How Many People Live in Charleston County and the Greater Charleston Area?

Q&A By Chris Facello, Chris Facello Group

People ask me this all the time, usually right after they tell me they’re thinking about moving here: “Chris, how many people actually live in Charleston?” It’s a great question, and the answer depends on what you mean by “Charleston.” So let me break it down for you using the latest numbers from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The short answer

These are the Census Bureau’s population estimates as of July 1, 2025, the most recent official numbers available.

Charleston County

Charleston County is home to about 436,200 people. That’s up 6.8% since 2020, and it makes Charleston County one of the most populated counties in South Carolina. The county stretches from the barrier islands like Kiawah, Folly Beach, Sullivan’s Island and Isle of Palms to downtown Charleston, Mount Pleasant, James Island, Johns Island, West Ashley and much of North Charleston.

The greater Charleston area

When most people say “Charleston,” they really mean the whole Tri-County area, and that’s where things get exciting. The Census Bureau’s Charleston-North Charleston metro area includes three counties:

• Charleston County: 436,200
• Berkeley County: 274,666, home to places like Goose Creek, Hanahan, Moncks Corner and parts of Summerville
• Dorchester County: 178,397, including most of Summerville

All together, that’s about 889,263 people. Back in the 2020 Census, the same three counties had 799,636 people, so the area has grown by roughly 89,600 people, or about 11%, in just over five years.

Charleston is growing fast

To put that growth in perspective, it works out to an average of nearly 47 more people living in the greater Charleston area every single day since 2020. Berkeley County has grown the fastest of the three, up 19.5% since 2020, with Dorchester County up 10.6% and Charleston County up 6.8%.

And honestly, I’m not surprised. I’ve been helping people buy and sell homes here since 2006, and I’ve watched so many families fall in love with this place. People come here for the beaches, the history, the food, the jobs and the friendly, small-town feel. Many of them never want to leave. I know I don’t.

What this means if you’re buying or selling

A growing population means a steady stream of people looking for homes, which has helped keep our housing market strong. It also means our communities keep changing, with new neighborhoods, new schools, new restaurants and new roads popping up all across the Tri-County area.

If you’re thinking about moving here, or making a move within the area, our team can help you figure out which community fits your family best. Take a look at our neighborhood guides, or reach out to our team anytime.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts, population estimates as of July 1, 2025 (Vintage 2025), and the 2020 Census. The greater Charleston area is the Census Bureau’s Charleston-North Charleston, SC metropolitan area (Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties).