Charleston, MS
Population 2,301 · Mississippi
About Charleston, MS
Charleston is a small town located in Mississippi with a population of 2,301 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $37,351 per year, which is 50% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 33.1 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Charleston features a median home value of $87,700, which is 64% 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 $628, 46% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 937 total housing units, 57% are owner-occupied (449 units) and 43% are renter-occupied (337 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Charleston shows an unemployment rate of 16.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 32.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Charleston have an average one-way commute time of 19 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
21.5% 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 0.2% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 0.3% Asian residents, with 0.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Charleston, MS
Compared to national averages, Charleston has a median household income of $37,351 (50% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $87,700, which is 64% below the national median. Monthly rent at $628 is 46% below the US average of $1,163. Within Mississippi, Charleston's income is 25% below the state average of $49,929, and home values are 30% below the state median of $125,705.
Why Live in Charleston, MS?
Charleston offers affordable housing with a median home value of $87,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $628/month, and short commute times averaging just 19 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($37,351) 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 2,301 with a median age of 33.1 years. Compare Charleston with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Mississippi.
Similar Cities Near Charleston
Cities in Mississippi with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Union | 2,289 | $42,791 | $105,600 | Compare |
| Hollandale | 2,258 | $36,058 | $88,700 | Compare |
| Wesson | 2,346 | $50,987 | $111,700 | Compare |
| Centreville | 2,348 | $47,844 | $57,200 | Compare |
| Sharon | 2,223 | $90,278 | $100,100 | Compare |
| Mendenhall | 2,397 | $39,911 | $102,800 | Compare |
| Flora | 2,399 | $36,453 | $213,700 | Compare |
| Oak Grove | 2,200 | $105,069 | $239,600 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Mississippi
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, MS?
The population of Charleston, MS is 2,301 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Mississippi.
What is the median household income in Charleston?
The median household income in Charleston, MS is $37,351 per year, which is 50% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Charleston?
The median home value in Charleston, MS is $87,700, which is 64% 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, MS is $628, which is 46% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Charleston?
The unemployment rate in Charleston, MS is 16.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Charleston, MS a good place to live?
Charleston offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,301 and a median age of 33.1, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Charleston, MS?
21.5% 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, MS: median home value is $87,700 (64% below national), median rent is $628/month, and median household income is $37,351. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Charleston?
The poverty rate in Charleston, MS is 32.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Charleston, MS?
Charleston's population is 0.2% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, and 71.2% two or more races. 0.3% of residents are foreign-born.