Charleston, SC Facts, Population, Income, Demographics, Economy

Population (male): 66,402

Median Rent: Median gross rent in 2017: $1,236.

Poverty (overall): Percentage of residents living in poverty in 2017: 11.7%

Population Density:

Races:
      White alone - 98,750 - 72.7%
      Black alone - 28,659 - 21.1%
      Hispanic - 3,940 - 2.9%
      Two or more races - 2,437 - 1.8%
      Asian alone - 1,913 - 1.4%
      Other race alone - 160 - 0.1%
      American Indian alone - 128 - 0.09%
      Native Hawaiian and Other
>Pacific Islander alone - 9 - 0.01%

Charleston has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen climate classification Cfa), with mild winters, hot humid summers, and significant rainfall all year long. Summer is the wettest season; almost half of the annual rainfall occurs from June to September in the form of thundershowers. Fall remains relatively warm through the middle of November. Winter is short and mild, and is characterized by occasional rain. Measurable snow (≥0.1 in or 0.25 cm) occurs only several times per decade at the most, however freezing rain is more common; a snowfall/freezing rain event on January 3, 2018, was the first such event in Charleston since December 26, 2010. However, 6.0 in (15 cm) fell at the airport on December 23, 1989, the largest single-day fall on record, contributing to a single-storm and seasonal record of 8.0 in (20 cm) snowfall.

Goldribbon

Recognitions and Certifications

Accredited Drug Testing has been recognized as one of the "Top 10 drug testing companies" for excellent customer service and we have received TPA Accreditation from the National Drug and Alcohol Screening Association. We are active in all drug testing industry associations and our staff are trained and certified as drug and alcohol testing specialists.

Important Links

National Drug and Alcohol Screening Association (https://ndasa.com/)

National Drug Free Workplace Alliance (https://www.ndwa.org/)

Substance Abuse Program Administrators Association (https://www.sapaa.com/)

Substance Abuse Mental Health Safety Administration (https://www.samhsa.gov/)

US Drug Enforcement Administration (https://www.dea.gov/)

Office of Drug alcohol Policy Control (https://www.transportation.gov/odapc)

980x250 DOT Drug Testing

DOT Drug Testing Locations Charleston, SC

Our Local DOT Drug testing facilities in Charleston, SC and the surrounding areas provide DOT Drug Testing, DOT Alcohol Testing, DOT Physicals, Consortium enrollment and other DOT services for Employers, Single operators and all DOT modes that are required to comply with 49 CFR Part 40 in Charleston, SC including FMCSA, FTA, FAA, USCG, FRA and PHMSA . Testing centers are within minutes of your home or office and same-day service is available in most cases.

Scheduling a DOT test is Fast and Easy, call our scheduling department or schedule your test online 24/7

* You must register by phone or online to receive your donor pass/registration prior to proceeding to the testing center.

418 Folly Road, Suite C 2.8 miles

418 Folly Road, Suite C
Charleston, SC 29412
Categories: Charleston SC

743 FOLLY RD 3.2 miles

743 FOLLY RD
CHARLESTON, SC 29412
Categories: CHARLESTON SC

631 JOHNNIE DODDS BLVD 3.6 miles

631 JOHNNIE DODDS BLVD
MT PLEASANT, SC 29464
Categories: MT PLEASANT SC

8 FARMFIELD AVE 3.8 miles

8 FARMFIELD AVE
CHARLESTON, SC 29407
Categories: CHARLESTON SC

4 CARRIAGE LN STE 102 4.1 miles

4 CARRIAGE LN STE 102
CHARLESTON, SC 29407
Categories: CHARLESTON SC

1200 JOHNNIE DODDS BLVD 4.7 miles

1200 JOHNNIE DODDS BLVD
MOUNT PLEASANT, SC 29464
Categories: MOUNT PLEASANT SC

900 BOWMAN RD STE 203 5.0 miles

900 BOWMAN RD STE 203
MT PLEASANT, SC 29464
Categories: MT PLEASANT SC

1280 HOSPITAL DRIVE UNIT 1 5.2 miles

1280 HOSPITAL DRIVE UNIT 1
MOUNT PLEASANT, SC 29464
Categories: MOUNT PLEASANT SC

1851 SAM RITTENBERG BLVD 5.4 miles

1851 SAM RITTENBERG BLVD
CHARLESTON, SC 29407
Categories: CHARLESTON SC

1836 Ashley River Rd Ste E 5.5 miles

1836 Ashley River Rd Ste E
Charleston, SC 29407
Categories: Charleston SC

3605 MEETING STREET RD STE C 5.5 miles

3605 MEETING STREET RD STE C
CHARLESTON, SC 29405
Categories: CHARLESTON SC

1470 Tobias Gadson Blvd, Suite 101 6.2 miles

1470 Tobias Gadson Blvd, Suite 101
Charleston, SC 29407
Categories: Charleston SC

4115 DORCHESTER RD STE 100 6.7 miles

4115 DORCHESTER RD STE 100
CHARLESTON, SC 29405
Categories: CHARLESTON SC

3870 LEEDS AVE 6.9 miles

3870 LEEDS AVE
CHARLESTON, SC 29405
Categories: CHARLESTON SC

3825 FABER PLACE DR 7.3 miles

3825 FABER PLACE DR
NORTH CHARLESTON, SC 29405
Categories: NORTH CHARLESTON SC

4600 GOER DR STE 205 7.9 miles

4600 GOER DR STE 205
NORTH CHARLESTON, SC 29406
Categories: NORTH CHARLESTON SC

2470 MALL DR STE A 8.4 miles

2470 MALL DR STE A
NORTH CHARLESTON, SC 29406
Categories: NORTH CHARLESTON SC

3424 SHELBY RAY CT 8.4 miles

3424 SHELBY RAY CT
CHARLESTON, SC 29414
Categories: CHARLESTON SC

5880 RIVERS AVE 10.0 miles

5880 RIVERS AVE
NORTH CHARLESTON, SC 29406
Categories: NORTH CHARLESTON SC

3074 N HIGHWAY 17 10.2 miles

3074 N HIGHWAY 17
MT PLEASANT, SC 29466
Categories: MT PLEASANT SC

1161 OAKLAND MARKET RD 10.7 miles

1161 OAKLAND MARKET RD
MT PLEASANT, SC 29466
Categories: MT PLEASANT SC

130 GARDNERS CIR STE J101 12.3 miles

130 GARDNERS CIR STE J101
JOHNS ISLAND, SC 29455
Categories: JOHNS ISLAND SC

7301 RIVERS AVE STE 150 12.5 miles

7301 RIVERS AVE STE 150
NORTH CHARLESTON, SC 29406
Categories: NORTH CHARLESTON SC

10160 DORCHESTER RD 12.8 miles

10160 DORCHESTER RD
SUMMERVILLE, SC 29485
Categories: SUMMERVILLE SC

7519 RIVERS AVE 12.8 miles

7519 RIVERS AVE
NORTH CHARLESTON, SC 29406
Categories: NORTH CHARLESTON SC

8091 RIVERS AVE 13.9 miles

8091 RIVERS AVE
NORTH CHARLESTON, SC 29406
Categories: NORTH CHARLESTON SC

2850 TRICOM STREET 15.9 miles

2850 TRICOM STREET
NORTH CHARLESTON, SC 29406
Categories: NORTH CHARLESTON SC

9330 MEDICAL PLAZA DR 16.1 miles

9330 MEDICAL PLAZA DR
CHARLESTON, SC 29406
Categories: CHARLESTON SC

149 SAINT JAMES AVE 16.9 miles

149 SAINT JAMES AVE
GOOSE CREEK, SC 29445
Categories: GOOSE CREEK SC

105A HARTH PL 18.6 miles

105A HARTH PL
SUMMERVILLE, SC 29485
Categories: SUMMERVILLE SC

1660 OLD TROLLEY RD STE G2 18.6 miles

1660 OLD TROLLEY RD STE G2
SUMMERVILLE, SC 29485
Categories: SUMMERVILLE SC

104 Morgan Pl Ste C, 18.6 miles

104 Morgan Pl Ste C,
Summerville, SC 29485
Categories: Summerville SC

410 N MAIN ST 22.2 miles

410 N MAIN ST
SUMMERVILLE, SC 29483
Categories: SUMMERVILLE SC

(Don't see a DOT drug testing location near you, call us at (800) 221-4291)

Accredited Drug Testing can schedule your DOT drug test at any of our Charleston, SC Drug testing locations, Call us Today!

"When you need a test, choose the best"

(800) 221-4291

Schedule Your Test

How to schedule a DOT drug test in Charleston, SC

To schedule any type of DOT drug test or alcohol test in Charleston, SC call our local scheduling department at (800) 221-4291. You may also schedule your DOT drug test online utilizing our express scheduling registration system by selecting your test and completing the Donor Information/Registration Section. You must register for the test prior to proceeding to the testing center.

The zip code you enter will be used to determine the closest DOT drug or DOT alcohol testing center that performs the type of test you have selected. A donor pass/registration form with the local testing center address, hours of operation and instructions will be sent to the e-mail address you provided. Take this form with you or have it available on your smartphone to provide to the testing center. No appointment is necessary in most cases. However, you must complete the donor information section and pay for the test at the time of registration.

Our laboratories are SAMHSA-certified and all test results are verified by our in-house licensed physicians who serve as Medical Review Officers (MRO).

In addition to providing DOT drug testing and DOT breath alcohol testing in Charleston, SC , Accredited Drug Testing also has additional testing centers throughout the metropolitan area and surrounding cities.

On the road or on vacation, no worries, Accredited Drug Testing has over 20,000 testing centers in all cities Nationwide and we can schedule your test, ANYWHERE, ANYTIME!

(800) 221-4291

Schedule Your Test

DOT Changes to Part 40

On May 2, 2023, the Department of Transportation published its final rule in the Federal Register to include oral fluid testing in the DOT drug testing program.  This final rule became effective June 1, 2023.

Please note that DOT oral fluid testing cannot be implemented as of yet until the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) certifies at least two laboratories. One as a primary lab and a second lab to serve as split specimen testing.

Changes to DOT-regulated employees?

DOT-regulated safety-sensitive employees can now be subject to an oral fluid collection or urine drug testing collection for ANY DOT-regulated test and this choice is up to the employer.  DOT has also authorized that Substance Abuse Professionals (SAP) evaluations may continue to be conducted remotely.

How do these changes affect DOT employers?

Employers must select what methodology they would like to use for their drug testing program (randoms' oral fluid, pre-employment urine, etc). Ensure you have a business relationship/agreement with any collections site for the services you wish to use for your drug testing program.  As an employer, you must also have your Designated Employer representative available 24-7 in the event any problem collections or situations arise or to discuss any standing orders that may arise for problem collections.

What are the DOT drug testing requirements?.

In 1991, the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act created the following DOT Agencies which established drug and alcohol testing regulations to ensure that aircraft, trains, trucks, and buses were operated in a safe and responsible manner. As an employer or individual operating in a "Safety Sensitive" position, it is important to understand how these regulations impact you.

49 CFR Part 40 (commonly known as Part 40) explains:

  • How drug and alcohol testing is conducted
  • Who is authorized to participate in the drug and alcohol testing program
  • What employees must do before they may return to duty after a drug and/or alcohol violation

Each DOT Agency and the USCG have specific regulations that cover:

  • The agency's prohibitions on drug and alcohol use
  • Who is subject to comply with these regulations
  • What type of testing is required
  • When testing is required
  • Consequences of non-compliance

FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) amended its rule that would establish requirements for commercial driver's license employers and individuals with regard to the drug and alcohol clearing house which will take effect on January 6, 2020.

The FMCSA Clearinghouse is a secure online database that will allow employers, the FMCSA, State Driver Licensing Agencies, State Law Enforcement and individual CDL operators to access real-time important information about a CDL Driver's drug and alcohol program violations and the ultimate goal of this database is to enhance safety on our Nation's public roadways.

For specific requirements, click the appropriate agency listed below in which you or your company is regulated by. Ask about our DOT Complete Compliance Package!

The Opioid Overdose Crisis

Every day, more than 130 people in the United States die after overdosing on opioids. The misuse of and addiction to opioids,including prescription pain relievers, heroin, and synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, is a serious national crisis that affects public health as well as social and economic welfare. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that the total "economic burden" of prescription opioid misuse alone in the United States is $78.5 billion a year, including the costs of healthcare, lost productivity, addiction treatment, and criminal justice involvement.

  • Roughly 21 to 29 percent of patients prescribed opioids for chronic pain misuse them.
  • Between 8 and 12 percent develop an opioid use disorder.
  • An estimated 4 to 6 percent who misuse prescription opioids transition to heroin.
  • About 80 percent of people who use heroin first misused prescription opioids.
  • Opioid overdoses increased 30 percent from July 2016 through September 2017 in 52 areas in 45 states.
  • The Midwestern region saw opioid overdoses increase 70 percent from July 2016 through September 2017.
  • Opioid overdoses in large cities increased by 54 percent in 16 states.

In the late 1990s, pharmaceutical companies reassured the medical community that patients would not become addicted to prescription opioid pain relievers, and healthcare providers began to prescribe them at greater rates. This subsequently led to widespread diversion and misuse of these medications before it became clear that these medications could indeed be highly addictive.3,4 Opioid overdose rates began to increase. In 2017, more than 47,000 Americans died as a result of an opioid overdose, including prescription opioids, heroin, and illicitly manufactured fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid.1That same year, an estimated 1.7 million people in the United States suffered from substance use disorders related to prescription opioid pain relievers, and 652,000 suffered from a heroin use disorder (not mutually exclusive)

DOT Compliance Checklist in Charleston, SC

DOT 49 CFR Part 40 Requirements for Safety Sensitive Employees.
(FMCSA-FAA-USCG-FRA-PHMSA-FTA)

  • Pre-Employment Tests
  • Correct Federal Custody & Control Form (CCF)
  • Substance Abuse Professional Process
  • Regulations on File
  • Random Pool Testing
  • *Supervisor Training
  • *Written Policy
  • Post-Accident Testing Situations
  • Previous Employers Checks
  • Employee Education
  • Record Keeping
  • Removal of covered Employee
  • Designated Employer Representative

* In addition, any company which employs 2 or more covered employees must have a written drug and alcohol policy and all supervisors must complete the DOT Supervisor Reasonable Suspicion Training. (Click here to learn more about our online training programs)

If a DOT covered employee or company does not have a copy of the original pre-employment drug test with a negative result, then a new DOT pre-employment drug test must be conducted, and the result maintained on file.

The department of transportation (DOT) requires that all DOT regulated "safety sensitive" employees have on file a negative DOT pre-employment drug test result and be a member of a DOT approved random selection consortium. In addition, if a DOT regulated company has more than one "safety sensitive" employee, the employer must also have a written DOT drug and alcohol policy and an on-site supervisor must have completed supervisor training for reasonable suspicion of illegal drug use or impairment.

To be compliant with DOT regulations, a company's DOT drug and alcohol testing program must have the following components. Failing to comply can result in significant fines and penalties.

(800) 221-4291

Schedule Your Test

What is a DOT Drug Test in Charleston, SC ?

On January 1, 2018 the Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a new rule which altered the DOT 5 panel urine test. Employers and individuals should be aware that the current DOT drug test is still a urine drug test, collected by qualified collectors, analyzed at a SAMHSA certified laboratory and reviewed by a licensed Medical Review Officer. Below you will find a list of the drugs that are screened for in the DOT 5 panel urine drug test:

  • Marijuana (THC)
  • Cocaine
  • Amphetamines
  • Opioids**
  • Phencyclidine (PCP)
  • ** Special note: Opioids' was previously called Opiates' and all DOT drug tests will continue to include confirmation testing for Codeine, Morphine, and 6-AM (heroin) when necessary.

    In the January rule change, the Department of Transportation (DOT) also added initial screening and confirmation testing for the semi-synthetic opioids Hydrocodone, Hydromorphone, Oxycodone, and Oxymorphone to this Opioids group

    When is a DOT drug test required in Charleston, SC ?

    All safety sensitive employees regardless of DOT agency are required for the following drug testing and/or alcohol testing based on each situation:

    • Pre-employment
    • Random
    • Reasonable suspicion
    • Return to Duty
    • Post-Accident
    • Follow Up

What is DOT pre employment testing in Charleston, SC ?

As a new hire or a current employee transferring from a non-safety sensitive function into a safety sensitive function (even with the same employer), you are required to submit to a DOT pre employment drug test.

Some employers may, but are not required to, conduct pre employment alcohol testing. Only after your employer receives a negative pre employment DOT drug test result (and negative alcohol test result - if administered) may you begin performing in a safety-sensitive capacity.

What is random DOT Drug Testing in Charleston, SC ?

All safety sensitive employees are subject to unannounced random drug & alcohol testing. Alcohol testing is administered just prior to, during or just after performing safety-sensitive functions. Depending on the industry specific regulations, you may only be subject to random drug testing.

Listed below are the current (2019) DOT random testing rates for each DOT agency.

The following chart outlines the annual minimum drug and alcohol random testing rates established within DOT Agencies and the USCG for 2019.
DOT Agency 2019 Random Drug Testing Rate 2019 Random Alcohol Testing Rate
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
[FMCSA]
25% 10%
Federal Aviation Administration
[FAA]
25% 10%
Federal Railroad Administration
[FRA]
25% - Covered Service
50% - Maintenance of Way *
10% - Covered Service
25% - Maintenance of Way *
Federal Transit Administration
[FTA]
50% 10%
United States Coast Guard
[USCG]
(with the Dept. of Homeland Security)
50% N/A
The following chart outlines the annual minimum drug and alcohol random testing rates established within DOT Agencies and the USCG for 2019.
DOT Agency
2019 Random Drug Testing Rate
2019 Random Alcohol Testing Rate
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [FMCSA]
25%
10%
Federal Aviation Administration [FAA]
25%
10%
Federal Railroad Administration [FRA]
25% - Covered Service / 50% - Maintenance of Way *
10% - Covered Service / 25% - Maintenance of Way *
Federal Transit Administration [FTA]
50%
10%
United States Coast Guard [USCG]
(with the Dept. of Homeland Security)
50%
N/A

(800) 221-4291

Enroll

What is reasonable suspicion DOT drug testing in Charleston, SC ?

Safety sensitive individuals and employees are required to submit to any test (whether it is a drug test, alcohol test or both) that a supervisor requests based on reasonable suspicion. Reasonable suspicion means that one or more trained supervisors reasonably believes or suspects that you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Supervisors cannot require testing based on a hunch or guess alone; their suspicion must be based on observations concerning your appearance, behavior, speech and smell that are usually associated with drug or alcohol use

What is return to duty DOT Drug Testing in Charleston, SC ?

If you have violated the prohibited drug & alcohol testing rules, you are required to take a return to duty drug and/or alcohol test before being allowed to return to a safety-sensitive function for any DOT regulated employer. You may also be subject to unannounced follow-up testing for at least 6 times in the first 12 months following your return to active safety-sensitive service.

Return-to-duty tests must be conducted under direct observation.

What is DOT post accident drug testing Charleston, SC ?

If you are involved in an event (accident, crash, etc.) meeting certain criteria of the DOT agency, a post-accident drug test will be required. In most cases you will then have to take a drug and alcohol test if you are involved in a qualifying crash. Each DOT agency may have specific rules with regards to what is a post-accident test, for example, the FRA requires a blood specimen for drug testing and an alcohol test.

If you are involved in a qualifying accident, you are required to remain available for this testing and are not permitted to refuse testing.

Remember: Safety-sensitive employees are obligated by law to submit to and cooperate in drug & alcohol testing mandated by DOT regulations.

What is DOT follow up drug testing Charleston, SC ?

DOT follow up testing occurs when an individual has violated the drug and alcohol testing rules. The amount of follow-up testing you receive is determined by a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) and may continue for up to 5 years. This means the SAP will determine how many times you will be tested (at least 6 times in the first year), for how long, and for what substance (i.e. drugs, alcohol, or both). Your employer is responsible for ensuring that follow-up testing is conducted and completed. Follow up testing is in addition to all other DOT required testing and all follow-up tests will be observed. For more information on the SAP process or to locate a Substance Abuse Professional in Charleston, SC simply call us at (800)221-4291

ScheduleButton CityPagesV2 300x88

When you need a test, choose the best!

DOT Drug Testing Services Charleston, SC

(800)221-4291

For more information regarding the effects of drug abuse - Click Here

For more information on a drug free work place - Click Here

Handy Resources

Comprehensive Online Resources for Drug Testing

  1. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

    Provides comprehensive information on drug testing and its role in substance use disorder treatment.

  2. FDA: Drug Testing

    Explains the FDA's role and regulations concerning drug testing for consumers.

  3. PDR.net

    Provides detailed drug information and safety updates through a mobile-friendly platform.

  4. BeSafeRx - FDA

    Resource by the FDA to help consumers identify and choose safe online pharmacies.

  5. SAMHSA: Drug Testing Resources for the Workplace

    Resources and guidelines for drug testing in the workplace.

  6. Drugs.com

    Provides drug information, side effects, and interactions for consumers and professionals.

  7. Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST)

    Online version of the DAST to help individuals assess whether they have a drug problem.

  8. Merck Manuals

    Consumer-friendly medical resource providing comprehensive information on a wide array of health topics, including drug testing.

  9. SAMHSA Store

    Provides access to resources and publications on substance use prevention and treatment.

  10. National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP)

    Information on state boards of pharmacy and regulations, including those related to drug testing.

  11. CDC: Workplace Health Promotion

    CDC's resources on substance use and drug testing in the workplace.

  12. Mayo Clinic: Drug Testing

    General information about the procedures and types of drug tests.

  13. MedlinePlus: Drug Testing

    Offers information about various drug tests and their uses in medical diagnosis and treatment.

  14. University of Rochester Medical Center Health Encyclopedia

    Provides a detailed entry on drug testing, including how tests are conducted and what they detect.

  15. World Health Organization (WHO)

    International guidelines and information on public health, including substance abuse and drug testing.

  16. Healthline: Drug Testing

    Consumer health site offering information on how drug tests work and what they look for.

  17. WebMD: Drug Testing

    Provides a patient-oriented overview of drug testing and its purposes.

  18. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI)

    Provides a vast database of scientific studies, including research on drug testing and its effectiveness.

AI Overview

Overview of Drug Testing Collection Locations

Drug testing collection locations are designated sites where individuals provide samples for drug testing. These facilities are crucial in supporting compliance with workplace, legal, and health standards. They serve a variety of sectors, including employment, law enforcement, sports, and healthcare. This overview explores the features, types of locations, and the role they play in drug testing processes.

Types of Drug Testing Collection Locations

  • Occupational Health Clinics: Many clinics offer drug testing services as part of broader occupational health support.
  • Hospital-Based Laboratories: Some hospitals have specific departments dedicated to drug testing, particularly for medical or legal purposes.
  • Third-Party Laboratory Facilities: Independent labs that specialize in toxicology may also conduct drug testing, often used by employers for employment screening.
  • Mobile Collection Units: These are portable facilities that can travel to workplaces or institutions, providing convenient access to drug testing services.

Role of Collection Locations in Drug Testing

Collection locations are integral to the drug testing process, ensuring that samples are collected in a controlled and secure environment. The main responsibilities include:

  1. Ensuring Sample Integrity: Implementing procedures that prevent tampering or contamination of samples.
  2. Maintaining Privacy: Providing a private space for individuals to give samples while respecting their confidentiality.
  3. Compliance with Standards: Adhering to regulatory and legal standards for drug testing, which may vary by jurisdiction and industry.

Choosing the Right Collection Location

When selecting a drug testing collection location, consider the following factors:

  • Accreditation: Ensure the facility is accredited by relevant health and safety organizations.
  • Proximity: Choose a location that is conveniently accessible, reducing the time and disruption associated with the testing process.
  • Services Offered: Some locations may offer rapid results or additional screening services, which can be beneficial depending on the testing needs.

Drug testing collection locations are essential for conducting effective and reliable drug screenings. They support the enforcement of drug-free policies in various settings by providing professional and standardized testing services. For consumers and organizations alike, understanding the role and choosing the appropriate collection location is key to achieving accurate drug testing outcomes.

Local Area Info: Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston is the oldest and largest city in the U.S. state of South Carolina, the county seat of Charleston County, and the principal city in the Charleston–North Charleston–Summerville Metropolitan Statistical Area. The city lies just south of the geographical midpoint of South Carolina's coastline and is located on Charleston Harbor, an inlet of the Atlantic Ocean formed by the confluence of the Ashley, Cooper, and Wando rivers. Charleston had an estimated population of 134,875 in 2017. The estimated population of the Charleston metropolitan area, comprising Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties, was 761,155 residents in 2016, the third-largest in the state and the 78th-largest metropolitan statistical area in the United States.

Charleston was founded in 1670 as Charles Town, honoring King Charles II of England. Its initial location at Albemarle Point on the west bank of the Ashley River (now Charles Towne Landing) was abandoned in 1680 for its present site, which became the fifth-largest city in North America within ten years. Despite its size, it remained unincorporated throughout the colonial period; its government was handled directly by a colonial legislature and a governor sent by London. Election districts were organized according to Anglican parishes, and some social services were managed by Anglican wardens and vestries. Charleston adopted its present spelling with its incorporation as a city in 1783 at the close of the Revolutionary War. Population growth in the interior of South Carolina influenced the removal of the state government to Columbia in 1788, but the port city remained among the ten largest cities in the United States through the 1840 census. Historians estimate that "nearly half of all Africans brought to America arrived in Charleston", most at Gadsden's Wharf. The only major antebellum American city to have a majority-enslaved population, Charleston was controlled by an oligarchy of white planters and merchants who successfully forced the federal government to revise its 1828 and 1832 tariffs during the Nullification Crisis and launched the Civil War in 1861 by seizing the Arsenal, Castle Pinckney, and Fort Sumter from their federal garrisons.

Known for its rich history, well-preserved architecture, distinguished restaurants, and hospitable people, Charleston is a popular tourist destination. It has received numerous accolades, including "America's Most Friendly [City]" by Travel + Leisure in 2011 and in 2013 and 2014 by Condé Nast Traveler, and also "the most polite and hospitable city in America" by Southern Living magazine. In 2016, Charleston was ranked the "World's Best City" by Travel + Leisure.

Show Regional Data

Population (male): 66,402

Median Rent: Median gross rent in 2017: $1,236.

Poverty (overall): Percentage of residents living in poverty in 2017: 11.7%

Population Density:

Races:
      White alone - 98,750 - 72.7%
      Black alone - 28,659 - 21.1%
      Hispanic - 3,940 - 2.9%
      Two or more races - 2,437 - 1.8%
      Asian alone - 1,913 - 1.4%
      Other race alone - 160 - 0.1%
      American Indian alone - 128 - 0.09%
      Native Hawaiian and Other
>Pacific Islander alone - 9 - 0.01%

Charleston has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen climate classification Cfa), with mild winters, hot humid summers, and significant rainfall all year long. Summer is the wettest season; almost half of the annual rainfall occurs from June to September in the form of thundershowers. Fall remains relatively warm through the middle of November. Winter is short and mild, and is characterized by occasional rain. Measurable snow (≥0.1 in or 0.25 cm) occurs only several times per decade at the most, however freezing rain is more common; a snowfall/freezing rain event on January 3, 2018, was the first such event in Charleston since December 26, 2010. However, 6.0 in (15 cm) fell at the airport on December 23, 1989, the largest single-day fall on record, contributing to a single-storm and seasonal record of 8.0 in (20 cm) snowfall.

(800) 221-4291