South Charleston, WV
Population 13,594 · West Virginia
About South Charleston, WV
South Charleston is a mid-sized city in West Virginia with a population of 13,594 residents. The median household income is $59,616 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in South Charleston is 41.1 years.
Housing in South Charleston has a median home value of $144,800 and median monthly rent of $857. Of the 6,733 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 4,204 owner-occupied and 1,901 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in South Charleston is 6.3% and the poverty rate is 21.0%. 35.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 18.9 minutes.
How South Charleston Ranks in West Virginia
Cost of Living in South Charleston, WV
Compared to national averages, South Charleston has a median household income of $59,616 (21% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $144,800, which is 41% below the national median. Monthly rent at $857 is 26% below the US average of $1,163. Within West Virginia, South Charleston's income is 10% above the state average of $54,014, and home values are 13% above the state median of $128,301.
Why Live in South Charleston, WV?
South Charleston offers affordable housing with a median home value of $144,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $857/month, and a well-educated community where 35.3% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 18.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($59,616) that falls below the national average. However, South Charleston’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
South Charleston has a population of 13,594 with a median age of 41.1 years. Compare South Charleston with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in West Virginia.
Similar Cities Near South Charleston
Cities in West Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teays Valley | 13,961 | $106,798 | $271,900 | Compare |
| Clarksburg | 15,829 | $46,859 | $114,600 | Compare |
| St. Albans | 10,637 | $58,788 | $131,800 | Compare |
| Vienna | 10,575 | $65,211 | $155,500 | Compare |
| Cheat Lake | 10,485 | $111,379 | $345,500 | Compare |
| Beckley | 16,977 | $39,939 | $148,800 | Compare |
| Cross Lanes | 10,172 | $62,704 | $144,000 | Compare |
| Bluefield | 9,511 | $43,826 | $101,000 | 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 South Charleston
What is the population of South Charleston, WV?
The population of South Charleston, WV is 13,594 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in South Charleston?
The median household income in South Charleston, WV is $59,616 per year.
What is the median home value in South Charleston?
The median home value in South Charleston, WV is $144,800.
What is the average rent in South Charleston?
The median monthly rent in South Charleston, WV is $857.
What is the unemployment rate in South Charleston?
The unemployment rate in South Charleston, WV is 6.3%.