Charleston, WV demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
47,421
-1.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$65,812/yr
2.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
25,544
-0.2% year-over-year change

Charleston population

How many people live in Charleston

Charleston is home to 47,421 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50% of Charleston locals are male, and 50% are female.

Total population
47,421
-1.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50%
23,714
Female
50%
23,707
Value Percent YoY change
Male 23,714 50% 0.6%
Female 23,707 50% -2.6%
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 43, with the population distributed as follows: about 14.9% are children under 15, then 12% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.5% of the population, while another 26.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 21.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
43
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.9%
15 to 24
12%
25 to 44
25.5%
45 to 64
26.5%
Over 65
21.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 7,049 14.9% 0.7%
15 to 24 5,687 12% 0.1%
25 to 44 12,093 25.5% -4.8%
45 to 64 12,585 26.5% 0.2%
Over 65 10,007 21.1% 0.4%
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, 95.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 77% of locals are Caucasian, 9.6% are African American and 2.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 10.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
95.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.9%
Non-citizens
2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 45,082 95.1% -1.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,396 2.9% 2.8%
Non-citizens 943 2% 38.7%
Racial breakdown
White
77%
Black or African American
9.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
2.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
10.4%
Other
0.2%
Value Percent
White 36,535 77%
Black or African American 4,544 9.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 21 0%
Asian 1,240 2.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 43 0.1%
Two or more races 4,956 10.4%
Other 82 0.2%

Households in Charleston

A peek inside Charleston households

Charleston has 21,116 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 53.8% are families, while the remaining 46.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
21,116
-0.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
9,754
Family households
11,362
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 9,754 46.2% -0.3%
Family households 11,362 53.8% -0.8%
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 25,544 units, with 67% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.8% 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 1.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
25,544
-0.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 17,116 67%
1 unit, attached 713 2.8%
2 units 721 2.8%
3 or 4 units 2,417 9.5%
5 to 9 units 944 3.7%
10 to 19 units 534 2.1%
20 to 49 units 851 3.3%
50 or more units 1,977 7.7%
Mobile home 271 1.1%
Homes built since 2020
107
98.2% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Charleston

In Charleston, the median construction year is 1957. About 25.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 11.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 3.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 6,513 25.5% -0.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 2,972 11.6% -4.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 4,928 19.3% -6.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 2,886 11.3% 2.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,958 11.6% -7.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,688 6.6% -2.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,875 7.3% 15.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 902 3.5% 18.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 715 2.8% 61.4%
Built in 2020 or later 107 0.4% 98.2%
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 21,116 occupied housing units in Charleston, 63.3% are owner-occupied, while 36.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 17.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
21,116
-0.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
7,758
Owner occupied
13,358
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 7,758 36.7% -1.9%
Owner occupied 13,358 63.3% 0.2%
Unoccupied housing units
17.3%
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 $915 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $908.

Median housing costs per month
$915/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
$908/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 28.9% of the population in Charleston went to high school, while 20.1% pursued college studies. Another 7% earned an associate degree and 22.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 19.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 780 2% -11.0%
High school diploma 11,087 28.9% -8.0%
College diploma 7,728 20.1% -0.8%
Associate degree 2,693 7% 8.4%
Bachelor's degree 8,569 22.3% 5.1%
Graduate degree 7,525 19.6% -2.6%
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 $107,322 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +6.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $65,812, reflecting a +2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Charleston
$107,322/year
6.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Charleston
$65,812/year
2.0% 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 $64,081. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $74,299 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $23,958, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $63,908 in earnings. Overall, 84.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $23,958 -41.9%
25 - 44 $64,081 2.6%
45 - 64 $74,299 3.4%
Over 65 $63,908 3.0%
Above poverty level
38,104
Below poverty level
7,069
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 38,104 84.4% -0.2%
Below poverty level 7,069 15.6% -6.7%

Average renter income in Charleston

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Charleston, their median household income was $28,009 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 38.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$28,009
Rent-to-income ratio
38.9%
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 21,346 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 89.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 10.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.6% run their own businesses, 56% are employed by private companies, and 19.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
21,346
-3.1% year-over-year change
White collar
19,041
Blue collar
2,305
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 19,041 89.2% -1.4%
Blue collar 2,305 10.8% -15.4%
Employer type
Self employees
9.6%
Private companies
56%
Governmental workers
19.1%
Not for profit companies
15.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,060 9.6% -5.5%
Private companies 11,964 56% -5.7%
Governmental workers 4,078 19.1% -2.6%
Not for profit companies 3,244 15.2% 9.3%
Unemployment rate
6.5%
0.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Charleston stands at 6.5%, 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

In Charleston, the average commute time is 17 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 79% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 5.4% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
17 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 16,603 79% -4.3%
Taxicab 96 0.5% 26.3%
Bus or trolleybus 207 1% -54.2%
Bicycle 71 0.3% 65.1%
Walk 1,139 5.4% -4.1%
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
25312 10,047 3,666 $57,246 $76,916
25313 11,760 5,458 $64,385 $84,091
25314 14,794 6,346 $94,556 $145,829
25315 3,286 1,430 $55,083 $65,479
25301 2,498 1,483 $25,417 $45,126
25302 13,204 6,406 $55,210 $77,541
25304 8,655 3,394 $80,931 $138,703
25306 6,040 2,732 $71,654 $87,074
25311 9,825 4,303 $62,800 $92,885

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FAQs about Charleston demographics 

What is the total population of Charleston?

Charleston has a total population of 47,421 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 -1.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Charleston?

The gender ratio in Charleston is as follows:
  • 50% males (23,714 residents)
  • 50% females (23,707 residents)

What is the median age in Charleston?

The median age in Charleston is 43.

What is the age distribution of the population in Charleston?

The age distribution in Charleston is as follows:
  • Under 15: 14.9% (7,049 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12% (5,687 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.5% (12,093 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.5% (12,585 residents)
  • Over 65: 21.1% (10,007 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Charleston?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Charleston is as follows:
  • White: 77% (36,535 residents)
  • Black or African American: 9.6% (4,544 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (21 residents)
  • Asian: 2.6% (1,240 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (43 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 10.4% (4,956 residents)
  • Other: 0.2% (82 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 95.1% of the population in Charleston.

How many housing units are there in Charleston?

There are 25,544 housing units in Charleston, reflecting a -0.2% 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 21,116 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Charleston?

Charleston has a median household income of $65,812, representing a +2.0% 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 93.5% in Charleston, with a workforce of 21,346 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 89.2% (19,041 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 10.8% (2,305 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.6% (2,060 residents)
  • Private companies: 56% (11,964 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 19.1% (4,078 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 15.2% (3,244 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