Charleston city, Tennessee Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Charleston city, Tennessee has a total population of 816, the 324th largest city in Tennessee, with a median household income of $72,208, which is 8% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 7.0%.
Key Takeaways
- Only 9.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree, well below the national average of 35.0%.
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 1.6%.
Charleston city Quick Facts
How 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
Moderate diversity with one or two groups making up the majority.
State average: 46 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Charleston city Rankings in Tennessee
Explore Tennessee Rankings
Cities Similar to Charleston city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Telford CDP | 875 | $70,446 | $221,300 | 13.5% | 0.8% |
| Orebank CDP | 777 | $67,207 | $171,300 | 23.9% | 14.2% |
| Summertown CDP | 793 | $82,695 | $196,300 | 13.7% | 0.0% |
| Baneberry city | 783 | $84,583 | $350,700 | 33.5% | 6.2% |
| Rockford city | 750 | $66,786 | $247,700 | 28.3% | 11.6% |
Population Overview
Charleston city is a small community located in Tennessee. The total population is 816. It ranks as the 324th most populous out of 504 cities and towns in Tennessee.
Age Demographics
The median age in Charleston city is 48.6 years. This is 25% higher than the state median of 38.9 years. Only 13.0% of residents are under 18, indicating fewer families with children.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Charleston city is $72,208. This is 8% higher than the state median of $67,097. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 8% lower. The poverty rate stands at 7.0%. This is 49% lower than the state poverty rate of 13.8%. The unemployment rate is 1.6%. This is 66% lower than the state rate of 4.7%. The median home value is $185,000. Housing costs are 28% lower than the state median of $256,800. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.6x, Charleston city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 78.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 18% higher than the state average of 67.0%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Charleston city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 74.4% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 13.9%. The Hispanic or Latino population (2.8%) is well below the state average of 7.1%. The Asian population (0.5%) is well below the state average of 1.8%.
Education
9.6% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 68% lower than the state rate of 30.4%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 90.5%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Charleston city, Tennessee 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 Tennessee state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 504 Census-designated places in Tennessee. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Charleston city, Tennessee?
Charleston city, Tennessee has a population of 816 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Charleston city, TN?
The median household income in Charleston city is $72,208, which is 8% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Charleston city, TN?
The poverty rate in Charleston city is 7.0%. This means approximately 57 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Charleston city, Tennessee?
Charleston city's population is 74.4% White, 13.9% Black, 2.8% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.5% Asian.
What is the median home value in Charleston city, TN?
The median home value in Charleston city is $185,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x.
How educated is Charleston city, Tennessee?
9.6% of adults (25+) in Charleston city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 5.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.