Gaston County Map, North Carolina

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: May 05, 2026 | 06:10 ET

Map of Gaston County - Gaston County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. Gaston County Map showing cities, highways, important places and water bodies. Get Where is Gaston County located in the map, major cities in Gaston county, population, areas, and places of interest.

Map of Gaston County, North Carolina

About Gaston County, North Carolina

Gaston County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. It's county seat is Gastonia. As per 2020 census, the population of Gaston County is 230856 people and population density is square miles. According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 364 sq mi (943 km2). Gaston County was established on 1846.

Gaston County Facts

ContinentNorth America
CountryUnited States
StateNorth Carolina
County SeatGastonia
Largest City/TownGastonia
Established1846
Total Area364 sq mi (943 sq km)
Land Area356 sq mi (922 sq km)
Water Area8 sq mi (21 sq km)
Population227,943 (Census 2020)
Population Density640 people per sq mi
Time ZoneEastern Time Zone (ET)
Major HighwaysI-85, US-74, US-29, NC-7, NC-279
Major RiversCatawba River, South Fork Catawba River
Neighboring CountiesLincoln County, Mecklenburg County, Cleveland County, York County (SC)
Famous ForTextile history, proximity to Charlotte, outdoor recreation
Top AttractionsCrowders Mountain State Park, Schiele Museum of Natural History, Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, Rankin Lake Park
Official WebsiteOfficial Website

About Gaston County, North Carolina

Gaston County is located in the southwestern part of North Carolina, in the state of the United States, and was established in 1846. The county seat is Gastonia, which is also the largest city. The county lies near the Charlotte metropolitan area and is known for its industrial heritage, outdoor recreation opportunities, and growing suburban communities.

Cities and Towns in Gaston County, North Carolina

City/TownPopulation (Census 2020)Latitude & Longitude
Gastonia (county seat)80,41135.2621°N, 81.1873°W
Belmont10,07635.2429°N, 81.0373°W
Bessemer City5,34035.2854°N, 81.2837°W
Mount Holly16,97035.2985°N, 81.0156°W
Cherryville5,76035.3785°N, 81.3784°W
Dallas5,92735.3212°N, 81.1762°W
Lowell3,88535.2676°N, 81.1026°W
Stanley3,42335.3607°N, 81.0968°W
Cramerton4,43935.2357°N, 81.0681°W
Ranlo3,96235.2946°N, 81.1309°W
McAdenville89035.2579°N, 81.0718°W
High Shoals69635.3990°N, 81.2017°W

Golf Courses in Gaston County, North Carolina

Golf CourseLocationLatitude & Longitude
Catawba Creek Golf CourseGastonia35.2500°N, 81.2000°W
Gaston Country ClubGastonia35.2600°N, 81.1800°W
Riverbend Golf ClubStanley35.3600°N, 81.1000°W

Roads and Highways in Gaston County, North Carolina

Gaston County is served by major highways connecting it to Charlotte and surrounding regions.

  • I-85 – major interstate linking Gastonia to Charlotte and South Carolina
  • US-74 – connects the county to Charlotte and western North Carolina
  • US-29 – runs parallel to I-85 through the county
  • NC-7 – provides local east–west access
  • NC-279 – connects Gastonia to Belmont and other communities

Neighboring Counties of Gaston County

  • Lincoln County (north)
  • Mecklenburg County (east)
  • Cleveland County (west)
  • York County, South Carolina (south)

Top Attractions in Gaston County, North Carolina

The county offers a mix of nature, history, and family attractions.

  • Crowders Mountain State Park – popular hiking destination with scenic views
  • Schiele Museum of Natural History – exhibits on science, nature, and local history
  • Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden – beautiful gardens and walking trails
  • Rankin Lake Park – park with trails, fishing, and recreation
  • U.S. National Whitewater Center nearby – outdoor recreation and rafting
  • McAdenville (Christmas Town USA) – famous holiday light displays

Distance from Gaston County to Nearby Cities

  • Gastonia to Charlotte – 20 mi (32 km)
  • Gastonia to Spartanburg, SC – 50 mi (80 km)
  • Gastonia to Asheville – 90 mi (145 km)
  • Gastonia to Columbia, SC – 95 mi (153 km)
  • Gastonia to Greensboro – 85 mi (137 km)

FAQs about Gaston County

Where is Gaston County located?

Gaston County is located in southwestern North Carolina near the Charlotte metropolitan area.

What is the population of Gaston County?

The population of Gaston County is 227,943 according to the 2020 Census.

What is Gaston County known for?

Gaston County is known for its textile history, outdoor recreation, and proximity to Charlotte.

What are the major highways in Gaston County?

Major highways include I-85, US-74, US-29, NC-7, and NC-279.

Are there golf courses in Gaston County?

Yes, Gaston County has golf courses including Catawba Creek Golf Course and Gaston Country Club.