Illinois / Coles County

Moving to Charleston, IL

Thinking of making a move to Charleston, IL? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Charleston, IL

Considering a move to Charleston, IL? This welcoming community of 17,286 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $117,000 and average rents near $795. Commute times average 14 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (56% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Charleston's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Charleston, IL

Charleston has a population of 17,286 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 25 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 85% White, 6% Black, and 2% Asian residents, and over 4% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
17,286
Density
2,100 per sq mi
Median Age
24.8
Gender Ratio
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
3.5%

Ethnic Composition

White
85.2%
Black
6.3%
Asian
2.2%
Others
6.3%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Charleston, IL?

The cost of living in Charleston is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 82.5. Median home values are around $117,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $795. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$117,000
Gross Rent
$795
Monthly Electricity Charges
$110
Auto Insurance
$1,070
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$370
State Taxes
Low: 4.95%| High: 4.95%
Cost Of Living Index
82.5
Grocery
92.4
Housing
60.2
Utilities
99.6
Transportation
85.7
Health Care
94.9
Miscellaneous
91.2

Crime

Is Charleston, IL a safe place to live?

Charleston is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 135 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 70. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Illinois.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
135
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,420
Crime Index
1,555
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 740
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 70

Weather

What is the weather like in Charleston, IL year-round?

Charleston experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 86°F and cold winters dipping to 18°F. The area receives about 41 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 56% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
18°F
Max
36°F

Summer

Min
63°F
Max
86°F

Spring

Min
40°F
Max
68°F

Fall

Min
43°F
Max
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches
41.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
56%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $41,700 and a low poverty rate of 25.7%. Over 92% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 29% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 14 minutes, and almost 0% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$31,500
Household Income
$41,700
Family Income
$60,900
Per Capita Income
$20,300
Income Male
$31,900
Income Female
$27,100
Poverty Rate
25.7%
Non English Speakers
3.5%
Rent
$795
Unemployment Rate
4.7%
Public Transport Usage
0.2%
Commute Time
14.3 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
92.1%
Bachelors or More
29.3%

Education

How are the schools in Charleston, IL?

Charleston offers quality education options, with public schools like Charleston High School and Jefferson Elementary School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Eastern Illinois University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Charleston High School
Street
920 Smith Dr
Phone
217-639-5000
Students
800
Student Teacher Ratio
15.2
Name
Jefferson Elementary School
Street
801 Jefferson Ave
Phone
217-639-7000
Students
400
Student Teacher Ratio
16.4

Colleges

Name
Eastern Illinois University
City
Charleston
State
IL
Distance
0 miles
Students
7,400

Healthcare

Charleston residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.5 per 1,000 people and 92.4% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center
Address
1000 Health Center Dr, Mattoon, IL 61938
Phone
(217) 258-2525
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage
92.4%
Health Care Index
67.8

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Charleston, IL?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $117,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 49%. The market has seen a 4.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 8.6%. Charleston offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$117,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$795
Owner Occupied Rate
48.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate
8.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.1%
New Construction Rate
0.9%
Foreclosure Rate
0.6%

DMV Information

Residents of Charleston handle vehicle services through the Illinois Secretary of State - Driver Services Facility, conveniently located in Charleston. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Illinois
Department
Illinois Secretary of State - Driver Services Facility
Address
1010 E St, Charleston, IL 61920
Phone
(217) 345-6400

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.

FAQs About Moving to Charleston, IL

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Charleston, review the core fields on this page: population 17,286, median home value $117,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $795, commute time 14.3 minutes, and sunny days percentage 56%.

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