North Charleston city, South Carolina Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, North Charleston city, South Carolina has a total population of 117,460, the 3rd largest city in South Carolina, with a median household income of $62,789, which is 6% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 15.5%.
Key Takeaways
- North Charleston city is the 3rd largest city in South Carolina with a population of 117,460.
North Charleston city Quick Facts
How North Charleston city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A diverse community with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups.
State average: 54 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
North Charleston city Rankings in South Carolina
Explore South Carolina Rankings
Cities Similar to North Charleston city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia city | 138,019 | $55,653 | $243,500 | 46.1% | 23.3% |
| Charleston city | 152,014 | $90,038 | $469,100 | 57.7% | 12.0% |
| Rock Hill city | 74,769 | $64,770 | $267,400 | 34.5% | 13.3% |
| Greenville city | 71,755 | $68,460 | $453,300 | 55.0% | 14.1% |
| Mount Pleasant town | 92,662 | $121,364 | $667,100 | 66.2% | 5.8% |
Population Overview
North Charleston city is a major urban center located in South Carolina. The total population is 117,460. It ranks as the 3rd most populous out of 475 cities and towns in South Carolina.
Age Demographics
The median age in North Charleston city is 34.3 years. This is 14% lower than the state median of 40.1 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in North Charleston city is $62,789. This is 6% lower than the state median of $66,818. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 20% lower. The poverty rate stands at 15.5%. This is 10% higher than the state poverty rate of 14.2%. The unemployment rate is 4.3%. This is 13% lower than the state rate of 5.0%. The median home value is $267,700. Housing costs are 13% higher than the state median of $236,700. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.3x. 48.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 32% lower than the state average of 71.4%.
Race & Ethnicity
North Charleston city is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. White (non-Hispanic) residents account for 37.0%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (41.6% vs 25.1%). The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (12.8% vs 7.1%). The Asian population is significantly higher than the state average (3.5% vs 1.7%).
Education
28.0% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 11% lower than the state rate of 31.5%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 86.7%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for North Charleston city, South Carolina is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against South Carolina state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 475 Census-designated places in South Carolina. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of North Charleston city, South Carolina?
North Charleston city, South Carolina has a population of 117,460 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in North Charleston city, SC?
The median household income in North Charleston city is $62,789, which is 20% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in North Charleston city, SC?
The poverty rate in North Charleston city is 15.5%. This means approximately 17,549 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of North Charleston city, South Carolina?
North Charleston city's population is 37.0% White, 41.6% Black, 12.8% Hispanic/Latino, and 3.5% Asian.
What is the median home value in North Charleston city, SC?
The median home value in North Charleston city is $267,700. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.3x.
How educated is North Charleston city, South Carolina?
28.0% of adults (25+) in North Charleston city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 9.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.