Charleston County

As of the most recent census, Charleston County, SC, has a population of approximately 411,406. The racial makeup is around 68% White, 26% African American, 1.6% Asian, and 3.8% Hispanic or Latino. The median household income is $62,681 with a poverty rate of about 14%. The county's median age is 36.7 years. Approximately 92.7% have a high school diploma, and 39.5% possess a bachelor's degree or higher.

As of 2023, Charleston County, SC has a median home value of approximately $450,000. The median rent is around $1,500 per month. The area has seen a 15% year-over-year increase in home prices. The home ownership rate is about 65%, with a vacancy rate near 10%. The county's housing market is competitive, with homes typically selling within 30-45 days. New construction permits have increased by roughly 10% annually, reflecting ongoing development.

Charleston County, SC, holds elections for various local, state, and federal offices. Key positions up for election include County Council seats, School Board members, and municipal offices such as Mayor and City Council. In recent elections, voter turnout ranged from 50% to 70%.

For the 2022 elections, notable candidates included:

• County Council: Incumbent Councilmembers like Herb Sass (R) and Henry Darby (D) faced challengers.
• School Board: Candidates like Kristen French and Courtney Waters contested seats aiming to influence educational policies.
• Mayor (Charleston): Incumbent Mayor John Tecklenburg (nonpartisan) faced a crowded field of challengers.

Voter registration was at approximately 280,000, reflecting a high civic engagement in the region. The elections are overseen by the Charleston County Board of Elections and Voter Registration, ensuring fair and organized electoral processes.

As of the latest data, Charleston County, SC, has notable educational attainment levels. Approximately 91.4% of residents 25 years and older have at least a high school diploma, compared to the national average of around 88%. Furthermore, 42.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, surpassing the national average of approximately 33.1%. At the state level, South Carolina has about 87.2% of its residents with a high school diploma and 29.2% with a bachelor's degree or higher. Thus, Charleston County stands out with higher educational attainment than both the state and national averages.

As of the latest data, Charleston County, SC has an employment rate of approximately 62.5%, marginally higher than the national average of 61.1% and the state average of 59.8%. Key industries in Charleston County include:

• Manufacturing (20%): Notably higher than the U.S. average of 8.5%.
• Healthcare and Social Assistance (15%): Similar to the national figure of 14.8%.
• Retail Trade (12%): In line with the U.S. average of 11%.
• Accommodation and Food Services (10%): Above the national average of 8.3%.
• Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (8%): Comparable to the U.S. average of 7.5%.

These top industries highlight Charleston County's strong manufacturing base, driven notably by aerospace and automotive sectors, and its vibrant tourism industry.

As of the most recent data, Charleston County, SC, has an average household income of approximately $76,000. In comparison, the state of South Carolina has an average household income of around $62,000, while the national average stands at roughly $97,000. This positions Charleston County above the state average but below the national average.

Statistics Table

Charleston County's higher income relative to the state average reflects its more affluent local economy, but it still trails behind the broader national income levels.

As of the latest data, Charleston County, SC, has a diverse crime profile. In 2022, the crime rate per 1,000 residents stood at approximately 29.6. The total number of reported crimes was around 11,500, showing a marginal year-over-year change. Here's a breakdown of the types of crimes:

These figures illustrate the manifold crime aspects in Charleston County, with property crimes being notably higher than violent crimes.