| Statistic | South Charleston | West Virginia | National |
| Population | 12,461 | 1,792,147 | 328,239,523 |
| Population density (sq mi) | 1,442 | 74 | 91 |
| Median age | 44.2 | 41.9 | 37.7 |
| Male/Female ratio | 0.9:1 | 1.0:1 | 1.0:1 |
| Married (15yrs & older) | 51% | 59% | 55% |
| Families w/ Kids under 18 | 36% | 37% | 43% |
| Speak English | 98% | 98% | 79% |
| Speak Spanish | 0% | 1% | 13% |
South Charleston demographics provide invaluable insights into the composition, dynamics and needs of urban and rural areas, enabling them to plan, develop, and govern in ways that promote prosperity, equity and well-being for all residents. The South Charleston population is 12,461 and has a population density of 1,442 people per square mile, compared to the national average of 91. The median age of all residents is 44.2, 51% of people 15 years of age or older are married and 36% have kids under the age of 18. In South Charleston, 27% of households have a median income that is below $25,000 and 14% of households report a median income above $150,000.
The South Charleston racial demographics and ethnicity breakdown could be indispensable tools for recognizing and rectifying systemic inequities, fostering social justice and inclusion and cultivating resilient communities. In South Charleston, the racial breakdown reveals 82.3% White, 7.5% Black or African American, 3.3% Asian, 0.5% American Indian and 0% Native Hawaiian, with 2.1% of the population identifying as Hispanic or Latino. Of all households, 97.8% reported speaking English only, while 0.3% reported speaking Spanish only. Moreover, 2.6% of residents were classified as foreign-born.
South Charleston has a population density that is well above-average, which plays a pivotal role in promoting environmental sustainability by reducing per capita energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and land use. Its compact urban development encourages energy-efficient buildings, active transportation modes like walking and cycling and the utilization of public transit, fostering sustainable lifestyles and mitigating environmental impact. Additionally, the area's dense population contributes to a vibrant social and cultural scene, featuring a diverse array of cultural events, festivals and community activities. This cultural diversity fuels creativity, innovation and cross-cultural exchange, enhancing the community's social fabric. South Charleston has a population density of 1,442 people per square mile, exceeding the national average of 91 and positions itself in a good spot to reap the benefits of densely populated areas.
Policy Planning: Demographic data and statistics play a fundamental role in informing policy and decision-making processes across government entities, organizations and businesses. Through the analysis and interpretation of South Charleston demographic data, policymakers, government officials, and organizational leaders can pinpoint areas of concern, allocate resources efficiently, and devise policies and initiatives tailored to the specific needs and preferences of distinct demographic groups. The utilization of demographics in South Charleston can be crucial in policy planning, facilitating evidence-based decision-making, identifying key priorities, forecasting future trends, monitoring policy outcomes and advancing principles of equity and inclusion. By harnessing this data effectively, policymakers can develop policies that are targeted, effective and inclusive, thus meeting the diverse needs of communities.
Urban Development: Urban planners can leverage demographics data in South Charleston to design and develop areas that cater to residents' needs, spanning housing, transportation, and public services, while prioritizing sustainability and enhancing quality of life. Demographic changes can contribute to gentrification and neighborhood evolution, whether in urban or rural contexts. As neighborhoods attract new residents with diverse income levels and lifestyle preferences, property values may appreciate, potentially displacing longstanding residents and reshaping the neighborhood's identity. Understanding population density, age distribution, household size and income levels is essential for guiding decisions on zoning, transportation infrastructure, housing development and public amenities. Incorporating South Charleston demographics data into planning and implementing affordable housing initiatives can help mitigate displacement risks.
Social Cohesion: Reporting and analyzing demographics can play a crucial role in fostering social cohesion and understanding among diverse communities. By recognizing and appreciating differences in South Charleston demographics, societies can promote inclusivity, diversity and social harmony, while addressing social disparities and promoting equal opportunities for all individuals. Racial demographics reflect the diversity of a population and contribute to fostering inclusive and welcoming communities. Embracing diversity strengthens social cohesion, promotes cultural understanding and enriches the fabric of society by celebrating the contributions of individuals from different racial and ethnic backgrounds.
| Race | South Charleston | West Virginia | National |
| White | 82.26% | 93.46% | 73.35% |
| Black | 7.53% | 3.43% | 12.63% |
| Asian | 3.26% | 0.76% | 5.22% |
| American Indian | 0.52% | 0.18% | 0.82% |
| Native Hawaiian | 0.00% | 0.04% | 0.18% |
| Mixed race | 6.10% | 1.83% | 3.06% |
| Other race | 0.34% | 0.31% | 4.75% |
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