At a Glance
Median Income
$90,038
$58,583 per capita
Home Value
$469,100
Zillow: $591,821
Median Rent
$1,632/mo
31.4% of income on rent
Violent Crime
359/100K
2,035/100K property
Bachelor's Degree+
57.7%
95.9% high school+
Unemployment
3.4%
6.3% poverty rate
Obesity Rate
29.4%
9.9% 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+
3.6 / 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 $90,038 , which is 20% above the national average of $75,149.
Per capita income is $58,583. The unemployment rate stands at 3.4% (6% below the U.S. rate of 3.6%). 6.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The area is home to 22,449 business establishments, including 1,560 restaurants.
Housing & Cost of Living
The median home value in Charleston is $469,100 , 66% above the national median of $281,900.
Zillow estimates the typical home at $591,821. Median rent is $1,632/month, with 31.4% of renters spending more than 30% of income on housing. The cost of living index is 93.7 (100 = national average). The median home was built in 1992.
Safety & Crime
Charleston reports 359 violent crimes per 100,000 residents
, which is 6% below the national average of 380/100K.
Property crime is 2,035/100K. The murder rate is 4.5/100K.
Education
57.7% of adults in Charleston hold a bachelor's degree or higher
(71% above the national average).
95.9% have completed high school. Local schools score 5.4/10 in standardized testing.
Climate & Weather
Charleston has an average annual temperature of 67°F (20°C).
Winters average 51°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 44.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Data Overview
People
Population152,014
Median Age36.1 yrs
Density1,319/mi²
Male / Female48% / 53%
Foreign Born5.4%
Veterans6.8%
Economy
A+
Median Income$90,038
Per Capita$58,583
Unemployment3.4%
Poverty6.3%
County GDP$50,462M
Avg Weekly Wage$1,313
Housing
B+
Home Value$469,100
Rent$1,632
Ownership55.6%
Zillow$591,821
Housing Units74,788
Rent Burden31.4%
Crime
F
Violent359/100K
Property2,035/100K
Murder4.5/100K
Assault283/100K
Burglary140/100K
Health
Obesity29.4%
Diabetes9.5%
Smoking9.9%
Heart Disease4.5%
Premature Death8,317/100K
Climate
Avg Temp67°F
Rain44.3 in/yr
AQI43 (Good)
Elevation3 ft
Education
A+
Bachelor's+57.7%
High School+95.9%
Graduate+22.2%
School Score5.4/10
Community
2024 VoteR 46% / D 52%
Commute24 min
Broadband91.1%
Internet Speed199 Mbps
EV Stations74
Libraries18
Did You Know?
Charleston was founded in 1670.
The median home in Charleston was built in 1992.
17.6% work from home.
The nearest airport is Charleston Afb/International (6 miles).
The Gini coefficient (income inequality) is 0.514 (U.S. avg: 0.490).
Natural hazard risk is rated "Relatively High" by FEMA.
9.7% of the population has a disability.
Average internet download speed is 199 Mbps.
There are 1,560 restaurants in the area.
The county recorded 57 fatal vehicle crashes.