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South Charleston, West Virginia

city · Kanawha County

At a glance

13,457
Population
$155,400
Median home value (all homes)
49% below U.S. median
$174,739
Typical market value
Zillow, 2026-07
$844/mo
Median rent
37% below U.S. median
$63,884
Median household income
19% below U.S. median
19.3 min
Average commute
87%
Homes with broadband
2.09%
Locations with fiber available
7%
Unemployment

Cost of living (Clay Affordability Index)

CAI 87 — 13% below the national average. how it's computed

Housing31% below
Goods & services2% below
Utilities3% above
Taxes18% below
Insurance29% below
Commute cost29% 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 college4 mi
Nearest community college1 mi
Nearest technical college3 mi
High school graduates95.9%
College graduates37.8%

Doing business here

Economic development contacts, most local first:

city South Charleston
The South Charleston Chamber of Commerce is a network of individuals, businesses, and government working together to promote and enhance businesses in the greater South Charleston area and throughout West Virginia, providing resources to make it easier for our members to do business.
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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