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).
Where to stay in North 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.