South CarolinaPop. 119,913Mid-size cities
Is North Charleston a Good Place to Live? North Charleston, South Carolina: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
North Charleston ranks #978 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #183 of 256 mid-size cities and #12 of 20 in South Carolina. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+2.1%, #15 of 241), and trails on high violent crime (668 per 100,000, #198 of 235) and low household income ($62,956, #202 of 256).
North Charleston by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with North 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 North Charleston?
North 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 $1,430/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $310,134, 1% above the typical South Carolina home ($306,323).
| Measure | North 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 | $310,134#406 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 | $1,757/mo#552 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $302,200#536 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,430/mo#661 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 4.8x#802 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 27.3%#1156 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.
North 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. North Charleston is in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC metro.
South Carolina housing market →Is North Charleston safe?
North Charleston recorded 668 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2 times the US rate of 328 and 72% above South Carolina's 388. That ranks #948 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #198 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by North Charleston Police Department. Property crime runs 3,455 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | North Charleston | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 668#948 of 1,085 | 388 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 3,455#1005 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 North Charleston?
The median household in North Charleston earns $62,956, 24% below the US figure of $83,163 and 13% below South Carolina ($72,350). Unemployment is 3.8% (US 4.3%). 14.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 2.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | North Charleston | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $62,956#977 of 1,312 | $72,350 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.8%#390 of 1,058 | 4.5% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 14.4%#822 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +2.1%#93 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 North Charleston?
The median resident of North Charleston is 34.6 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 28.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #854 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 49.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | North Charleston | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 34.6 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 28.6%#854 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 49.8% | 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 North Charleston's schools and health?
North Charleston's 31 public schools graduate 82.6% of students in four years (South Carolina 83.8%), with 13 students per teacher and $15,555 spent per pupil. 35.2% of adults are obese and 13.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | North Charleston | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 82.6%#802 of 1,063 | 83.8% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 13#169 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $15,555#512 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 35.2%#789 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 13.2%#979 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 17.5%#754 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 15.3%#1094 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. 19,199 students are enrolled in North Charleston's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in North Charleston?
The average commute in North Charleston is 24.5 minutes (South Carolina 26.3); 1.7% of workers take transit and 9.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index North Charleston scores 11 of 20 (above average walkable), #585 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 81.1°F and winters 51.5°F, with 52.5 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | North Charleston | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 24.5 min#734 of 1,312 | 26.3 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 5.5%#652 of 1,312 | 7.8% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 74% | 74.9% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.7% | 0.3% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.2% | 1.6% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.6% | 0.2% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 9.7% | 12.3% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 11#585 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 | 60.2 | 38.9 | 3.4 |
| Feb | 63.8 | 41.6 | 3.1 |
| Mar | 70.1 | 47.3 | 3.4 |
| Apr | 77.1 | 54.5 | 3.3 |
| May | 83.6 | 63 | 3.3 |
| Jun | 88.5 | 70.4 | 6.2 |
| Jul | 91.3 | 73.7 | 6.6 |
| Aug | 89.8 | 73.1 | 7 |
| Sep | 85.4 | 68.3 | 6 |
| Oct | 77.9 | 57.7 | 4.3 |
| Nov | 69.4 | 47.1 | 2.7 |
| Dec | 62.7 | 41.6 | 3.4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Charleston International Airport.
| Measure | North Charleston | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 66.5°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 81.1°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 51.5°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 52.5 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 Charleston International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in North 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 | North 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 North Charleston compare with similar-size cities?
North Charleston is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #183 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 119,913.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Charleston, SCPop. 119,913 | #978 | 50.4 | $62,956 | $1,430/mo | 668 | 24.5 min |
| Hartford, CTPop. 121,127 | #1090 | 48.0 | $46,411 | $1,269/mo | 459 | 23.1 min |
| The Woodlands, TXPop. 121,002 | #233 | 63.6 | $140,701 | $1,822/mo | no data | 27 min |
| Wilmington, NCPop. 120,805 | #656 | 55.7 | $66,738 | $1,395/mo | 406 | 18.5 min |
| Berkeley, CAPop. 120,257 | #564 | 57.1 | $108,092 | $2,133/mo | 639 | 27.8 min |
| Lakeland, FLPop. 119,961 | #848 | 52.5 | $64,185 | $1,395/mo | 370 | 23.1 min |
| Billings, MTPop. 119,434 | #825 | 52.8 | $73,712 | $1,138/mo | 763 | 16.5 min |
| Cambridge, MAPop. 118,796 | #57 | 70.4 | $130,748 | $2,787/mo | 436 | 25.8 min |
| Broken Arrow, OKPop. 118,180 | #370 | 60.5 | $86,765 | $1,320/mo | 198 | 21.9 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 North Charleston compare with the rest of South Carolina?
North Charleston ranks #12 of the 20 South Carolina cities we track, with a score of 50.4 against South Carolina's statewide 49. Its households earn 13% below the South Carolina median. Violent crime is 72% above the statewide rate. Homes are 1% 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 North Charleston's score calculated?
North Charleston scores 50.4 out of 100, #978 of 1,312 (grade C, 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 North Charleston. Similar-size median 52.9.
48.6 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by North Charleston's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
39.5 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in North Charleston. Similar-size median 53.8.
48.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in North Charleston's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
60.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
North Charleston's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
67.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in North Charleston. Similar-size median 51.2.
41.0 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in North Charleston. Similar-size median 42.1.
62.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in North Charleston. Similar-size median 50.1.
46.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across North Charleston's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
52.6 - 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: North 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 North 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 North Charleston
Is North Charleston, SC a good place to live?
North Charleston ranks #978 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #183 of 256 mid-size cities and #12 of 20 in South Carolina. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+2.1%, #15 of 241), and trails on high violent crime (668 per 100,000, #198 of 235) and low household income ($62,956, #202 of 256).
What is the cost of living in North Charleston?
North 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 $1,430/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $310,134, 1% above the typical South Carolina home ($306,323).
What is the crime rate in North Charleston?
North Charleston recorded 668 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2 times the US rate of 328 and 72% above South Carolina's 388. That ranks #948 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #198 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by North Charleston Police Department. Property crime runs 3,455 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in North Charleston?
The median household in North Charleston earns $62,956, 24% below the US figure of $83,163 and 13% below South Carolina ($72,350). Unemployment is 3.8% (US 4.3%). 14.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 2.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in North Charleston?
Median rent in North Charleston is $1,430/mo (Census), #661 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,757/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 27.3% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in North Charleston?
The typical home value in North Charleston is $310,134, down 1.4% in a year, against $306,323 for South Carolina and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $302,200.
How are the public schools in North Charleston?
North Charleston's 31 public schools graduate 82.6% of students in four years (South Carolina 83.8%), with 13 students per teacher and $15,555 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in North Charleston?
The average commute is 24.5 minutes, #734 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.3 minutes across South Carolina. 5.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in North Charleston?
North Charleston averages 66.5°F over the year, 81.1°F in summer and 51.5°F in winter, with 52.5 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is North Charleston walkable?
North Charleston scores 11 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #585 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 North 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 North 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 North Charleston?
North Charleston has 119,913 residents. The median resident of North Charleston is 34.6 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 28.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #854 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 49.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does North Charleston compare with the rest of South Carolina?
North Charleston ranks #12 of the 20 South Carolina cities we track, with a score of 50.4 against South Carolina's statewide 49. Its households earn 13% below the South Carolina median. Violent crime is 72% above the statewide rate. Homes are 1% above the typical South Carolina home.
What cities are similar in size to North Charleston?
The tracked cities in other states closest to North Charleston's population of 119,913 are Hartford, CT (#1090 overall), The Woodlands, TX (#233 overall), Wilmington, NC (#656 overall), Berkeley, CA (#564 overall), and Lakeland, FL (#848 overall). North Charleston is #978.