Charleston, SC
Population 152,014 · South Carolina
About Charleston, SC
Charleston is a major city located in South Carolina with a population of 152,014 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $90,038 per year, which is 20% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.1 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 $469,100, which is 92% above the national median of $244,900. This places Charleston in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,632, 40% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 75,826 total housing units, 56% are owner-occupied (36,929 units) and 44% are renter-occupied (29,479 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 3.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 12.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Charleston have an average one-way commute time of 23.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
57.7% of Charleston residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 2.6% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, and 2.4% Asian residents, with 5.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Charleston Ranks in South Carolina
Cost of Living in Charleston, SC
Compared to national averages, Charleston has a median household income of $90,038 (20% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $469,100, which is 92% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,632 is 40% above the US average of $1,163. Within South Carolina, Charleston's income is 53% above the state average of $58,738, and home values are 132% above the state median of $202,187.
Why Live in Charleston, SC?
Charleston offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $90,038, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.4%, and a well-educated community where 57.7% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 12.0%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 23.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $469,100. However, as a major city, Charleston provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Charleston has a population of 152,014 with a median age of 36.1 years. Compare Charleston with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Charleston
Cities in South Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia | 138,019 | $55,653 | $243,500 | Compare |
| North Charleston | 117,460 | $62,789 | $267,700 | Compare |
| Mount Pleasant | 92,662 | $121,364 | $667,100 | Compare |
| Rock Hill | 74,769 | $64,770 | $267,400 | Compare |
| Greenville | 71,755 | $68,460 | $453,300 | Compare |
| Summerville | 51,262 | $78,621 | $295,700 | Compare |
| Goose Creek | 46,964 | $87,437 | $279,500 | Compare |
| Sumter | 43,065 | $53,071 | $188,400 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in South Carolina
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, SC?
The population of Charleston, SC is 152,014 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in South Carolina.
What is the median household income in Charleston?
The median household income in Charleston, SC is $90,038 per year, which is 20% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Charleston?
The median home value in Charleston, SC is $469,100, which is 92% above 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, SC is $1,632, which is 40% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Charleston?
The unemployment rate in Charleston, SC is 3.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Charleston, SC a good place to live?
Charleston offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 152,014 and a median age of 36.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Charleston, SC?
57.7% of residents in Charleston aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Charleston?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Charleston, SC: median home value is $469,100 (92% above national), median rent is $1,632/month, and median household income is $90,038. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.2x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Charleston?
The poverty rate in Charleston, SC is 12.0%, 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, SC?
Charleston's population is 2.6% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, 2.4% Asian, and 17.3% two or more races. 5.4% of residents are foreign-born.