South Charleston, WV demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
13,457
-1.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$63,884/yr
7.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
6,970
3.5% year-over-year change

South Charleston population

How many people live in South Charleston

South Charleston is home to 13,457 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.5% of South Charleston locals are male, and 53.5% are female.

Total population
13,457
-1.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.5%
6,256
Female
53.5%
7,201
Value Percent YoY change
Male 6,256 46.5% -1.4%
Female 7,201 53.5% -0.7%
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 South Charleston is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.4% are children under 15, then 12.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.8% of the population, while another 23.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 21.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
41.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.4%
15 to 24
12.6%
25 to 44
26.8%
45 to 64
23.9%
Over 65
21.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,070 15.4% -9.7%
15 to 24 1,693 12.6% 10.5%
25 to 44 3,604 26.8% -6.6%
45 to 64 3,214 23.9% -4.3%
Over 65 2,876 21.4% 12.7%
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 South Charleston, 97.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 86.7% of locals are Caucasian, 5.1% are African American and 1.5% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 6.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2%
Non-citizens
0.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 13,167 97.8% -1.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 269 2% 8.9%
Non-citizens 21 0.2% -25.0%
Racial breakdown
White
86.7%
Black or African American
5.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
1.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.1%
Other
0.4%
Value Percent
White 11,665 86.7%
Black or African American 682 5.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 27 0.2%
Asian 202 1.5%
Two or more races 823 6.1%
Other 58 0.4%

Households in South Charleston

A peek inside South Charleston households

South Charleston has 6,189 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 53.7% are families, while the remaining 46.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
6,189
1.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,864
Family households
3,325
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,864 46.3% 0.1%
Family households 3,325 53.7% 2.5%
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 South Charleston

The housing landscape of South Charleston

South Charleston's housing consists of 6,970 units, with 72.6% 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 0.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
6,970
3.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 5,058 72.6%
1 unit, attached 105 1.5%
2 units 314 4.5%
3 or 4 units 343 4.9%
5 to 9 units 385 5.5%
10 to 19 units 254 3.6%
20 to 49 units 150 2.2%
50 or more units 311 4.5%
Mobile home 50 0.7%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in South Charleston

In South Charleston, the median construction year is 1958. About 8.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 25.2% 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 608 8.7% 6.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,753 25.2% 10.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,456 20.9% 0.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,007 14.4% 8.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 734 10.5% 9.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 341 4.9% -3.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 259 3.7% -18.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 588 8.4% -14.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 224 3.2% 43.6%
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.

South Charleston occupancy rates

Out of the 6,189 occupied housing units in South Charleston, 70.6% are owner-occupied, while 29.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 11.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
6,189
1.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,817
Owner occupied
4,372
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,817 29.4% -4.4%
Owner occupied 4,372 70.6% 4.0%
Unoccupied housing units
11.2%
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.

South Charleston housing costs

Housing costs in South Charleston come to a median of $775 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $844.

Median housing costs per month
$775/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 South Charleston
$844/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 South Charleston

South Charleston education at a glance

About 35.1% of the population in South Charleston went to high school, while 22.2% pursued college studies. Another 6.9% earned an associate degree and 21.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 12.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 130 1.2% -19.2%
High school diploma 3,759 35.1% 1.4%
College diploma 2,383 22.2% -3.0%
Associate degree 738 6.9% -13.2%
Bachelor's degree 2,332 21.8% 16.7%
Graduate degree 1,374 12.8% -8.1%
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 South Charleston

How much people earn in South Charleston

The average annual household income in South Charleston was $80,279 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $63,884, reflecting a +7.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in South Charleston
$80,279/year
3.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in South Charleston
$63,884/year
7.2% year-over-year change

South Charleston income by age

In South Charleston, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $80,066. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $78,061 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $55,536, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $53,738 in earnings. Overall, 83.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $55,536 18.2%
25 - 44 $80,066 13.7%
45 - 64 $78,061 3.8%
Over 65 $53,738 22.2%
Above poverty level
11,068
Below poverty level
2,240
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 11,068 83.2% 4.3%
Below poverty level 2,240 16.8% -20.9%

Average renter income in South Charleston

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in South Charleston, their median household income was $35,050 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 28.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$35,050
Rent-to-income ratio
28.9%
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 South Charleston

Workforce and job types in South Charleston

The job market in South Charleston is powered by 6,512 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 86.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 13.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.5% run their own businesses, 65% are employed by private companies, and 20.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
6,512
-0.3% year-over-year change
White collar
5,654
Blue collar
858
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 5,654 86.8% 1.3%
Blue collar 858 13.2% -9.5%
Employer type
Self employees
6.5%
Private companies
65%
Governmental workers
20.8%
Not for profit companies
7.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 426 6.5% -8.4%
Private companies 4,233 65% 5.2%
Governmental workers 1,354 20.8% -3.1%
Not for profit companies 499 7.7% -22.5%
Unemployment rate
7.0%
11.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in South Charleston stands at 7%, 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 South Charleston

How people get around in South Charleston

Commuting methods vary: 86.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.2% 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 5,508 86.5% -0.3%
Bus or trolleybus 140 2.2% 18.6%
Walk 139 2.2% -17.8%
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 South Charleston by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
25303 7,396 3,326 $75,872 $87,732
25309 12,154 5,455 $57,937 $80,097

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FAQs about South Charleston demographics 

What is the total population of South Charleston?

South Charleston has a total population of 13,457 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 South Charleston?

The gender ratio in South Charleston is as follows:
  • 46.5% males (6,256 residents)
  • 53.5% females (7,201 residents)

What is the median age in South Charleston?

The median age in South Charleston is 41.7.

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

The age distribution in South Charleston is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.4% (2,070 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.6% (1,693 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.8% (3,604 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.9% (3,214 residents)
  • Over 65: 21.4% (2,876 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of South Charleston?

The racial and ethnic makeup of South Charleston is as follows:
  • White: 86.7% (11,665 residents)
  • Black or African American: 5.1% (682 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (27 residents)
  • Asian: 1.5% (202 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.1% (823 residents)
  • Other: 0.4% (58 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.8% of the population in South Charleston.

How many housing units are there in South Charleston?

There are 6,970 housing units in South Charleston, reflecting a +3.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

South Charleston has a total of 6,189 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in South Charleston?

South Charleston has a median household income of $63,884, representing a +7.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 93% in South Charleston, with a workforce of 6,512 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 86.8% (5,654 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 13.2% (858 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.5% (426 residents)
  • Private companies: 65% (4,233 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 20.8% (1,354 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.7% (499 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