Charleston, SC Census Data
The largest city in South Carolina by population · 7 cities ranked
Charleston is the largest city in South Carolina by population and ranks 2nd of 7 for median household income. With 152,014 residents, it has a lower poverty rate than 4 other South Carolina cities. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
152,014
47.5% male · 52.5% female
Median Age
36.1
2.6 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$90,038
$11,500 above the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
57.7%
22.7% above the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 95.9%
Poverty Rate
12.0%
0.4% below the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 6.4%
Broadband Access
96.9%
7.2% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$469,100
Median rent: $1,632 · 56% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
3.4%
Labor force participation: 64.6%
Per Capita Income
$52,100
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
6.8%
Disability rate: 9.7%
How Charleston Compares to Other South Carolina Cities
Rankings among all 7 South Carolina cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 1st of 7 | Top 25% |
| Highest Median Income | 2nd of 7 | Top half |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 3rd of 7 | Top half |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 2nd of 7 | Top half |
| Highest Home Value | 2nd of 7 | Top half |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Charleston, SC Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Charleston, SC?
The population of Charleston, SC is 152,014 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 36.1 years.
What is the median household income in Charleston?
The median household income in Charleston, SC is $90,038, above the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $52,100.
What is the poverty rate in Charleston?
The poverty rate in Charleston, SC is 12.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 6.4% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Charleston residents have a college degree?
57.7% of adults (25+) in Charleston hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 95.9% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Charleston?
The median home value in Charleston, SC is $469,100. Median rent is $1,632 per month, with 56% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Charleston?
Charleston's population is 72.9% White, 17.4% Black, 5.9% Hispanic or Latino, and 2.2% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Charleston rank among South Carolina cities?
Charleston is the 1st largest city in South Carolina by population, the 2nd highest for median household income, the 3rd lowest for poverty rate, the 2nd highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 7 ranked South Carolina cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Charleston?
The unemployment rate in Charleston, SC is 3.4%, with a labor force participation rate of 64.6%. Per capita income is $52,100.
Cities Similar to Charleston
Other South Carolina cities with comparable population and income levels.