Gaston, Indiana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gaston, Indiana
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| Town of Gaston | |
Downtown Gaston
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Location of Gaston in Delaware County, Indiana.
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  Indiana |
| County | Delaware |
| Township | Washington |
| Founded | 1855 |
| Incorporated | 1904 |
| Founded by | David L. Jones |
| Area | |
| • Total | 0.36 sq mi (0.94 km2) |
| • Land | 0.36 sq mi (0.94 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 896 ft (273 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 796 |
| • Estimate
(2025)
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798  |
| • Density | 2,211.11/sq mi (846.81/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (EST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (EST) |
| ZIP code |
47342
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| Area code(s) | 765 |
| FIPS code | 18-27072 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2396955 |
Gaston is a town located in Delaware County, Indiana, United States. It is part of Washington Township. In 2020, the town had a population of 796 people. Gaston is also part of the larger Muncie area.
Contents
History of Gaston
Gaston has had a few different names over the years. It was first known as Snag Town, then New Corner. David L. Jones officially planned the town on February 27, 1855.
The name Gaston was chosen in 1901. This happened when a railroad was built through the town. At that time, there was also a local "gas boom," meaning natural gas was discovered nearby. Gaston officially became a town in late 1904.
Community Life in Gaston
Today, Gaston is home to schools within the Wes-Del community school district. These include a preschool, elementary school, and high school. The town also has several churches and local businesses. You can find an ice cream parlor and restaurant called The Barking Cow. There is also a funeral home and cemeteries just outside the town center.
Gaston has its own volunteer fire department and police department. A Dollar General store and other small businesses serve the community. For over 10 years, Gaston had a newspaper called The Voice. It was published every other week until May 2016.
Wes-Del Middle/High School creates a weekly video called WDN. Students report on school events in these videos, which are shared on YouTube. In 2016, Wes-Del Middle/High School also started a program. It allowed students to work on their own projects. They could then share these projects with the school and receive awards.
On May 18, 2019, Vice President Mike Pence and Karen Pence passed through Gaston. Their motorcade drove past Wes-Del High School. Students and volunteers were gathered there for the school's first color run event. Volunteer firefighters and Gaston police saluted the Vice President. He was on his way to give a speech at Taylor University's graduation. He also spoke at the nearby Delta High School.
Gaston hopes to grow in the future. The town is working to attract new businesses and attractions. They aim to reach a population of 2,500 people.
Geography of Gaston
Gaston covers a total area of about 0.35 square miles (0.91 square kilometers). All of this area is land.
Population Information
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1910 | 638 | — | |
| 1920 | 541 | −15.2% | |
| 1930 | 654 | 20.9% | |
| 1940 | 677 | 3.5% | |
| 1950 | 729 | 7.7% | |
| 1960 | 801 | 9.9% | |
| 1970 | 928 | 15.9% | |
| 1980 | 1,150 | 23.9% | |
| 1990 | 979 | −14.9% | |
| 2000 | 1,010 | 3.2% | |
| 2010 | 871 | −13.8% | |
| 2020 | 796 | −8.6% | |
| 2025 (est.) | 798 | −8.4% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
Gaston's Population in 2020
In 2020, Gaston had 796 residents. There were 351 households in the town. About 93% of the people identified as White. About 3.3% of the population was Hispanic or Latino.
The average age in Gaston was about 35.9 years old. About 32.4% of the residents were under 18 years old. About 17.8% of the population was 65 years or older. Most people in Gaston speak English at home.
Gaston's Population in 2010
In 2010, Gaston had 871 residents. There were 331 households. About 97% of the people identified as White. About 2.9% of the population was Hispanic or Latino.
The average age in Gaston was about 34.4 years old. About 29.6% of residents were under 18 years old. About 10.3% were 65 years of age or older.
Gaston's Population in 2000
In 2000, Gaston had 1,010 residents. There were 351 households. About 98.2% of the people identified as White. About 0.2% of the population was Hispanic or Latino.
The average age in Gaston was 34 years old. About 29.7% of residents were under 18 years old. About 10.2% were 65 years of age or older.
Education in Gaston
Gaston is part of the Wes-Del Community Schools district. Wes-Del Middle/High School is the main secondary school for students in the area. In 1957, there was a plan to build new elementary and high school buildings in Gaston.
See also
In Spanish: Gaston (Indiana) para niños
