Charleston 54 Below average
Charleston Livability #322 ranked city in Mississippi#23,669 ranked city in the USARanks better than 19% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Charleston

PROS
  • Cost Of Living

    The overall cost of living in this area is much lower than average. This includes everyday goods and services, as well as housing, utilities and health care.

  • Housing

    This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.

CONS
  • Amenities

    A majority of amenities are not ideally situated within a reasonable walking distance, which may lead residents to rely on a vehicle or public transportation.

  • Commute

    Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.

  • Crime

    This area is reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people and could signify that it is a dangerous place to live. Crime rates include both violent and property crimes.

  • Employment

    A low score in the employment category could indicate that this area struggles with high unemployment rates and low household income and income per capita levels.

  • Schools

    Lower than average education levels, poor reading and math scores, as well as the inaccessibility of local elementary and high schools could all be factors in the low schools score.

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What's it like Living in Charleston?

Located in the state of Mississippi, Charleston is a smaller city with a population of 2,651 people. With a total of 69%, the Black or African American racial group makes up the majority of the population in Charleston. The next most represented races are 30% White and 0% Asian. Single men and women might be happy to hear that in Charleston, only 33% of the population is married.

Living in Charleston can be a positive experience for anyone relocating to the city. Having said that, in the state of Mississippi, there are many incredible places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. The best areas in Charleston and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from cost of living, commute, education, employment, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Mississippi and national averages.

Charleston, MS receives 61/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #156 in Mississippi and #15,964 in the USA. Based on the grades for each individual category, Charleston has been rewarded with high marks for crime (A+) and housing (B). There are some categories that Charleston scores poorly for, including: amenities (F), education (F) and employment (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to determine why.

The impact of the cost of living on your monthly financial situation cannot be overstated. Whether it's housing expenses, grocery bills or healthcare costs, it's crucial to ensure that your chosen place of residence is not only comfortable but also affordable. Fortunately, in Charleston, the cost of living is 27.01% below the national average, offering the assurance that after meeting your financial obligations, there may be a surplus left in your wallet. This financial advantage not only promotes financial stability but also opens up opportunities for savings and a better quality of life. In a world where expenses can be overwhelming, Charleston stands out as a place where you can enjoy both comfort and fiscal responsibility, ensuring a brighter financial future.

The Charleston unemployment rate of 1.2% has continued to decrease over the years and is now well below the national average. The result could lead to reduced poverty and inequality in the area, higher wages and increased economic growth. This is a positive sign in the overall health of the local economy.

Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Charleston market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.

There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Charleston is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Charleston come in at $68,700, which is 35% lower than the Mississippi average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Charleston, the home price to income ratio is 2.3, which is 11.5% lower than the Mississippi average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Charleston

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Compare Charleston, MS Livability

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      Charleston transportation information

      Statistic Charleston Mississippi National
      Average one way commute22min24min26min
      Workers who drive to work72.9%84.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool12.4%9.7%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%0.4%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.1%0.6%
      Workers who walk3.1%1.5%2.8%
      Working from home11.7%2.2%4.6%
      Source: The Charleston, MS data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).