Charleston County, SC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
420,264
1.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$88,494/yr
5.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
209,803
1.7% year-over-year change

Charleston County population

How many people live in Charleston County

Charleston County is home to 420,264 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.5% of Charleston County locals are male, and 51.5% are female.

Total population
420,264
1.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.5%
203,709
Female
51.5%
216,555
Value Percent YoY change
Male 203,709 48.5% 1.3%
Female 216,555 51.5% 1.4%
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 County is 39, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.3% are children under 15, then 11.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 30.1% of the population, while another 24.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
39.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.3%
15 to 24
11.4%
25 to 44
30.1%
45 to 64
24.3%
Over 65
17.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 68,594 16.3% 0.2%
15 to 24 48,073 11.4% 1.6%
25 to 44 126,353 30.1% 1.4%
45 to 64 102,216 24.3% 0.3%
Over 65 75,028 17.8% 3.5%
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 County, 91.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 65.9% of locals are Caucasian, 22.9% are African American and 1.8% have Asian roots. Another 0.4% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 2.8% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
91.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.3%
Non-citizens
3.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 385,907 91.8% 1.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 17,967 4.3% -0.8%
Non-citizens 16,390 3.9% 7.8%
Racial breakdown
White
65.9%
Black or African American
22.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
1.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
6%
Other
2.8%
Value Percent
White 276,973 65.9%
Black or African American 96,255 22.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1,909 0.4%
Asian 7,521 1.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 438 0.1%
Two or more races 25,211 6%
Other 11,957 2.8%

Households in Charleston County

A peek inside Charleston County households

Charleston County has 178,975 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 58% are families, while the remaining 42% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
178,975
2.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
75,230
Family households
103,745
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 75,230 42% 0.1%
Family households 103,745 58% 3.4%
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 County

The housing landscape of Charleston County

Charleston County's housing consists of 209,803 units, with 58% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6.9% 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 4.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
209,803
1.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 121,738 58%
1 unit, attached 14,559 6.9%
2 units 5,848 2.8%
3 or 4 units 8,417 4%
5 to 9 units 14,980 7.1%
10 to 19 units 10,780 5.1%
20 to 49 units 10,716 5.1%
50 or more units 12,414 5.9%
Mobile home 10,231 4.9%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 120 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
7,044
77.9% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Charleston County

In Charleston County, the median construction year is 1991. About 4.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 17.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 18% between 2010 and 2019, and 3.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 10,253 4.9% -5.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 7,261 3.5% 1.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 13,607 6.5% 3.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 18,096 8.6% -0.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 23,125 11% -1.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 28,969 13.8% 2.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 27,460 13.1% -3.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 36,275 17.3% 3.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 37,713 18% 0.7%
Built in 2020 or later 7,044 3.4% 77.9%
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 County occupancy rates

Out of the 178,975 occupied housing units in Charleston County, 63.9% are owner-occupied, while 36.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 14.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
178,975
2.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
64,625
Owner occupied
114,350
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 64,625 36.1% 0.9%
Owner occupied 114,350 63.9% 2.6%
Unoccupied housing units
14.7%
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 County housing costs

Housing costs in Charleston County come to a median of $1,612 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,620.

Median housing costs per month
$1,612/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 County
$1,620/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 County

Charleston County education at a glance

About 23.5% of the population in Charleston County went to high school, while 19.8% pursued college studies. Another 7.3% earned an associate degree and 29.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 18% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 7,220 2.1% -3.4%
High school diploma 79,667 23.5% -1.9%
College diploma 66,897 19.8% 1.2%
Associate degree 24,727 7.3% -0.2%
Bachelor's degree 98,998 29.3% 2.7%
Graduate degree 60,870 18% 6.2%
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 County

How much people earn in Charleston County

The average annual household income in Charleston County was $131,674 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $88,494, reflecting a +5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Charleston County
$131,674/year
3.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Charleston County
$88,494/year
5.0% year-over-year change

Charleston County income by age

In Charleston County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $101,112. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $102,999 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $43,480, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $65,198 in earnings. Overall, 88.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $43,480 5.4%
25 - 44 $101,112 5.7%
45 - 64 $102,999 5.8%
Over 65 $65,198 1.5%
Above poverty level
359,438
Below poverty level
45,544
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 359,438 88.8% 1.7%
Below poverty level 45,544 11.2% -1.3%

Employment in Charleston County

Workforce and job types in Charleston County

The job market in Charleston County is powered by 218,087 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 83.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 16.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 13.2% run their own businesses, 63.8% are employed by private companies, and 16.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
218,087
1.8% year-over-year change
White collar
182,641
Blue collar
35,446
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 182,641 83.8% 2.1%
Blue collar 35,446 16.2% 0.0%
Employer type
Self employees
13.2%
Private companies
63.8%
Governmental workers
16.1%
Not for profit companies
6.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 28,898 13.2% 6.8%
Private companies 139,197 63.8% 0.7%
Governmental workers 35,020 16.1% 1.2%
Not for profit companies 14,972 6.9% 4.0%
Unemployment rate
3.4%
-2.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Charleston County stands at 3.4%, 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 County

How people get around in Charleston County

In Charleston County, the average commute time is 25 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 77.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.9% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
25 min
0.8% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 168,748 77.5% -0.9%
Taxicab 619 0.3% 117.2%
Bus or trolleybus 1,792 0.8% -15.5%
Subway or elevated 13 0% N/A
Railroad 18 0% 0.0%
Ferryboat 38 0% 40.7%
Motorcycle 306 0.1% 50.7%
Bicycle 1,595 0.7% -6.1%
Walk 4,134 1.9% -5.3%
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 County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
29401 9,339 4,186 $99,667 $200,754
29403 22,533 10,862 $66,944 $101,299
29404 2,334 592 $54,716 $75,576
29405 26,254 11,639 $56,600 $78,633
29406 32,001 12,979 $49,815 $69,670
29407 36,706 16,920 $85,367 $131,565
29409 2,056 7 $0 $0
29412 39,256 16,758 $101,509 $138,912
29414 44,727 19,322 $99,529 $119,081
29418 26,052 11,134 $64,583 $84,032

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FAQs about Charleston County demographics 

What is the total population of Charleston County?

Charleston County has a total population of 420,264 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 +1.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Charleston County?

The gender ratio in Charleston County is as follows:
  • 48.5% males (203,709 residents)
  • 51.5% females (216,555 residents)

What is the median age in Charleston County?

The median age in Charleston County is 39.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Charleston County?

The age distribution in Charleston County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.3% (68,594 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.4% (48,073 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 30.1% (126,353 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.3% (102,216 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.8% (75,028 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Charleston County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Charleston County is as follows:
  • White: 65.9% (276,973 residents)
  • Black or African American: 22.9% (96,255 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (1,909 residents)
  • Asian: 1.8% (7,521 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (438 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6% (25,211 residents)
  • Other: 2.8% (11,957 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 91.8% of the population in Charleston County.

How many housing units are there in Charleston County?

There are 209,803 housing units in Charleston County, reflecting a +1.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Charleston County has a total of 178,975 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Charleston County?

Charleston County has a median household income of $88,494, representing a +5.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 96.6% in Charleston County, with a workforce of 218,087 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 83.8% (182,641 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 16.2% (35,446 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 13.2% (28,898 residents)
  • Private companies: 63.8% (139,197 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 16.1% (35,020 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.9% (14,972 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