Charleston, MO — City Data & Statistics

Median Income $35,139

53% lower than US avg

Home Value $107,700

62% lower than US avg

Violent Crime 996/100K

162% higher than US avg

Bachelor's+ 10.4%

69% lower than US avg

Median Rent $734

37% lower than US avg

Obesity Rate 50.2%

56% higher than US avg

Unemployment 1.9%

47% lower than US avg

Poverty Rate 20.5%

65% higher than US avg

How Charleston Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population4,565

Median Age42.9 yrs

Density951/mi²

Male / Female61% / 39%

Largest GroupWhite 37%

Veterans3.2%

Economy

Median Income$35,139

Per Capita$16,671

Unemployment1.9%

Poverty20.5%

Commute20 min

Housing

A+

Home Value$107,700

Rent$734

OwnershipN/A

Zillow$84,020

Housing Units1,559

Rent Burden51.0%

Crime

Violent996/100K

Property2,397/100K

Murder33.8/100K

Assault743/100K

Burglary456/100K

Health

Obesity50.2%

Uninsured13.6%

Smoking23.2%

Depression21.9%

Heart Disease7.6%

Climate

Avg Temp58°F (14°C)

AQI41 (Good)

Rain48.0 in/yr

Sunny Days249/yr

Elevation325 ft (99 m)

Education

Bachelor's+10.4%

High School+82.3%

Graduate+2.7%

School Score5.51

Community

2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%

Commute20 min

Broadband88.6%

Is Charleston a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Charleston receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Charleston has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Charleston is $35,139, 53% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.9%. The poverty rate of 20.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Charleston is $107,700, 62% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $734 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.1x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.

Safety & Crime

With 996 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern — this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,397 per 100,000, 22% above the national average.

Education

10.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.

Climate & Weather

Charleston enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F. Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 249 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 48.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.

Charleston has a population of 4,565 with a density of 951 people per square mile, spread across 4.8 square miles. The median age is 42.9 years, 10% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 39.3% female and 60.7% male. The city is predominantly Black (55.7%), with 37.3% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.1% of residents. 3.2% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 18.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 89.8% have health insurance coverage.

Population

4,565

Total Population

951

People / sq mi

42.9yrs

Median Age

10% above US avg

4.8mi²

Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 60.7%

Female 39.3%

Race & Ethnicity

Charleston vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only	99.1%
	26% above US avg
Spanish	0.9%
	93% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Charleston vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Charleston is $35,139, which is 53% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $16,671 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 1.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 20.5% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 90.8, below the national baseline of 100 — offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Charleston vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income	$35,139
	53% below US avg
Per Capita Income	$16,671

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment	1.9%
	47% below US avg
Poverty Rate	20.5%
	65% above US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living


Cost of Living	90.80 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time	19.5 min
Drive Alone	78.6%
Public Transit	0.0%
Work from Home	3.9%

Walkability

The median home value in Charleston is $107,700, 62% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $84,020, lower than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $734 (37% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. There are 1,559 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1967. 51.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median	$107,700
	62% below US avg
Zillow ZHVI	$84,020

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent	$734
	37% below US avg
Rent Burden	51.0%

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio	$732
1 Bedroom	$775
2 Bedrooms	$970
3 Bedrooms	$1,265
4 Bedrooms	$1,457

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied	50.8%
Housing Units	1,559
Median Year Built	1967

Property Tax

In Charleston, 50.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 16.0% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.6% of residents, above the national average. 43.8% have high blood pressure. 23.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 14.5% report binge drinking. 40.5% are physically inactive, above the national average. 21.9% report depression. 19.9% experience frequent mental distress. 13.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).

Health Metrics: Charleston vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity	50.2%
	56% above US avg
Diabetes	16.0%
Heart Disease	7.6%
High Blood Pressure	43.8%
Asthma	11.4%
COPD	9.8%
Cancer	6.0%
Stroke	4.7%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking	23.2%
	66% above US avg
Binge Drinking	14.5%
Physical Inactivity	40.5%
Depression	21.9%
Mental Distress	19.9%
Physical Distress	16.7%
Short Sleep	48.1%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate	89.8%
Uninsured	13.6%
	58% above US avg
Checkup Rate	78.3%
Dental Visits	42.4%

Food & Exercise

Charleston has a violent crime rate of 996 per 100,000 residents, 162% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 742.7 per 100,000, robbery at 202.6, rape at 16.9. The murder rate is 33.8 per 100,000 (above the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 2,397 per 100,000, 22% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,857, burglary at 456, vehicle theft at 84 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Charleston receives a safety grade of F.

Crime Rates: Charleston vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Total Violent	996.0/100K
	162% above US avg
Murder	33.8/100K
	436% above US avg
Rape	16.9/100K
Robbery	202.6/100K
Assault	742.7/100K

Property Crime

Total Property	2,397.0/100K
	22% above US avg
Burglary	455.8/100K
Theft	1,856.9/100K
Vehicle Theft	84.4/100K
Arson	50.6/100K

Traffic Safety

Safety Score

Safety Grade	F
Safety Score	1.0 / 5.0

Charleston enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (14°C). Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 249 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 48.0 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 3.1 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 325 feet.

Temperature

33°F Jan (0°C) 80°F Jul (27°C)

Annual Average	57.6°F
	7% above US avg
January Average	33°F (0°C)
July Average	80°F (27°C)
Sunny Days	249 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall	48.0 inches
	26% above US avg
Snowfall	3.1 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median	41.0
Rating	Good

Geography

Elevation	325 ft (99 m)
Area	4.8 sq mi (12.4 km²)
Population Density	951/sq mi
Coordinates	36.9209°N, 89.3506°W
Timezone	America/Chicago

Monthly Weather

Month	Avg Temperature	Precipitation	Summary
January	33°F (0°C)	3.1 in	Coldest
February	37°F (3°C)	3.6 in
March	47°F (9°C)	5.0 in
April	58°F (14°C)	4.7 in
May	67°F (19°C)	5.2 in	Wettest
June	76°F (24°C)	3.8 in
July	80°F (27°C)	3.8 in	Warmest
August	78°F (25°C)	3.5 in
September	71°F (22°C)	3.7 in
October	60°F (16°C)	3.0 in	Driest
November	48°F (9°C)	4.3 in
December	38°F (3°C)	4.5 in

Charleston has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F — from 33°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 48.0 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.2") and October the driest (3.0").

10.4% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 69% below the national average of 33.7%. 82.3% have completed high school. 2.7% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). Area schools have an average test score of 5.5 out of 10. In the 2024 presidential election, the county voted Republican with 76.6% of the vote, a 54.2-point margin. 88.6% of households have broadband internet access. 78.6% of workers drive alone to work.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 76.6%

D 22.4%

Winner: Republican by 54.2 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+	10.4%
	69% below US avg
High School+	82.3%
Graduate Degree+	2.7%
School Test Score	5.51

D Education Grade (1.8/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density	951/sq mi
Total Area	4.8 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access	88.6%

Safety & Disasters

F Safety Grade (1.0/5.0)

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute	19.5 min
Drive Alone	78.6%
Public Transit	0.0%
Work from Home	3.9%

Frequently Asked Questions About Charleston

What is the population of Charleston?

Charleston has a population of 4,565 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 951 people per square mile, spread across 4.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 39.3% female and 60.7% male.

Is Charleston expensive to live in?

Charleston is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.8 — below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $35,139, 53% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $107,700 (62% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $734 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

Is Charleston safe?

Public safety is a concern in Charleston, with a violent crime rate of 996 per 100,000 — significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,397 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Charleston receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.

What is the weather like in Charleston?

Charleston enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 33°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 249 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 48.0 inches, with 3.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.

How is the job market in Charleston?

The job market in Charleston is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.9% — well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 3.9% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Charleston?

The median home value in Charleston is $107,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $84,020. For renters, the median monthly rent is $734. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment.

How are the schools in Charleston?

Schools in Charleston score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 10.4% of adults in Charleston hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.3% have completed high school. 2.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is Charleston?

The obesity rate in Charleston is 50.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 23.2% of adults are smokers. 40.5% are physically inactive. 21.9% of residents report depression. 13.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate).

What is transportation like in Charleston?

The average commute in Charleston is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.9% work from home.

What are the demographics of Charleston?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Charleston is 37.3% White, 55.7% Black or African American, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino. 99.1% of residents speak only English at home. 3.2% of the population are military veterans. 18.8% of residents have a disability. 89.8% have health insurance coverage.

Nearby Cities

East Prairie, MO 2,930 pop · 9.9 mi Cairo, IL 1,699 pop · 11.0 mi Sikeston, MO 16,231 pop · 13.5 mi Oran, MO 1,137 pop · 20.3 mi Scott City, MO 4,354 pop · 22.6 mi Chaffee, MO 3,039 pop · 24.5 mi Hickman, KY 2,033 pop · 26.2 mi Clinton, KY 1,246 pop · 26.5 mi Lilbourn, MO 1,021 pop · 27.0 mi Cape Girardeau, MO 40,047 pop · 28.2 mi New Madrid, MO 2,720 pop · 30.0 mi Bloomfield, MO 2,011 pop · 32.1 mi Advance, MO 1,549 pop · 33.4 mi Dexter, MO 7,906 pop · 34.7 mi

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