Charleston, AR
Population 2,611 · Arkansas
About Charleston, AR
Charleston is a small town located in Arkansas with a population of 2,611 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $60,058 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.7 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Charleston features a median home value of $116,500, which is 52% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Charleston one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $738, 37% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,189 total housing units, 72% are owner-occupied (794 units) and 28% are renter-occupied (312 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Charleston shows an unemployment rate of 4.2%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 9.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Charleston have an average one-way commute time of 32 minutes.
Education & Demographics
22.7% of Charleston residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Charleston, AR
Compared to national averages, Charleston has a median household income of $60,058 (20% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $116,500, which is 52% below the national median. Monthly rent at $738 is 37% below the US average of $1,163. Within Arkansas, Charleston's income is 15% above the state average of $52,241, and home values are 7% below the state median of $125,457.
Why Live in Charleston, AR?
Charleston offers affordable housing with a median home value of $116,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $738/month, and a low poverty rate of 9.1%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($60,058) that falls below the national average. However, Charleston’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Charleston has a population of 2,611 with a median age of 40.7 years. Compare Charleston with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Arkansas.
Similar Cities Near Charleston
Cities in Arkansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hoxie | 2,623 | $35,234 | $83,000 | Compare |
| North Crossett | 2,583 | $38,750 | $74,600 | Compare |
| Bono | 2,575 | $46,897 | $143,100 | Compare |
| Harrisburg | 2,574 | $52,077 | $112,700 | Compare |
| Brinkley | 2,651 | $38,285 | $84,000 | Compare |
| England | 2,568 | $47,379 | $92,600 | Compare |
| Bald Knob | 2,545 | $49,107 | $136,500 | Compare |
| Clinton | 2,506 | $41,447 | $121,300 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Arkansas
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Charleston With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Charleston
What is the population of Charleston, AR?
The population of Charleston, AR is 2,611 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Arkansas.
What is the median household income in Charleston?
The median household income in Charleston, AR is $60,058 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Charleston?
The median home value in Charleston, AR is $116,500, which is 52% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Charleston?
The median monthly rent in Charleston, AR is $738, which is 37% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Charleston?
The unemployment rate in Charleston, AR is 4.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Charleston, AR a good place to live?
Charleston offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,611 and a median age of 40.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Charleston, AR?
22.7% of residents in Charleston aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Charleston?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Charleston, AR: median home value is $116,500 (52% below national), median rent is $738/month, and median household income is $60,058. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Charleston?
The poverty rate in Charleston, AR is 9.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Charleston, AR?
Charleston's population is 0.0% White, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.7% two or more races. 1.4% of residents are foreign-born.