Commerce (data as of latest available year).

As of the latest data available, the median household income in Gaston County, NC, is approximately $54,278. Meanwhile, the median household income for the state of North Carolina is around $57,341, and the national median household income stands at roughly $68,703. This places Gaston County's median household income below both state and national averages.

Income Comparison Table

Gaston County's income figures highlight a disparity when compared to broader state and national economic conditions, indicating a relative need for economic development and support within the county.

As of the latest available data, Gaston County, NC, has a varying crime rate depending on the type of crime. The crime rate overall is approximately 28.27 per 1,000 residents annually. Here is a breakdown of the major types of crimes and their rates:

It's important to note that crime rates can vary within different towns and cities in the county. For updated and specific information, referring to local law enforcement or recent reports is advised.