Charleston

Charleston, South Carolina Overview

With a composite score of 56.7/100 and a B+ grade, Charleston ranks #5 of 20 cities in South Carolina. Its strongest showing is in Health (69/100), while Outdoor Access (9/100) represents its largest gap.

Income & Employment in Charleston

Charleston’s median household income of $95,126 is 53% above the South Carolina median of $62,064, and its 3.3% unemployment rate undercuts the state’s 3.5%.

Safety in Charleston

Charleston reports 405.4 violent crimes per 100,000, roughly in line with the statewide rate of 492 per 100,000. The property crime rate is 1992.1 per 100,000.

Cost of Living in Charleston

Charleston has a cost of living index of 100.6 (where 100 equals the national average), slightly above the national benchmark. The median home value is $469,100. Median monthly rent is $1,632. Renters spend 20.6% of income on rent, well within the 30% affordability guideline.

Health & Wellness in Charleston

The adult obesity rate in Charleston is 28.7% (CDC PLACES). The diabetes prevalence rate is 9.5%. Residents report an average of 15.1 poor mental health days per month, above the typical range. South Carolina ranks #39 nationally for overall health.

Education & Schools in Charleston

Charleston has a high school graduation rate of 80.9%. The student-teacher ratio is 14.1:1. Local districts invest $16,286 per student, well above the national median. The city has 31 public schools serving 19,067 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.

Climate in Charleston

Charleston enjoys a moderate climate with an annual average of 66.7°F. Summers average 80.2°F. Winters average 54.8°F. Annual precipitation is 47.8 inches.

Frequently Asked Questions