Charleston, WV
Population 47,918 · West Virginia
About Charleston, WV
Charleston is a mid-sized city in West Virginia with a population of 47,918 residents. The median household income is $64,512 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Charleston is 42.6 years.
Housing in Charleston has a median home value of $187,300 and median monthly rent of $898. Of the 25,586 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 13,327 owner-occupied and 7,910 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Charleston is 6.3% and the poverty rate is 16.5%. 44.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 17.9 minutes.
How Charleston Ranks in West Virginia
Cost of Living in Charleston, WV
Compared to national averages, Charleston has a median household income of $64,512 (14% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $187,300, which is 24% below the national median. Monthly rent at $898 is 23% below the US average of $1,163. Within West Virginia, Charleston's income is 19% above the state average of $54,014, and home values are 46% above the state median of $128,301.
Why Live in Charleston, WV?
Charleston offers affordable housing with a median home value of $187,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $898/month, and a well-educated community where 44.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 17.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($64,512) 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 47,918 with a median age of 42.6 years. Compare Charleston with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in West Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Charleston
Cities in West Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Huntington | 46,189 | $43,146 | $118,800 | Compare |
| Morgantown | 30,273 | $42,245 | $238,200 | Compare |
| Parkersburg | 29,461 | $44,675 | $113,900 | Compare |
| Wheeling | 26,670 | $48,498 | $142,500 | Compare |
| Martinsburg | 18,805 | $54,590 | $231,900 | Compare |
| Weirton | 18,785 | $56,699 | $122,800 | Compare |
| Fairmont | 18,303 | $60,791 | $159,100 | Compare |
| Beckley | 16,977 | $39,939 | $148,800 | 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Charleston
What is the population of Charleston, WV?
The population of Charleston, WV is 47,918 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Charleston?
The median household income in Charleston, WV is $64,512 per year.
What is the median home value in Charleston?
The median home value in Charleston, WV is $187,300.
What is the average rent in Charleston?
The median monthly rent in Charleston, WV is $898.
What is the unemployment rate in Charleston?
The unemployment rate in Charleston, WV is 6.3%.