Charleston County, South Carolina

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 3,517 km² (1,358 mi²). 2,379 km² (919 mi²) of it is land and 1,139 km² (440 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 32.37% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 309,969 people, 123,326 households, and 77,448 families residing in the county. The population density is 130/km² (338/mi²). There are 141,031 housing units at an average density of 59/km² (154/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 61.92% White, 34.49% African American, 0.26% Native American, 1.12% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 0.99% from other races, and 1.16% from two or more races. 2.40% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 123,326 households out of which 28.70% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.20% are married couples living together, 15.90% have a female householder with no husband present, and 37.20% are non-families. 28.30% of all households are made up of individuals and 8.10% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.42 and the average family size is 3.01.

In the county, the population is spread out with 23.70% under the age of 18, 12.00% from 18 to 24, 30.30% from 25 to 44, 22.00% from 45 to 64, and 11.90% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 34 years. For every 100 females there are 93.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 90.50 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $37,810, and the median income for a family is $47,139. Males have a median income of $32,681 versus $25,530 for females. The per capita income for the county is $21,393. 16.40% of the population and 12.40% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 22.90% are under the age of 18 and 12.70% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Awendaw
• Folly Beach
• Hollywood
• Isle of Palms
• Kiawah Island
• Lincolnville
• McClellanville
• Meggett
• Mount Pleasant
• North Charleston
• Ravenel
• Rockville
• Seabrook Island
• Sullivan's Island