Charleston, South Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Charleston, South Carolina is 152,014 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 1st-largest city in South Carolina. The median household income is $90,038, the median home value is $469,100, and the median age is 36.1.
The population has grown 30.6% since 2010 (120,700 → 157,665).
152,014
Population
1319
People / sq mi
$90,038
Median Income
$469,100
Median Home Value
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Charleston covers 115.2 sq mi of land at 1319 people per square mile.
About Charleston, SC
Charleston is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 51.7% of the population. With 152,014 residents, Charleston is a city in South Carolina. It is the #1-largest of all cities in South Carolina nationally.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $90,038 — above the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 6.3%, below the national 12.4%. The median home value is $469,100, with typical rent around $1,632.
College attainment is above the local norm at 57.7%, above the national 35.0%. A solid 17.6% of workers are based at home, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 24 minutes each way.
The large foreign-born share is a defining thread in Charleston, shaping language, household composition, and the labor force behind the economic figures above.
Charleston city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Charleston city had a population of 120,700 in 2010 and 157,665 in 2024, a 30.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 157,665 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.95%.
157,665
Population (2024)
120,700
Population (2010)
157,665
Peak (2024)
1.95%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 120,700 |
| 2011 | 123,012 |
| 2012 | 125,223 |
| 2013 | 127,246 |
| 2014 | 129,434 |
| 2015 | 132,413 |
| 2016 | 134,453 |
| 2017 | 135,626 |
| 2018 | 136,111 |
| 2019 | 137,566 |
| 2020 | 151,065 |
| 2021 | 152,116 |
| 2022 | 154,291 |
| 2023 | 156,263 |
| 2024 | 157,665 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 72.9% |
| Black or African American | 17.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.1% |
Economy & Income
$90,038
Median Household Income
$58,583
Per Capita Income
6.3%
Poverty Rate
2.3%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$469,100
Median Home Value
$1,632
Median Rent
55.6%
Owner-Occupied
Education
95.9%
High School+
57.7%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.9%
Drive Alone
68.1%
Public Transit
17.6%
Work From Home
23.8 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
51.7%
Foreign Born
92.8%
Non-English at Home
6.8%
Veterans
9.7%
With Disability
93.6%
Health Insurance
96.9%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 24.1% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 17.8% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 12.0% |
| Information | 7.8% |
| Manufacturing | 6.4% |
| Construction | 5.6% |
| Public Administration | 4.7% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 4.6% |
| Retail Trade | 3.6% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 2.0% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.2% |
Largest cities in South Carolina
Largest counties in South Carolina
Part of South Carolina
Metro areas in South Carolina
City rankings
Common questions about Charleston, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Charleston, South Carolina has a population of 152,014 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 1st-largest city in South Carolina.
The median household income in Charleston, South Carolina is $90,038, with 6.3% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Charleston, South Carolina is $469,100, with median monthly rent at $1,632 and a homeownership rate of 55.6%.
The median age in Charleston, South Carolina is 36.1 years. The population is 47.5% male and 52.5% female.
The population has grown 30.6% since 2010 (120,700 → 157,665).
Charleston city, SC Climate
Charleston city, SC has an average annual temperature of 18.8°C (66°F) and receives about 1275 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
18.8°C
Avg Temp
1275
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 9° / 49° | 97 mm |
| February | 11° / 51° | 80 mm |
| March | 15° / 58° | 105 mm |
| April | 18° / 65° | 68 mm |
| May | 22° / 72° | 89 mm |
| June | 26° / 78° | 139 mm |
| July | 28° / 82° | 150 mm |
| August | 27° / 81° | 180 mm |
| September | 25° / 77° | 143 mm |
| October | 20° / 67° | 80 mm |
| November | 15° / 59° | 64 mm |
| December | 11° / 52° | 80 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Charleston city, SC
The most comfortable months to visit Charleston city, SC are typically October, May and April, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near 4°C low). August is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Charleston
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Full rankings of South Carolina cities by population
Statewide data for South Carolina
Population, race, income, age, and trends across South Carolina
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.