Charleston

The City in Brief

Founded: 1794 (incorporated 1818)

Head Official: Mayor Danny Jones (since 2003)

City Population

1980: 63,968

1990: 57,287

2000: 53,421

2003 estimate: 51,394

Percent change, 1990–2000: -7.4%

U.S. rank in 1980: 310th U.S. rank in 1990: 415th (State rank: 1st)

U.S. rank in 2000: 662nd

Metropolitan Area Population

1980: 270,000

1990: 250,000

2000: 251,662

Percent change, 1990–2000: .5%

U.S. rank in 1980: 118th (MSA)

U.S. rank in 1990: 134th (MSA)

U.S. rank in 2000: 141st (MSA)

Area: 32 square miles (2000)

Elevation: Ranges from 601 feet to approximately 1,100 feet above sea level

Average Annual Temperature: 56.2° F Average Annual Precipitation: 44.05 inches

Major Economic Sectors: services, trade, government

Unemployment rate: 4.3% (December 2004)

Per Capita Income: $26,017 (1999)

2002 FBI Crime Index Total: 4,463

Major Colleges and Universities: West Virginia State University, West Virginia University Institute of Technology, University of Charleston, Marshall University Graduate College

Daily Newspaper: Charleston Daily Mail; Charleston Gazette