Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Charleston, WV
Considering a move to Charleston, WV? With a population of nearly 49,000, Charleston offers affordable living—median home prices are just $146,000 and average rents around $875. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 17 minutes, a moderate climate with 57% sunny days annually, and access to several major hospitals and colleges. While the cost of living is low, be aware of higher property crime rates and a poverty rate above the national average. Charleston’s friendly neighborhoods, scenic river views, and educational options make it a welcoming spot for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Charleston, WV
Demographics - Charleston, WV
Charleston is home to just under 49,000 residents, featuring a median age of 42.2 years and a community that is predominantly White, with significant Black and smaller Asian populations. The city’s population density and gender ratio create a balanced, close-knit feel, and around 4.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
48,864
Density:
1,360 per sq mi
Median Age:
42.2
Gender Ratio:
91 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
77.2%
Black:
15.4%
Asian:
1.6%
Others:
5.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Charleston, WV?
Charleston boasts a cost of living index well below the national average, making it an affordable choice for new residents. Median home values are around $146,000, with average rents at $875 and reasonable utility and auto insurance costs, helping to keep everyday expenses manageable.
Median House Value:
$146,000
Gross Rent:
$875
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,150
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,110
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$390
State Taxes:
Low:
3.0%
|
High:
6.5%
Cost Of Living Index:
78.6
Grocery:
92.0
Housing:
56.5
Utilities:
97.2
Transportation:
82.1
Health Care:
84.0
Miscellaneous:
92.8
Crime
Is Charleston, WV a safe place to live?
While Charleston offers a vibrant community, prospective residents should note a higher-than-average property crime rate, with 3,620 incidents per 100,000 people and a 1 in 28 chance of being affected. Violent crime is comparatively lower, with a 1 in 241 chance, making awareness and preventive measures important.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
415
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,620
Crime Index:
4,035
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 241
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 28
Weather
What is the weather like in Charleston, WV year-round?
Charleston experiences four distinct seasons, with mild winters averaging lows of 26°F and warm summers reaching highs of 85°F. Residents enjoy about 57% sunny days each year and moderate annual rainfall, making outdoor activities accessible throughout much of the year.
Winter
Min:
26°F
Max:
43°F
Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
70°F
Summer
Min:
64°F
Max:
85°F
Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
71°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
42.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
57%
Neighbors
Local households typically earn about $51,400, and the area has a poverty rate of nearly 20%, reflecting a diverse economic landscape. Most adults have completed high school, with nearly a third holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, and the average commute is a convenient 17 minutes.
Median Income:
$32,000
Household Income:
$51,400
Family Income:
$65,800
Per Capita Income:
$30,900
Income Male:
$40,300
Income Female:
$34,800
Poverty Rate:
19.7%
Non English Speakers:
4.5%
Rent:
$875
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
1.7%
Commute Time:
16.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
90.3%
Bachelors or More:
28.1%
Education
How are the schools in Charleston, WV?
Families in Charleston benefit from a range of public and private school options, including highly regarded institutions like George Washington High School and Charleston Catholic High School. The city is also home to the University of Charleston and is located near West Virginia State University, offering local access to higher education.
Public Schools
Name:
George Washington High School
Street:
1522 Tennis Club Rd
Phone:
304-348-7729
Students:
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.0
Name:
Horace Mann Middle School
Street:
4300 MacCorkle Ave SE
Phone:
304-348-1920
Students:
600
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2
Private Schools
Name:
Charleston Catholic High School
Street:
1033 Virginia St E
Phone:
304-342-8415
Students:
420
Colleges
Name:
University of Charleston
City:
Charleston
State:
WV
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
2,400
Name:
West Virginia State University
City:
Institute
State:
WV
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
3,600
Healthcare
Charleston provides quality healthcare access with major hospitals like CAMC General and Thomas Memorial offering comprehensive services and emergency care. The city maintains a favorable physician-to-resident ratio and over 91% health insurance coverage, ensuring residents have strong medical support.
Major Hospitals
Name:
CAMC General Hospital
Address:
501 Morris St, Charleston, WV 25301
Phone:
(304) 388-5432
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Thomas Memorial Hospital
Address:
4605 MacCorkle Ave SW, South Charleston, WV 25309
Phone:
(304) 766-3600
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.4%
Health Care Index:
67.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Charleston, WV?
Charleston's housing market is attractive for buyers and renters alike, with a median home price of $146,000 and an average two-bedroom rent of $875. Over half of residents own their homes, and the area features a modest home appreciation rate, providing stable opportunities for long-term living.
Median Home Price:
$146,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$875
Owner Occupied Rate:
58.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
10.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.7%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
The West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles in Charleston offers convenient access to vehicle registration and licensing services at its MacCorkle Avenue location. Residents can easily manage their DMV needs either in person, by phone, or online through the state website.
State:
West Virginia
Department:
West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
5707 MacCorkle Ave SE, Charleston, WV 25304
Phone:
1-800-642-9066
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.