With 119,913 people, North Charleston is a city in South Carolina. Since 2000 the city has risen by half, up 40,272 people. Owners hold 50% of the housing stock. The median age is 34.6, younger than the US median of 38.9. 29% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. There are 1,545 people per square mile.
At a glance
Lower income
median household income $62,956, below the US median
US median: $82,259
Younger
median age 34.6
US median: 38.9
Less educated
29% hold a bachelor's degree
US average: 36%
Less affordable
home values up 157%, inflation adjusted
US median home: $376,019
Unique to this place
What stands out about North Charleston
What changed most since 1990
Homes owned by their occupants37.6% → 49.8%(+12.2 pts)US over the same years: +0.9 pts
Median home value (2024 dollars)$141,604 → $302,200(+113%)US over the same years: +67%
Population70,161 → 119,913(+71%)US over the same years: +35%
North Charleston's population equals 29% of Charleston County's. Its number of adults with a bachelor's degree or higher equals 15% of the county's. Its number of people who work from home equals 16% of the county's.
Shares are "alone or in combination": a person with both Medicare and Medicaid counts in each, so categories overlap and do not sum to 100%.
Section 09 · Service history
Veterans
Veterans by period of service, 2024
Gulf War (2001 or later)42%(3,784)
US avg: 26.4%
Gulf War (1990s)29%(2,615)
US avg: 24.3%
Vietnam era19.9%(1,793)
US avg: 33.1%
Korean War2.3%(207)
US avg: 4.5%
World War II0.5%(41)
US avg: 1%
Share of the 9,011 veterans here. A veteran who served across eras counts in each, so shares can total more than 100%. Peacetime-only service is included in the total but not shown as an era.
BAR + DOT: THIS PLACE · TICK: US AVERAGE
Over time
North Charleston, decade by decade
North Charleston population, inflation-adjusted income and home value, education, and diversity by year
Year
Population
Median household income
Median home value
Bachelor's degree+
Diversity score
1990
70,161
$52,379
$141,604
11.4%
63.1
2000
79,641
$53,387
$117,497
13.8%
71.2
2010
97,471
$56,088
$207,730
16.9%
78.2
2020
114,852
$57,209
$223,742
25.1%
84.1
2024
119,913
$62,956
$302,200
28.6%
83.2
Census years come from the decennial census and the latest year from the American Community Survey, so part of any change between those two rows can reflect the different surveys. Dollar figures are adjusted for inflation to 2024 dollars; a figure ending in "+" was at the Census Bureau's reporting cap that year. The diversity score runs from 0 to 100; see how it's calculated.
How many people live in North Charleston, South Carolina?
North Charleston, South Carolina has about 119,913 residents according to the 2024 American Community Survey.
What is the median household income in North Charleston, South Carolina?
The typical household in North Charleston, South Carolina earns about $62,956 a year. Half of households make more than that, and half make less.
Is North Charleston, South Carolina expensive?
In North Charleston, South Carolina, the median home is worth about $302,200, and the typical rent is about $1,430 a month.
How educated are people in North Charleston, South Carolina?
About 28.6% of adults age 25 and over in North Charleston, South Carolina hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
What is the poverty rate in North Charleston, South Carolina?
About 14.4% of people in North Charleston, South Carolina live below the federal poverty line.
Has North Charleston, South Carolina grown since 1990?
Yes, North Charleston, South Carolina has grown since 1990. The population has added about 49,752 residents, a change of about 71 percent over that period.
