South CarolinaPop. 154,338Mid-size cities
Is Charleston a Good Place to Live? Charleston, South Carolina: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Charleston ranks #413 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #58 of 256 mid-size cities and #5 of 20 in South Carolina. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (3.5%, #34 of 241), and trails on low graduation rates (80.9%, #165 of 205).
Charleston by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Charleston's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Charleston?
Charleston's cost of living index is 101, 1% above the US level of 100 and #742 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,722/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $591,821, 93% above the typical South Carolina home ($306,323).
| Measure | Charleston | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 101#742 of 1,308 | 93.7 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $591,821#931 of 1,187 | $306,323 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,312/mo#844 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $509,700#998 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,722/mo#895 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 5.5x#933 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 22.4%#718 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). South Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Charleston housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Charleston is in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC metro.
South Carolina housing market →Is Charleston safe?
Charleston recorded 279 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 15% below the US rate of 328 and 28% below South Carolina's 388. That ranks #522 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #91 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Charleston Police Department. Property crime runs 1,612 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Charleston | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 279#522 of 1,085 | 388 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 1,612#530 of 1,085 | 1,676 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). South Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Charleston?
The median household in Charleston earns $92,414, 11% above the US figure of $83,163 and 28% above South Carolina ($72,350). Unemployment is 3.5% (US 4.3%). 12.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Charleston | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $92,414#432 of 1,312 | $72,350 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.5%#249 of 1,058 | 4.5% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 12.3%#673 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +0.4%#435 of 1,132 | +1.5% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). South Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Charleston?
The median resident of Charleston is 36.6 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 58.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #145 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 55.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Charleston | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 36.6 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 58.3%#145 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 55.6% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Charleston's schools and health?
Charleston's 31 public schools graduate 80.9% of students in four years (South Carolina 83.8%), with 14.1 students per teacher and $16,286 spent per pupil. 28.7% of adults are obese and 9.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Charleston | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 80.9%#864 of 1,063 | 83.8% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 14.1#301 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $16,286#458 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 28.7%#313 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 9.5%#297 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 15.1%#276 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 8.7%#476 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). South Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 19,067 students are enrolled in Charleston's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Charleston?
The average commute in Charleston is 24.2 minutes (South Carolina 26.3); 0.7% of workers take transit and 19.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Charleston scores 11.2 of 20 (above average walkable), #563 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 81°F and winters 52.6°F, with 44.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Charleston | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 24.2 min#711 of 1,312 | 26.3 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 5.7%#674 of 1,312 | 7.8% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 66.2% | 74.9% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.7% | 0.3% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 3.5% | 1.6% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 1.3% | 0.2% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 19.4% | 12.3% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 11.2#563 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). South Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 58 | 43.6 | 2.6 |
| Feb | 60.3 | 46.1 | 2.6 |
| Mar | 65.6 | 52 | 3 |
| Apr | 72.3 | 59.7 | 3 |
| May | 79 | 68 | 2.6 |
| Jun | 84.3 | 74.2 | 4.9 |
| Jul | 87.5 | 77.1 | 5.1 |
| Aug | 86.4 | 76.5 | 6.1 |
| Sep | 82.6 | 72.5 | 5.3 |
| Oct | 75.6 | 63.2 | 4.1 |
| Nov | 67.1 | 53.1 | 2.3 |
| Dec | 60.9 | 46.8 | 2.9 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Downtown Charleston.
| Measure | Charleston | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 67.2°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 81°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 52.6°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 44.3 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Downtown Charleston.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Charleston?
Charleston County's air had a median air quality index of 47, and 61% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Charleston County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.48% of building value, higher than 96% of US counties.
| Measure | Charleston | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 47#731 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.48%#1278 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Charleston County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Charleston County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.27% | 97% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.033% | 96% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.071% | 95% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0029% | 72% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0016% | 70% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.044% | 7% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Charleston compare with similar-size cities?
Charleston is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #58 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 154,338.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston, SCPop. 154,338 | #413 | 59.8 | $92,414 | $1,722/mo | 279 | 24.2 min |
| Lakewood, COPop. 156,583 | #775 | 53.7 | $89,792 | $1,806/mo | 675 | 25.5 min |
| Macon, GAPop. 156,578 | #1272 | 40.3 | $51,234 | $1,066/mo | 1,293 | 22.2 min |
| Kansas City, KSPop. 155,135 | #1185 | 45.5 | $62,401 | $1,123/mo | 981 | 22.4 min |
| Hollywood, FLPop. 155,082 | #995 | 50.1 | $67,203 | $1,653/mo | part year | 29.4 min |
| Surprise, AZPop. 154,948 | #391 | 60.2 | $96,711 | $2,033/mo | 86 | 30.2 min |
| Springfield, MAPop. 154,749 | #1186 | 45.5 | $52,656 | $1,144/mo | 871 | 20.2 min |
| Sunnyvale, CAPop. 154,236 | #70 | 69.3 | $186,170 | $3,039/mo | 188 | 23 min |
| Denton, TXPop. 152,866 | #545 | 57.3 | $76,019 | $1,420/mo | 205 | 23.7 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Charleston compare with the rest of South Carolina?
Charleston ranks #5 of the 20 South Carolina cities we track, with a score of 59.8 against South Carolina's statewide 49. Its households earn 28% above the South Carolina median. Violent crime is 28% below the statewide rate. Homes are 93% above the typical South Carolina home.
| City | Rank in SC | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Mill, SCPop. 30,775 | #1 | 71.0 | $121,823 | $1,503/mo | 30 |
| Mount Pleasant, SCPop. 93,993 | #2 | 63.8 | $124,755 | $2,159/mo | 132 |
| Bluffton, SCPop. 33,157 | #3 | 63.6 | $111,281 | $2,256/mo | 62 |
| Greer, SCPop. 41,536 | #4 | 61.5 | $82,626 | $1,198/mo | 257 |
| Charleston, SCPop. 154,338 | #5 | 59.8 | $92,414 | $1,722/mo | 279 |
| Goose Creek, SCPop. 48,078 | #6 | 57.2 | $88,178 | $1,690/mo | 247 |
| Aiken, SCPop. 32,521 | #7 | 56.0 | $76,746 | $1,180/mo | 451 |
| Hilton Head Island, SCPop. 37,911 | #8 | 55.9 | $94,657 | $1,479/mo | no data |
| Greenville, SCPop. 72,935 | #9 | 55.7 | $71,472 | $1,312/mo | 466 |
| Summerville, SCPop. 51,654 | #10 | 52.7 | $81,046 | $1,526/mo | 307 |
| Columbia, SCPop. 139,643 | #11 | 50.4 | $55,529 | $1,204/mo | 791 |
| North Charleston, SCPop. 119,913 | #12 | 50.4 | $62,956 | $1,430/mo | 668 |
| Rock Hill, SCPop. 75,259 | #13 | 50.3 | $68,771 | $1,341/mo | 394 |
| Conway, SCPop. 27,263 | #14 | 48.5 | $56,650 | $866/mo | 324 |
| Anderson, SCPop. 30,051 | #15 | 46.7 | $46,933 | $975/mo | 581 |
| Carolina Forest, SCPop. 26,263 | #16 | 46.7 | $74,436 | $1,668/mo | no data |
| Florence, SCPop. 40,408 | #17 | 45.8 | $56,143 | $992/mo | 627 |
| Sumter, SCPop. 43,053 | #18 | 43.8 | $55,592 | $1,076/mo | 710 |
| Myrtle Beach, SCPop. 38,371 | #19 | 40.6 | $60,394 | $1,261/mo | 1,104 |
| Spartanburg, SCPop. 38,910 | #20 | 40.1 | $51,964 | $1,099/mo | 1,478 |
All 20 South Carolina cities we track, by overall score. South Carolina statewide: median income $72,350, violent crime 387.6 per 100,000.
How is Charleston's score calculated?
Charleston scores 59.8 out of 100, #413 of 1,312 (grade B+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with South Carolina's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Charleston. Similar-size median 52.9.
63.2 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Charleston's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
77.4 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Charleston. Similar-size median 53.8.
69.2 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Charleston's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
57.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Charleston's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
54.7 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Charleston. Similar-size median 51.2.
57.7 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Charleston. Similar-size median 42.1.
46.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Charleston. Similar-size median 50.1.
58.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Charleston's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
53.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
24.8 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Charleston's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Charleston has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Charleston
Is Charleston, SC a good place to live?
Charleston ranks #413 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #58 of 256 mid-size cities and #5 of 20 in South Carolina. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (3.5%, #34 of 241), and trails on low graduation rates (80.9%, #165 of 205).
What is the cost of living in Charleston?
Charleston's cost of living index is 101, 1% above the US level of 100 and #742 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,722/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $591,821, 93% above the typical South Carolina home ($306,323).
What is the crime rate in Charleston?
Charleston recorded 279 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 15% below the US rate of 328 and 28% below South Carolina's 388. That ranks #522 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #91 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Charleston Police Department. Property crime runs 1,612 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Charleston?
The median household in Charleston earns $92,414, 11% above the US figure of $83,163 and 28% above South Carolina ($72,350). Unemployment is 3.5% (US 4.3%). 12.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Charleston?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,722/mo (Census), #895 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,312/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 22.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Charleston?
The typical home value in Charleston is $591,821, up 1.3% in a year, against $306,323 for South Carolina and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $509,700.
How are the public schools in Charleston?
Charleston's 31 public schools graduate 80.9% of students in four years (South Carolina 83.8%), with 14.1 students per teacher and $16,286 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Charleston?
The average commute is 24.2 minutes, #711 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.3 minutes across South Carolina. 5.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Charleston?
Charleston averages 67.2°F over the year, 81°F in summer and 52.6°F in winter, with 44.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Charleston walkable?
Charleston scores 11.2 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #563 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Charleston at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Charleston County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.48% of building value, higher than 96% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Charleston?
Charleston County's air had a median air quality index of 47, and 61% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Charleston?
Charleston has 154,338 residents. The median resident of Charleston is 36.6 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 58.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #145 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 55.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Charleston compare with the rest of South Carolina?
Charleston ranks #5 of the 20 South Carolina cities we track, with a score of 59.8 against South Carolina's statewide 49. Its households earn 28% above the South Carolina median. Violent crime is 28% below the statewide rate. Homes are 93% above the typical South Carolina home.
What cities are similar in size to Charleston?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Charleston's population of 154,338 are Lakewood, CO (#775 overall), Macon, GA (#1272 overall), Kansas City, KS (#1185 overall), Hollywood, FL (#995 overall), and Surprise, AZ (#391 overall). Charleston is #413.