Athens GA vs Gastonia NC — Cost of Living, Crime & Income Comparison 2026
Updated May 2026 · Source: US Census ACS 5-Year (2023), FBI CDE (2023), BLS OEWS (2024)
Athens, GA
Georgia · Population: 126,987
- Median HH Income$51,655
- Median Home Price$341,821
- Unemployment5.2%
- Bachelor's+48.7%
Gastonia, NC
North Carolina · Population: 81,632
- Median HH Income$60,554
- Median Home Price$279,838
- Unemployment5.2%
- Bachelor's+27.7%
Detailed Comparison
Demographics
Population
Athens
126,987
Athens +
Gastonia
81,632
Pop. Density / sq mi
Lower = more space
Athens
N/A
Gastonia
N/A
Median Age
Athens
29.2
Athens +
Gastonia
37.2
Foreign Born
Athens
9.8%
Athens +
Gastonia
7.3%
White
Athens
57.6%
Athens +
Gastonia
55.2%
Black
Athens
26.2%
Gastonia
30.9%
Gastonia +
Asian
Athens
4.3%
Athens +
Gastonia
1.2%
Hispanic
Athens
11.5%
Athens +
Gastonia
11.4%
Spanish at Home
Athens
N/A
Gastonia
N/A
| Metric | Athens, GA | Gastonia, NC | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,987 | 81,632 | Athens + |
| Pop. Density / sq miLower = more space | N/A | N/A | - |
| Median Age | 29.2 | 37.2 | Athens + |
| Foreign Born | 9.8% | 7.3% | Athens + |
| White | 57.6% | 55.2% | Athens + |
| Black | 26.2% | 30.9% | Gastonia + |
| Asian | 4.3% | 1.2% | Athens + |
| Hispanic | 11.5% | 11.4% | Athens + |
| Spanish at Home | N/A | N/A | - |
Economy
Median HH Income
Athens
$51,655
Gastonia
$60,554
Gastonia +
Per Capita Income
Athens
$31,836
Gastonia
$33,611
Gastonia +
Per Capita Personal Income (MSA)
BEA MSA-level
Athens
$57,405
Gastonia
$59,120
Gastonia +
Unemployment Rate
Athens
5.2%
Gastonia
5.2%
Tie
Poverty Rate
Athens
26.3%
Gastonia
14.3%
Gastonia +
Bachelor's Degree+
Athens
48.7%
Athens +
Gastonia
27.7%
| Metric | Athens, GA | Gastonia, NC | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median HH Income | $51,655 | $60,554 | Gastonia + |
| Per Capita Income | $31,836 | $33,611 | Gastonia + |
| Per Capita Personal Income (MSA)BEA MSA-level | $57,405 | $59,120 | Gastonia + |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.2% | 5.2% | Tie |
| Poverty Rate | 26.3% | 14.3% | Gastonia + |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 48.7% | 27.7% | Athens + |
Housing
Median Home Value
Zillow ZHVI / Census ACS
Athens
$341,821
Gastonia
$279,838
Gastonia +
Homeownership Rate
Athens
40.5%
Gastonia
54.2%
Gastonia +
| Metric | Athens, GA | Gastonia, NC | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home ValueZillow ZHVI / Census ACS | $341,821 | $279,838 | Gastonia + |
| Homeownership Rate | 40.5% | 54.2% | Gastonia + |
Safety
Violent Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Athens
392
Athens +
Gastonia
398
Property Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Athens
1752
Athens +
Gastonia
1999
| Metric | Athens, GA | Gastonia, NC | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime / 100KFBI CDE (state-level est.) | 392 | 398 | Athens + |
| Property Crime / 100KFBI CDE (state-level est.) | 1752 | 1999 | Athens + |
Health
Obesity Rate
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Gastonia
37.8%
Diabetes Rate
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Gastonia
13.5%
Poor Mental Health
CDC PLACES — 14+ days/month
Athens
N/A
Gastonia
17.6%
No Health Insurance
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Gastonia
12.5%
Binge Drinking
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Gastonia
14.2%
Current Smokers
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Gastonia
15.6%
| Metric | Athens, GA | Gastonia, NC | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Obesity RateCDC PLACES | N/A | 37.8% | - |
| Diabetes RateCDC PLACES | N/A | 13.5% | - |
| Poor Mental HealthCDC PLACES — 14+ days/month | N/A | 17.6% | - |
| No Health InsuranceCDC PLACES | N/A | 12.5% | - |
| Binge DrinkingCDC PLACES | N/A | 14.2% | - |
| Current SmokersCDC PLACES | N/A | 15.6% | - |
Climate
Avg Annual Temp
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Athens
62.6°F
Gastonia
60.5°F
Gastonia +
Annual Precipitation
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Athens
46.3 in
Gastonia
43.0 in
Gastonia +
| Metric | Athens, GA | Gastonia, NC | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual TempNOAA 1991–2020 normal | 62.6°F | 60.5°F | Gastonia + |
| Annual PrecipitationNOAA 1991–2020 normal | 46.3 in | 43.0 in | Gastonia + |
Air Quality
PM2.5 Annual Avg
EPA AQS (state-level est.)
Athens
9.8 µg/m³
Gastonia
8.7 µg/m³
Gastonia +
Good Air Days
AQI ≤ 50
Athens
55.0%
Gastonia
75.0%
Gastonia +
| Metric | Athens, GA | Gastonia, NC | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| PM2.5 Annual AvgEPA AQS (state-level est.) | 9.8 µg/m³ | 8.7 µg/m³ | Gastonia + |
| Good Air DaysAQI ≤ 50 | 55.0% | 75.0% | Gastonia + |
Commute
Mean Commute Time
Census ACS
Athens
22.3 min
Athens +
Gastonia
28.1 min
| Metric | Athens, GA | Gastonia, NC | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mean Commute TimeCensus ACS | 22.3 min | 28.1 min | Athens + |
Which City is Right for You?
Gastonia leads in median household income at $60,554, while gastonia offers more affordable housing with a median home price of $279,838. On public safety, Athens is safer with a violent crime rate of 392 per 100,000 residents, compared to 398 in Gastonia. Gastonia has a lower unemployment rate at 5.2%, and Gastonia has cleaner air (PM2.5 avg 8.7 µg/m³).
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