Charleston, South Carolina

Southern charm meets coastal living

Southeast Charleston-North Charleston, SC Metro

Travel + Leisure (2024)

#1 Best U.S. City

U.S. News (2025)

#29 Best Places to Live

WhereAtHome Score

66

D

out of 100

Overview

Charleston combines historic architecture, renowned cuisine, and beach access into one of the South's most desirable destinations. The city has attracted Boeing and tech companies while maintaining its distinct character. Housing costs have risen significantly but remain below many coastal metros. The hospitality industry drives much of the economy.

Key Highlights

  • Historic downtown with antebellum architecture
  • Award-winning food scene and restaurants
  • Beach access at Sullivan's Island and Folly Beach
  • Growing Boeing and manufacturing presence
  • Voted top U.S. city by Travel + Leisure
  • Port of Charleston drives trade

Key Metrics

Population 2024

156,042

Source: Census ACS

$596,437

Source: Zillow ZHVI

$76,819

Source: Census ACS

24.6 min

Source: Census ACS

Walk Score 2025

39

Source: Walk Score

School Rating

2025

B (6.8/10)

Source: Curated

115 (100 = U.S. avg)

Source: Curated

2024 Presidential Election

Charleston County (county-level results)

52%
46%
Democrat 111,427
Republican 99,265
Leans D+5.7

Source: County-level results from MIT Election Data + Science Lab. Learn more

Climate

Summer High

91°F

Winter Low

38°F

Annual Rainfall

52"

Sunny Days

230

Amenities & Infrastructure

120+ Parks

Green spaces and recreation

4 Major Hospitals

Healthcare access

4 Universities

Higher education institutions

Public Transit Available

Bus, rail, or metro service

Major Employers

MUSC Health Boeing Blackbaud Roper St. Francis

Score Breakdown

6 of 6 score factors available. Missing factors are excluded and available weights are rescaled.

Housing Affordability 34.4/100

Median home value relative to national average (Weight: 20%)

Income vs Housing 35.5/100

How affordable housing is relative to local incomes (Weight: 20%)

Commute Time 59/100

Average commute time compared to national average (Weight: 15%)

Crime 50/100

Overall crime levels based on FBI crime statistics (Weight: 20%)

Walkability 39/100

Walk Score — ease of daily errands on foot (Weight: 15%)

Purchasing Power 47/100

Median income relative to national average, adjusted for cost of living (Weight: 10%)

WhereAtHome Score 66

Location

Charleston, SC (32.7765, -79.9311)
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Last Updated: 2026-07-01

Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau, Zillow, FBI Crime Data Explorer, Walk Score, and Niche.