Median Income
$37,351
50% lower than US avg
Home Value
$87,700
69% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.5%
36% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$628
46% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
47.3%
47% higher than US avg
Unemployment
9.4%
161% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
25.2%
103% higher than US avg
How Charleston Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,301
Median Age33.1 yrs
Density1,692/mi²
Male / Female54% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 26%
Economy
D
Median Income$37,351
Per Capita$20,696
Unemployment9.4%
Poverty25.2%
County GDP$119M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$87,700
Rent$628
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$98,979
Health
Obesity47.3%
UninsuredN/A
Depression19.2%
Heart Disease7.3%
Climate
Avg Temp63°F
AQI43 (Good)
Rain56.7 in/yr
Elevation214 ft
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.5%
High School+77.4%
School Score4.42
Community
2024 VoteR 34% / D 64%
Commute19 min
Libraries1
Is Charleston a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Charleston receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Charleston offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Charleston is $37,351, 50% below the national average of $75,149. At 9.4%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 25.2% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Charleston is $87,700, 69% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $628 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
21.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 77.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Charleston enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F. Winters average 41°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 56.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Charleston has a population of 2,301 with a density of 1,692 people per square mile. The median age is 33.1 years, 15% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly Black (71.2%), with 26.4% White.
Population
33.1yrs
Median Age
15% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Charleston vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 99.6% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Spanish | 0.4% |
| 97% below US avg |
Social Characteristics
Charleston vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Charleston is $37,351, which is 50% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 9.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 25.2% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes.
Income: Charleston vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $37,351 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $20,696 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $683 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $36,476 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 9.4% |
| 161% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 25.2% |
| 103% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 144 |
| County GDP | $119M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 3 |
| Healthcare | 15 |
| Retail | 21 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,263 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.58% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.0 min |
| Work from Home | 16.6% |
The median home value in Charleston is $87,700, 69% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $628 (46% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $98,979.
Home Values
| Census Median | $87,700 |
| 69% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $98,979 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $628 |
| 46% below US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $751 |
| 1 Bedroom | $782 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $924 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,177 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,263 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.58% |
In Charleston, 47.3% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 19.2% report depression. 41.7% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Charleston vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 47.3% |
| 47% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 18.1% |
| Heart Disease | 7.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 49.9% |
| Asthma | 11.6% |
| COPD | 9.5% |
| Stroke | 5.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 11.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 41.7% |
| Depression | 19.2% |
| Mental Distress | 19.8% |
| Physical Distress | 16.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 81.5% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 82.5% |
| Premature Death | 18,894/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 0.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 36.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 15 |
Crime Rates: Charleston vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
Safety Score
Charleston has an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winters average 41°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. Annual precipitation is 56.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Temperature
41°F Jan (5°C)
82°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 62.5°F |
| 16% above US avg |
| January Average | 41°F (5°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 56.7 inches |
| 49% above US avg |
| Snowfall | 0.4 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 214 ft (65 m) |
| Area | 1.4 sq mi (3.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,692/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.0077°N, 90.0552°W |
| County FIPS | 28119 |