Charleston Location
Located on the southern coast of South Carolina and bordered on the east side by the Atlantic shoreline, the Charleston metropolitan area includes Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties. The city of Charleston expands inward for 50 miles, occupying a total area of 90 square miles, including historic downtown Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Daniel Island and surrounding suburban and island communities.
Weather & Climate
Charleston boasts a “temperate to semi-tropical” climate, offering year-round outdoor enjoyment for residents and visitors. The area averages 63% days of sunshine each year and an annual growing season of 294 days.
Average Annual Temperature – 65.3° F
Average Daily Maximum – 75.9° F
Average Daily Minimum – 54.7° F
Average Annual Rainfall – 51.53 inches
Average Relative Humidity – 86% (at 7am)
Average Temperatures by Month:
January – 47.9
February – 50.7
March – 57.7
April – 64.2
May – 72.1
June – 78.8
July – 81.7
August – 80.5
September – 76.1
October – 66.2
November – 58.0
December – 50.5
Demographics
The Charleston Lowcountry is one of the top spots for relocation in the southeastern United States. The population of the region’s tri-county area has grown to more than 750,000 people living in three counties, making it the largest city in South Carolina and one of the fastest growing in the U.S. Average household incomes in the region are among the highest in the state.
Charleston Area Population:
Berkeley County – 210,898
Charleston County – 396,484
Dorchester County – 153,773
Metro Area – 761,155
Households & Income:
Total Households – 268,904
Median Household Income – $53,447
Average Household Income – $72,504
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Employment Information
The Charleston metro is thriving with unprecedented business growth and economic diversification, with both multinational corporations and fast-growing startups taking advantage of our globally competitive business environment. In addition to the port, aeronautics and automotive manufacturing, other leading economic drivers include: healthcare, higher education, high tech and tourism.
Employment By Sector:
Government – 18.8%
Transportation & Utilities – 18.4%
Professional & Business Services – 15.8%
Leisure & Hospitality – 12.8%
Education & Health Services – 11.4%
Manufacturing – 7.8%
Natural Resources & Construction– 5.2%
Financial Activities – 4.2%
Other Services – 4.2%
Information – 1.6%
Employers and Number of Employees:
Joint Base Charleston – 20,000
Medical University of S.C. – 13,000
Boeing SC – 7,400
Charleston County School District – 6,000
Berkeley County School District –6,000
Roper St. Francis Healthcare – 5,500
Dorchester County School District – 3,500
Trident Health System – 2,500
Wal-Mart – 2,300
College of Charleston – 2,200
Charleston County – 2,100
U.S. Postal Service – 2,000
Robert Bosch LLC – 1,800
City of Charleston – 1,700
Kiawah Golf Resort – 1,500
Source: Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce
Taxes & Cost of Living
Compared to many other thriving coastal communities, Charleston offers residents a reasonable cost of living, and the area’s state and local tax burden is significantly lower than the national average.
Personal Income Tax
South Carolina features a personal income tax structure that’s competitive and affordable. The state has a tiered, indexed personal income tax that ranges from 0% to a maximum rate of 7.0% for income over $13,800. There are six income tax brackets that are adjusted annually for inflation.
Property Tax
In South Carolina, only local governments levy property taxes. There is no state tax on real or personal property. Residents of Daniel Island pay Berkeley County property taxes.
Real Estate Tax (Annual)
4% for qualified, owner-occupied residential real estate (must be completed within 90 days of purchase).
Sales Tax
Charleston County – 8.5%
Berkeley County – 8.0%
Dorchester County – 7.0%
For more tax information, visit the Berkeley County Tax Estimator.
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Cost of Living Index:
Atlanta, GA – 98.7
Austin, TX – 96.7
Boston, MA – 148.1
Charleston, SC – 104.0
Charlotte, NC – 94.8
Denver, CO – 110.4
Jacksonville, FL – 95.8
Miami-Dade, FL – 111.0
Nashville, TN – 95.5
Raleigh, NC – 94.4
San Diego, CA – 144.4
Seattle, WA – 145.1
Source: C2ER Cost of Living Index, 2016
Healthcare
With a strong commitment to medical research and access to top healthcare professionals, the Charleston region offers a vital health and wellness community. Several nationally recognized hospital systems serve the region, as well as numerous medical centers considered among the best in the nation, including the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) – with the first medical school established in the southern United States.
Area Hospitals:
Bon Secours St. Francis Xavier Hospital
2095 Henry Tecklenburg Dr.
Charleston, SC 29414
(843) 402-1000
East Cooper Regional Medical Center
1200 Johnnie Dodds Boulevard
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
(843) 881-0100
Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC)
179 Ashley Avenue Charleston, SC 29425
(843) 792-2300
Ralph H. Johnson V.A. Medical Center
109 Bee Street Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 577-5011
Naval Health Clinic Charleston
3600 Rivers Avenue
North Charleston, SC 29405
(843) 743-7000
Trident Medical Center
9330 Medical Plaza Drive
Charleston, SC 29406
(843) 797-7000
Nursing Homes/Assisted Living:
Summit Place
320 Seven Farms Drive, Daniel Island, SC 29492
(843) 884-4104
Bishop Gadsden Episcopal
1873 Camp Rd, Charleston, SC 29412
(843) 762-3300
Charleston Nursing Center
921 Bowman Rd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
(843) 884-8903
Cooper Hall Senior Living
937 Bowman Rd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
(843) 849-5286
Franke at Seaside
1885 Rifle Range Road, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
(843) 856-4700
Life Care Center of Charleston
2600 Elms Plantation Blvd, North Charleston, SC 29406
(843) 764-3500
My Father’s House Adult Care
22 Larnes St, Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 723-7889
Sandpiper Village
1224 Village Creek Ln, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
(843) 884-5735
Charleston International Airport
Charleston’s International Airport is convenient for business and leisure travelers. With daily non-stop flights to 17 cities in the U.S. and Canada and quick connections to international hubs in Atlanta and Charlotte, the recently renovated and expanded Charleston International Airport makes it more enjoyable and easier than ever for both area residents and visitors to travel to and from Charleston.
