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Is South Charleston a Good Place to Live? South Charleston, West Virginia: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
South Charleston ranks #1255 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #223 of 234 towns and #19 of 20 in West Virginia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($155,400, #29 of 231) and low rents ($844/mo, #34 of 231), and trails on high violent crime (446 per 100,000, #121 of 146) and a shrinking population (-0.7%, #122 of 151).
South Charleston by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with South 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 South Charleston?
South 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 $844/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $175,312, 2% below the typical West Virginia home ($179,496).
| Measure | South Charleston | West VirginiaWV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 94.3 · US 100 | 88.7#155 of 1,308 | 89.5 | 94.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $325,401 · US $368,697 | $175,312#73 of 1,187 | $179,496 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,583/mo · US $1,948/mo | $946/mo#12 of 1,115 | — | $1,583/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $155,400#94 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $844/mo#46 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 2.4x#27 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 15.9%#94 of 1,309 | — | 19.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people 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.
South 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. South Charleston is in the Charleston, WV metro.
West Virginia housing market →Is South Charleston safe?
South Charleston recorded 446 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 36% above the US rate of 328 and 84% above West Virginia's 242. That ranks #778 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #121 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by South Charleston Police Department. Property crime runs 5,378 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | South Charleston | West VirginiaWV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 446#778 of 1,085 | 242 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 5,378#1080 of 1,085 | 1,053 | 1,379 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people 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 South Charleston?
The median household in South Charleston earns $63,884, 23% below the US figure of $83,163 and 5% above West Virginia ($60,798). 16.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.7% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | South Charleston | West VirginiaWV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $63,884#954 of 1,312 | $60,798 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 16.9%#974 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | -0.7%#1029 of 1,132 | -0.1% | 0% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). West Virginia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in South Charleston?
The median resident of South Charleston is 41.7 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 37.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #527 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 70.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | South Charleston | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 41.7 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 37.8%#527 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 70.6% | 65.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are South Charleston's schools and health?
South Charleston's 6 public schools graduate 88% of students in four years (West Virginia 91.2%), with 15.1 students per teacher and $14,242 spent per pupil. 40.9% of adults are obese and 15.8% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | South Charleston | West VirginiaWV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 88%#518 of 1,063 | 91.2% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 15.1#478 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $14,242#666 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 40.9%#1160 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 15.8%#1206 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 21.1%#1256 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 7.4%#305 of 1,311 | — | 8.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). West Virginia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 2,093 students are enrolled in South Charleston's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in South Charleston?
The average commute in South Charleston is 19.3 minutes (West Virginia 26.5); 2.2% of workers take transit and 8.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index South 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 | South Charleston | West VirginiaWV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 19.3 min#287 of 1,312 | 26.5 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 3.2%#228 of 1,312 | 9.8% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 76.1% | 77.6% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 2.2% | 0.6% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 2.2% | 2.6% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0% | 0.2% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 8.9% | 8.8% | 9.5% | — |
| 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 234 places under 25,000 people 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 | South Charleston | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 56.2°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 74.2°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 37.3°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 46.2 in | 36.5 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people 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 South 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 | South Charleston | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 38 | 39#281 of 1,138 | 38 | — |
| 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 234 places under 25,000 people 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 South Charleston compare with similar-size cities?
South Charleston is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #223 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 13,457.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Charleston, WVPop. 13,457 | #1255 | 42.1 | $63,884 | $844/mo | 446 | 19.3 min |
| Ewa Beach, HIPop. 14,376 | #308 | 62.0 | $124,323 | $2,522/mo | no data | 38 min |
| Pierre, SDPop. 13,948 | #787 | 53.5 | $77,672 | $983/mo | 561 | 13.3 min |
| South Sioux City, NEPop. 13,907 | #750 | 54.2 | $68,223 | $1,127/mo | 166 | 12.2 min |
| Hockessin, DEPop. 13,439 | #30 | 72.1 | $171,204 | $3,501/mo | no data | 23.2 min |
| Los Alamos, NMPop. 13,317 | #8 | 75.8 | $141,018 | $1,359/mo | part year | 12.4 min |
| Claremont, NHPop. 13,078 | #561 | 57.2 | $59,096 | $1,146/mo | 183 | 24.3 min |
| Jerome, IDPop. 12,930 | #983 | 50.4 | $66,894 | $947/mo | 356 | 22 min |
| Valley Falls, RIPop. 12,657 | #515 | 57.9 | $92,901 | $1,362/mo | no data | 23.3 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 South Charleston compare with the rest of West Virginia?
South Charleston ranks #19 of the 20 West Virginia cities we track, with a score of 42.1 against West Virginia's statewide 42.8. Its households earn 5% above the West Virginia median. Violent crime is 84% above the statewide rate. Homes are 2% 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 South Charleston's score calculated?
South Charleston scores 42.1 out of 100, #1255 of 1,312 (grade F, 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, some inputs missing · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in South Charleston. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
25.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by South Charleston's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
39.5 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in South Charleston. Similar-size median 56.5.
28.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in South Charleston's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
59.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
South Charleston's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
87.6 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in South Charleston. Similar-size median 50.8.
36.8 - GrowthCity data, some inputs missing · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in South Charleston. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 35.2.
18.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in South Charleston. Similar-size median 48.3.
49.3 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across South 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 59.2.
35.6 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: South Charleston's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 234 places under 25,000 people we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories South 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 South Charleston
Is South Charleston, WV a good place to live?
South Charleston ranks #1255 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #223 of 234 towns and #19 of 20 in West Virginia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($155,400, #29 of 231) and low rents ($844/mo, #34 of 231), and trails on high violent crime (446 per 100,000, #121 of 146) and a shrinking population (-0.7%, #122 of 151).
What is the cost of living in South Charleston?
South 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 $844/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $175,312, 2% below the typical West Virginia home ($179,496).
What is the crime rate in South Charleston?
South Charleston recorded 446 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 36% above the US rate of 328 and 84% above West Virginia's 242. That ranks #778 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #121 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by South Charleston Police Department. Property crime runs 5,378 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in South Charleston?
The median household in South Charleston earns $63,884, 23% below the US figure of $83,163 and 5% above West Virginia ($60,798). 16.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.7% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in South Charleston?
Median rent in South Charleston is $844/mo (Census), #46 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $946/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 15.9% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in South Charleston?
The typical home value in South Charleston is $175,312, up 5.3% in a year, against $179,496 for West Virginia and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $155,400.
How are the public schools in South Charleston?
South Charleston's 6 public schools graduate 88% of students in four years (West Virginia 91.2%), with 15.1 students per teacher and $14,242 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in South Charleston?
The average commute is 19.3 minutes, #287 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.5 minutes across West Virginia. 3.2% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in South Charleston?
South 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 South Charleston walkable?
South 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 South 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 South 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 South Charleston?
South Charleston has 13,457 residents. The median resident of South Charleston is 41.7 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 37.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #527 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 70.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does South Charleston compare with the rest of West Virginia?
South Charleston ranks #19 of the 20 West Virginia cities we track, with a score of 42.1 against West Virginia's statewide 42.8. Its households earn 5% above the West Virginia median. Violent crime is 84% above the statewide rate. Homes are 2% below the typical West Virginia home.
What cities are similar in size to South Charleston?
The tracked cities in other states closest to South Charleston's population of 13,457 are Ewa Beach, HI (#308 overall), Pierre, SD (#787 overall), South Sioux City, NE (#750 overall), Hockessin, DE (#30 overall), and Los Alamos, NM (#8 overall). South Charleston is #1255.