South Charleston, WV
Population 13,594 · West Virginia
About South Charleston, WV
South Charleston is a mid-sized city located in West Virginia with a population of 13,594 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $59,616 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in South Charleston features a median home value of $144,800, which is 41% below the national median of $244,900. This makes South Charleston one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $857, 26% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,733 total housing units, 69% are owner-occupied (4,204 units) and 31% are renter-occupied (1,901 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in South 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 21.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in South Charleston have an average one-way commute time of 18.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
35.3% of South Charleston 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 0.9% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.3% Asian residents, with 1.5% of the population being foreign-born.
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.
Compare South Charleston With Other Cities
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 US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in West Virginia.
What is the median household income in South Charleston?
The median household income in South Charleston, WV is $59,616 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in South Charleston?
The median home value in South Charleston, WV is $144,800, which is 41% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in South Charleston?
The median monthly rent in South Charleston, WV is $857, which is 26% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in South Charleston?
The unemployment rate in South 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 South Charleston, WV a good place to live?
South Charleston offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 13,594 and a median age of 41.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is South Charleston, WV?
35.3% of residents in South 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 South Charleston?
Key cost-of-living indicators for South Charleston, WV: median home value is $144,800 (41% below national), median rent is $857/month, and median household income is $59,616. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in South Charleston?
The poverty rate in South Charleston, WV is 21.0%, 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 South Charleston, WV?
South Charleston's population is 0.9% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, and 7.4% two or more races. 1.5% of residents are foreign-born.