RANK #704 / 996 · POP 409,840 · SC
PROJECTED GROWTH: -0.0%
Charleston County, South Carolina, is distinguished by its historic charm, particularly in the city of Charleston, which boasts well-preserved architecture and cobblestone streets. Located on the coast, where the Ashley and Cooper Rivers meet the Atlantic Ocean, the county offers a subtropical climate with mild winters and warm summers, ideal for outdoor activities. Residents and visitors can enjoy miles of beaches, explore numerous parks like James Island County Park, or engage in water-based recreation such as kayaking and fishing in the Lowcountry's waterways. Commuting within the county primarily relies on personal vehicles, though public bus services and free downtown shuttles are available in more urbanized areas.
Life in Charleston County blends coastal living with a growing economy. The area attracts a mix of families, young professionals, and retirees, drawn by the lifestyle and job market. The Charleston County School District, the second-largest in South Carolina, offers a range of educational options, including neighborhood, charter, and magnet schools. Recent economic developments show significant investment in sectors such as aerospace, automotive, and defense manufacturing, along with growth in technology and life sciences. These industries contribute to a diverse economic landscape, providing employment opportunities across the region.
Below national median (4.7x)
Well below national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 4.3x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Boeing Investment
Boeing
|
$1,000M | Completed |
|
Roper St. Francis Data Center
Roper St. Francis Healthcare
|
$50M | Operating |
|
Palmetto Commerce Interchange
Charleston County Transportation Development
|
$50M | Planned |
|
Main Road Corridor Improvements
Charleston County Transportation Development
|
$50M | Planned |
|
Highway 41 Corridor Improvements
Charleston County Transportation Development
|
$50M | Planned |
|
Airport Connector Road
Charleston County Transportation Development
|
$50M | Planned |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Charleston County has a Boom Town Index score of 29/100, ranking #704 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +1.6% and a median household income of $78,795, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Charleston County is $415,000 with median rent at $1,427/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.1899, which is less affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +1.2% year-over-year. Job growth: +1.6%. Home values changed +0.1% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 2.48% of Charleston County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.