News Summary
Charleston is currently navigating a severe affordable housing crisis characterized by skyrocketing home prices and rising homelessness. The median price of single-family homes has surged significantly, making it increasingly unaffordable for essential workers to live near their jobs. Proposed legislation aims to improve infrastructure alongside new housing developments to alleviate these pressures. Local government initiatives are underway, including funding for affordable housing projects and the construction of new units to meet growing demand, yet a substantial shortfall remains.
Charleston is grappling with a severe affordable housing crisis, characterized by rising prices and inadequate infrastructure. The region’s housing market is experiencing unprecedented demand driven by rapid population growth, while the supply of affordable homes has stagnated, resulting in skyrocketing prices that are making the area increasingly unaffordable for many residents.
From January 2020 to January 2025, the median price of a single-family home in Charleston County has surged by 79%, soaring from approximately $390,000 to $700,000. This surge has placed significant financial burdens on first responders, teachers, nurses, and a wide range of entry-to mid-level employees, making it increasingly difficult for them to live near their workplaces. The situation is compounded by worsening traffic congestion, as residents are forced to commute longer distances in search of affordable housing.
In recent years, the problem of homelessness has also escalated, with the homeless population in the Charleston region rising by over 50% since 2021. This alarming increase reflects the broader housing crisis exacerbating social issues across the community. According to census data, the Sea Islands experienced a remarkable population growth of 53% from 2010 to 2020, and Johns Island saw an increase of 1,318 residents between 2023 and 2025, further stressing the already limited housing resources.
The current housing predicament has created a strain not only on public safety but also on the local economy. Lawmakers are now addressing the challenges with proposed legislation focused on the concept of ‘concurrency’, which mandates that infrastructure must be developed before new housing projects can commence. This legislative push aims to synchronize housing developments with the necessary infrastructure improvements to prevent exacerbating the ongoing problems.
Charleston County also faces challenges in maintaining its roads. Hundreds of state-owned roads in the area require urgent upgrades, yet funding for these improvements remains a significant barrier. The county often relies on periodic transportation sales tax referendums to secure funds for road enhancements, but past efforts to pass such taxes have not succeeded.
In response to these challenges, local government entities are initiating innovative approaches to tackle the affordable housing crisis. A pilot program launched by the Charleston County and the Charleston Redevelopment Corporation is providing grants for land acquisition, aimed at supporting both non-profit and for-profit developers focused on affordable housing. The program sets aside up to $250,000 for infill housing projects and $500,000 for multifamily developments, with an overall budget of $2.5 million.
Additionally, the Charleston City Council has approved a significant proposal to purchase two properties on Morrison Drive, intended to develop 500 affordable housing units. This project, situated on a 6.4-acre site currently utilized as a parking lot, is expected to require around $20 million in funding. Mayor Cogswell has stated the importance of addressing the housing crisis to better support local workers and reduce urban sprawl.
One80 Place is working on another essential initiative, constructing a new building that will provide 70 affordable apartments along with a 65-bed family shelter dedicated specifically to homeless families. This apartment project is projected to open in summer 2026, furthering efforts to provide housing for vulnerable populations.
Construction has also been approved for an additional 99 rental homes on Cunnington Avenue, with the project receiving an additional $400,000 in funding to support its development. These homes will cater to individuals and families earning between 30% to 80% of the Area Median Income, which is currently set at $105,100.
In total, the city has assessed the need for at least 16,351 affordable housing units to accommodate growing demand by the decade’s end, but a deficit of approximately 7,000 units currently exists. To address this shortfall, the homes being developed will feature various apartment types, with plans to reserve 10% of the units specifically for individuals currently experiencing homelessness.
As Charleston navigates through this complex and pressing affordable housing crisis, it faces challenges that intertwine community well-being and economic stability. The collective efforts of local lawmakers, housing developers, and community organizations will be pivotal in reshaping the landscape of affordable housing in the region.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Live 5 News: Pilot program aims to tackle affordable housing crises in Charleston County
- Wikipedia: Affordable housing
- ABC News 4: Charleston Mayor proposes $20M affordable housing project
- Google Search: Charleston affordable housing
- Post and Courier: Charleston affordable housing and homelessness meeting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Housing
- Live 5 News: Charleston aims to address homelessness and provide diverse affordability options
- Google News: Charleston housing crisis
