South Charleston, OH
Population 1,655 · Ohio
About South Charleston, OH
South Charleston is a small town located in Ohio with a population of 1,655 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $50,952 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in South Charleston features a median home value of $131,500, which is 46% below the national median of $244,900. This makes South Charleston one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $700, 40% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 842 total housing units, 53% are owner-occupied (426 units) and 47% are renter-occupied (382 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in South Charleston shows an unemployment rate of 2.9%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 17.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in South Charleston have an average one-way commute time of 21.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
17.1% of South 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 4.4% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in South Charleston, OH
Compared to national averages, South Charleston has a median household income of $50,952 (32% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $131,500, which is 46% below the national median. Monthly rent at $700 is 40% below the US average of $1,163. Within Ohio, South Charleston's income is 29% below the state average of $71,814, and home values are 25% below the state median of $174,449.
Why Live in South Charleston, OH?
South Charleston offers affordable housing with a median home value of $131,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $700/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.9%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 21.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($50,952) that falls below the national average. However, South Charleston’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
South Charleston has a population of 1,655 with a median age of 42 years. Compare South Charleston with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Ohio.
Similar Cities Near South Charleston
Cities in Ohio with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Industry | 1,653 | $44,899 | $122,000 | Compare |
| Bolindale | 1,652 | $46,875 | $91,900 | Compare |
| Drexel | 1,659 | $43,691 | $58,700 | Compare |
| Plymouth | 1,649 | $62,054 | $100,400 | Compare |
| Oak Hill | 1,646 | $42,857 | $86,900 | Compare |
| Harbor Hills | 1,639 | $87,396 | $431,000 | Compare |
| Bremen | 1,676 | $61,250 | $156,400 | Compare |
| Burton | 1,634 | $66,058 | $206,600 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Ohio
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare South Charleston With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about South Charleston
What is the population of South Charleston, OH?
The population of South Charleston, OH is 1,655 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Ohio.
What is the median household income in South Charleston?
The median household income in South Charleston, OH is $50,952 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in South Charleston?
The median home value in South Charleston, OH is $131,500, which is 46% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in South Charleston?
The median monthly rent in South Charleston, OH is $700, which is 40% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in South Charleston?
The unemployment rate in South Charleston, OH is 2.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is South Charleston, OH a good place to live?
South Charleston offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,655 and a median age of 42, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is South Charleston, OH?
17.1% of residents in South 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 South Charleston?
Key cost-of-living indicators for South Charleston, OH: median home value is $131,500 (46% below national), median rent is $700/month, and median household income is $50,952. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in South Charleston?
The poverty rate in South Charleston, OH is 17.9%, 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 South Charleston, OH?
South Charleston's population is 4.4% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 1.6% two or more races. 1.6% of residents are foreign-born.