Median Income
$35,139
53% lower than US avg
Home Value
$107,700
62% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
765/100K
101% 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
B
Median Income$35,139
Per Capita$16,671
Unemployment1.9%
Poverty20.5%
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$107,700
Rent$734
Ownership50.8%
Zillow$84,020
Housing Units1,559
Rent Burden51.0%
Crime
F
Violent765/100K
Property1,803/100K
Murder18.2/100K
Assault674/100K
Burglary291/100K
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
D
Bachelor's+10.4%
High School+82.3%
Graduate+2.7%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute20 min
Broadband88.6%
EV Stations1
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 765 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 1,803 per 100,000, near 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 4.9 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
42.9yrs
Median Age
10% above US avg
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.
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 |
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% |
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. 50.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). 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 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
| Homeownership | 50.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 50.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 49.2% |
| 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 765 per 100,000 residents, 101% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 674.0 per 100,000, robbery at 54.6, rape at 18.2. The murder rate is 18.2 per 100,000 (above the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,803 per 100,000, 8% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,384, burglary at 291, vehicle theft at 128 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 | 765.0/100K |
| 101% above US avg |
| Murder | 18.2/100K |
| 189% above US avg |
| Rape | 18.2/100K |
| Robbery | 54.6/100K |
| Assault | 674.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,803.3/100K |
| 8% below US avg |
| Burglary | 291.4/100K |
| Theft | 1,384.3/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 127.5/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
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 |
Geography
| Elevation | 325 ft (99 m) |
| Area | 4.9 sq mi (12.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 951/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.9209°N, 89.3506°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Cairo Regional (CIR)
12 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
48.0"
26% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.16"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Earthquake History
380 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.8. Most recent: M3.1 on Aug 1, 2025.
| Sep 26, 1990 |
4 km SE of Chaffee, Missouri |
M4.8 |
35 km |
| May 4, 1991 |
2 km NNW of Risco, Missouri |
M4.5 |
57 km |
| Feb 5, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Dongola, Illinois |
M4.2 |
52 km |
| May 1, 2005 |
5 km SSE of Manila, Arkansas |
M4.2 |
140 km |
| Jun 6, 2003 |
1 km NE of Bardwell, Kentucky |
M4.0 |
32 km |
| Apr 30, 2003 |
1 km N of Blytheville, Arkansas |
M4.0 |
120 km |
| Jun 2, 2005 |
12 km S of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M4.0 |
86 km |
| Feb 21, 2012 |
4 km SSE of Bertrand, Missouri |
M3.9 |
8 km |
| Nov 29, 1996 |
1 km W of Blytheville, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
122 km |
| May 16, 2024 |
6 km S of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M3.8 |
81 km |
| Mar 2, 2010 |
2 km ENE of East Prairie, Missouri |
M3.7 |
15 km |
| Apr 24, 2019 |
12 km NNW of Dyersburg, Tennessee |
M3.7 |
88 km |
| Oct 15, 2017 |
6 km SE of Manila, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
139 km |
| Jan 16, 2018 |
4 km SW of Caruthersville, Missouri |
M3.6 |
89 km |
| Sep 22, 2011 |
6 km E of Grandin, Missouri |
M3.6 |
125 km |
| Jan 2, 2006 |
3 km NNE of Eldorado, Illinois |
M3.6 |
132 km |
| Jun 20, 2005 |
4 km WSW of Blandville, Kentucky |
M3.6 |
31 km |
| Apr 2, 2015 |
1 km WNW of Cooter, Missouri |
M3.6 |
106 km |
| Mar 15, 2017 |
9 km ESE of Wyatt, Missouri |
M3.6 |
21 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SE of Wyatt, Missouri |
M3.5 |
17 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
588 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 139 fatalities, 1,545 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF4 |
52 km |
57 |
| Sep 22, 2006 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2003 |
EF4 |
48 km |
2 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 29, 1982 |
EF4 |
100 km |
10 |
| Apr 3, 1968 |
EF4 |
99 km |
2 |
| Mar 4, 1964 |
EF4 |
84 km |
3 |
| Dec 18, 1957 |
EF4 |
87 km |
11 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
92 km |
4 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2016 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
46 km |
3 |
| Feb 29, 2012 |
EF3 |
75 km |
1 |
| Sep 22, 2006 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2006 |
EF3 |
99 km |
6 |
| Apr 2, 2006 |
EF3 |
87 km |
2 |
| Apr 2, 2006 |
EF3 |
90 km |
16 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (2,286 ac, 2019).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
2,286 |
91 km |
| 2021 |
RED SHALE UNIT RX |
2,123 |
87 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
1,627 |
54 km |
| 2019 |
ATWOOD RIDGE RX |
1,622 |
54 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
1,510 |
92 km |
| 2021 |
BEATTY BRANCH RX |
1,396 |
91 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
1,334 |
33 km |
| 2024 |
RED SHALE RX |
1,259 |
86 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
1,257 |
44 km |
| 2021 |
OZARK HILL PRAIRIE RX |
1,235 |
44 km |
| 2019 |
KINKAID RX |
1,215 |
99 km |
| 2022 |
KINKAID STATE FISH AND WILDLIFE AREA RX |
1,115 |
99 km |
| 2024 |
PINE HOLLOW RX |
1,038 |
83 km |
| 2021 |
ROCKY BRANCH RX |
1,033 |
89 km |
| 2022 |
BEAN RIDGE RX |
955 |
37 km |
| 2024 |
PLEASANT VALLEY RX |
899 |
90 km |
| 2021 |
MILL CREEK RX |
898 |
77 km |
| 2024 |
HAMPTON NORTH RX |
807 |
90 km |
| 2024 |
DEAN EAST RX |
753 |
81 km |
| 2024 |
COPPEROUS BRANCH RX |
744 |
92 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
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").
Average costs for common services in Charleston. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$227 ($136–$363) |
| Specialist Visit |
$318 ($182–$499) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$182 ($91–$318) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,998 ($726–$4,540) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$118 ($68–$182) |
| Dental Filling |
$227 ($136–$363) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$109) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$272 ($136–$454) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$545 ($363–$908) |
| Battery Replacement |
$182 ($91–$318) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$91 ($54–$136) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$82 ($45–$127) |
| HVAC Repair |
$363 ($136–$726) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,356 ($3,632–$10,896) |
| Roof Repair |
$908 ($363–$1,816) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,172 ($4,994–$13,620) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,362 ($454–$3,178) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,620 ($4,540–$27,240) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,540 ($1,816–$9,080) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,362 ($726–$2,724) |
| Will Preparation |
$454 ($182–$908) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,270 ($908–$4,540) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$91) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$136 ($68–$227) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$73 ($45–$118) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.72 ($2.72–$4.99) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.18 ($2.27–$4.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.45 ($2.27–$4.99) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.09 ($2.72–$5.90) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.99 ($3.63–$6.81) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.91 ($0.54–$1.63) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$127 ($73–$227) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($27–$136) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($36–$109) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($36–$91) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$91) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$136) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$182 ($68–$454) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,816 ($1,090–$3,178) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($27–$118) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.26–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$91 ($27–$227) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,090 ($545–$2,270) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$908 ($454–$1,816) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$363 ($182–$636) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$91) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$908 ($363–$2,270) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,350 ($4,540–$27,240) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$91) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$91 ($45–$182) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$91) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$272 ($136–$454) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$182 ($91–$363) |
View all 9 services
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 4.9 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 765 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 1,803 per 100,000 (below 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. The homeownership rate is 50.8%.
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.
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