2023 Gaston County, North Carolina Demographics | Data & Analysis
Ready-to-use reports, analytics, and visualizations covering Gaston County, North Carolina, including population, race, income, and more. Based on 2023 American Community Survey Estimates.
Gaston County, North Carolina Key Demographic Statistics (2023 Estimates)
Key demographic statistics summarized from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates
Gaston County, North Carolina 2023 Demographics: Age & Gender Distribution
According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the total population of Gaston County, North Carolina is 231,485. The median age of the population in Gaston County, North Carolina is 39.5 years. The median age for males is 38.1 years, and for females it is 40.8 years.
The age distribution of the population in Gaston County, North Carolina by age group is as follows:
| Age Group | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Under 5 years | 5.79% |
| 5–17 years (children) | 16.77% |
| 18–24 years (young adults) | 7.92% |
| 25–34 years | 13.55% |
| 35–54 years | 26.32% |
| 55–64 years | 13.34% |
| 65 years and over (seniors) | 16.31% |
Understanding the Demographic Dependency Ratio in Gaston County, North Carolina
The total dependency ratio in Gaston County, North Carolina is 63.59. The youth dependency ratio is 36.91, and the old-age dependency ratio is 26.68. In demographic terms, the dependency ratio measures the size of the population typically not in the labor force (children under 18 and older adults 65+) relative to the working age (18-64) population. A higher ratio indicates a greater financial and social burden on the working population to support the non-working age groups.
For more detailed reports, explore the demographics for each of the most populated ZIP Codes in Gaston County, North Carolina, including Lincolnton (28092) (40,224), Gastonia (28054) (39,493), and Gastonia (28052) (36,896).
What is the Racial and Ethnic Breakdown of Gaston County, North Carolina?
The racial makeup and ethnic composition (racial demographics) of Gaston County, North Carolina is detailed below, based on the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates.
The Diversity Index for Gaston County, North Carolina is calculated at 50.04, suggesting a moderate level of racial and ethnic diversity. This index measures the probability that two people chosen at random will be from different racial or ethnic groups.
The following table provides the breakdown of the population of Gaston County, North Carolina by race and ethnicity:
| Racial/Ethnic Group | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White Alone (Non-Hispanic) | 67.79% |
| Black/African American Alone | 17.34% |
| Hispanic or Latino (Any Race) | 9.30% |
| Two or More Races | 3.42% |
| Asian Alone | 1.59% |
| Some Other Race Alone | 0.36% |
| American Indian and Alaska Native Alone | 0.17% |
| Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander Alone | 0.04% |
Gaston County, North Carolina 2023 Demographics: Household Income Distribution
According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the median household income in Gaston County, North Carolina over the past 12 months, adjusted for 2023 inflation, was $65,472. This figure is based on a total of 92,287 households.
The distribution of household income in Gaston County, North Carolina across various income brackets is as follows:
| Income Range | Percentage of Households |
|---|---|
| Less than $20,000 | 14.06% |
| $20,000 to $34,999 | 12.67% |
| $35,000 to $49,999 | 12.36% |
| $50,000 to $74,999 | 17.38% |
| $75,000 to $149,999 | 29.75% |
| $150,000 or more | 13.79% |
For detailed household income distribution reports on the ZIP Codes with the highest median household income in Gaston County, North Carolina, explore the data for: Gastonia (28056) ($90,422), Stanley (28164) ($82,661), and Belmont (28012) ($81,057).
Gaston County, North Carolina 2023 Demographics: Property Value Distribution
According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the distribution of property values for owner-occupied housing units in Gaston County, North Carolina is based on a total of 60,745 properties.
The property value distribution in Gaston County, North Carolina across various value brackets is as follows:
| Property Value Range | Percentage of Properties |
|---|---|
| Less than $25,000 | 3.09% |
| $25,000 to $49,999 | 2.23% |
| $50,000 to $99,999 | 7.26% |
| $100,000 to $199,999 | 26.89% |
| $200,000 to $499,999 | 51.95% |
| $500,000 to $999,999 | 8.01% |
| $1,000,000 or more | 0.58% |
Educational Attainment in Gaston County, North Carolina (2023 Data)
According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the educational attainment data covers the population 25 years and older in Gaston County, North Carolina, totaling 160,932 individuals.
88.05% of Gaston County, North Carolina population has a high school diploma or higher. Furthermore, the percentage of individuals who hold a Bachelor's Degree or a higher professional/graduate degree is 25.97%.
The detailed breakdown by educational level is presented below:
| Educational Attainment Level | Percentage of Population 25+ |
|---|---|
| Less than high school graduate | 11.95% |
| High school graduate (incl. equivalency) | 28.99% |
| Some college or associate's degree | 33.09% |
| Bachelor's Degree | 18.23% |
| Graduate or professional degree | 7.74% |
What is the Health Insurance Coverage Rate in Gaston County, North Carolina?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the health insurance coverage data for Gaston County, North Carolina shows that 10.9% of the population lacks health insurance coverage. This represents 24,879 individuals out of a total population of 229,245 people.
The uninsured rates vary significantly by age group. Young adults (18-34 years) have uninsured rates of 20.7% for males and 17.2% for females. In the 35-64 age bracket, 14.2% of males and 13.7% of females are uninsured.
Children under 18 and seniors aged 65+ generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs like Medicaid/CHIP and Medicare. In Gaston County, North Carolina, uninsured rates for children are 6.1% for males and 5.8% for females, while seniors have rates of 0.4% for males and 0.1% for females.
| Age Group | Male Uninsured % | Female Uninsured % |
|---|---|---|
| Under 18 | 6.1% | 5.8% |
| 18-34 years | 20.7% | 17.2% |
| 35-64 years | 14.2% | 13.7% |
| 65+ years | 0.4% | 0.1% |
Gaston County, North Carolina 2023 Population by Nativity and Citizenship Status
According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the nativity and citizenship data for Gaston County, North Carolina shows that 96.8% of the population are U.S. citizens. This includes both native-born and naturalized citizens, representing 224,165 individuals out of a total population of 231,485 people.
The nativity breakdown reveals diverse origins: 93.0% were born in the United States, 0.6% were born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas, and 0.7% were born abroad of American parent(s).
Among the foreign-born population, 2.5% of the total population have become naturalized U.S. citizens (5,899 individuals), while 3.2% are non-citizens (7,320 individuals).
| Nativity/Citizenship Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Born in the United States | 93.0% |
| Born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas | 0.6% |
| Born abroad of American parent(s) | 0.7% |
| U.S. citizen by naturalization | 2.5% |
| Not a U.S. citizen | 3.2% |
| Total U.S. Citizens | 96.8% |
Gaston County, North Carolina 2023 Demographics: Means of Transportation to Work
According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the commuting patterns for Gaston County, North Carolina show that 87.3% of workers commute by car, truck, or van. This represents 94,235 workers out of a total workforce of 107,930 people.
Public transportation usage stands at 0.5% (488 workers), which includes buses, subways, light rail, commuter trains, and ferries, but excludes taxicabs. Active transportation methods include walking (1.0%) and bicycling (0.0%).
10.3% of workers in Gaston County, North Carolina report working from home. An additional 0.9% use other means such as taxicabs, motorcycles, or other forms of transportation. These alternative commuting patterns reflect changing work arrangements and transportation preferences in the modern workforce.
| Transportation Method | Percentage | Number of Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Car, truck, or van | 87.3% | 94,235 |
| Public transportation | 0.5% | 488 |
| Bicycle | 0.0% | 0 |
| Walked | 1.0% | 1,132 |
| Taxicab, motorcycle, or other means | 0.9% | 1,012 |
| Worked from home | 10.3% | 11,063 |
| Total Workers | - | 107,930 |
Gaston County, North Carolina 2023 Demographics: Employment by Class of Worker
According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the civilian employed population aged 16 and over in Gaston County, North Carolina totals 110,290 workers. Of these, 56,917 (51.6%) are male and 53,373 (48.4%) are female.
The employment distribution by class of worker in Gaston County, North Carolina is as follows:
| Employment Class | Male Workers | Female Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Private For-Profit | 46,333 (42.0%) | 38,225 (34.7%) |
| Private Non-Profit | 2,581 (2.3%) | 5,786 (5.2%) |
| Government (All Levels) | 4,964 (4.5%) | 6,798 (6.2%) |
| • Local Government | 3,378 | 4,295 |
| • State Government | 984 | 1,887 |
| • Federal Government | 602 | 616 |
| Self-Employed | 2,831 (2.6%) | 2,463 (2.2%) |
Class of worker categorizes employed civilians by their employment arrangement. Private sector workers are employed by for-profit or non-profit companies. Government workers include those employed at local, state, or federal levels. Self-employed workers operate their own unincorporated businesses. Understanding the class of worker distribution provides insights into the economic structure and employment diversity of Gaston County, North Carolina.
Gaston County, North Carolina 2023 Demographics: Veterans by Period of Service
According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, there are 12,778 civilian veterans aged 18 and over in Gaston County, North Carolina.
The largest group of veterans served during Vietnam Era Only, accounting for 4,052 veterans (31.7% of all veterans). The second-largest group served during Gulf War Only, with 2,218 veterans (17.4%).
The complete distribution of veterans by period of military service in Gaston County, North Carolina is as follows:
| Period of Service | Number of Veterans | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Vietnam Era Only (August 1964 to April 1975) | 4,052 | 31.7% |
| Gulf War Only (August 1990 to August 2001) | 2,218 | 17.4% |
| Post-9/11 Only (September 2001 or later) | 2,200 | 17.2% |
| Between Gulf War and Vietnam Era | 1,960 | 15.3% |
| Post-9/11 and Gulf War (August 1990 to August 2001) | 802 | 6.3% |
| Between Vietnam Era and Korean War | 622 | 4.9% |
| Korean War Only (July 1950 to January 1955) | 455 | 3.6% |
| Gulf War and Vietnam Era | 303 | 2.4% |
| World War II Only (December 1941 to December 1946) | 68 | 0.5% |
| Post-9/11, Gulf War, and Vietnam Era | 47 | 0.4% |
| Vietnam Era and Korean War | 32 | 0.3% |
| Between Korean War and World War II | 11 | 0.1% |
| Korean War and World War II | 8 | 0.1% |
| Total Veterans | 12,778 | 100.0% |
Period of military service categorizes veterans based on when they served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces. Veterans may have served during multiple periods, including World War II (December 1941–December 1946), the Korean War (July 1950–January 1955), the Vietnam Era (August 1964–April 1975), the Gulf War (August 1990–August 2001), and Post-9/11 (September 2001 or later). Understanding veteran demographics helps communities provide appropriate services, benefits, and support to those who have served.
Gaston County, North Carolina 2023 Demographics: Families by Income-to-Poverty Ratio
According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, there are 60,960 families in Gaston County, North Carolina.
Of these families, 5,732 (9.4%) live below the poverty line (income less than 100% of the federal poverty level). An additional 21,280 families (34.9%) are at or near poverty (100-199% of poverty). Meanwhile, 33,948 families (55.7%) have incomes at least twice the poverty level.
The complete distribution of families by income-to-poverty ratio in Gaston County, North Carolina is as follows:
| Income-to-Poverty Ratio | Number of Families | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Below 50% of Poverty | 2,897 | 4.8% |
| 50-74% of Poverty | 1,226 | 2.0% |
| 75-99% of Poverty | 1,609 | 2.6% |
| 100-124% of Poverty | 2,165 | 3.6% |
| 125-149% of Poverty | 2,998 | 4.9% |
| 150-174% of Poverty | 3,060 | 5.0% |
| 175-184% of Poverty | 974 | 1.6% |
| 185-199% of Poverty | 1,547 | 2.5% |
| 200-299% of Poverty | 10,536 | 17.3% |
| 300-399% of Poverty | 9,340 | 15.3% |
| 400-499% of Poverty | 7,343 | 12.0% |
| 500%+ of Poverty | 17,265 | 28.3% |
| Total Families | 60,960 | 100.0% |
Income-to-poverty ratio measures how a family's income compares to the federal poverty threshold, which varies by family size and composition. A ratio below 1.00 (100%) indicates the family lives in poverty. Ratios between 1.00 and 1.99 represent families with low incomes who may still struggle financially despite being technically above the poverty line. Families with ratios of 2.00 (200%) or higher generally have more economic security. Understanding poverty distribution helps communities allocate resources and develop programs to support families in need.
Gaston County, North Carolina 2023 Demographics: SNAP/Food Stamps Recipients
According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, there are 92,287 total households in Gaston County, North Carolina. Of these, 14,707 households (15.94%) received SNAP/Food Stamps benefits in the past 12 months.
Among SNAP-recipient households, 7,020 (47.73%) have children under 18 years, while 7,687 (52.27%) do not have children under 18 years.
Household Composition of SNAP Recipients
| Household Type | With Children Under 18 | No Children Under 18 |
|---|---|---|
| Married-Couple Family | 2,272 (15.45%) | 1,473 (10.02%) |
| Male Householder, No Spouse | 946 (6.43%) | 274 (1.86%) |
| Female Householder, No Spouse | 3,738 (25.42%) | 1,380 (9.38%) |
| Nonfamily Households | 64 (0.44%) | 4,560 (31.01%) |
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, provides nutrition assistance to low-income individuals and families. The program aims to help eligible households purchase nutritious food. SNAP participation rates and household composition patterns provide important insights into economic hardship and food security challenges in Gaston County, North Carolina. Households with children under 18 often face greater nutritional needs, while households without children may include seniors, disabled individuals, or working adults facing economic challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The age breakdown for the population of Gaston County, North Carolina is detailed below, showing the percentage of the total population for each group:
| Age Group | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Under 5 years | 5.79% |
| 5–17 years (children) | 16.77% |
| 18–24 years (young adults) | 7.92% |
| 25–34 years | 13.55% |
| 35–54 years | 26.32% |
| 55–64 years | 13.34% |
| 65 years and over (seniors) | 16.31% |