Charleston had 159,423 residents on July 1, 2025, the Census Bureau estimates, up 6.1% since 2020 and the largest city in South Carolina.

Last checked Oct. 12, 2026. Figures come from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2010 and 2020 censuses, the Vintage 2025 city population estimates and the 2020-2024 American Community Survey five-year estimates. See the city’s Census QuickFacts.

Charleston had an estimated 159,423 residents on July 1, 2025, the Census Bureau says, making it the largest city in South Carolina, ahead of Columbia (147,035) and North Charleston (129,245). That is 9,196 more people, or 6.1%, than the 150,227 counted in the 2020 census, and a third more than in 2010.

At a glance

  • Population: 159,423 (July 1, 2025 estimate); 150,227 (2020 census); 120,083 (2010 census)
  • Growth since 2020: 6.1%, a little below Charleston County’s 6.9%
  • Median age: 36.6
  • Median household income: $92,414
  • Households: about 68,027, averaging 2.18 people
  • Adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 58.3%

Growth since 2010

Bar chart of Charleston's population: 120,083 in the 2010 census, 150,227 in the 2020 census, and Census Bureau estimates of 152,328 in 2021, 154,665 in 2022, 156,771 in 2023, 158,791 in 2024 and 159,423 in 2025

The city grew 25.1% between the 2010 and 2020 censuses, faster than the county’s 16.6%. Growth has slowed since 2022: about 2,300 more people in the year to July 2022, 2,100 in 2023, 2,000 in 2024 and 632 in the year to July 2025. Charleston spans Charleston and Berkeley counties; these figures cover the whole city, Daniel Island and Cainhoy included.

Age, income and households

From the 2020-2024 American Community Survey five-year estimates (age, income, households and education, housing):

Measure Charleston Charleston County
Population (ACS estimate) 154,338 420,264
Median age 36.6 39.2
Under 18 17.3% 19.5%
65 and older 16.4% 17.9%
Median household income $92,414 $88,494
People below the poverty level 12.3% 11.3%
Households 68,027 178,975
Average household size 2.18 2.29
Adults 25+ with a bachelor’s degree or higher 58.3% 50.3%
Housing units 77,417 209,803
Owner-occupied homes 55.6% 63.9%
Median value, owner-occupied homes $509,700 $489,100
Median gross rent $1,722 $1,620

The ACS figures are averages of surveys taken from 2020 to 2024, so its population total is below the 2025 estimate. Every ACS number has a margin of error, listed in the Census tables.

Charleston and its neighbors

Place 2020 census 2025 estimate Change Median household income (ACS 2020-2024)
Charleston 150,227 159,423 +6.1% $92,414
North Charleston 114,852 129,245 +12.5% $62,956
Mount Pleasant 90,801 95,469 +5.1% $124,755
Goose Creek 45,946 52,010 +13.2% $88,178
Hanahan 20,325 22,415 +10.3% $87,984
James Island (town) 11,621 12,660 +8.9% $104,217
Hollywood 5,339 5,652 +5.9%
Charleston County 408,235 436,200 +6.9% $88,494

Charleston’s households are the smallest of these places, averaging 2.18 people, and 58.3% of its adults hold a bachelor’s degree, second only to Mount Pleasant’s 68.4%. North Charleston, Goose Creek and Hanahan are now growing faster. Ladson, a census-designated place, counted 15,550 people in 2020 and has no annual estimate.

Where the numbers come from

  • Census counts (2010 and 2020) are full counts taken every 10 years.
  • Population estimates are the Census Bureau’s annual figures for July 1, built from births, deaths and migration since the last census.
  • The American Community Survey samples households every year and publishes five-year averages for places of every size, with margins of error.

For home values see our home prices guide; for schools see the schools guide.

What this means for you

  • Charleston is the state’s largest city, but its growth has slowed to a few hundred people a year.
  • Its households are smaller than any neighbor’s, and most adults hold a bachelor’s degree.
  • Fewer than six in 10 homes are lived in by their owners.

Related guides: moving to Charleston and history and landmarks.

Frequently asked questions

What is the population of Charleston, South Carolina?

The Census Bureau estimates Charleston had 159,423 residents on July 1, 2025. The 2020 census counted 150,227.

Is Charleston the largest city in South Carolina?

Yes, by the Census Bureau’s July 1, 2025, estimates: Charleston had 159,423 residents, Columbia 147,035 and North Charleston 129,245.

How fast is Charleston growing?

Charleston grew 25.1% between the 2010 and 2020 censuses, from 120,083 to 150,227, and the Census Bureau estimates it added another 9,196 people, or 6.1%, by July 2025.

What is the median household income in Charleston?

The median household income in Charleston was $92,414 in the Census Bureau’s 2020-2024 American Community Survey, compared with $88,494 for Charleston County.

What is the median age in Charleston?

The median age in Charleston is 36.6, younger than Charleston County’s 39.2, according to the 2020-2024 American Community Survey.