Violent Crime
587/100K
54% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.3%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Cherokee Falls Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population28
Median Age49.7 yrs
Density255/mi²
Male / Female36% / 64%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans28.0%
Economy
Per Capita$19,454
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$2,342M
Housing
Ownership60.0%
Zillow$154,303
Housing Units48
Rent Burden28.9%
Crime
F
Violent587/100K
Property6,880/100K
Health
Obesity36.3%
Uninsured12.3%
Smoking17.4%
Depression29.5%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp59°F (15°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain50.4 in/yr
Sunny Days301/yr
Elevation538 ft (164 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+71.4%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.45
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 24%
Broadband10.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries3
Is Cherokee Falls a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Cherokee Falls receives an overall livability score of 2.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, a high uninsured rate. Cherokee Falls has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 587 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 6,880 per 100,000, 251% above the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 71.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Cherokee Falls enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F. Winters average 40°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 301 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 50.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Cherokee Falls has a population of 28 with a density of 255 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age is 49.7 years, 28% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 64.3% female and 35.7% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 28.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 26.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 53.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
49.7yrs
Median Age
28% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Cherokee Falls vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Cherokee Falls vs U.S. Average
Per capita income is $19,454 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $928, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 988 business establishments, including 86 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.7, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Cherokee Falls vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $19,454 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $928 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $54,729 |
| Gini Index | 0.475 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 988 |
| County GDP | $2,342M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 86 |
| Healthcare | 80 |
| Retail | 197 |
| Manufacturing | 65 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,948 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.70 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $154,303. Fair market rent ranges from $982 for a one-bedroom to $1,155 for a two-bedroom apartment. 60.0% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 48 total housing units in the city. The average annual property tax is $1,948 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 28.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $928 |
| 1 Bedroom | $982 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,155 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,450 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,699 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 60.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 60.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 40.0% |
| Housing Units | 48 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,948 |
| 44% below US avg |
In Cherokee Falls, 36.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 31.9% have high blood pressure. 17.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.7% report binge drinking. 28.1% are physically inactive. 29.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.5% experience frequent mental distress. 12.3% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,950. The dentist ratio is 1:3,741. 58.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Cherokee Falls vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.3% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.9% |
| Asthma | 11.7% |
| COPD | 8.7% |
| Cancer | 7.9% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.4% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.1% |
| Depression | 29.5% |
| Mental Distress | 21.5% |
| Physical Distress | 16.0% |
| Short Sleep | 39.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 53.3% |
| Uninsured | 12.3% |
| 43% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,950 |
| Dentists | 1:3,741 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,157 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.8% |
| Dental Visits | 58.0% |
| Premature Death | 14,798/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 58.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 80 |
Cherokee Falls has a violent crime rate of 587 per 100,000 residents, 54% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 6,880 per 100,000, 251% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 16 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Cherokee Falls receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Cherokee Falls vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 586.7/100K |
| 54% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 6,880.0/100K |
| 251% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 16 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Cherokee Falls enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winters average 40°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 301 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 50.4 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 4.0 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 538 feet.
Temperature
40°F Jan (4°C)
78°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 59.2°F |
| 10% above US avg |
| January Average | 40°F (4°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 301 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 538 ft (164 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 255/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.0639°N, 81.5445°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Cherokee County County |
| Nearest Airport | Charlotte/Douglas International (CLT) 35 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
50.4"
33% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
5.04"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 69.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 63.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 26.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
43 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 23, 2025.
| Feb 15, 2014 |
12 km ENE of Parksville, South Carolina |
M4.1 |
148 km |
| Apr 13, 1998 |
9 km S of Kershaw, South Carolina |
M3.9 |
108 km |
| Jun 29, 2022 |
6 km E of Elgin, South Carolina |
M3.6 |
125 km |
| Jun 29, 2022 |
6 km E of Elgin, South Carolina |
M3.5 |
125 km |
| Jun 26, 2022 |
6 km E of Elgin, South Carolina |
M3.4 |
125 km |
| Jan 3, 1992 |
4 km ENE of Willington, South Carolina |
M3.4 |
145 km |
| May 9, 2022 |
5 km ESE of Elgin, South Carolina |
M3.3 |
125 km |
| Jun 4, 2023 |
4 km NNW of West Canton, North Carolina |
M3.2 |
133 km |
| Jun 5, 1998 |
4 km SSE of Mooresville, North Carolina |
M3.2 |
88 km |
| Aug 23, 2025 |
3 km N of Coronaca, South Carolina |
M3.0 |
100 km |
| Feb 16, 2014 |
13 km WNW of Edgefield, South Carolina |
M3.0 |
145 km |
| Aug 4, 2007 |
12 km ENE of Lake Lure, North Carolina |
M3.0 |
68 km |
| Jan 1, 1993 |
4 km SSW of Spruce Pine, North Carolina |
M3.0 |
103 km |
| Aug 25, 2013 |
3 km NNE of Blowing Rock, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
123 km |
| Feb 18, 2005 |
7 km ENE of Irmo, South Carolina |
M2.9 |
112 km |
| Aug 23, 2025 |
3 km NNW of Coronaca, South Carolina |
M2.9 |
100 km |
| Mar 6, 2006 |
3 km W of Burnsville, North Carolina |
M2.8 |
119 km |
| Feb 12, 2021 |
8 km SW of Banner Hill, Tennessee |
M2.8 |
140 km |
| May 23, 2023 |
4 km N of West Canton, North Carolina |
M2.8 |
132 km |
| May 10, 2022 |
5 km E of Elgin, South Carolina |
M2.8 |
124 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
6 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Ian (2022, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2022 |
Ian |
Category 1 |
292 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 1 |
291 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
291 km |
| 2004 |
Gaston |
Category 1 |
291 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 1 |
259 km |
| 1989 |
Hugo |
Category 4 |
57 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
426 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 24 fatalities, 503 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 7, 1998 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1989 |
EF4 |
45 km |
4 |
| May 5, 1989 |
EF4 |
35 km |
2 |
| May 5, 1989 |
EF4 |
75 km |
1 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
80 km |
5 |
| Mar 15, 2008 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1994 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 1990 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Dec 13, 1973 |
EF3 |
97 km |
1 |
| May 27, 1973 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1952 |
EF3 |
71 km |
2 |
| May 5, 2020 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 2020 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Feb 6, 2020 |
EF2 |
17 km |
0 |
| Oct 23, 2017 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Oct 23, 2017 |
EF2 |
42 km |
0 |
| Oct 23, 2017 |
EF2 |
18 km |
0 |
| Oct 8, 2017 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BRUSHY RIDGE (12,405 ac, 2000).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2000 |
BRUSHY RIDGE |
12,405 |
95 km |
| 2016 |
PARTY ROCK |
8,572 |
78 km |
| 2007 |
LINVILLE COMPLEX (DOBSON KNOB) |
7,151 |
91 km |
| 2016 |
CHESTNUT KNOB |
6,418 |
63 km |
| 2010 |
BURNING UNIT |
5,567 |
42 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
4,610 |
72 km |
| 2022 |
LOST BEAR RX FY2022 |
4,276 |
94 km |
| 2017 |
WHITE CREEK |
4,166 |
91 km |
| 2016 |
CLEAR CREEK |
3,493 |
89 km |
| 2010 |
C-94-95 133 RX |
3,192 |
67 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
2,976 |
96 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
2,909 |
70 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
2,690 |
59 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,514 |
61 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
2,458 |
61 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,395 |
51 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,362 |
52 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
2,274 |
61 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
2,237 |
61 km |
| 2013 |
LOST BEAR EAST |
2,167 |
93 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
40°F (4°C) |
4.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
44°F (6°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| March |
51°F (11°C) |
5.0 in |
Wettest |
| April |
59°F (15°C) |
3.3 in |
Driest |
| May |
67°F (19°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| July |
78°F (26°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| September |
71°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
60°F (15°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| November |
51°F (10°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| December |
43°F (6°C) |
4.0 in |
|
Cherokee Falls has a seasonal temperature swing of 39°F / from 40°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 49.6 inches, with March being the wettest month (5.0") and April the driest (3.3").
Average costs for common services in Cherokee Falls. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$234 ($141–$375) |
| Specialist Visit |
$328 ($187–$515) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$187 ($94–$328) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,061 ($750–$4,685) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$122 ($70–$187) |
| Dental Filling |
$234 ($141–$375) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($47–$112) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$281 ($141–$469) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$562 ($375–$937) |
| Battery Replacement |
$187 ($94–$328) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($56–$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($47–$131) |
| HVAC Repair |
$375 ($141–$750) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,559 ($3,748–$11,244) |
| Roof Repair |
$937 ($375–$1,874) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,433 ($5,154–$14,055) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,406 ($469–$3,280) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,055 ($4,685–$28,110) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,685 ($1,874–$9,370) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,406 ($750–$2,811) |
| Will Preparation |
$469 ($187–$937) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,343 ($937–$4,685) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($70–$234) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$122) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.84 ($2.81–$5.15) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.28 ($2.34–$4.69) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.56 ($2.34–$5.15) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.22 ($2.81–$6.09) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.15 ($3.75–$7.03) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.56–$1.69) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$131 ($75–$234) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($37–$112) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($37–$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47–$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$187 ($70–$469) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,874 ($1,124–$3,280) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$122) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.50–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28–$234) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,124 ($562–$2,343) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$937 ($469–$1,874) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$375 ($187–$656) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($23–$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$937 ($375–$2,343) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,713 ($4,685–$28,110) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47–$187) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$281 ($141–$469) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$187 ($94–$375) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $488 |
| Toddler | $488 |
| Preschool | $423 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $503 |
| Toddler | $503 |
| Preschool | $546 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cherokee Falls
What is the population of Cherokee Falls?
Cherokee Falls has a population of 28 residents and is located in South Carolina. The population density is 255 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 49.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 64.3% female and 35.7% male.
Is Cherokee Falls expensive to live in?
Cherokee Falls is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 93.7 / below the baseline of 100.
Is Cherokee Falls safe?
The violent crime rate in Cherokee Falls is 587 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 6,880 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Cherokee Falls receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Cherokee Falls?
Cherokee Falls enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 40°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 301 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 50.4 inches, with 4.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Cherokee Falls?
The job market in Cherokee Falls is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $928. There are 988 business establishments in the area, including 86 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Cherokee Falls?
Schools in Cherokee Falls have an average test score of 4.4 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 0.0% of adults in Cherokee Falls hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 71.4% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Cherokee Falls?
The obesity rate in Cherokee Falls is 36.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.4% of adults are smokers. 28.1% are physically inactive. 29.5% of residents report depression. 12.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 58.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,950.
What are the demographics of Cherokee Falls?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Cherokee Falls is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 28.0% of the population are military veterans. 26.7% of residents have a disability. 53.3% have health insurance coverage.