Median Income
$211,875
182% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
376/100K
1% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
65.2%
93% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.0%
9% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Charles City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population36
Median Age54.0 yrs
Density13/mi²
Male / Female69% / 31%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans36.0%
Economy
A+
Median Income$211,875
Per Capita$59,569
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$358M
Housing
Ownership63.6%
Zillow$278,388
Housing Units29
Rent Burden28.4%
Crime
F
Violent376/100K
Property3,033/100K
Health
Obesity35.0%
Uninsured8.6%
Smoking13.5%
Depression17.6%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp61°F (16°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain50.1 in/yr
Sunny Days299/yr
Elevation59 ft (18 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+65.2%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+31.8%
School Score4.77
Community
2024 VoteR 44% / D 55%
Broadband11.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Charles City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Charles City receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine. Charles City offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Charles City is $211,875, which is significantly higher than the national average / 182% above $75,149. This places Charles City among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Charles City is below the national average at 376 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,033 per 100,000, 55% above the national average.
Education
Charles City is a highly educated community / 65.2% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Charles City enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F. Winters average 41°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. With 299 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 50.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Charles City has a population of 36 with a density of 13 people per square mile, spread across 2.7 square miles. The median age is 54.0 years, 39% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 30.6% female and 69.4% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 36.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 0.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
54.0yrs
Median Age
39% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Charles City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Charles City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Charles City is $211,875, which is 182% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $59,569 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,136, 21% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 237 business establishments, including 3 restaurants. The cost of living index is 101.1, roughly in line with the national average. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Charles City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $211,875 |
| 182% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $59,569 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,136 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $77,463 |
| Gini Index | 0.454 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 237 |
| County GDP | $358M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 3 |
| Retail | 9 |
| Manufacturing | 18 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,374 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 101.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $278,388. Fair market rent ranges from $1,507 for a one-bedroom to $1,655 for a two-bedroom apartment. 63.6% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 29 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1963. The average annual property tax is $3,374. 28.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,442 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,507 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,655 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,072 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,553 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 63.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 63.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 36.4% |
| Housing Units | 29 |
| Median Year Built | 1963 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,374 |
| 4% below US avg |
In Charles City, 35.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 32.8% have high blood pressure. 13.5% are current smokers. 13.1% report binge drinking. 23.0% are physically inactive. 17.6% report depression. 15.4% experience frequent mental distress. 8.6% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,594. The dentist ratio is 1:6,605. 19.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Charles City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.0% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.8% |
| Asthma | 9.3% |
| COPD | 5.5% |
| Cancer | 4.8% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.5% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 13.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.0% |
| Depression | 17.6% |
| Mental Distress | 15.4% |
| Physical Distress | 11.7% |
| Short Sleep | 34.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 8.6% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:6,594 |
| Dentists | 1:6,605 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,203 |
| Checkup Rate | 66.5% |
| Dental Visits | 51.3% |
| Premature Death | 9,317/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 19.1% |
Charles City has a violent crime rate of 376 per 100,000 residents, 1% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,033 per 100,000, 55% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Charles City receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Charles City vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 376.4/100K |
| 1% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,033.5/100K |
| 55% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 283 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.6 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Charles City enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F (16°C). Winters average 41°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 299 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 50.1 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 3.5 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. 89% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 59 feet.
Temperature
41°F Jan (5°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 60.8°F |
| 13% above US avg |
| January Average | 41°F (5°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 299 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 59 ft (18 m) |
| Area | 2.7 sq mi (7.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 13/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.3483°N, 77.0630°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Charles City County County |
| Nearest Airport | Richmond International (RIC) 18 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
50.1"
32% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.65"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 88.8% |
| Unhealthy Days | 0 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0422 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 6.8 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.33 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 7.3 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 9.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 77.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 43.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
37 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.8. Most recent: M3.0 on May 6, 2025.
| Aug 23, 2011 |
11 km SSW of Mineral, Virginia |
M5.8 |
99 km |
| Aug 25, 2011 |
8 km SW of Mineral, Virginia |
M4.5 |
104 km |
| Aug 24, 2011 |
11 km SSW of Mineral, Virginia |
M4.2 |
101 km |
| Oct 21, 1998 |
13 km S of Dillwyn, Virginia |
M3.8 |
122 km |
| Mar 15, 1991 |
7 km NNW of Goochland, Virginia |
M3.8 |
87 km |
| May 5, 2003 |
Virginia |
M3.6 |
85 km |
| Sep 1, 2011 |
7 km SSW of Mineral, Virginia |
M3.4 |
102 km |
| Aug 24, 2011 |
16 km NNW of Goochland, Virginia |
M3.4 |
94 km |
| Sep 22, 2001 |
5 km E of Pantops, Virginia |
M3.2 |
139 km |
| Jan 30, 2012 |
9 km SSE of Louisa, Virginia |
M3.1 |
105 km |
| May 22, 2014 |
15 km ENE of Cumberland, Virginia |
M3.1 |
91 km |
| Mar 26, 2012 |
13 km S of Louisa, Virginia |
M3.0 |
102 km |
| Oct 12, 2011 |
9 km S of Louisa, Virginia |
M3.0 |
104 km |
| Oct 2, 2010 |
10 km NNW of Ashland, Virginia |
M3.0 |
69 km |
| May 6, 2025 |
8 km S of Dillwyn, Virginia |
M3.0 |
125 km |
| Aug 3, 1995 |
13 km N of Williamsburg, Virginia |
M2.9 |
33 km |
| Aug 23, 2011 |
9 km SSW of Mineral, Virginia |
M2.8 |
100 km |
| Mar 15, 2015 |
6 km SW of Mineral, Virginia |
M2.8 |
104 km |
| Jan 14, 2025 |
1 km NNE of Wyndham, Virginia |
M2.8 |
62 km |
| Aug 29, 2011 |
10 km S of Louisa, Virginia |
M2.7 |
104 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
13 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 3. Most recent: Dorian (2019, Cat 2).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 2 |
266 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 2 |
222 km |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
141 km |
| 2004 |
Alex |
Category 2 |
282 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 2 |
92 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 1 |
105 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 1 |
201 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 1 |
266 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 1 |
280 km |
| 1993 |
Emily |
Category 3 |
251 km |
| 1991 |
Bob |
Category 3 |
247 km |
| 1986 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
135 km |
| 1985 |
Gloria |
Category 2 |
187 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
369 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 15 fatalities, 673 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 6, 1993 |
EF4 |
36 km |
4 |
| Feb 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF3 |
39 km |
2 |
| Apr 28, 2008 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Apr 1, 1998 |
EF3 |
77 km |
2 |
| Aug 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 1990 |
EF3 |
30 km |
1 |
| May 4, 1990 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Oct 14, 1986 |
EF3 |
11 km |
0 |
| Oct 14, 1986 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1984 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1984 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| May 22, 1983 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Sep 5, 1979 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1978 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1977 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1967 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Nov 2, 1966 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 3, 2021 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Aug 4, 2020 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
6 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LATERAL WEST (6,188 ac, 2011).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2011 |
LATERAL WEST |
6,188 |
100 km |
| 2008 |
OLD STAGE ROAD |
2,238 |
57 km |
| 2008 |
POCAHONTAS ROAD |
1,146 |
78 km |
| 2017 |
VAGDR FY17 RX DGIF SUPPORT |
674 |
46 km |
| 2006 |
WEST DRUMMOND |
562 |
97 km |
| 2019 |
VAJRR-FY19-RX-FUEL REDUCTION |
514 |
10 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
41°F (5°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| February |
40°F (5°C) |
3.3 in |
Coldest |
| March |
48°F (9°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| April |
57°F (14°C) |
3.2 in |
Driest |
| May |
65°F (19°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
4.7 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
76°F (25°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| October |
59°F (15°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| November |
50°F (10°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| December |
41°F (5°C) |
3.3 in |
|
Charles City has a seasonal temperature swing of 40°F / from 40°F in February to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 44.9 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.7") and April the driest (3.2").
Average costs for common services in Charles City. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$253 ($152–$404) |
| Specialist Visit |
$354 ($202–$556) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$202 ($101–$354) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,224 ($809–$5,055) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$131 ($76–$202) |
| Dental Filling |
$253 ($152–$404) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$46 ($25–$76) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$76 ($51–$121) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$303 ($152–$506) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$76) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$607 ($404–$1,011) |
| Battery Replacement |
$202 ($101–$354) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$101 ($61–$152) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$91 ($51–$142) |
| HVAC Repair |
$404 ($152–$809) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,077 ($4,044–$12,132) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,011 ($404–$2,022) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,099 ($5,561–$15,165) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,517 ($506–$3,539) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,165 ($5,055–$30,330) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,055 ($2,022–$10,110) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,517 ($809–$3,033) |
| Will Preparation |
$506 ($202–$1,011) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,528 ($1,011–$5,055) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$46) |
| Women's Haircut |
$56 ($30–$101) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$152 ($76–$253) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$46) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$66) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$81 ($51–$131) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.15 ($3.03–$5.56) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.54 ($2.53–$5.06) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.84 ($2.53–$5.56) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.55 ($3.03–$6.57) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.56 ($4.04–$7.58) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.01 ($0.61–$1.82) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$142 ($81–$253) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$71 ($30–$152) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$71 ($40–$121) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$71 ($40–$101) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$66 ($30–$101) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$86 ($51–$152) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$202 ($76–$506) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,022 ($1,213–$3,539) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$71 ($30–$131) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.09–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$101 ($30–$253) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$76) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,213 ($607–$2,528) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,011 ($506–$2,022) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$404 ($202–$708) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$51 ($25–$101) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,011 ($404–$2,528) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,638 ($5,055–$30,330) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$61 ($30–$101) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$101 ($51–$202) |
| Dog Grooming |
$61 ($30–$101) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$76) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$303 ($152–$506) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$202 ($101–$404) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $837 |
| Toddler | $637 |
| Preschool | $585 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $707 |
| Toddler | $609 |
| Preschool | $592 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Charles City
What is the population of Charles City?
Charles City has a population of 36 residents and is located in Virginia. The population density is 13 people per square mile, spread across 2.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 54.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 30.6% female and 69.4% male.
Is Charles City expensive to live in?
Charles City has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 101.1 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $211,875, 182% above the national average of $75,149.
Is Charles City safe?
Charles City is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 376 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,033 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Charles City receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Charles City?
Charles City enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F (16°C). Winter temperatures average 41°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 299 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 50.1 inches, with 3.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Charles City?
The job market in Charles City is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,136. There are 237 business establishments in the area, including 3 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Charles City?
Schools in Charles City have an average test score of 4.8 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 65.2% of adults in Charles City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 31.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Charles City?
The obesity rate in Charles City is 35.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.5% of adults are smokers. 23.0% are physically inactive. 17.6% of residents report depression. 8.6% lack health insurance. 19.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,594.
What are the demographics of Charles City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Charles City is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 36.0% of the population are military veterans. 0.0% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.