Gaston County, North Carolina

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 942 km² (364 mi²). 923 km² (356 mi²) of it is land and 19 km² (7 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 2.02% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 190,365 people, 73,936 households, and 53,307 families residing in the county. The population density is 206/km² (534/mi²). There are 78,842 housing units at an average density of 85/km² (221/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 82.98% White, 13.87% African American, 0.28% Native American, 0.95% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 1.03% from other races, and 0.87% from two or more races. 3.00% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 73,936 households out of which 32.00% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.20% are married couples living together, 13.20% have a female householder with no husband present, and 27.90% are non-families. 23.30% of all households are made up of individuals and 8.80% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.53 and the average family size is 2.97.

In the county the population is spread out with 24.60% under the age of 18, 8.20% from 18 to 24, 31.00% from 25 to 44, 23.50% from 45 to 64, and 12.60% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 36 years. For every 100 females there are 93.70 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 90.70 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $39,482, and the median income for a family is $46,271. Males have a median income of $33,542 versus $23,876 for females. The per capita income for the county is $19,225. 10.90% of the population and 8.30% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 14.50% are under the age of 18 and 11.10% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Belmont
• Bessemer City
• Cherryville
• Cramerton
• Dallas
• Gastonia
• High Shoals
• Lowell
• McAdenville
• Mount Holly
• Ranlo
• South Gastonia
• Spencer Mountain
• Stanley