At a Glance
Median Income
$60,058
$30,613 per capita
Home Value
$116,500
Zillow: $199,862
Median Rent
$738/mo
24.9% of income on rent
Violent Crime
587/100K
1,175/100K property
Bachelor's Degree+
22.7%
90.8% high school+
Unemployment
4.2%
3.8% poverty rate
Obesity Rate
37.2%
16.8% smoking rate
How Charleston Compares to the U.S. Average
Each bar shows Charleston's value as a percentage of the national average (100% = U.S. avg)
Thin vertical line = U.S. national average (100%)
Is Charleston a Good Place to Live?
B
3.2 / 5.0 - Good
Based on economy, affordability, safety, and education metrics compared to national averages.
Economy & Jobs
Charleston residents earn a median household income of $60,058 , which is 20% below the national average of $75,149.
Per capita income is $30,613. The unemployment rate stands at 4.2% (17% above the U.S. rate of 3.6%). 3.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The area is home to 3,751 business establishments, including 302 restaurants.
Housing & Cost of Living
The median home value in Charleston is $116,500 , 59% below the national median of $281,900.
Zillow estimates the typical home at $199,862. Median rent is $738/month, with 24.9% of renters spending more than 30% of income on housing. The cost of living index is 86.9 (100 = national average). The median home was built in 1978.
Safety & Crime
Charleston reports 587 violent crimes per 100,000 residents
, which is 55% above the national average of 380/100K.
Property crime is 1,175/100K.
Education
22.7% of adults in Charleston hold a bachelor's degree or higher
(33% below the national average).
90.8% have completed high school. Local schools score 5.3/10 in standardized testing.
Climate & Weather
Charleston has an average annual temperature of 62°F (17°C).
Winters average 40°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 48.3 inches.
Data Overview
People
Population2,611
Median Age40.7 yrs
Density682/mi²
Male / Female46% / 55%
Foreign Born1.4%
Veterans9.1%
Economy
B+
Median Income$60,058
Per Capita$30,613
Unemployment4.2%
Poverty3.8%
County GDP$9,255M
Avg Weekly Wage$1,061
Housing
A+
Home Value$116,500
Rent$738
Ownership71.8%
Zillow$199,862
Housing Units1,071
Rent Burden24.9%
Crime
F
Violent587/100K
Property1,175/100K
Health
Obesity37.2%
Diabetes10.2%
Smoking16.8%
Heart Disease6.2%
Premature Death11,659/100K
Climate
Avg Temp62°F
Rain48.3 in/yr
Elevation500 ft
Education
C+
Bachelor's+22.7%
High School+90.8%
Graduate+5.8%
School Score5.3/10
Community
2024 VoteR 68% / D 30%
Commute32 min
Broadband82.8%
Internet Speed154 Mbps
EV Stations1
Libraries7
Did You Know?
Charleston was founded in 1870.
The median home in Charleston was built in 1978.
The nearest airport is Fort Smith Regional (20 miles).
The Gini coefficient (income inequality) is 0.504 (U.S. avg: 0.490).
Natural hazard risk is rated "Relatively Moderate" by FEMA.
16.9% of the population has a disability.
Average internet download speed is 154 Mbps.
There are 302 restaurants in the area.
The county recorded 19 fatal vehicle crashes.