West Virginia · Metropolitan Area
Charleston is a mid-size city in West Virginia with a population of 47,918. Residents earn $64,512 per year, which is 14% below the national average.
Based on current data, Charleston receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include a highly educated population, affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, high obesity rates. Charleston offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
The median household income in Charleston is $64,512, 14% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.7%, indicating a healthy job market. 11.7% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
The median home value in Charleston is $187,300, 34% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $898 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
With 1,227 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 6,561 per 100,000, 235% above the national average.
Educational attainment is solid, with 44.1% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 92.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.8/10.
Charleston enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 46.2 inches, including 31.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
| English Only | 95.1% |
| 21% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 4.9% |
| 63% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $64,512 |
| 14% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $45,967 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,192 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $70,301 |
| Unemployment | 3.7% |
| 3% above US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 11.7% |
| 6% below US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 6,860 |
| County GDP | $14,448M |
| Restaurants | 428 |
| Healthcare | 645 |
| Retail | 626 |
| Manufacturing | 94 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,391 |
| 3% below US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.81% |
| Commute Time | 17.9 min |
| Work from Home | 11.2% |
| Census Median | $187,300 |
| 34% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $158,399 |
| Median List Price | $182,250 |
| Median List Price | $182,250 |
| $/Sq Ft | $99 |
| Homes Sold | 25 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 95.3% |
| Price Drops | 23.1% |
| Inventory | 121 |
| Census Median Rent | $898 |
| 23% below US avg | |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,193 |
| Studio | $714 |
| 1 Bedroom | $766 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $945 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,231 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
| Owner-Occupied | 62.8% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,391 |
| 3% below US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 1.81% |
| Obesity | 40.1% |
| 25% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 12.8% |
| Heart Disease | 6.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 40.2% |
| Asthma | 12.1% |
| COPD | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
| Binge Drinking | 16.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.1% |
| Depression | 30.5% |
| Mental Distress | 21.9% |
| Physical Distress | 14.5% |
| Insurance Rate | 94.8% |
| Checkup Rate | 80.1% |
| Premature Death | 14,979/100K |
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 70.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 645 |
| Total Violent | 1,227.0/100K |
| 223% above US avg | |
| Murder | 17.8/100K |
| 182% above US avg | |
| Rape | 94.7/100K |
| Robbery | 234.8/100K |
| Assault | 879.8/100K |
| Total Property | 6,561.1/100K |
| 235% above US avg | |
| Burglary | 1,357.2/100K |
| Theft | 4,925.7/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 278.1/100K |
| Arson | 49.3/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 20 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 56.2°F |
| 4% above US avg | |
| January Average | 35°F (2°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 46.2 inches |
| 22% above US avg | |
| Snowfall | 31.5 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 604 ft (184 m) |
| Area | 31.4 sq mi (81.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,526/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.3487°N, 81.6323°W |
| County FIPS | 54039 |
Winner: Republican by 17.4 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 44.1% |
| 31% above US avg | |
| High School+ | 92.1% |
| School Test Score | 4.81 |
| RUCC Code 3 | Metro — under 250K |
| Population Density | 1,526/sq mi |
| Total Area | 31.4 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 11 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 14 |
| Public Libraries | 13 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 645 |
| Restaurants | 428 |
| Retail Stores | 626 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 20 |
| Avg Commute | 17.9 min |
| Work from Home | 11.2% |