Charleston County, South Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 3rd-largest in South Carolina
The population of Charleston County, South Carolina is 414,711 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 3rd-largest county in South Carolina. The median household income is $84,320, the median home value is $450,800, and the median age is 39.0.
The population of Charleston County has grown 22.8% since 2010 (350,998 → 431,001), a +1.48% annualized rate.
414,711
Population
+1.48%
Annual growth
452
People / sq mi
$84,320
Median Income
$450,800
Median Home Value
Charleston County covers 918 sq mi of land at 451.7 people per square mile.
About Charleston County, SC
Educational attainment is the headline number in Charleston County: 49.0% of adults 25 and older have a four-year degree. Charleston County is a county in South Carolina with a population of 414,711. That makes it one of the ten largest counties in South Carolina in the country, at #3 by population.
The typical household earns $84,320 a year, above the US median of $78,538. About 7.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Housing is expensive: the median home is worth $450,800, with typical rent around $1,506.
Charleston County is among the best-educated US counties: 49.0% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, above the national 35.0%. An unusually large 15.6% of workers are remote, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 25 minutes each way.
The education numbers are the throughline: a college-heavy population in Charleston County usually coincides with higher incomes and a workforce concentrated in professional and information industries.
Charleston County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Charleston County had a population of 350,998 in 2010 and 431,001 in 2024, a 22.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 431,001 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.48%.
431,001
Population (2024)
350,998
Population (2010)
431,001
Peak (2024)
1.48%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 350,998 |
| 2011 | 357,461 |
| 2012 | 364,913 |
| 2013 | 372,065 |
| 2014 | 380,239 |
| 2015 | 389,885 |
| 2016 | 397,433 |
| 2017 | 402,725 |
| 2018 | 406,959 |
| 2019 | 412,615 |
| 2020 | 409,958 |
| 2021 | 414,605 |
| 2022 | 419,952 |
| 2023 | 425,805 |
| 2024 | 431,001 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 66.2% |
| Black or African American | 23.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
39.0
Median Age
51.5%
Female
48.5%
Male
17.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.5% · Seniors (65+): 17.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $84,320+$17,502 vs state |
| Mean household income | $126,878 |
| Per-capita income | $54,769 |
| Poverty rate | 7.2%-2.9% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 62.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Charleston County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.3% of workers.
How residents commute
1.0%
Drive alone
2.0%
Carpool
71.8%
Public transit
15.6%
Work from home
24.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$450,800+$214,100 vs state
Median home value
$1,506
Median rent
63.5%
Homeownership rate
206,299
Total housing units
85.1%
Occupied
14.9%
Vacant
36.5%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.1%
With health insurance
95.9%
With broadband internet
46.4%
Foreign-born
8.4%
Veterans (18+)
10.9%
With a disability
91.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
92.9%
High School+
49.0%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in South Carolina
Other counties in South Carolina
Part of South Carolina
Metro areas in South Carolina
County rankings
Common questions about Charleston County, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Charleston County, South Carolina has a population of 414,711 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 3rd-largest county in South Carolina. Population density is 452 people per square mile.
The population of Charleston County has grown 22.8% since 2010 (350,998 → 431,001), a +1.48% annualized rate.
The median household income in Charleston County, South Carolina is $84,320, with mean (average) household income of $126,878 and per-capita income of $54,769. 7.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Charleston County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (66.2%), Black or African American (23.8%), Hispanic or Latino (1.2%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Charleston County, South Carolina is 39.0 years. Residents are 51.5% female and 48.5% male.
The median home value in Charleston County is $450,800 and median monthly rent is $1,506. 63.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 206,299 total housing units, 14.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Charleston County, South Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.3%.
Charleston is among the largest cities associated with Charleston County, South Carolina, with a population of 152,014.
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Full rankings of South Carolina counties
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.