Charles Town, WV
Population 6,854 · West Virginia
About Charles Town, WV
Charles Town is a small town located in West Virginia with a population of 6,854 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $94,830 per year, which is 26% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Charles Town features a median home value of $359,500, which is 47% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Charles Town in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,086, 7% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,741 total housing units, 74% are owner-occupied (1,866 units) and 26% are renter-occupied (665 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Charles Town shows an unemployment rate of 5.5%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 7.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Charles Town have an average one-way commute time of 40 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
38.1% of Charles Town residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 3.4% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 2.0% Black or African American, and 5.4% Asian residents, with 6.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Charles Town Ranks in West Virginia
Cost of Living in Charles Town, WV
Compared to national averages, Charles Town has a median household income of $94,830 (26% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $359,500, which is 47% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,086 is 7% below the US average of $1,163. Within West Virginia, Charles Town's income is 76% above the state average of $54,014, and home values are 180% above the state median of $128,301.
Why Live in Charles Town, WV?
Charles Town offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $94,830, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,086/month, and a well-educated community where 38.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 7.4%, better than the national average.
Charles Town has a population of 6,854 with a median age of 38.5 years. Compare Charles Town with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in West Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Charles Town
Cities in West Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elkins | 6,875 | $47,746 | $130,500 | Compare |
| Hurricane | 6,891 | $67,083 | $190,400 | Compare |
| Nitro | 6,941 | $52,247 | $120,400 | Compare |
| Pea Ridge | 7,188 | $67,708 | $186,900 | Compare |
| Brookhaven | 6,465 | $84,962 | $254,500 | Compare |
| Dunbar | 7,340 | $54,647 | $121,100 | Compare |
| Princeton | 5,780 | $44,428 | $115,800 | Compare |
| Moundsville | 7,934 | $48,590 | $108,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in West Virginia
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Charles Town With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Charles Town
What is the population of Charles Town, WV?
The population of Charles Town, WV is 6,854 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in West Virginia.
What is the median household income in Charles Town?
The median household income in Charles Town, WV is $94,830 per year, which is 26% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Charles Town?
The median home value in Charles Town, WV is $359,500, which is 47% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Charles Town?
The median monthly rent in Charles Town, WV is $1,086, which is 7% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Charles Town?
The unemployment rate in Charles Town, WV is 5.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Charles Town, WV a good place to live?
Charles Town offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 6,854 and a median age of 38.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Charles Town, WV?
38.1% of residents in Charles Town 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 Charles Town?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Charles Town, WV: median home value is $359,500 (47% above national), median rent is $1,086/month, and median household income is $94,830. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Charles Town?
The poverty rate in Charles Town, WV is 7.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Charles Town, WV?
Charles Town's population is 3.4% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 2.0% Black or African American, 5.4% Asian, and 12.1% two or more races. 6.6% of residents are foreign-born.