Charleston, MO demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
4,482
-1.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$33,952/yr
-3.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,571
6.4% year-over-year change

Charleston population

How many people live in Charleston

Charleston is home to 4,482 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 58.5% of Charleston locals are male, and 41.5% are female.

Total population
4,482
-1.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
58.5%
2,623
Female
41.5%
1,859
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,623 58.5% -5.4%
Female 1,859 41.5% 3.7%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Charleston is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.4% are children under 15, then 10.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 28.7% of the population, while another 28% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 14.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
41.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.4%
15 to 24
10.3%
25 to 44
28.7%
45 to 64
28%
Over 65
14.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 823 18.4% 17.6%
15 to 24 462 10.3% -9.9%
25 to 44 1,285 28.7% -5.8%
45 to 64 1,256 28% -7.9%
Over 65 656 14.6% 5.1%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Charleston, 99.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 43.4% of locals are Caucasian, 45.2% are African American and 1.4% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 9.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.4%
Non-citizens
0.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 4,448 99.2% -1.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 18 0.4% -5.3%
Non-citizens 16 0.4% 14.3%
Racial breakdown
White
43.4%
Black or African American
45.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
1.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
9.9%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 1,946 43.4%
Black or African American 2,028 45.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 2 0%
Asian 62 1.4%
Two or more races 444 9.9%

Households in Charleston

A peek inside Charleston households

Charleston has 1,313 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 57.9% are families, while the remaining 42.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,313
-0.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
553
Family households
760
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 553 42.1% -2.5%
Family households 760 57.9% 1.7%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Charleston

The housing landscape of Charleston

Charleston's housing consists of 1,571 units, with 70.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.5% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,571
6.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,108 70.5%
1 unit, attached 24 1.5%
2 units 232 14.8%
3 or 4 units 106 6.8%
5 to 9 units 4 0.2%
10 to 19 units 18 1.2%
Mobile home 79 5%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Charleston

In Charleston, the median construction year is 1969. About 13.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 10.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 212 13.5% 24.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 166 10.6% 16.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 136 8.7% -14.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 294 18.7% 5.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 317 20.2% 5.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 343 21.8% 17.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 63 4% -20.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 40 2.6% -25.9%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Charleston occupancy rates

Out of the 1,313 occupied housing units in Charleston, 50% are owner-occupied, while 50% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 16.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,313
-0.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
657
Owner occupied
656
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 657 50% 1.6%
Owner occupied 656 50% -1.6%
Unoccupied housing units
16.4%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Charleston housing costs

Housing costs in Charleston come to a median of $731 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $774.

Median housing costs per month
$731/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Charleston
$774/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Charleston

Charleston education at a glance

About 67.8% of the population in Charleston went to high school, while 10.9% pursued college studies. Another 6.8% earned an associate degree and 6.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 2.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 191 5.4% 13.7%
High school diploma 2,396 67.8% -5.8%
College diploma 386 10.9% 10.3%
Associate degree 242 6.8% 5.7%
Bachelor's degree 239 6.8% -12.1%
Graduate degree 79 2.2% 5.3%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Charleston

How much people earn in Charleston

The average annual household income in Charleston was $53,460 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $33,952, reflecting a -3.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Charleston
$53,460/year
3.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Charleston
$33,952/year
-3.4% year-over-year change

Charleston income by age

In Charleston, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $34,167. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $33,026 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $26,250, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $36,458 in earnings. Overall, 73.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $26,250 N/A
25 - 44 $34,167 16.5%
45 - 64 $33,026 -34.9%
Over 65 $36,458 10.8%
Above poverty level
2,289
Below poverty level
821
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 2,289 73.6% 5.6%
Below poverty level 821 26.4% -18.9%

Average renter income in Charleston

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Charleston, their median household income was $15,921 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 58.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$15,921
Rent-to-income ratio
58.3%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Charleston

Workforce and job types in Charleston

The job market in Charleston is powered by 1,274 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 73.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 26.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.4% run their own businesses, 62.3% are employed by private companies, and 17% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,274
-2.8% year-over-year change
White collar
940
Blue collar
334
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 940 73.8% -0.7%
Blue collar 334 26.2% -8.2%
Employer type
Self employees
9.4%
Private companies
62.3%
Governmental workers
17%
Not for profit companies
11.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 120 9.4% -13.0%
Private companies 794 62.3% -4.0%
Governmental workers 216 17% -15.9%
Not for profit companies 144 11.3% 61.8%
Unemployment rate
5.0%
-9.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Charleston stands at 5%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Charleston

How people get around in Charleston

Commuting methods vary: 92.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.9% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,149 92.7% -2.2%
Walk 36 2.9% -28.0%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Charleston by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
63834 5,169 1,665 $41,348 $59,814

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FAQs about Charleston demographics 

What is the total population of Charleston?

Charleston has a total population of 4,482 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -1.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Charleston?

The gender ratio in Charleston is as follows:
  • 58.5% males (2,623 residents)
  • 41.5% females (1,859 residents)

What is the median age in Charleston?

The median age in Charleston is 41.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Charleston?

The age distribution in Charleston is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.4% (823 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.3% (462 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 28.7% (1,285 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28% (1,256 residents)
  • Over 65: 14.6% (656 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Charleston?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Charleston is as follows:
  • White: 43.4% (1,946 residents)
  • Black or African American: 45.2% (2,028 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (2 residents)
  • Asian: 1.4% (62 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 9.9% (444 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

What percentage of the population in Charleston are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.2% of the population in Charleston.

How many housing units are there in Charleston?

There are 1,571 housing units in Charleston, reflecting a +6.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Charleston and what is the average household size?

Charleston has a total of 1,313 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Charleston?

Charleston has a median household income of $33,952, representing a -3.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Charleston?

The employment rate is 95% in Charleston, with a workforce of 1,274 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 73.8% (940 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 26.2% (334 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.4% (120 residents)
  • Private companies: 62.3% (794 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 17% (216 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11.3% (144 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025