North Charleston is a suburban city in Charleston and Dorchester counties in the U.S. state of South Carolina, in the northern part of the Charleston, South Carolina Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 79,641 at the 2000 census. This ranks as 3rd in city limit populations within the state, after Columbia and Charleston. As defined by the U.S. Census Bureau, North Charleston is included within the Charleston-North Charleston Urbanized Area and the larger Charleston-North Charleston Metropolitan Statistical Area.

North Charleston might become known as South Carolina's most notable "Boom Town." Incorporated in June 1972, North Charleston had a population of 21,000 and an area of seven square miles. Since that time, the city has tripled its population to nearly 80,000 and now encompasses more than 62 square miles. Constant growth makes it easy to see why North Charleston has become South Carolina's third largest municipality. Today, North Charleston is a vibrant city that attracts more than 2 million visitors annually. This thriving region boasts a 13,500-seat coliseum (home to East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) minor league hockey team the SC Stingrays), a convention center, a performing arts center and an adjacent hotel complex. The city has excellent shopping facilities, malls, restaurants and beautifully planned neighborhoods.