Charleston, SC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
154,338
1.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$92,414/yr
2.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
77,417
2.1% year-over-year change

Charleston population

How many people live in Charleston

Charleston is home to 154,338 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.7% of Charleston locals are male, and 52.3% are female.

Total population
154,338
1.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.7%
73,680
Female
52.3%
80,658
Value Percent YoY change
Male 73,680 47.7% 1.9%
Female 80,658 52.3% 1.2%
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 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 14.3% are children under 15, then 14.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 32.5% of the population, while another 22% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 16.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
36.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.3%
15 to 24
14.8%
25 to 44
32.5%
45 to 64
22%
Over 65
16.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 22,045 14.3% -0.9%
15 to 24 22,810 14.8% 1.9%
25 to 44 50,148 32.5% -0.3%
45 to 64 33,961 22% 4.2%
Over 65 25,374 16.4% 3.6%
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, 92.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 73.7% of locals are Caucasian, 15.8% are African American and 1.9% have Asian roots. Another 0.7% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 1.8% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 5.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
92.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.5%
Non-citizens
3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 142,673 92.4% 1.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 6,952 4.5% 0.8%
Non-citizens 4,713 3% 20.7%
Racial breakdown
White
73.7%
Black or African American
15.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.7%
Asian
1.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
5.9%
Other
1.8%
Value Percent
White 113,784 73.7%
Black or African American 24,392 15.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1,108 0.7%
Asian 2,921 1.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 156 0.1%
Two or more races 9,130 5.9%
Other 2,847 1.8%

Households in Charleston

A peek inside Charleston households

Charleston has 68,027 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 51.9% are families, while the remaining 48.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
68,027
2.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
32,709
Family households
35,318
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 32,709 48.1% 1.9%
Family households 35,318 51.9% 3.0%
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 77,417 units, with 47.7% 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 0.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
77,417
2.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 36,922 47.7%
1 unit, attached 5,354 6.9%
2 units 2,985 3.9%
3 or 4 units 4,027 5.2%
5 to 9 units 7,956 10.3%
10 to 19 units 5,670 7.3%
20 to 49 units 5,695 7.4%
50 or more units 8,126 10.5%
Mobile home 643 0.8%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 39 0%
Homes built since 2020
3,155
60.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Charleston

In Charleston, the median construction year is 1995. About 10% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 18.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 22.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 4.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 7,753 10% -5.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 2,465 3.2% 7.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 4,473 5.8% 6.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 6,146 7.9% -0.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 5,797 7.5% 1.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 8,395 10.8% 5.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 7,496 9.7% -1.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 14,513 18.8% 0.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 17,224 22.2% 0.0%
Built in 2020 or later 3,155 4.1% 60.1%
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 68,027 occupied housing units in Charleston, 55.6% are owner-occupied, while 44.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 12.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
68,027
2.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
30,211
Owner occupied
37,816
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 30,211 44.4% 2.5%
Owner occupied 37,816 55.6% 2.4%
Unoccupied housing units
12.1%
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 $1,755 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,722.

Median housing costs per month
$1,755/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
$1,722/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 18.6% of the population in Charleston went to high school, while 20.6% pursued college studies. Another 6.2% earned an associate degree and 33.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 20% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,324 1% -3.6%
High school diploma 23,700 18.6% 0.6%
College diploma 26,318 20.6% -0.2%
Associate degree 7,871 6.2% 2.5%
Bachelor's degree 42,928 33.6% 2.1%
Graduate degree 25,513 20% 4.7%
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 $132,092 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $92,414, reflecting a +2.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Charleston
$132,092/year
1.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Charleston
$92,414/year
2.6% 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 $103,580. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $113,579 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $35,012, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $74,872 in earnings. Overall, 87.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $35,012 -10.7%
25 - 44 $103,580 5.3%
45 - 64 $113,579 1.8%
Over 65 $74,872 2.0%
Above poverty level
129,166
Below poverty level
18,039
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 129,166 87.8% 1.3%
Below poverty level 18,039 12.2% 4.7%

Average renter income in Charleston

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Charleston, their median household income was $57,794 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 35.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$57,794
Rent-to-income ratio
35.8%
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 84,432 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 87.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 12.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 11.9% run their own businesses, 65.1% are employed by private companies, and 15.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
84,432
2.0% year-over-year change
White collar
74,084
Blue collar
10,348
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 74,084 87.7% 2.0%
Blue collar 10,348 12.3% 1.9%
Employer type
Self employees
11.9%
Private companies
65.1%
Governmental workers
15.6%
Not for profit companies
7.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 10,034 11.9% 5.1%
Private companies 54,966 65.1% 2.5%
Governmental workers 13,141 15.6% -3.7%
Not for profit companies 6,291 7.4% 5.0%
Unemployment rate
3.4%
1.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Charleston 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

How people get around in Charleston

Commuting methods vary: 73.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.4% 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 61,742 73.4% -0.0%
Taxicab 392 0.5% 154.6%
Bus or trolleybus 612 0.7% -15.0%
Motorcycle 142 0.2% 61.4%
Bicycle 1,133 1.4% -10.6%
Walk 2,906 3.4% -15.3%
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 by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
29492 20,436 9,468 $110,509 $175,729
29401 9,339 4,186 $99,667 $200,754
29403 22,533 10,862 $66,944 $101,299
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
29424 1,243 65 $0 $0
29455 27,576 12,249 $121,372 $178,217

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FAQs about Charleston demographics 

What is the total population of Charleston?

Charleston has a total population of 154,338 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 +1.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Charleston?

The gender ratio in Charleston is as follows:
  • 47.7% males (73,680 residents)
  • 52.3% females (80,658 residents)

What is the median age in Charleston?

The median age in Charleston is 36.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Charleston?

The age distribution in Charleston is as follows:
  • Under 15: 14.3% (22,045 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.8% (22,810 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 32.5% (50,148 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22% (33,961 residents)
  • Over 65: 16.4% (25,374 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Charleston?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Charleston is as follows:
  • White: 73.7% (113,784 residents)
  • Black or African American: 15.8% (24,392 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.7% (1,108 residents)
  • Asian: 1.9% (2,921 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (156 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.9% (9,130 residents)
  • Other: 1.8% (2,847 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 92.4% of the population in Charleston.

How many housing units are there in Charleston?

There are 77,417 housing units in Charleston, reflecting a +2.1% 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 68,027 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Charleston?

Charleston has a median household income of $92,414, representing a +2.6% 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 96.6% in Charleston, with a workforce of 84,432 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 87.7% (74,084 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 12.3% (10,348 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 11.9% (10,034 residents)
  • Private companies: 65.1% (54,966 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15.6% (13,141 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.4% (6,291 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