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Charleston, West Virginia

city · Kanawha County

At a glance

47,421
Population
$203,300
Median home value (all homes)
33% below U.S. median
$166,520
Typical market value
Zillow, 2026-07
$908/mo
Median rent
33% below U.S. median
$65,812
Median household income
16% below U.S. median
16.9 min
Average commute
90.7%
Homes with broadband
51.11%
Locations with fiber available
6.5%
Unemployment

Cost of living (Clay Affordability Index)

CAI 92 — 8% below the national average. how it's computed

Housing15% below
Goods & services2% below
Utilities16% above
Taxes18% below
Insurance29% below
Commute cost38% below
For business: West Virginia is CBII band 2/5 · time to build band 1/5. See state page for the breakdown.

Living here

Nearest 4-year college1 mi
Nearest community college0 mi
Nearest technical college0 mi
High school graduates93.2%
College graduates45.2%

Doing business here

Economic development contacts, most local first:

city Advantage Valley
Advantage Valley, Inc. is a non-profit economic development organization that works with the State of West Virginia, local governments, county economic development authorities, sector and business leaders, chambers of commerce, academic and training institutions, and nonprofit partners to showcase its nine-county region and strengthen the economy. Our efforts represent Boone, Cabell, Clay, Jackson, Kanawha, Lincoln, Mason, Putnam, and Wayne Counties.
city Charleston Area Alliance
The Charleston Area Alliance serves as a catalyst for change for Kanawha County, leading with innovative and collaborative approaches to shape a prosperous economy that fosters growth and attracts people and investment. From site selection to innovation support, we help attract and grow businesses across industries large and small.
state America Electric Power Economic Development
AEP's Economic Development page presents site selection services and energy solutions to help businesses locate facilities within its 11-state service area, with a focus on supporting growth.
state Little Kanawha Area Development Corp
The LKADC is a lead economic and community development non-profit serving Calhoun and Wirt Counties in West Virginia.
state New River Gorge Regional Eco Dev Auth
The New River Gorge Regional Development Authority initiates, facilitates, and support the community and economic development efforts in the New River Gorge region of West Virginia, serving Fayette, Nicholas, Raleigh, and Summers counties.
state West Virginia Development Office
Our mission is to improve the quality of life for all West Virginians by strengthening our communities and expanding the state's economy to create more and better jobs.
state West Virginia Economic Development Council
The West Virginia Economic Development Council brings economic development professionals and organizations from around the state to share and collaborate on programs and issues, and promotes activities to retain, expand, and attract business in West Virginia. It states that it is the only professional organization in the state with the sole function of promoting economic development and serving economic development professionals across West Virginia.
State sales taxYes
State income taxYes
Right-to-work stateYes

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