Charleston population
Charleston, West Virginia had an estimated 46,117 residents on July 1, 2025, the 542nd-largest city in the US. That is down 10.3% since the 2010 Census and down 14.3% since 2000.
- Population, July 2025
- 46,117-5.5% since April 2020
- People per sq mile
- 1,46931.4 sq mi of land
- Median age
- 43.021.1% are 65 or older
- Households with kids
- 22.3%with anyone under 18
Population by year, 2000 to 2025
| Year | Population | Change | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 46,117 | -314 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2024 | 46,431 | -367 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2023 | 46,798 | -455 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2022 | 47,253 | -730 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2021 | 47,983 | -827 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2020 | 48,810 | +2,262 | April 2020 estimates base |
| 2019 | 46,548 | -586 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2018 | 47,134 | -883 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2017 | 48,017 | -764 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2016 | 48,781 | -643 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2015 | 49,424 | -674 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2014 | 50,098 | -521 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2013 | 50,619 | -193 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2012 | 50,812 | -127 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2011 | 50,939 | -461 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2010 | 51,400 | -71 | 2010 Census (April 1) |
| 2009 | 51,471 | +143 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2008 | 51,328 | -57 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2007 | 51,385 | -228 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2006 | 51,613 | -287 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2005 | 51,900 | -455 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2004 | 52,355 | -195 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2003 | 52,550 | -161 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2002 | 52,711 | -441 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2001 | 53,152 | -667 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2000 | 53,819 | April 2000 estimates base |
Year-to-year changes across 2010 and 2020 mix census counts with estimates, so small jumps at those years are partly method changes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the population of Charleston in 2025?
The Census Bureau estimates Charleston had 46,117 residents on July 1, 2025, making it the 542nd-largest city in the US.
Is Charleston growing?
No. Charleston has shrunk 10.3% since the 2010 Census (51,400 people), and shrunk 5.5% since 2020.
What was the population of Charleston in 2000?
About 53,819 (the Census Bureau's April 2000 estimates base). By the 2010 Census it was 51,400.
How dense is Charleston?
Charleston has about 1,469 people per square mile of land (31.4 square miles).
More about Charleston
See cost of living, jobs and commutes in Charleston, Charleston weather by month, or every Charleston ZIP code. For the biggest cities in the country, see the largest US cities.