North Charleston, SC Census Data
The 3rd largest city in South Carolina by population · 7 cities ranked
North Charleston is the 3rd largest city in South Carolina by population and ranks 6th of 7 for median household income. With 117,460 residents, its poverty rate of 15.5% ranks among the higher rates in South Carolina. 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
117,460
50.0% male · 50.0% female
Median Age
34.3
4.4 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$62,789
$15,749 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
28.0%
7.0% below the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 86.7%
Poverty Rate
15.5%
3.1% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 16.8%
Broadband Access
96.2%
6.5% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$267,700
Median rent: $1,364 · 48% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
Labor force participation: 63.0%
Per Capita Income
$40,609
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
10.3%
Disability rate: 11.9%
How North 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 | 3rd of 7 | Top half |
| Highest Median Income | 6th of 7 | Bottom 25% |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 6th of 7 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 7th of 7 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Home Value | 5th of 7 | Bottom half |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
North Charleston, SC Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of North Charleston, SC?
The population of North Charleston, SC is 117,460 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 34.3 years.
What is the median household income in North Charleston?
The median household income in North Charleston, SC is $62,789, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $40,609.
What is the poverty rate in North Charleston?
The poverty rate in North Charleston, SC is 15.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 16.8% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of North Charleston residents have a college degree?
28.0% of adults (25+) in North Charleston hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 86.7% 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 North Charleston?
The median home value in North Charleston, SC is $267,700. Median rent is $1,364 per month, with 48% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of North Charleston?
North Charleston's population is 39.1% White, 42.2% Black, 12.8% Hispanic or Latino, and 3.5% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does North Charleston rank among South Carolina cities?
North Charleston is the 3rd largest city in South Carolina by population, the 6th highest for median household income, the 6th lowest for poverty rate, the 7th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 7 ranked South Carolina cities.
What is the unemployment rate in North Charleston?
The unemployment rate in North Charleston, SC is 4.3%, with a labor force participation rate of 63.0%. Per capita income is $40,609.
Cities Similar to North Charleston
Other South Carolina cities with comparable population and income levels.