| City | Rank | 2026 Pop. ↓ | 2020 Pop. | Annual Change | Density (/mi²) | Area (mi²) | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gastonia | 1 | 88,392 | 80,572 | 1.52% | 1,612 | 55 | City |
| Mount Holly | 2 | 19,287 | 17,743 | 1.33% | 1,712 | 11 | City |
| Belmont | 3 | 16,672 | 15,164 | 1.57% | 1,367 | 12 | City |
| Cherryville | 4 | 6,606 | 6,102 | 1.27% | 1,138 | 6 | City |
| Dallas | 5 | 6,480 | 5,947 | 1.38% | 2,109 | 3 | Town |
| Bessemer City | 6 | 5,910 | 5,445 | 1.3% | 1,047 | 6 | City |
| Cramerton | 7 | 5,788 | 5,328 | 1.31% | 1,246 | 5 | Town |
| Ranlo | 8 | 4,913 | 4,518 | 1.34% | 2,385 | 2 | Town |
| Stanley | 9 | 4,290 | 3,971 | 1.25% | 1,404 | 3 | Town |
| Lowell | 10 | 3,994 | 3,662 | 1.4% | 1,087 | 4 | City |
| McAdenville | 11 | 973 | 891 | 1.35% | 718 | 1 | Town |
| High Shoals | 12 | 645 | 594 | 1.26% | 248 | 3 | City |
Gastonia is the largest city in Gaston County, with a population of 88,392.
High Shoals is the smallest city in Gaston County, with a population of 645.
There are 12 cities in Gaston County, North Carolina.