Charleston, SC

Charleston SC scores 59/100 on safety (below average). Crime is about 2% above the national average. Expect more property crime (car break-ins, package theft) than a quiet suburb.

Detail: overall crime index 102 (100 = avg); violent crime index 101; property crime index 103. Indexes near 100 track a typical U.S. load. Higher means more crime pressure on that category.

School quality varies by neighborhood in Charleston. Check GreatSchools.org or your local district for current ratings before you choose a ZIP.

Typical rent in Charleston is about $1,722/month (on the high side). At $1,722/month for a typical unit, you need about $61,992+ in household income to rent comfortably without stretching (3× rent × 12). Typical home value: $509,700.

Median household income is $92,414, property taxes run about 1.45%, and homes typically sell in around 28 days. Local median income ($92,414) clears the $61,992 comfort line for that rent.

Walk Score 68 (Somewhat Walkable); transit score 42 (Some Transit).

Average temperature is about 73°F (highs near 78°F, lows near 68°F).

Most of the year is outdoor-friendly; peak summer still needs AC for comfort. Cooling costs matter more than heating for most of the year. If you visit, go in late summer so you feel the heat, not just a mild weekend.

Who tends to thrive in Charleston: (1) Tech and finance workers (the job market is real and local pay near $92,414 helps carry housing costs) (2) Households earning $61,992+ who can clear the 3× rent rule at $1,722/month (3) Movers with a locked job offer in Charleston who already priced rent and commute (4) Buyers comparing mid-size metros who will tour multiple ZIPs before signing

Who should look elsewhere: (1) People with young kids who want to let them roam freely (crime pressure is real here; safety 59/100) (2) Anyone stretching past 40% of take-home on housing at $1,722/month (3) Households expecting top marks on rent and safety at once (Charleston does not clear every bar)

Income sniff test: clear about $61,992 household income for $1,722/month rent. Under that, pick a cheaper ZIP or a different city.

Charleston scores 59/100 on safety with $1,722/month typical rent. Run the numbers against your income before committing.