Everything You Should Know Before Moving to North Charleston, SC
Thinking of moving to North Charleston, SC? Home to 118,608 residents, this lively city offers affordable living with a median home price around $262,000 and average 2-bedroom rent of $1,340. Enjoy a quick 23-minute average commute and a warm climate with 63% sunny days annually. While crime rates are higher than the national average, North Charleston features a diverse community, growing job market, and respected schools like Academic Magnet High School. Explore more below to see if this dynamic Lowcountry city fits your lifestyle.
Demographics - North Charleston, SC
Demographics - North Charleston, SC
North Charleston is a diverse and youthful city with a population of 118,608 and a median age of 32.9 years. The community is nearly evenly split between Black and White residents, with smaller Asian and other populations, and about 9.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density fosters a vibrant urban environment while maintaining a friendly, approachable atmosphere.
Population:
118,608
Density:
2,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
32.9
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
9.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
39.1%
Black:
46.4%
Asian:
2.2%
Others:
12.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in North Charleston, SC?
North Charleston offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $262,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $1,340. The overall cost of living index is below the national average, making housing and everyday expenses accessible for many households. State taxes range from 0% to 7%, and residents benefit from modest utility and transportation costs.
Median House Value:
$262,000
Gross Rent:
$1,340
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$142
Auto Insurance:
$1,690
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,580
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$530
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
7%
Cost Of Living Index:
94.8
Grocery:
96.2
Housing:
88.1
Utilities:
104.7
Transportation:
93.5
Health Care:
98.3
Miscellaneous:
99.2
Crime
Is North Charleston, SC a safe place to live?
Crime rates in North Charleston are higher than the national average, with a 1 in 88 chance of experiencing a violent crime and a 1 in 21 chance of property crime. The city reports 1,141 violent crimes and 4,836 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. While safety is a concern, ongoing community efforts aim to improve neighborhood security and quality of life.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
1,141
Property Crimes Per 100k:
4,836
Crime Index:
5,977
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 88
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 21
Weather
What is the weather like in North Charleston, SC year-round?
North Charleston enjoys a warm climate with mild winters (average lows around 38°F) and hot summers (highs near 90°F). The city sees about 48.7 inches of annual rainfall and 63% of days are sunny, creating a pleasant environment for outdoor activities year-round. Spring and fall bring comfortable temperatures, making the city appealing to those who prefer a temperate climate.
Winter
Min:
38°F
Max:
60°F
Spring
Min:
54°F
Max:
78°F
Summer
Min:
71°F
Max:
90°F
Fall
Min:
56°F
Max:
80°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
48.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
63%
Neighbors
Residents of North Charleston have a median household income of $53,151, with a family income of $60,800, and about 15.4% of the population lives below the poverty line. Most neighbors are high school graduates, and the average commute is just under 23 minutes, reflecting a convenient urban lifestyle. The area is characterized by a mix of renters and homeowners, contributing to a dynamic local community.
Median Income:
$45,000
Household Income:
$53,151
Family Income:
$60,800
Per Capita Income:
$26,400
Income Male:
$36,300
Income Female:
$30,100
Poverty Rate:
15.4%
Non English Speakers:
9.5%
Rent:
$1,340
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
1.2%
Commute Time:
22.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
86.8%
Bachelors or More:
23.2%
Education
How are the schools in North Charleston, SC?
North Charleston supports a range of educational opportunities, from top-rated public schools like Academic Magnet High School to private options such as Cathedral Academy. The city is also home to higher education institutions including Trident Technical College and Charleston Southern University, offering accessible pathways for lifelong learning. With a strong emphasis on education, the city caters to families and students of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Academic Magnet High School
Street:
5109 W Enterprise St
Phone:
843-746-1300
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.0
Name:
North Charleston High School
Street:
1087 E Montague Ave
Phone:
843-529-4990
Students:
750
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.7
Private Schools
Name:
Cathedral Academy
Street:
3790 Ashley Phosphate Rd
Phone:
843-760-7087
Students:
550
Colleges
Name:
Trident Technical College
City:
North Charleston
State:
SC
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
11,000
Name:
Charleston Southern University
City:
North Charleston
State:
SC
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
3,500
Healthcare
North Charleston provides access to quality healthcare, including major hospitals like Trident Medical Center and Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital. With 2.3 physicians per 1,000 residents and 84.9% health insurance coverage, medical services are readily available for most residents. The local healthcare index indicates generally favorable access and outcomes for city dwellers.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Trident Medical Center
Address:
9330 Medical Plaza Dr, North Charleston, SC 29406
Phone:
(843) 797-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital
Address:
2095 Henry Tecklenburg Dr, Charleston, SC 29414
Phone:
(843) 402-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
84.9%
Health Care Index:
67.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in North Charleston, SC?
The housing market in North Charleston is balanced, with a median home price of $262,000 and a 50.3% owner-occupancy rate. Annual home appreciation is steady at 4.9%, and rental vacancies are moderate, offering options for both buyers and renters. The city’s affordable prices and reasonable vacancy rate make it an attractive place for new residents seeking housing opportunities.
Median Home Price:
$262,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,340
Owner Occupied Rate:
50.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.9%
New Construction Rate:
1.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
North Charleston’s DMV services are provided by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles at 3790 Leeds Ave. Residents can access licensing, registration, and other services in person or online via the official state DMV website. The convenient local office helps streamline vehicle and licensing needs for city residents.
State:
South Carolina
Department:
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
3790 Leeds Ave, North Charleston, SC 29405
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.