Charleston

Charleston, West Virginia Overview

Charleston scores 45.0/100 overall (D), ranking #9 of 20 cities in West Virginia — above the state composite of 34.4. Affordability is the city’s relative strength at 84/100, while Outdoor Access lags at 17/100.

Income & Employment in Charleston

The median household income in Charleston is $64,512, 18% above the statewide median of $54,515. The local unemployment rate of 3.6% is lower than the state’s 4.7%. Population declined 0.7%.

Safety in Charleston

With a violent crime rate of 607.9 per 100,000, Charleston exceeds the West Virginia average of 285. Safety is a factor prospective residents should weigh carefully. The property crime rate is 3819.8 per 100,000.

Cost of Living in Charleston

With a cost of living index of 88.4, Charleston is well below the national average of 100, offering meaningful savings on everyday expenses. The median home value is $187,300. Median monthly rent is $898. Renters spend 16.7% of income on rent, well within the 30% affordability guideline.

Health & Wellness in Charleston

The adult obesity rate in Charleston is 40.2%, above the national average and a factor in the city’s health profile. Diabetes prevalence is elevated at 15.6%. Residents report an average of 20.2 poor mental health days per month, above the typical range. West Virginia ranks #48 nationally for overall health.

Education & Schools in Charleston

Charleston has a high school graduation rate of 88%. The student-teacher ratio is 15.5:1. Per-pupil spending is $14,242. The city has 27 public schools serving 11,155 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.

Climate & Commute in Charleston

The annual average temperature in Charleston is 52.4°F. Summers average 73.5°F. Winters average 34°F. Annual precipitation is 39.7 inches. The average commute of 16.9 minutes is notably short.

Frequently Asked Questions