Charleston County, South Carolina

Income Data

+48% vs. South Carolina average
$84,320
Median Household Income
$54,769
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$84,320
+48% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$54,769
+39% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
18.7%
income as % of home value
Rank in South Carolina
#2 / 46
by median household income

How Charleston County Compares

Charleston County$84,320
South Carolina Average$57,006
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$84,320
Median Household Income
$54,769
Per Capita Income
$450,800
Median Home Value
18.7%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Charleston County, South Carolina

Charleston's income leads the Southeast

Charleston County's median household income of $84,320 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by more than $9,500. This strong performance reflects the county's role as South Carolina's economic engine, home to tourism, shipping, and financial services.

Clearly the state's income leader

Charleston's $84,320 median household income outpaces South Carolina's state average of $57,006 by $27,314—making it the clear statewide leader among 46 counties. The county's per capita income of $54,769 is 69% higher than the state average of $32,382.

Dominant income over surrounding counties

Charleston's $84,320 household income towers over adjacent counties like Berkeley ($N/A), Dorchester ($N/A), and Calhoun ($56,690). The regional income disparity reflects Charleston's concentration of higher-wage employment in tourism, healthcare, and professional services.

High incomes offset rising home values

Charleston's rent-to-income ratio of 21.4% remains sustainable despite a median home value of $450,800—reflecting the county's ability to absorb rising real estate costs. Households here earn enough to weather the competitive housing market, though affordability remains a challenge for lower-income residents.

Leverage Charleston's wealth-building opportunities

Above-average incomes position Charleston residents to invest aggressively in retirement accounts, real estate, and diversified portfolios. Work with a wealth advisor to optimize tax strategy and capitalize on the county's strong job market to accelerate long-term wealth accumulation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Charleston County, South Carolina?
The median household income in Charleston County, South Carolina is $84,320, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Charleston County?
The per capita income in Charleston County is $54,769, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $84,320.
How does Charleston County compare to the South Carolina average?
Charleston County's median household income of $84,320 is higher than the South Carolina state average of $57,006. The per capita income is $54,769, compared to the state average of $32,382.
What is the per capita income in Charleston County, South Carolina?
The per capita income in Charleston County, South Carolina is $54,769, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Why is Charleston County income higher than the South Carolina average?
Charleston County's median household income of $84,320 is higher than the South Carolina average of $57,006. This difference of $27,314 can be attributed to factors such as local industry mix, proximity to major employment centers, educational attainment levels, and cost of living. Counties with higher incomes often have a greater concentration of professional and technical occupations.
How does Charleston County rank for income in South Carolina?
Charleston County ranks #2 out of 46 counties in South Carolina by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $84,320 and per capita income of $54,769, it falls in the top third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Charleston County

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Your income is above the Charleston County median

County median: $84,320 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

+48%

vs. National Median

+13%

vs. Charleston County MedianAbout equal
vs. South Carolina Average48% above
vs. National Median13% above

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent4.7x

Your monthly income ($7,027) vs. median rent ($1,506/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.