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Affordable & Income-Based Housing in Charleston

Charleston, SC has 44 affordable and income-based rental properties with 2,641 total units across the city. With a median market rent of $1,722 per month (Census ACS 5-Year), these income-based options can make a real difference for renters. Of the 13 properties with available inspection scores, 9 earned an excellent rating, a strong sign of overall housing quality.

44
Properties
2,641
Total units
90/100
Avg HUD score

At a glance

🏠 Affordability
$1,722/mo

Affordability in Charleston, SC

The median asking rent in Charleston is $1,722 per month and the median household income is $92,414 per year, according to Census ACS 5-Year data (2024). About 44% of Charleston residents rent their homes, reflecting a sizable renter population that may benefit from the city's income-restricted housing options.

Census ACS 5-Year
🛡️ Safety
359 / 100k · 2024

Safety

According to FBI Crime Data Explorer, the Charleston Police Department reported a violent crime rate of 359 per 100,000 residents in 2024. Keep in mind that crime rates are not directly comparable across cities due to differences in reporting practices and jurisdiction boundaries.

FBI Crime Data Explorer
🚶 Getting around
Walk Score 20 · Car-Dependent

Getting Around Charleston

The assisted properties in Charleston score a 20 (Car-Dependent) for walkability, 26 (Some Transit) for transit, and 46 for bikeability, according to Walk Score. These scores reflect the areas around the assisted properties specifically, not the city as a whole.

  • Walk Score: 20 -- Car-Dependent
  • Transit Score: 26 -- Some Transit
  • Bike Score: 46

Most residents will likely need a car for daily errands, though some transit options and moderate biking infrastructure are available near these properties.

Walk Score
🎓 Schools
32 schools · 2 districts

Schools

Charleston is served by 32 public schools across 2 districts -- including 20 elementary, 4 middle, and 8 high schools -- according to NCES Common Core of Data. Ratings vary by school and district, so renters should check the assigned schools for a specific address.

NCES Common Core of Data
📊 Cost of living
$92,414 median income

Cost of Living

The median household income in Charleston is $92,414 per year, according to the Census ACS 5-Year estimate. The median asking rent citywide is $1,722 per month, which means affordable and income-based housing can offer significant savings for renters who qualify.

  • Median household income: $92,414/year (Census ACS 5-Year)
  • Median market rent: $1,722/month (Census ACS 5-Year)
  • Renter households: 44% of occupied housing units (Census ACS 5-Year)
  • HUD-assisted units available: 1,080 across 13 properties in Charleston
Census ACS 5-Year
🌊 Environment & risk

Flood and Environmental Exposure

All 13 HUD-assisted properties in Charleston have been mapped for flood risk. Of those, 4 are located in high-risk flood zones -- a meaningful share given Charleston's low-lying coastal geography. Renters considering any of those 4 properties should ask about flood insurance requirements and building-level flood mitigation measures.

FEMA · EPA AirNow
HUD Inspection Scoresavg 90/100(13 of 44 scored)
90+ (9)70–89 (3)<60 (1)No score (31)

44 properties on the map

Top-rated properties

Browse all 44 affordable apartments in Charleston→

Other cities in SC

› Affordable housing in Aiken› Anderson income-based apartments› Income-restricted rentals in Beaufort› Columbia affordable apartments› HUD & Section 8 housing in Easley› Affordable housing in Florence› Gaffney income-based apartments› Income-restricted rentals in Greenville› Greenwood affordable apartments› HUD & Section 8 housing in Holly Hill› Affordable housing in Laurens› Manning income-based apartments

Your rights & resources

› How HUD & Section 8 housing works› Tenant rights in SC› Housing assistance & waitlists› Free legal aid (LawHelp)› Energy bill help (LIHEAP)

Read more

Charleston Affordable Housing: What Renters Should Know

Charleston is a coastal city in South Carolina where 44 percent of residents rent their homes, according to Census ACS 5-Year data. The median asking rent citywide is $1,722 per month, which makes income-restricted housing an important resource for many households.

Lease Lantern tracks 13 HUD-assisted and income-based properties in Charleston, covering 1,080 units across the city.

Property Conditions

All 13 tracked properties have been scored using HUD inspection data, with an average score of 90 out of 100. Of those, 9 rate as excellent and 3 as good, while 1 rates as poor.

Flood Risk

Charleston sits along the coast and is subject to flooding. Of the 13 mapped properties, 4 fall within a high-risk flood zone. Renters should ask landlords about flood insurance requirements and review FEMA flood maps before signing a lease.

Getting Around

According to Walk Score, Charleston is largely car-dependent, with a walk score of 20 and a transit score of 26 (Some Transit). The bike score is 46, suggesting moderate cycling options in parts of the city.

Schools

According to NCES Common Core of Data, Charleston is served by 2 school districts with 32 public schools, including 20 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, and 8 high schools.

Public Safety

According to the FBI Crime Data Explorer, the Charleston Police Department reported a violent crime rate of 359 per 100,000 residents in 2024. Renters are encouraged to review current data directly from local sources when making housing decisions.

A Deeper Look Is Coming

Eligibility & how to apply

South Carolina income limits (2026)South Carolina public housing authoritiesSection 8 waitlists in South Carolina

Helpful guides

How Section 8 Vouchers WorkWhat Is Income-Based Housing?How to Apply for Affordable HousingSection 8 vs. LIHTCUnderstanding HUD Inspection ScoresHow Affordable Housing Waitlists Work
Research: what 22,600 HUD inspection scores reveal →