The Charleston Metropolitan Area (MSA) comprises three counties: Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester.

Population

From 2000 to 2007, Charleston's population grew by 14.8%, faster than South Carolina (9.9%) and the U.S. as a whole (7.2%). In 2007, the estimated total population for the Charleston MSA was 630,000. More than 35% of the people are 25 years or younger, although the median age increased from 33.9 years in 2000 to 36 years in 2007, showing the influence of baby boomers and a growing retirement population attracted by the city's historic charm, warm climate, proximity to beaches, reasonable cost of living, well-developed health system and easy-going lifestyle.

Economic Growth

Charleston has the good fortune of having four major pillars supporting its economic growth: Tourism, the Military (Air Force & Navy), Transportation and Logistics (Port of Charleston) and the medical research industry (MUSC). 

The Charleston Regional Development Alliance (CRDA) is an organization that attracts new businesses to the Charleston area, and keeps detailed information on demographics and employment trends. 

Major Employers

Major Public Sector Employers: US Navy (Naval Weapons Station), Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), Charleston Air Force Base and Charleston County School District.

Major Private Employers: Roper St, Francis Healthcare, Piggly Wiggly Supermarket, Bosch Corporation, Wal-Mart Corporation, Trident Medical Center, Force Protection, Blackbaud.

Education

Charleston area residents have many options in K-12 education, including four public school districts: Berkeley County, Charleston County, Dorchester District 2 and Dorchester District 4, a growing number of charter schools, 65 private schools, and a number of public magnet schools, including Charleston County's Academic Magnet High School, rated among the nation's top seven public high schools by Newsweek Magazine. The SC Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities and the Governor's School for Science and Mathematics are also ranked among the best academic secondary schools in the nation.

For additional information on area public and private schools, visit the South Carolina Department of Education. More information on local public school initiatives can be found by visiting The Education Foundation.

SURPRISE FACTS:

• In 2008, South Carolina was in the top five states in the U.S. in terms of teachers earning their National Board certification. 
• According to the 2007 CEOs for Cities Report, Charleston is in the Top 10 U.S. metro areas in terms of its growth of college-educated residents (census 1990 to 2000 comparisons)