North Charleston, South Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of North Charleston, South Carolina is 117,460 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 3rd-largest city in South Carolina. The median household income is $62,789, the median home value is $267,700, and the median age is 34.3.
The population has grown 28.6% since 2010 (97,949 → 126,005).
117,460
Population
1506
People / sq mi
$62,789
Median Income
$267,700
Median Home Value
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North Charleston covers 78.0 sq mi of land at 1506 people per square mile.
About North Charleston, SC
Homeownership is the standout figure in North Charleston: 48.5% of homes are owner-occupied, lower than the national rate. With 117,460 residents, North Charleston is a city in South Carolina. It is the #3-largest of all cities in South Carolina nationally.
Incomes run on the lower side: a median household income of $62,789, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 11.5% of residents fall below the poverty line, below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $267,700, with typical rent around $1,364.
Roughly 28.0% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. About 8.4% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 25 minutes each way.
North Charleston city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of North Charleston city had a population of 97,949 in 2010 and 126,005 in 2024, a 28.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 126,005 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.82%.
126,005
Population (2024)
97,949
Population (2010)
126,005
Peak (2024)
1.82%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 97,949 |
| 2011 | 99,898 |
| 2012 | 101,994 |
| 2013 | 104,050 |
| 2014 | 106,754 |
| 2015 | 108,597 |
| 2016 | 109,738 |
| 2017 | 110,820 |
| 2018 | 113,077 |
| 2019 | 115,382 |
| 2020 | 115,613 |
| 2021 | 117,633 |
| 2022 | 118,745 |
| 2023 | 121,740 |
| 2024 | 126,005 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 39.1% |
| Black or African American | 42.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$62,789
Median Household Income
$35,740
Per Capita Income
11.5%
Poverty Rate
2.8%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$267,700
Median Home Value
$1,364
Median Rent
48.5%
Owner-Occupied
Education
86.7%
High School+
28.0%
Bachelor's+
Commute
1.8%
Drive Alone
76.6%
Public Transit
8.4%
Work From Home
24.5 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
34.7%
Foreign Born
83.9%
Non-English at Home
10.3%
Veterans
11.9%
With Disability
83.2%
Health Insurance
96.2%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 19.2% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 13.0% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 11.5% |
| Construction | 10.0% |
| Manufacturing | 9.4% |
| Retail Trade | 6.8% |
| Public Administration | 5.6% |
| Information | 4.8% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 4.7% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.6% |
| 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
Frequently Asked Questions
North Charleston, South Carolina has a population of 117,460 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 3rd-largest city in South Carolina.
The median household income in North Charleston, South Carolina is $62,789, with 11.5% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in North Charleston, South Carolina is $267,700, with median monthly rent at $1,364 and a homeownership rate of 48.5%.
The median age in North Charleston, South Carolina is 34.3 years. The population is 50.0% male and 50.0% female.
The population has grown 28.6% since 2010 (97,949 → 126,005).
North Charleston city, SC Climate
North Charleston city, SC has an average annual temperature of 18.6°C (65°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.
18.6°C
Avg Temp
1275
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 9° / 48° | 101 mm |
| February | 11° / 51° | 81 mm |
| March | 14° / 58° | 106 mm |
| April | 18° / 64° | 70 mm |
| May | 22° / 72° | 91 mm |
| June | 26° / 78° | 140 mm |
| July | 28° / 82° | 150 mm |
| August | 27° / 80° | 172 mm |
| September | 25° / 76° | 139 mm |
| October | 19° / 67° | 80 mm |
| November | 15° / 58° | 63 mm |
| December | 11° / 51° | 82 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 North Charleston city, SC
The most comfortable months to visit North Charleston city, SC are typically May, October and April, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 33°C high). The coldest is January (near 3°C low). August is usually the wettest month.
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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.