South Charleston

South Charleston, West Virginia Overview

South Charleston faces challenges across several categories, earning a D grade (41.0/100) and ranking #17 of 20 cities in West Virginia. Even so, the city scores 77/100 in Affordability — a relative bright spot compared to its Outdoor Access score of 17/100.

Income & Employment in South Charleston

The median household income in South Charleston is $59,616, 9% above the statewide median of $54,515. The local unemployment rate of 4.4% is lower than the state’s 4.7%. Population declined 0.6%.

Safety in South Charleston

With a violent crime rate of 571.6 per 100,000, South Charleston exceeds the West Virginia average of 285. Safety is a factor prospective residents should weigh carefully. The property crime rate is 4711.9 per 100,000.

Cost of Living in South Charleston

The median home value is $144,800. Median monthly rent is $857. Renters spend 17.3% of income on rent, well within the 30% affordability guideline.

Health & Wellness in South Charleston

The adult obesity rate in South Charleston is 40.9%, above the national average and a factor in the city’s health profile. Diabetes prevalence is elevated at 15.8%. Residents report an average of 21.1 poor mental health days per month, above the typical range. West Virginia ranks #48 nationally for overall health.

Education & Schools in South Charleston

South Charleston has a high school graduation rate of 88%. The student-teacher ratio is 15.1:1. Per-pupil spending is $14,242. The city has 6 public schools serving 2,093 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.

Climate & Commute in South Charleston

The annual average temperature in South Charleston is 51.9°F. Summers average 72.9°F. Winters average 33.3°F. Annual precipitation is 39.1 inches. The average commute of 17.5 minutes is notably short.

Frequently Asked Questions