Population
150,277
Growth (5Y)
+16.8%
Median Income
$68,000
Metro GDP
$50B
Market Overview
Charleston has emerged as one of the Southeast's premier Secondary NNN markets, offering cap rates of 5.25–6.75% with a consumer demographic profile that rivals many Primary markets. The metro's economic anchor — Boeing's 787 Dreamliner assembly — is supplemented by Volvo Cars, Mercedes-Benz Vans, and Joint Base Charleston, creating a diverse, high-wage employment base. Charleston's tourism economy (7M annual visitors) sustains retail volumes well beyond what the resident population alone would generate. NNN investors are increasingly drawn to Charleston's combination of above-average cap rates and below-average market risk.
Key Highlights
Boeing 787 Dreamliner assembly plant anchors one of the South's strongest advanced manufacturing clusters
16.8% population growth in 5 years — consistently ranked among the nation's fastest-growing metros
No state income tax on Social Security; low overall South Carolina tax burden attracts retirees
Tourism economy (7M visitors/year) creates consumer spending that exceeds Charleston's resident population
How the Market Has Evolved (2020–2025)
Charleston's five-year market evolution from 2020 to 2025 was shaped by remote work migration and manufacturing expansion. The pandemic triggered a wave of Northeast relocations to Charleston — drawn by the low taxes, coastal lifestyle, and relative affordability compared to Washington DC, New York, and Boston. This influx raised the median household income, supported premium QSR and coffee retail, and attracted national retailers that had previously bypassed Charleston. Boeing's 787 production ramp-up and Volvo's plant expansion added thousands of manufacturing jobs from 2021–2024. Cap rates compressed from 6.0–7.5% in 2020 to 5.25–6.75% by 2025 as institutional investors recognized Charleston's demographic upgrade.
Why Invest in Charleston
- 1Boeing and automotive manufacturing create a stable, above-average income employment base
- 216.8% population growth — one of the fastest-growing mid-size metros in the US
- 3Tourism provides a permanent floor of consumer spending beyond what residents alone generate
- 4South Carolina's low tax burden and coastal lifestyle continue to attract high-income remote workers
Recent NNN Activity
"2025 NNN activity in Charleston is concentrated in the North Charleston/Summerville/Goose Creek growth corridors. New Starbucks and Chick-fil-A assets in Summerville are trading at 5.5–6.0% cap rates. McDonald's ground lease assets in the I-26 corridor continue attracting competitive bidding from 1031 exchange investors."
NNN Snapshot
Cap Rate Range
5.25% - 6.75%
Price Range
$1.6M - $4.2M
Avg Lease Term
13 Years
Unemployment Rate
3.1%
Active NNN Tenants
McDonald'sStarbucksChick-fil-ADollar GeneralCVS PharmacyAutoZoneDunkin'
Major Employers
BoeingVolvoMercedes-Benz VansJoint Base CharlestonMUSC HealthRoper St. Francis Healthcare
Find NNN Properties in Charleston
Our advisors have exclusive, off-market NNN inventory in the Charleston market right now. Contact us to see what's available before it hits the public market.