West VirginiaPop. 47,421Small cities
Is Charleston a Good Place to Live? Charleston, West Virginia: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Charleston ranks #1064 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #169 of 208 small cities and #6 of 20 in West Virginia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($908/mo, #29 of 208) and short commutes (16.9 min, #30 of 208), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.7%, #171 of 182) and high violent crime (596 per 100,000, #152 of 174).
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 88.7, 11% below the US level of 100 and #155 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $908/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $166,696, 7% below the typical West Virginia home ($179,496).
| Measure | Charleston | West VirginiaWV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 88.7#155 of 1,308 | 89.5 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $166,696#63 of 1,187 | $179,496 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,369/mo#228 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $203,300#235 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $908/mo#99 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 3.1x#230 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 16.6%#130 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). West Virginia 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, WV metro.
West Virginia housing market →Is Charleston safe?
Charleston recorded 596 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 82% above the US rate of 328 and 2.5 times West Virginia's 242. That ranks #913 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #152 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Charleston Police Department. Property crime runs 3,804 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Charleston | West VirginiaWV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 596#913 of 1,085 | 242 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 3,804#1031 of 1,085 | 1,053 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). West Virginia 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 $65,812, 21% below the US figure of $83,163 and 8% above West Virginia ($60,798). Unemployment is 3.9% (US 4.3%). 15.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.7% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Charleston | West VirginiaWV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $65,812#910 of 1,312 | $60,798 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 3.9%#434 of 1,058 | 4.2% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 15.8%#910 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.7%#1029 of 1,132 | -0.1% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). West Virginia 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 43 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 45.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #344 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 63.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Charleston | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 43 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 45.2%#344 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 63.3% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Charleston's schools and health?
Charleston's 18 public schools graduate 88% of students in four years (West Virginia 91.2%), with 14.2 students per teacher and $14,242 spent per pupil. 40.2% of adults are obese and 15.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Charleston | West VirginiaWV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 88%#518 of 1,063 | 91.2% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 14.2#323 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $14,242#666 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 40.2%#1133 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 15.6%#1199 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 20.2%#1194 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 7.4%#305 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). West Virginia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 7,019 students are enrolled in Charleston's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Charleston?
The average commute in Charleston is 16.9 minutes (West Virginia 26.5); 1% of workers take transit and 13% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Charleston scores 8.2 of 20 (below average walkable), #1009 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 74.2°F and winters 37.3°F, with 46.2 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Charleston | West VirginiaWV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 16.9 min#131 of 1,312 | 26.5 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 3.9%#370 of 1,312 | 9.8% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 72% | 77.6% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 1% | 0.6% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 5.4% | 2.6% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 13% | 8.8% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 8.2#1009 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). West Virginia 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 | 43.9 | 26.1 | 3.3 |
| Feb | 47.8 | 28.6 | 3.4 |
| Mar | 56.8 | 35.1 | 4.1 |
| Apr | 69.4 | 44.5 | 3.6 |
| May | 76.2 | 53.2 | 4.9 |
| Jun | 83.1 | 61.5 | 4.7 |
| Jul | 86 | 65.5 | 5.4 |
| Aug | 85.2 | 64.1 | 3.8 |
| Sep | 79.5 | 57.1 | 3.5 |
| Oct | 68.7 | 45.3 | 2.9 |
| Nov | 57.3 | 35.6 | 3.2 |
| Dec | 47.5 | 29.9 | 3.6 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Charleston - Yeager Airport.
| Measure | Charleston | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 56.2°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 74.2°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 37.3°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 46.2 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Charleston - Yeager Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Charleston?
Kanawha County's air had a median air quality index of 39, and 77% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Kanawha County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, strong wind, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.34% of building value, higher than 91% of US counties.
| Measure | Charleston | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 39#281 of 1,138 | 41 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.34%#1138 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Kanawha County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Kanawha County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | 0.29% | 99% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0017% | 46% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0017% | 45% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0019% | 40% 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 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #169 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 47,421.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston, WVPop. 47,421 | #1064 | 48.6 | $65,812 | $908/mo | 596 | 16.9 min |
| Minot, NDPop. 47,791 | #301 | 62.1 | $73,219 | $973/mo | 295 | 19.7 min |
| Roswell, NMPop. 47,638 | #1211 | 44.6 | $51,583 | $876/mo | 662 | 18.2 min |
| Pahrump, NVPop. 47,347 | #1286 | 38.9 | $62,109 | $1,304/mo | no data | 29.8 min |
| East Providence, RIPop. 47,281 | #260 | 63.0 | $75,912 | $1,288/mo | 74 | 22.6 min |
| Binghamton, NYPop. 47,151 | #1038 | 49.3 | $45,578 | $870/mo | 559 | 19 min |
| Wentzville, MOPop. 47,061 | #155 | 66.0 | $112,394 | $1,345/mo | 139 | 27.8 min |
| Olive Branch, MSPop. 47,019 | #385 | 60.3 | $100,606 | $1,829/mo | 175 | 24.5 min |
| Monroe, LAPop. 47,004 | #1305 | 35.9 | $40,505 | $886/mo | 1,647 | 18.2 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 West Virginia?
Charleston ranks #6 of the 20 West Virginia cities we track, with a score of 48.6 against West Virginia's statewide 42.8. Its households earn 8% above the West Virginia median. Violent crime is 2.5 times the statewide rate. Homes are 7% below the typical West Virginia home.
| City | Rank in WV | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgeport, WVPop. 9,252 | #1 | 62.8 | $100,022 | $1,105/mo | 74 |
| Cheat Lake, WVPop. 10,902 | #2 | 62.2 | $117,014 | $1,124/mo | no data |
| Teays Valley, WVPop. 14,151 | #3 | 57.8 | $108,741 | $1,102/mo | no data |
| Morgantown, WVPop. 30,236 | #4 | 52.8 | $44,727 | $937/mo | 239 |
| Weirton, WVPop. 18,647 | #5 | 50.4 | $59,575 | $746/mo | 83 |
| Charleston, WVPop. 47,421 | #6 | 48.6 | $65,812 | $908/mo | 596 |
| Fairmont, WVPop. 18,221 | #7 | 48.4 | $63,032 | $916/mo | 395 |
| Parkersburg, WVPop. 29,240 | #8 | 47.8 | $49,025 | $785/mo | 269 |
| Vienna, WVPop. 10,518 | #9 | 47.8 | $60,388 | $809/mo | 174 |
| Martinsburg, WVPop. 18,904 | #10 | 47.6 | $59,555 | $1,150/mo | 221 |
| Wheeling, WVPop. 26,350 | #11 | 47.0 | $48,590 | $794/mo | 816 |
| St. Albans, WVPop. 10,522 | #12 | 47.0 | $53,972 | $931/mo | 118 |
| Moundsville, WVPop. 7,869 | #13 | 46.3 | $49,048 | $834/mo | 263 |
| Clarksburg, WVPop. 15,549 | #14 | 46.1 | $47,386 | $790/mo | 278 |
| Cross Lanes, WVPop. 9,671 | #15 | 45.1 | $63,537 | $949/mo | no data |
| Bluefield, WVPop. 9,387 | #16 | 44.7 | $49,375 | $804/mo | 365 |
| Oak Hill, WVPop. 7,937 | #17 | 44.7 | $52,466 | $847/mo | 92 |
| Huntington, WVPop. 45,787 | #18 | 44.2 | $45,100 | $912/mo | 670 |
| South Charleston, WVPop. 13,457 | #19 | 42.1 | $63,884 | $844/mo | 446 |
| Beckley, WVPop. 16,818 | #20 | 34.1 | $45,826 | $869/mo | 716 |
All 20 West Virginia cities we track, by overall score. West Virginia statewide: median income $60,798, violent crime 241.7 per 100,000.
How is Charleston's score calculated?
Charleston scores 48.6 out of 100, #1064 of 1,312 (grade D, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with West Virginia'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.
49.3 - 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 78.4.
41.5 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Charleston. Similar-size median 52.2.
31.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Charleston's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
61.3 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Charleston's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
84.8 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Charleston. Similar-size median 46.7.
39.7 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Charleston. Similar-size median 44.2.
34.5 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Charleston. Similar-size median 47.3.
57.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Charleston's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
37.9 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
35.6 - 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 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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, WV a good place to live?
Charleston ranks #1064 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #169 of 208 small cities and #6 of 20 in West Virginia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($908/mo, #29 of 208) and short commutes (16.9 min, #30 of 208), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.7%, #171 of 182) and high violent crime (596 per 100,000, #152 of 174).
What is the cost of living in Charleston?
Charleston's cost of living index is 88.7, 11% below the US level of 100 and #155 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $908/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $166,696, 7% below the typical West Virginia home ($179,496).
What is the crime rate in Charleston?
Charleston recorded 596 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 82% above the US rate of 328 and 2.5 times West Virginia's 242. That ranks #913 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #152 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Charleston Police Department. Property crime runs 3,804 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Charleston?
The median household in Charleston earns $65,812, 21% below the US figure of $83,163 and 8% above West Virginia ($60,798). Unemployment is 3.9% (US 4.3%). 15.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.7% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Charleston?
Median rent in Charleston is $908/mo (Census), #99 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,369/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 16.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Charleston?
The typical home value in Charleston is $166,696, up 2.6% in a year, against $179,496 for West Virginia and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $203,300.
How are the public schools in Charleston?
Charleston's 18 public schools graduate 88% of students in four years (West Virginia 91.2%), with 14.2 students per teacher and $14,242 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Charleston?
The average commute is 16.9 minutes, #131 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.5 minutes across West Virginia. 3.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Charleston?
Charleston averages 56.2°F over the year, 74.2°F in summer and 37.3°F in winter, with 46.2 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Charleston walkable?
Charleston scores 8.2 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1009 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 Kanawha County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, strong wind, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.34% of building value, higher than 91% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Charleston?
Kanawha County's air had a median air quality index of 39, and 77% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Charleston?
Charleston has 47,421 residents. The median resident of Charleston is 43 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 45.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #344 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 63.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Charleston compare with the rest of West Virginia?
Charleston ranks #6 of the 20 West Virginia cities we track, with a score of 48.6 against West Virginia's statewide 42.8. Its households earn 8% above the West Virginia median. Violent crime is 2.5 times the statewide rate. Homes are 7% below the typical West Virginia home.
What cities are similar in size to Charleston?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Charleston's population of 47,421 are Minot, ND (#301 overall), Roswell, NM (#1211 overall), Pahrump, NV (#1286 overall), East Providence, RI (#260 overall), and Binghamton, NY (#1038 overall). Charleston is #1064.