South Charleston, West Virginia Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of South Charleston, West Virginia is 13,594 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 12th-largest city in West Virginia. The median household income is $59,616, the median home value is $144,800, and the median age is 41.1.
The population has declined 2.2% since 2010 (13,475 → 13,177).
13,594
Population
1393
People / sq mi
$59,616
Median Income
$144,800
Median Home Value
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South Charleston covers 9.8 sq mi of land at 1393 people per square mile.
About South Charleston, WV
The poverty rate is what most separates South Charleston from the typical city: 21.4% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. With 13,594 residents, South Charleston is a city in West Virginia. It ranks #12 among cities in West Virginia by population.
Incomes run on the lower side: a median household income of $59,616, below the US median of $78,538. Hardship is pronounced — at 21.4%, poverty is near the top of the range for US cities, above the national 12.4%. Real estate is inexpensive, with a typical home worth only $144,800, with typical rent around $857.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US cities: 35.3% of adults hold a four-year degree, near the national 35.0%. About 8.3% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 19 minutes each way.
The elevated poverty rate is the context for the rest of the profile in South Charleston: it pulls on median income, housing tenure, and the share of residents with a college degree.
South Charleston city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of South Charleston city had a population of 13,475 in 2010 and 13,177 in 2024, a -2.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 13,836 in 2020. Average annual growth rate: -0.08%.
13,177
Population (2024)
13,475
Population (2010)
13,836
Peak (2020)
-0.08%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 13,475 |
| 2011 | 13,387 |
| 2012 | 13,357 |
| 2013 | 13,269 |
| 2014 | 13,126 |
| 2015 | 12,919 |
| 2016 | 12,721 |
| 2017 | 12,473 |
| 2018 | 12,232 |
| 2019 | 12,047 |
| 2020 | 13,836 |
| 2021 | 13,610 |
| 2022 | 13,389 |
| 2023 | 13,256 |
| 2024 | 13,177 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 85.2% |
| Black or African American | 7.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$59,616
Median Household Income
$35,898
Per Capita Income
21.4%
Poverty Rate
3.9%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$144,800
Median Home Value
$857
Median Rent
68.9%
Owner-Occupied
Education
95.7%
High School+
35.3%
Bachelor's+
Commute
1.9%
Drive Alone
77.7%
Public Transit
8.3%
Work From Home
18.9 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
21.5%
Foreign Born
98.4%
Non-English at Home
5.5%
Veterans
17.3%
With Disability
95.5%
Health Insurance
94.8%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 26.2% |
| Public Administration | 9.8% |
| Information | 9.4% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 8.1% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 6.7% |
| Retail Trade | 6.3% |
| Manufacturing | 5.8% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 4.9% |
| Construction | 3.0% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 2.1% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 1.0% |
Largest cities in West Virginia
Largest counties in West Virginia
Part of West Virginia
Metro areas in West Virginia
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
South Charleston, West Virginia has a population of 13,594 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 12th-largest city in West Virginia.
The median household income in South Charleston, West Virginia is $59,616, with 21.4% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in South Charleston, West Virginia is $144,800, with median monthly rent at $857 and a homeownership rate of 68.9%.
The median age in South Charleston, West Virginia is 41.1 years. The population is 46.7% male and 53.3% female.
The population has declined 2.2% since 2010 (13,475 → 13,177).
Where to stay in South Charleston
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.