Charleston

About Charleston

Charleston is the most populous city in the U.S. state of South Carolina. The city lies just south of the geographical midpoint of South Carolina's coastline on Charleston Harbor, an inlet of the Atlantic Ocean formed by the confluence of the Ashley, Cooper, and Wando rivers. Charleston had a population of 150,227 at the 2020 census, while the Charleston metropolitan area, comprising Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties, has an estimated 870,000 residents. It ranks as the third-most-populous metropolitan area in the state and the 71st-most-populous in the U.S. It is the county seat of Charleston County.

Charleston was founded as Charles Town in 1670 by English colonists, who named it in honor of Charles II of England. Originally established at Albemarle Point on the west bank of the Ashley River (now Charles Towne Landing), the settlement was moved in 1680 to its present location, where it quickly grew to become the fifth-largest city in North America by the 1690s. During the colonial period, Charleston remained unincorporated and was governed by a colonial legislature and a royal governor, with administrative districts and social services organized by Anglican parishes.

The city was renamed Charleston on August 13, 1783, when it was incorporated by the state legislature. Although the state capital was relocated to Columbia in 1788, Charleston remained among the top 10 U.S. cities by population through 1840. A significant part of Charleston's history is its central role in the Atlantic slave trade; local merchants, including Joseph Wragg, helped break the monopoly of the Royal African Company, making Charleston a primary entry point for enslaved Africans. Almost one-half of enslaved people imported to the United States arrived in Charleston. In 2018, the city formally apologized for its role in the American slave trade.

The economy of Charleston is anchored by tourism, port and logistics, aerospace, and information technology. The city is home to the Port of Charleston, one of the busiest in the United States, which significantly contributes to regional trade and economic activity. Boeing and other major employers have established a strong aerospace presence, while its growing tech industry has led to the nickname "Silicon Harbor". Culturally, Charleston is renowned for its well-preserved architecture, historic landmarks, and rich Gullah heritage, alongside vibrant culinary, music, and arts scenes. Popular attractions include the historic City Market, Fort Sumter National Monument, and antebellum homes along the Battery and Rainbow Row.

Text: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0

Charleston weather: 7-day forecast

Source: National Weather Service (NOAA).

Live webcams in Charleston

Webcams: Windy.com

Living in Charleston

Median household income

$92,414

Median home value

$509,700

Median rent

$1,722/mo

Median age

36.6

Map of Charleston

Tap any street on the map to see it in Street View below. Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors.

Charleston Street View

Drag the image to look around and tap the arrows on the ground to move. If it says there is no imagery, tap a nearby street on the map above.

Charleston, SC population

Charleston had 150,227 residents in the 2020 Census.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Decennial Census.

Charleston at a glance

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Gazetteer, ZCTA), USGS GNIS, Wikidata.

Towns near Charleston

• Mount Pleasant6.5 mi E
• James Island6.7 mi S
• Hanahan7.3 mi N
• North Charleston8.2 mi NW
• Sullivan's Island9.1 mi SE
• Folly Beach11.0 mi S
• Goose Creek11.7 mi N
• Isle of Palms12.9 mi E
• Hollywood14.3 mi W
• Ravenel14.4 mi W
• Ladson14.8 mi NW
• Kiawah Island15.5 mi S

Straight-line distance between town centers.

Frequently asked questions about Charleston