Charleston, TN
Population 816 · Tennessee
About Charleston, TN
Charleston is a small community located in Tennessee with a population of 816 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $72,208 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 48.6 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 Charleston features a median home value of $185,000, which is 24% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Charleston in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $871, 25% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 419 total housing units, 79% are owner-occupied (280 units) and 21% are renter-occupied (75 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Charleston shows an unemployment rate of 1.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 7.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Charleston have an average one-way commute time of 26 minutes.
Education & Demographics
9.6% 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 1.3% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.5% Asian residents, with 0.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Charleston Ranks in Tennessee
Cost of Living in Charleston, TN
Compared to national averages, Charleston has a median household income of $72,208 (4% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $185,000, which is 24% below the national median. Monthly rent at $871 is 25% below the US average of $1,163. Within Tennessee, Charleston's income is 15% above the state average of $62,849, and home values are 14% below the state median of $214,371.
Why Live in Charleston, TN?
Charleston offers affordable housing with a median home value of $185,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $871/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.6%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 7.0%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($72,208) 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 816 with a median age of 48.6 years. Compare Charleston with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Tennessee.
Similar Cities Near Charleston
Cities in Tennessee with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morrison | 810 | $34,236 | $160,700 | Compare |
| Mooresburg | 829 | $36,875 | $166,700 | Compare |
| Crab Orchard | 834 | $44,708 | $137,900 | Compare |
| Summertown | 793 | $82,695 | $196,300 | Compare |
| St. Joseph | 788 | $46,786 | $121,900 | Compare |
| Sunbright | 785 | $56,058 | $130,000 | Compare |
| Baneberry | 783 | $84,583 | $350,700 | Compare |
| Moscow | 850 | $44,750 | $154,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Tennessee
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, TN?
The population of Charleston, TN is 816 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Tennessee.
What is the median household income in Charleston?
The median household income in Charleston, TN is $72,208 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Charleston?
The median home value in Charleston, TN is $185,000, which is 24% 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, TN is $871, which is 25% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Charleston?
The unemployment rate in Charleston, TN is 1.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Charleston, TN a good place to live?
Charleston offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 816 and a median age of 48.6, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Charleston, TN?
9.6% 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, TN: median home value is $185,000 (24% below national), median rent is $871/month, and median household income is $72,208. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Charleston?
The poverty rate in Charleston, TN is 7.0%, 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, TN?
Charleston's population is 1.3% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.5% Asian, and 13.8% two or more races. 0.9% of residents are foreign-born.