Charles Town, WV demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
7,337
7.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$89,263/yr
-5.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
3,033
10.7% year-over-year change

Charles Town population

How many people live in Charles Town

Charles Town is home to 7,337 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.4% of Charles Town locals are male, and 49.6% are female.

Total population
7,337
7.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.4%
3,700
Female
49.6%
3,637
Value Percent YoY change
Male 3,700 50.4% 9.3%
Female 3,637 49.6% 4.8%
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 Charles Town is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 20.2% are children under 15, then 8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 32.4% of the population, while another 26.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 13.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
38.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
20.2%
15 to 24
8%
25 to 44
32.4%
45 to 64
26.3%
Over 65
13.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,479 20.2% -1.7%
15 to 24 589 8% 11.6%
25 to 44 2,376 32.4% 10.5%
45 to 64 1,927 26.3% 14.5%
Over 65 966 13.2% -2.2%
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 Charles Town, 88.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 7.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 68.7% of locals are Caucasian, 13.9% are African American and 2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 14.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
88.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.2%
Non-citizens
7.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 6,480 88.3% 3.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 311 4.2% -25.1%
Non-citizens 546 7.4% 184.4%
Racial breakdown
White
68.7%
Black or African American
13.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
14.3%
Other
1%
Value Percent
White 5,042 68.7%
Black or African American 1,017 13.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 15 0.2%
Asian 144 2%
Two or more races 1,048 14.3%
Other 71 1%

Households in Charles Town

A peek inside Charles Town households

Charles Town has 2,799 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 66.9% are families, while the remaining 33.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,799
10.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
927
Family households
1,872
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 927 33.1% 11.2%
Family households 1,872 66.9% 10.3%
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 Charles Town

The housing landscape of Charles Town

Charles Town's housing consists of 3,033 units, with 69.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 13.2% 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 0.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
3,033
10.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,101 69.3%
1 unit, attached 399 13.2%
2 units 78 2.6%
3 or 4 units 165 5.4%
5 to 9 units 101 3.3%
10 to 19 units 108 3.6%
20 to 49 units 39 1.3%
50 or more units 38 1.2%
Mobile home 4 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
62
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Charles Town

In Charles Town, the median construction year is 2002. About 19% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 30.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 23% between 2010 and 2019, and 2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 577 19% 8.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 35 1.2% -18.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 147 4.8% -26.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 46 1.5% 475.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 132 4.4% -1.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 305 10.1% 117.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 106 3.5% -58.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 926 30.5% 21.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 697 23% 4.5%
Built in 2020 or later 62 2% N/A
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.

Charles Town occupancy rates

Out of the 2,799 occupied housing units in Charles Town, 74.5% are owner-occupied, while 25.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,799
10.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
713
Owner occupied
2,086
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 713 25.5% 7.2%
Owner occupied 2,086 74.5% 11.8%
Unoccupied housing units
7.7%
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.

Charles Town housing costs

Housing costs in Charles Town come to a median of $1,582 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,115.

Median housing costs per month
$1,582/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 Charles Town
$1,115/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 Charles Town

Charles Town education at a glance

About 36.8% of the population in Charles Town went to high school, while 19.5% pursued college studies. Another 7.7% earned an associate degree and 22% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 12.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 83 1.5% -9.8%
High school diploma 2,051 36.8% 28.6%
College diploma 1,086 19.5% -8.6%
Associate degree 431 7.7% 19.7%
Bachelor's degree 1,224 22% 9.3%
Graduate degree 691 12.4% -4.4%
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 Charles Town

How much people earn in Charles Town

The average annual household income in Charles Town was $111,197 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -3.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $89,263, reflecting a -5.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Charles Town
$111,197/year
-3.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Charles Town
$89,263/year
-5.9% year-over-year change

Charles Town income by age

In Charles Town, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $112,143. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $86,301 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $59,779, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $74,740 in earnings. Overall, 93.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $59,779 -0.4%
25 - 44 $112,143 -15.4%
45 - 64 $86,301 -8.5%
Over 65 $74,740 22.3%
Above poverty level
6,596
Below poverty level
462
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 6,596 93.4% 6.8%
Below poverty level 462 6.6% -7.2%

Average renter income in Charles Town

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Charles Town, their median household income was $46,818 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 28.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$46,818
Rent-to-income ratio
28.6%
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 Charles Town

Workforce and job types in Charles Town

The job market in Charles Town is powered by 3,832 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 78.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 21.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5.3% run their own businesses, 70.9% are employed by private companies, and 19.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
3,832
10.8% year-over-year change
White collar
3,002
Blue collar
830
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 3,002 78.3% 9.5%
Blue collar 830 21.7% 16.1%
Employer type
Self employees
5.3%
Private companies
70.9%
Governmental workers
19.8%
Not for profit companies
4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 204 5.3% -12.1%
Private companies 2,716 70.9% 13.2%
Governmental workers 758 19.8% 10.8%
Not for profit companies 154 4% 8.4%
Unemployment rate
5.9%
19.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Charles Town stands at 5.9%, 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 Charles Town

How people get around in Charles Town

Commuting methods vary: 76% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.2% 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 2,884 76% 12.8%
Railroad 18 0.5% 100.0%
Bicycle 35 0.9% -25.5%
Walk 47 1.2% -48.9%
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 Charles Town by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
25414 21,073 8,098 $105,500 $125,299

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FAQs about Charles Town demographics 

What is the total population of Charles Town?

Charles Town has a total population of 7,337 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 +7.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Charles Town?

The gender ratio in Charles Town is as follows:
  • 50.4% males (3,700 residents)
  • 49.6% females (3,637 residents)

What is the median age in Charles Town?

The median age in Charles Town is 38.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Charles Town?

The age distribution in Charles Town is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20.2% (1,479 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 8% (589 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 32.4% (2,376 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.3% (1,927 residents)
  • Over 65: 13.2% (966 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Charles Town?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Charles Town is as follows:
  • White: 68.7% (5,042 residents)
  • Black or African American: 13.9% (1,017 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (15 residents)
  • Asian: 2% (144 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 14.3% (1,048 residents)
  • Other: 1% (71 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 88.3% of the population in Charles Town.

How many housing units are there in Charles Town?

There are 3,033 housing units in Charles Town, reflecting a +10.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Charles Town has a total of 2,799 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Charles Town?

Charles Town has a median household income of $89,263, representing a -5.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Charles Town?

The employment rate is 94.1% in Charles Town, with a workforce of 3,832 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 78.3% (3,002 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 21.7% (830 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5.3% (204 residents)
  • Private companies: 70.9% (2,716 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 19.8% (758 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4% (154 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