Key Statistics to Inform Your Charleston Home Search

Knowledge is essential when you’re in the market to buy a home. Key statistics are needed to inform you on your Charleston home search. Homebuyers shopping for houses need information about a host of interior and exterior details, from the condition of the HVAC system to the type of flooring throughout the home.

Buyers looking for homes for sale in Charleston need information about the community, too, especially if they are new to the area. For this post, we’ve gathered the data and key statistics for your Charleston home search.

Your Handsome Properties agent is an excellent source resource as you navigate your home search. Don’t hesitate to ask your agent for information about Charleston as you look for homes.

Charleston Population and Demographics

This data comes from the 2020 U.S. Census:

• City of Charleston population: 150,227
• Charleston County population: 408,235
• City of Charleston growth rate since 2010: 16.98%

The Charleston metropolitan area is comprised of Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties commonly referred to as the Tri-County area.

• Charleston-North Charleston MSA (metropolitan statistical area) 2020 population: 799,636
• According to U.S. Census estimates, the Charleston-North Charleston MSA is the twelfth fastest-growing metropolitan statistical area in the country.
• According to the Charleston Regional Development Alliance, about 33 people move to the Tri-County area every day.

Charleston Quality of Life Key Statistics

In 2019, Forbes ranked the Charleston metropolitan as the 24th best place for business and careers in the country.

Charleston was Forbes’ 2018 pick for the best place in South Carolina to retire.

U.S. News and World Report ranked MUSC Health-University Medical Center as the number 1 best hospital in South Carolina. 

Median household income in Charleston-North Charleston MSA was $70,505 in 2019, according to Data USA.

According to Data USA, the largest industries in Charleston-North Charleston, SC are health care and social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation and food services. The highest paying industries are management positions; professional, scientific, and technical services, and wholesale trade.

Key Housing Statistics For Your Charleston Home Search

The surrounding area housing can provide vital statistics for your Charleston home search

These statistics come from Data USA and are for the Charleston-North Charleston MSA for 2019.

• Median property value: $266,600
• Homeownership rate: 67.5%
• Average commute time: 25.7 minutes
• Average car ownership: 2 cars

Charleston Education Statistics

Education options are a key statistic to inform your Charleston home search.

Data USA is the source of this 2019 information for the Charleston-North Charleston MSA.

• Largest universities by number of degrees: College of Charleston, Trident Technical College, The Citadel.
• Most popular major: General business administration and management, registered nursing, and liberal arts and sciences.

Public schools in the Tri-County area include Charleston County School District, Berkeley County School District, Dorchester School District Two, and Dorchester School District 4.

• Charleston County School District has eight constituent districts and a total enrollment of about 49,000 students. CCSD is the second-largest school system in the state.
• Berkeley County School District (BCSD) is the fourth-largest school district in the state with an enrollment of about 37,000 students. The district has 26 elementary schools, 11 middle schools, and 10 high schools.
• Dorchester School District Two serves more than 26,000. The district consists of 15 elementary schools, six middle schools, and three high schools.
• Dorchester School District Four serves about 2,500 students. The district consists of three elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school. District schools are located in Dorchester, Ridgeville, and St. George.