ZIP Code 28056 in Gastonia, NC

Data Last Updated: November 1, 2025
City:Gastonia, North Carolina
County:Gaston County
Timezone:Eastern (GMT -05:00)
Local Time:8:09:18 PM
Population:34,332 [See All]
Area Codes:704 / 980
Classification:Standard [Normal Street Delivery]
Coordinates:35.2179, -81.1257
Land Area:48.27 sq mi
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Population & Demographics


ZIP Code 28056 has 34,332 residents and 13,197 households (average 2.60 persons per household). The median age is 42.3 years, slightly older than the state (39.4) and older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 48.7% male and 51.3% female, which is about the same as the national male share (49.1%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are White (74.0%, much higher than the state average of 62.2% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Black or African American (12.1%, much lower than the state average of 20.5%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 8.1%, which is much lower than the national average (18.7%).

Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship

Source: U.S. Census 2020 Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC) and U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates.
2020 Population:34,332Source: Census DHC
2023 ACS Population Estimate:35,963Source: Census ACS
2025 ZC Population Estimate:39,754Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Population Density:711.2 people per sq mile
Average Income:$90,422Source: Census ACS
Households:13,197Source: Census DHC
Average House Value:$283,800Source: Census ACS
Persons Per Household:2.60Source: Census DHC
Average Family Size:2.87Source: Census ACS

Population Over Time (with 2010 & 2020 Census Benchmarks)


Group20102011210220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Census ACS Population Estimate--32,91232,63732,59932,66932,97333,23533,65134,40134,37335,70935,03235,49335,963
Decennial Census31,418------------------34,332------
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP05. DEMOGRAPHIC AND HOUSING ESTIMATES

Population by Age & Gender (Total, Male, Female)


Median Age: 42.3

Male Median Age: 41.2

Female Median Age: 43.3

Group< 55-910-1415-1920-2425-2930-3435-3940-4445-4950-5455-5960-6465-6970-7475-7980-8485+
Male9521,0391,1791,2328458411,0259871,0261,2071,2131,2841,1861,013789481250182
Female9019961,0911,0548989361,1101,0781,1171,2491,3391,3821,2771,090903540365275
Total1,8532,0352,2702,2861,7431,7772,1352,0652,1432,4562,5522,6662,4632,1031,6921,021615457
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Population by Race


White:25,42273.04%
Black:4,16211.96%
Hispanic:*2,7938.02%
Asian:8252.37%
American Indian:1500.43%
Hawaiian:70.02%
Other:1,4474.16%
Total:34,806100%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)
* NOTE: Hispanic or Latino is an ethnicity, not a race. This means individuals who identify as Hispanic will also be included in one of the race categories (such as White or Black). As a result, the totals shown here may exceed 100% when Hispanic is displayed alongside racial groups.

Gender Breakdown


GenderCount%Median Age
Males:16,73148.73%41.2 years
Females:17,60151.27%43.3 years
Total:34,332100%42.3 years
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Nativity & Citizenship


Native, born in the United States:32,59590.63%
Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad:7722.15%
Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen:1,5244.24%
Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen:1,0727.22%
Total Population:35,963100%
Total Native Population:33,36792.78%
Total Foreign-born Population:2,5967.22%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS
Note: Nativity and Citizenship derived from American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. Total Population listed here will not match official ZIP Code population totals, which are based on the Decennial Census.

Income & Employment


In 2023, the Median household income is $90,422, which is much higher than the state median ($69,904), is up $36,589 (68.0%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $21,532. Family households earn a median of $106,663 versus $46,610 for nonfamily households (a difference of $60,053). By gender, male median income is $65,225 and female is $51,431, which is well above the state female median ($49,054), with a current gap of $13,794 that has widened from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 67.1%, which is higher than the state rate (62.7%). The unemployment rate is 3.7%, which is lower than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (42.9%).

Explore More:Income Over TimeHousehold IncomeEmployment StatusBy Occupation

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Tables DP02, DP03, DP04 and DP05.

Median Income Over Time (Household, Family, Nonfamily, Male, Female)


Income Type2011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Median Household Income$53,833$55,287$56,255$56,415$56,812$59,237$61,134$63,563$68,890$73,249$78,761$86,118$90,422
Median Family Income$63,318$64,511$67,299$68,699$70,926$72,163$75,549$80,224$83,144$88,325$95,691$102,478$106,663
Median NonFamily Income$28,547$30,649$31,898$30,186$28,253$31,014$34,848$34,844$38,657$36,045$41,701$44,608$46,610
Median Male Income$43,844$46,321$45,929$47,557$48,966$50,662$51,829$53,958$54,162$54,339$61,408$63,939$65,225
Median Female Income$36,469$36,260$36,694$37,263$36,805$39,131$41,182$42,738$45,464$45,399$47,511$52,202$51,431
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Average Household Income


Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Employment Status


Employed:18,76264.56%
Unemployed:7212.48%
Not In Labor Force:9,57832.96%
Total:29,061100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Employment by Occupation (Civilian Employed Population, 16 and Over)


Management, business, science, and arts:8,05242.92%
Service:2,86415.26%
Sales and Office:3,71219.78%
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance:1,5007.99%
Production, transportation, and material moving:2,63414.04%
Total Civilian Employed Population:18,762100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS.

Housing & Affordability


In 2023, the median home value is $283,800, which is above the state median ($259,400), is up $129,500 (83.93%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $111,600. The median gross rent is $1,097, which is much lower than the national median ($1,348), is up $414 (60.61%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $222. Of occupied housing, owners make up 79.33% (65.09% with a mortgage, 34.91% free-and-clear) and renters 20.67% - making this ZIP Code more home ownership than the state and under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 5.53%, which is much lower than the state rate (13.05%).

Explore More:Compare Home ValueHome Value Over TimeRent & Over TimeHousing Occupancy

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Table DP03, SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS.

Median Home Value (Comparison)


Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Median Home Value Over Time


Group2011210220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Median Home Value$154,300$149,200$154,500$154,800$152,100$151,300$158,600$164,400$172,200$190,600$214,000$253,200$283,800
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Gross Rent Paid


Less than $500:1053.73%
$500 to $999:92132.72%
$1,000 to $1,499:1,28245.54%
$1,500 to $1,999:28510.12%
$2,000 to $2,499:582.06%
$2,500 to $2,999:421.49%
$3,000 or more:250.89%
No Rent:973.45%
Total:2,815100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Median Gross Rent Over Time


Group2011210220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Median Rent$683$738$746$740$772$799$815$845$875$854$908$979$1,097
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Housing Occupancy


Owner Occupied (with mortgage):7,03251.64%
Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage):3,77127.69%
Renter Occupied:2,81520.67%
Total Occupied Housing Units:13,618100%

Occupied Housing Units:13,61894.47%
Vacant Housing Units (not graphed):7975.53%
Total Housing Units:14,415100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Housing Type (Single-Family, Multi-Family, Other)


Single-Family Units:12,17884.48%
Multi-Family Units:9246.41%
Other Units:1,3139.11%
Total Housing Units:14,415100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Education, Health & Community


In 2023, 33.00% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is comparable to the national rate (35.00%). High school or higher is 90.40%, which is comparable to the national rate (89.40%). The uninsured rate is 9.40%, which is on par with the state rate (10.40%). The share of people in poverty is 5.50%, which is generally lower than the state rate (9.40%), down 4.00 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 2.80 percentage points. This points to a pronounced improvement in local conditions - rising incomes, firmer consumer demand, and a stronger tax base. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is elementary (48.36%). College enrollment is 16.39%, which is markedly below the state rate (27.10%), indicating the community may be more oriented toward vocational/trade or direct-to-workforce opportunities.

Explore More:Educational AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool Enrollment

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Tables DP02 and DP03.

Educational Attainment of Adults (25 and Older)


Less than 9th grade:1,0013.94%
9th to 12th grade, no diploma:1,4365.65%
High school graduate (includes equivalency):6,41325.21%
Some college, no degree:5,28020.76%
Associate's degree:2,91811.47%
Bachelor's degree:5,76422.66%
Graduate or professional degree:2,62310.31%
Total:25,435100%
High school or higher:22,99890.42%
Bachelor's degree or higher:8,38732.97%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Health Insurance Coverage by Type (Private, Public, Uninsured)


Private Insurance:25,95264.53%
Public Insurance:10,89127.08%
No Insurance:3,3728.38%
Total:40,215100%
Has Health Insurance:36,84391.62%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Percentage of People in Poverty Over Time (2011-2023)


Group2011210220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
% of People in Poverty9.5%9.0%8.3%8.2%8.1%8.5%8.6%9.3%8.3%6.6%5.5%4.9%5.5%
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Note: Counts of Families & People in poverty are not published at the ZIP Code level due to small sample sizes. Percentages shown are survey estimates from the American Community Survey (ACS). They may differ from official poverty statistics. The U.S. Census Bureau defines poverty status by comparing a family's or individual's total income with federal poverty thresholds that vary by family size and composition.

School Enrollment by Education Level (Ages 3 and Older)


Nursery School, Preschool:3634.14%
Kindergarten:3063.49%
Elementary school (grades 1-8):4,24148.36%
High school (grades 9-12):2,42227.62%
College or graduate school:1,43716.39%
Total:8,769100%
Early Childhood:6697.63%
K-12 (Primary & Secondary School):6,96979.47%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Business & Employment Statistics


ZIP Code 28056 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2023), there are 614 business establishments, employing about 6,992 people with an annual payroll of $267,184,000. USPS data shows 15,290 residential mailboxes and 627 business mailboxes, reflecting local delivery coverage.

# Residential Mailboxes:15,290Source: USPS
# Business Mailboxes:627Source: USPS
Total Delivery Receptacles:15,766Source: USPS
Single Family Delivery Units:12,016Source: USPS
Multi Family Delivery Units:349Source: USPS
# of Businesses:614Source: CBP
1st Quarter Payroll:$68,222,000Source: CBP
Annual Payroll:$267,184,000Source: CBP
# of Employees:6,992Source: CBP

Geography, Land Area, & Statistical Classifications


ZIP Code 28056 is located in Gaston County, North Carolina, within the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 16740) and North Carolina's 14th Congressional District. This Metro area has a population of 2,712,818 people, about 1.27% of whom live in ZIP Code 28056. It covers 48.27 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.258 sq mi.

CBSA Name:Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SCSource: Census
CBSA Number:16740Source: Census
CBSA Type:MetroSource: Census
CBSA Division:--Source: Census
CBSA Population:2,712,818Source: Census
MSA:Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill, NC-SC MSASource: Census
Land Area:48.27 sq miSource: Census
Water Area:0.258 sq miSource: Census
Congressional District:14Source: USPS
Congressional Land Area:0 sq miSource: Census
PMSA:--Source: Census
Intro Date:< 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Place FIPS Code:3725580Source: Census
Place Name:Gastonia city; North CarolinaSource: Census

Adjacent & Nearby ZIP Codes


28070 | | 28055

Schools in ZIP Code 28056


ZIP Code 28056 is in the Gaston County Schools, which serves grades Pre-Kindergarten thru 12th. There are 4 public schools and 3 private school(s) in this ZIP Code. It also has 6 colleges, universities or post secondary education institutions nearby which would be a short commute to.

New Hope Elementary 137 Stowe Road
Gastonia, NC 28056
District: Gaston County Schools
Robinson Elementary 3122 S Union Road
Gastonia, NC 28056
District: Gaston County Schools
W A Bess Elementary School 4340 Beaty Road
Gastonia, NC 28056
District: Gaston County Schools
Forestview High 5545 Union Road
Gastonia, NC 28056
District: Gaston County Schools
Gaston Christian School 1625 Lowell Bethesda Rd
Gastonia, NC 28056
District: Private School
Gaston Day School 2001 Gaston Day School Rd
Gastonia, NC 28056
District: Private School
Gaston Christian School 1625 Lowell Bethesda Rd
Gastonia, NC 28056
District: Private School

Colleges & Post Secondary Schools near ZIP Code 28056


Paul Mitchell The School-Gastonia 284 E Garrison Blvd
Gastonia, NC 28054
Type: Post Secondary
Belmont Abbey College 100 Belmont-Mt Holly Road
Belmont, NC 28012-1802
Type: Post Secondary
Gaston College 201 Highway 321 South
Dallas, NC 28034-1499
Type: Post Secondary
Gaston College 201 Hwy 321 S
Dallas, NC 28034
Type: Post Secondary
Carolina School Of Broadcasting 3435 Performance Rd
Charlotte, NC 28214
Type: Post Secondary
Carolinas College Of Health Sciences 2110 Water Ridge Parkway
Charlotte, NC 28217
Type: Post Secondary

Sources & References


Our sources include trusted federal and licensed data from the United States Postal Service, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Geological Survey, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the National Center for Education Statistics, along with proprietary datasets created by ZIP-Codes.com. Data last updated on November 1, 2025.

  1. U.S. Postal Service [Last Updated: 11/1/2025], https://www.usps.com
  2. ZIP-Codes.com Proprietary Data Enhancements [Updated: 11/1/2025], https://www.zip-codes.com
  3. U.S. Census [Updated: Varies], https://www.census.gov
    • U.S. Census Office of Management and Budget [Updated: As Released]
    • U.S. Census 2020 Demographic & Housing Characteristics (DHC) [Decennial] [Updated: 5/25/2023]
    • U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates (ACS) [Annually] [Updated: Annually, As Released]
    • U.S. Census Business Patterns (CBD) [Annually] [Updated: Annually, As Released]
    • U.S. Census American National Standards Institute (ANSI) [Updated: As Released]
  4. U.S. Geological Survey [Updated: Varies], https://www.usgs.gov
  5. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services [Updated: Annually, As Released], https://www.cms.gov
  6. National Center for Education Statistics [Updated: 11/1/2025], https://nces.ed.gov