Living in Charleston, South Carolina
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Charleston · Census data 2020–2024
Charleston has 154,338 residents with a median age of 36.6. The median household income is $92,414 (33% higher than the South Carolina median), the median home value is $509,700, the median rent is $1,722/month.
Charleston at a glance
- Population
- 154,338
- Median age
- 36.6State: 40.2
- Median household income
- $92,414State: $69,324
- Median home value
- $509,700State: $259,000
- Median rent
- $1,722/moState: $1,180
- Homeowners
- 55.6%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 58.3%
- Average commute
- 24 min
Is Charleston a good place to live?
Pros: Median household income 33% higher than the South Carolina median; an average commute of 24 minutes; unemployment of 3.4%; a poverty rate of 12.3%.
Cons: Home values 97% higher than the state median.
The weather is best in April–May and September–October.
Cost of living in Charleston
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Charleston the median home value is $509,700, 53% higher than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $1,722 per month, which is 32.7% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $2,253 a month in housing costs.
Charleston median household income
The median household income in Charleston is $92,414 and the income per person is $59,875. 12.3% of residents live below the poverty line (South Carolina: 14.1%).
Housing in Charleston: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 77,417
- Owner-occupied
- 55.6%
- Renter-occupied
- 44.4%
- Vacant
- 12.1%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1995
- Average household size
- 2.18
Charleston demographics
- Population
- 154,338
- Median age
- 36.6
- Under 18
- 17.3%
- 65 and older
- 16.4%
- Households
- 68,027
- Foreign-born
- 6%
- Veterans
- 6.8%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Charleston ›
Education in Charleston
58.3% of adults 25 and older in Charleston have a bachelor's degree or higher (South Carolina: 32.1%), and 22.8% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Charleston
- Unemployment rate
- 3.4%State: 4.9%
- Average commute
- 24 minState: 26 min
- Work from home
- 19.4%
- Drive alone
- 66.2%
- Public transit
- 0.7%
- Walk to work
- 3.5%
- Homes with broadband
- 92.8%
Charleston vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston | 154,338 | $92,414 | $509,700 | $1,722 |
| Mount Pleasant | 93,993 | $124,755 | $748,500 | $2,159 |
| James Island | 12,198 | $104,217 | $508,600 | $1,695 |
| Hanahan | 21,452 | $87,984 | $374,800 | $1,412 |
| North Charleston | 119,913 | $62,956 | $302,200 | $1,430 |
| Sullivan's Island | 2,087 | $192,813 | $2,000,001 | $2,375 |
| Folly Beach | 1,267 | $102,279 | $1,000,000 | $1,844 |
| Goose Creek | 48,078 | $88,178 | $306,000 | $1,690 |
| Isle of Palms | 4,362 | $156,979 | $1,581,300 | $2,893 |
More for people moving to Charleston
Charleston ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Charleston: FAQ
What is the median household income in Charleston, SC?
The median household income in Charleston is $92,414, 33% higher than the South Carolina median of $69,324 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in Charleston?
The median home value in Charleston is $509,700, compared with $259,000 in South Carolina.
How much is rent in Charleston?
The median gross rent in Charleston is $1,722 per month, about 32.7% of household income.
Is Charleston, SC a good place to live?
Pluses: median household income 33% higher than the South Carolina median; an average commute of 24 minutes; unemployment of 3.4%; a poverty rate of 12.3%. Minuses: home values 97% higher than the state median.
What is the median age in Charleston?
The median age in Charleston is 36.6 years (South Carolina: 40.2).
How long is the commute in Charleston?
The average commute to work in Charleston is 24 minutes; 19.4% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Charleston?
The unemployment rate in Charleston is 3.4% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Charleston?
58.3% of adults in Charleston have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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