West Virginia / Kanawha County

Moving to Charleston, WV

Thinking of making a move to Charleston, WV? 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, WV

Considering a move to Charleston, WV? This welcoming community of 48,864 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $146,000 and average rents near $875. Commute times average 17 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (57% 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, WV

Charleston has a population of 48,864 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 42 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 77% White, 15% Black, and 2% Asian residents, and over 5% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

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?

The cost of living in Charleston is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 78.6. Median home values are around $146,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $875. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

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?

Charleston is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 415 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 28. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in West Virginia.

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 warm summers reaching highs of 85°F and cold winters dipping to 26°F. The area receives about 43 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 57% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
26°F
Max
43°F

Summer

Min
64°F
Max
85°F

Spring

Min
45°F
Max
70°F

Fall

Min
48°F
Max
71°F
Average Rainfall Inches
42.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
57%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $51,400 and a low poverty rate of 19.7%. Over 90% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 28% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 17 minutes, and almost 2% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

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?

Charleston offers quality education options, with public schools like George Washington High School and Horace Mann Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including University of Charleston and West Virginia State University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

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 residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like CAMC General Hospital and Thomas Memorial Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.2 per 1,000 people and 91.4% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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

Healthcare Access

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?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $146,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 59%. The market has seen a 2.7% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 10.1%. Charleston offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

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

Residents of Charleston handle vehicle services through the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles, 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
West Virginia
Department
West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles
Address
5707 MacCorkle Ave SE, Charleston, WV 25304
Phone
1-800-642-9066

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, WV

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 48,864, median home value $146,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $875, commute time 16.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 57%.

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