Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Charleston, SC
Thinking of moving to Charleston, SC? With a population of 153,672, Charleston combines Southern charm with a vibrant coastal lifestyle. The median home price is $469,000 and typical rents are around $1,675, with living costs about 10% above the national average. Residents enjoy a short 24-minute average commute, mild winters, and 63% sunny days. Charleston boasts a strong educational scene and several major hospitals, while its lively downtown, historic sites, and beaches make it a standout for quality of life.
Demographics - Charleston, SC
Demographics - Charleston, SC
Charleston is home to about 153,672 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of 35.9 years. The city has a strong mix of cultural backgrounds, with around 72% identifying as White and 22% as Black, and about 7.5% speaking a language other than English at home. This youthful, vibrant population contributes to Charleston’s welcoming and dynamic atmosphere.
Population:
153,672
Density:
1,270 per sq mi
Median Age:
35.9
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
72.1%
Black:
21.6%
Asian:
1.6%
Others:
4.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Charleston, SC?
Living in Charleston comes with a cost of living roughly 10% higher than the U.S. average, largely driven by housing expenses where the median home value is $469,000 and typical rent is $1,675. Utilities and groceries are also slightly above average, but transportation costs remain competitive. Residents should also consider state income tax rates ranging up to 7%.
Median House Value:
$469,000
Gross Rent:
$1,675
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$155
Auto Insurance:
$1,650
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$610
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
7%
Cost Of Living Index:
110.6
Grocery:
104.2
Housing:
122.3
Utilities:
110.5
Transportation:
98.6
Health Care:
102.8
Miscellaneous:
104.2
Crime
Is Charleston, SC a safe place to live?
Charleston experiences a moderate crime rate, with a chance of property crime at 1 in 34 and violent crime at 1 in 325. The city’s overall crime index reflects a need for awareness, but many neighborhoods remain safe and family-friendly. Local law enforcement and community programs help maintain a secure environment for residents.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
307
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,964
Crime Index:
3,271
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 325
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 34
Weather
What is the weather like in Charleston, SC year-round?
Charleston offers a mild coastal climate with warm summers averaging highs near 90°F and comfortable winters with lows around 43°F. The city enjoys about 63% sunny days and receives nearly 50 inches of rainfall annually, supporting lush greenery and outdoor activities year-round. These conditions make Charleston attractive for those who appreciate a pleasant, temperate climate.
Winter
Min:
43°F
Max:
61°F
Spring
Min:
56°F
Max:
77°F
Summer
Min:
74°F
Max:
90°F
Fall
Min:
59°F
Max:
78°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
49.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
63%
Neighbors
Charleston’s communities are known for their friendly spirit, with a median household income of $78,926 and a family income nearing $98,200. The area boasts a strong educational attainment, with over half of adults holding bachelor’s degrees or higher. A low unemployment rate of 3.7% and manageable average commute times make for a balanced work-life environment.
Median Income:
$40,750
Household Income:
$78,926
Family Income:
$98,200
Per Capita Income:
$47,080
Income Male:
$54,300
Income Female:
$42,900
Poverty Rate:
13.8%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$1,675
Unemployment Rate:
3.7%
Public Transport Usage:
1.9%
Commute Time:
23.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.2%
Bachelors or More:
52.1%
Education
How are the schools in Charleston, SC?
Charleston offers a robust educational landscape with well-regarded public and private schools, including James Island Charter High School and Porter-Gaud School. The city is also home to the College of Charleston and the Medical University of South Carolina, providing higher education opportunities for over 13,000 students. Families benefit from strong student-teacher ratios and a high rate of college-educated adults.
Public Schools
Name:
James Island Charter High School
Street:
1000 Fort Johnson Rd
Phone:
843-762-2754
Students:
1,600
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Name:
Buist Academy
Street:
103 Calhoun St
Phone:
843-724-7750
Students:
470
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.2
Private Schools
Name:
Porter-Gaud School
Street:
300 Albemarle Rd
Phone:
843-556-3620
Students:
1,000
Colleges
Name:
College of Charleston
City:
Charleston
State:
SC
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
10,885
Name:
Medical University of South Carolina
City:
Charleston
State:
SC
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
3,000
Healthcare
Residents benefit from excellent healthcare facilities, including MUSC Health University Medical Center and Roper Hospital, both offering comprehensive emergency services. With 2.5 physicians per 1,000 people and nearly 90% health insurance coverage, medical care is readily accessible. Charleston’s healthcare index signals dependable services and overall good access for families and individuals.
Major Hospitals
Name:
MUSC Health University Medical Center
Address:
171 Ashley Ave, Charleston, SC 29425
Phone:
(843) 792-2300
Type:
Teaching & General
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Roper Hospital
Address:
316 Calhoun St, Charleston, SC 29401
Phone:
(843) 724-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.6%
Health Care Index:
71.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Charleston, SC?
Charleston’s housing market features a median home price of $469,000 and average two-bedroom rent at $1,675, reflecting steady demand. More than half of homes are owner-occupied, and the area continues to see healthy appreciation rates around 4% annually. Rental vacancies are moderate, offering options for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$469,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,675
Owner Occupied Rate:
56.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.0%
New Construction Rate:
2.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Vehicle services in Charleston are managed by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, with convenient resources available online at scdmvonline.com. Residents can access licensing, registration, and other DMV services at regional offices, including the main location in Blythewood. The DMV provides essential support for new arrivals and longtime locals alike.
State:
South Carolina
Department:
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
10311 Wilson Blvd, Blythewood, SC 29016
Phone:
1-803-896-5000
Website:
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.