Charleston, WV
Population 47,918 · West Virginia
About Charleston, WV
Charleston is a mid-sized city located in West Virginia with a population of 47,918 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $64,512 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.6 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 $187,300, 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 $898, 23% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 25,586 total housing units, 63% are owner-occupied (13,327 units) and 37% are renter-occupied (7,910 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 6.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 16.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Charleston have an average one-way commute time of 17.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
44.1% 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 0.4% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 1.2% Asian residents, with 3.8% of the population being foreign-born.
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.
Compare Charleston With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Charleston
What is the population of Charleston, WV?
The population of Charleston, WV is 47,918 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in West Virginia.
What is the median household income in Charleston?
The median household income in Charleston, WV is $64,512 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Charleston?
The median home value in Charleston, WV is $187,300, 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, WV is $898, which is 23% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Charleston?
The unemployment rate in Charleston, WV is 6.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Charleston, WV a good place to live?
Charleston offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 47,918 and a median age of 42.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Charleston, WV?
44.1% 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, WV: median home value is $187,300 (24% below national), median rent is $898/month, and median household income is $64,512. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Charleston?
The poverty rate in Charleston, WV is 16.5%, 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 Charleston, WV?
Charleston's population is 0.4% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 1.2% Asian, and 11.8% two or more races. 3.8% of residents are foreign-born.