Housing
According to the 2000 census, the median house value in Charleston was $139,700 and the median household income was $35,295. Despite this fairly favorable ratio, the percentage of residents who are renters instead of homeowners remains slightly higher than the national averages and significantly higher than the state average. This may be explained at least in part by the higher than average number of students living in Charleston. Home construction, both on the edges of the city proper and in the suburbs is continuing at a rapid rate, to try to meet demands. Within the city, the total annual number of building permits for new residential construction or substantial renovation of residential properties has doubled in the past five or six years.
Population inside the city limits: 104,883
Metro area population: 562,666
Elevation: 118 feet above sea level
Area inside city limits: 97.0 square miles
Average daily temperature in January: 49.3 degrees Fahrenheit
Average daily temperature in July: 82.1 degrees Fahrenheit