Gates County, NC: EPA's radon zone, explained

Gates County is mapped as Zone 3 - Low Potential by EPA — meaning the county-wide average indoor level is predicted below 2 pCi/L. Gates County sits at the 7th percentile nationally for radon potential — above 7 of every 100 rated counties.

Where Gates County sits nationally

Gates County, North Carolina is home to about 10,299 people across 340.612 square miles. That works out to roughly 30 people per square mile. By population, Gates County is the 813th largest of every county sharing its EPA zone — the 21st percentile by population within that zone. Gates County falls in EPA Radon Region 4, one of 736 counties nationally EPA assigns to that same geologic province.

Why the zone isn't the answer by itself

Gates County's predicted average sits below the national indoor average of about 1.3 pCi/L, well under EPA's 4 pCi/L action level. Even at Zone 3, Gates County homes are not guaranteed a low reading — zone is a county-wide average, and EPA recommends testing every home regardless of zone.

Next steps for a home in Gates County

For a Gates County homeowner, the order is simple: test first, since a kit costs a small fraction of what mitigation would. Only if the result clears 4 pCi/L does a system — typically $800–$2,500, about $1,200 for a common install — become worth pricing out.

Find North Carolina's state radon program

For Gates County, an ongoing number beats a one-time test - a Airthings radon monitor tracks Gates County's levels over time. RadonZoneCheck earns a commission there, at no extra cost to you. Code RADONZONE-10OFF takes 10% off at checkout.

Where Gates County's figures come from

The methodology guide shows exactly which EPA and Census sources feed Gates County's numbers. The guide to what a radon zone actually means covers why testing matters in every zone, not just Zone 1.