Living in South Charleston, West Virginia
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of South Charleston · Census data 2020–2024
South Charleston has 13,457 residents with a median age of 41.7. The median household income is $63,884 (7% higher than the West Virginia median), the median home value is $155,400, the median rent is $844/month.
South Charleston at a glance
- Population
- 13,457
- Median age
- 41.7State: 42.7
- Median household income
- $63,884State: $59,608
- Median home value
- $155,400State: $162,600
- Median rent
- $844/moState: $872
- Homeowners
- 70.6%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 37.8%
- Average commute
- 19 min
Is South Charleston a good place to live?
Pros: Median household income 7% higher than the West Virginia median; home values 4% lower than the state median; an average commute of 19 minutes.
Cons: Unemployment of 7%; a poverty rate of 16.9%.
The weather is best in May and August to October.
Cost of living in South Charleston
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In South Charleston the median home value is $155,400, 53% lower than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $844 per month, which is 30.7% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $1,189 a month in housing costs.
South Charleston median household income
The median household income in South Charleston is $63,884 and the income per person is $37,767. 16.9% of residents live below the poverty line (West Virginia: 16.7%).
Housing in South Charleston: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 6,970
- Owner-occupied
- 70.6%
- Renter-occupied
- 29.4%
- Vacant
- 11.2%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1958
- Average household size
- 2.17
South Charleston demographics
- Population
- 13,457
- Median age
- 41.7
- Under 18
- 20.4%
- 65 and older
- 21.4%
- Households
- 6,189
- Foreign-born
- 1.4%
- Veterans
- 4.9%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of South Charleston ›
Education in South Charleston
37.8% of adults 25 and older in South Charleston have a bachelor's degree or higher (West Virginia: 24.1%), and 14.2% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in South Charleston
- Unemployment rate
- 7%State: 5.4%
- Average commute
- 19 minState: 27 min
- Work from home
- 8.9%
- Drive alone
- 76.1%
- Public transit
- 2.2%
- Walk to work
- 2.2%
- Homes with broadband
- 87%
South Charleston vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Charleston | 13,457 | $63,884 | $155,400 | $844 |
| Dunbar | 7,254 | $58,379 | $119,600 | $935 |
| West Dunbar | 425 | $27,500 | $84,700 | $784 |
| Institute | 521 | $42,315 | — | $1,000 |
| Charleston | 47,421 | $65,812 | $203,300 | $908 |
| Jefferson | 534 | $39,861 | $73,800 | $636 |
| St. Albans | 10,522 | $53,972 | $140,800 | $931 |
| Nitro | 6,853 | $53,848 | $128,900 | $949 |
| Cross Lanes | 9,671 | $63,537 | $153,800 | $949 |
More for people moving to South Charleston
South Charleston ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in South Charleston: FAQ
What is the median household income in South Charleston, WV?
The median household income in South Charleston is $63,884, 7% higher than the West Virginia median of $59,608 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in South Charleston?
The median home value in South Charleston is $155,400, compared with $162,600 in West Virginia.
How much is rent in South Charleston?
The median gross rent in South Charleston is $844 per month, about 30.7% of household income.
Is South Charleston, WV a good place to live?
Pluses: median household income 7% higher than the West Virginia median; home values 4% lower than the state median; an average commute of 19 minutes. Minuses: unemployment of 7%; a poverty rate of 16.9%.
What is the median age in South Charleston?
The median age in South Charleston is 41.7 years (West Virginia: 42.7).
How long is the commute in South Charleston?
The average commute to work in South Charleston is 19 minutes; 8.9% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in South Charleston?
The unemployment rate in South Charleston is 7% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is South Charleston?
37.8% of adults in South 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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