Violent Crime
688/100K
81% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
7.4%
78% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.1%
34% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Cope Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population27
Median Age52.9 yrs
Density108/mi²
Male / Female30% / 70%
Largest GroupWhite 26%
Veterans27.0%
Economy
Per Capita$18,907
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$510M
Housing
Ownership28.6%
Zillow$157,333
Housing Units33
Rent Burden32.3%
Crime
F
Violent688/100K
Property3,439/100K
Health
Obesity43.1%
Smoking17.7%
Depression22.0%
Heart Disease6.3%
Climate
Avg Temp64°F (18°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain48.5 in/yr
Sunny Days308/yr
Elevation196 ft (60 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+7.4%
High School+37.0%
Graduate+14.3%
School Score4.26
Community
2024 VoteR 42% / D 57%
Broadband21.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Cope a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Cope receives an overall livability score of 1.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of F. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, high obesity rates. Cope faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
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
With 688 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,439 per 100,000, 75% above the national average.
Education
7.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 37.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Cope enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F. Winters average 47°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. With 308 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 48.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Cope has a population of 27 with a density of 108 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 52.9 years, 36% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 70.4% female and 29.6% male. The city is predominantly Black (74.1%), with 25.9% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 27.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 50.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
52.9yrs
Median Age
36% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Per capita income is $18,907 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $904, 37% 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 307 business establishments, including 24 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.7, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 28.6% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $18,907 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $904 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $51,522 |
| Gini Index | 0.480 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 307 |
| County GDP | $510M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 24 |
| Healthcare | 42 |
| Retail | 54 |
| Manufacturing | 17 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,988 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.70 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 71.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 28.6% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $157,333. Fair market rent ranges from $982 for a one-bedroom to $1,155 for a two-bedroom apartment. 28.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 33 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1944. The average annual property tax is $2,988. 32.3% 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 | 28.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 28.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 71.4% |
| Housing Units | 33 |
| Median Year Built | 1944 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,988 |
| 15% below US avg |
In Cope, 43.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 15.4% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.3% of residents. 40.9% have high blood pressure. 17.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 14.3% report binge drinking. 30.6% are physically inactive, above the national average. 22.0% report depression. 19.8% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,638. The dentist ratio is 1:1,844. 32.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Cope vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.1% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 15.4% |
| Heart Disease | 6.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 40.9% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 8.1% |
| Cancer | 6.0% |
| Stroke | 4.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.7% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.6% |
| Depression | 22.0% |
| Mental Distress | 19.8% |
| Physical Distress | 15.5% |
| Short Sleep | 43.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:2,638 |
| Dentists | 1:1,844 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,622 |
| Checkup Rate | 80.7% |
| Dental Visits | 52.1% |
| Premature Death | 15,722/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 32.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 42 |
Cope has a violent crime rate of 688 per 100,000 residents, 81% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,439 per 100,000, 75% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Cope receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Cope vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 687.9/100K |
| 81% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,439.4/100K |
| 75% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 235 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Cope enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F (18°C). Winters average 47°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. The area gets 308 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 48.5 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 196 feet.
Temperature
47°F Jan (8°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 64.4°F |
| 19% above US avg |
| January Average | 47°F (8°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 308 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 196 ft (60 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 108/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 33.3777°N, 81.0079°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Bamberg County County |
| Nearest Airport | Barnwell Regional (BNL)
23 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
48.5"
28% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
5.28"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 46.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 94.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 37.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
69 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 23, 2025.
| Aug 21, 1992 |
1 km SSE of Centerville, South Carolina |
M4.1 |
90 km |
| Feb 15, 2014 |
12 km ENE of Parksville, South Carolina |
M4.1 |
112 km |
| Apr 17, 1995 |
0 km NNW of Centerville, South Carolina |
M3.9 |
89 km |
| Apr 13, 1998 |
9 km S of Kershaw, South Carolina |
M3.9 |
127 km |
| Jun 18, 2022 |
7 km E of Stillmore, Georgia |
M3.9 |
148 km |
| Jun 29, 2022 |
6 km E of Elgin, South Carolina |
M3.6 |
91 km |
| Nov 13, 1990 |
4 km SSW of Ladson, South Carolina |
M3.5 |
94 km |
| Nov 8, 2002 |
24 km SSE of Kiawah Island, South Carolina |
M3.5 |
145 km |
| Jun 29, 2022 |
6 km E of Elgin, South Carolina |
M3.5 |
92 km |
| Jan 3, 1992 |
4 km ENE of Willington, South Carolina |
M3.4 |
147 km |
| Jun 26, 2022 |
6 km E of Elgin, South Carolina |
M3.4 |
92 km |
| May 9, 2022 |
5 km ESE of Elgin, South Carolina |
M3.3 |
91 km |
| Jun 20, 2017 |
6 km SW of Augusta, Georgia |
M3.2 |
94 km |
| Aug 8, 1993 |
12 km ENE of Aiken, South Carolina |
M3.2 |
59 km |
| Aug 29, 2009 |
2 km NE of Summerville, South Carolina |
M3.2 |
88 km |
| Jul 20, 2004 |
7 km WSW of Centerville, South Carolina |
M3.1 |
84 km |
| May 5, 2003 |
4 km NNW of Summerville, South Carolina |
M3.1 |
84 km |
| Aug 23, 2025 |
3 km N of Coronaca, South Carolina |
M3.0 |
143 km |
| Mar 19, 2014 |
0 km WNW of Centerville, South Carolina |
M3.0 |
88 km |
| Mar 29, 1999 |
3 km NNW of Sangaree, South Carolina |
M3.0 |
88 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Hurricane History
17 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 |
168 km |
| 2020 |
Isaias |
Category 1 |
189 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 3 |
209 km |
| 2018 |
Florence |
Category 1 |
251 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 2 |
142 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 2 |
255 km |
| 2005 |
Ophelia |
Category 1 |
281 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
155 km |
| 2004 |
Gaston |
Category 1 |
138 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 2 |
256 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
229 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 3 |
298 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 3 |
281 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
260 km |
| 1989 |
Hugo |
Category 4 |
67 km |
| 1985 |
Bob |
Category 1 |
139 km |
| 1984 |
Diana |
Category 4 |
258 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
480 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 17 fatalities, 343 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 13, 2020 |
EF4 |
79 km |
5 |
| Apr 5, 2022 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Apr 5, 2022 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 2020 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 2020 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 2020 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 2020 |
EF3 |
37 km |
2 |
| Apr 13, 2020 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 2020 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Apr 10, 2009 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 2008 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 2007 |
EF3 |
66 km |
1 |
| Dec 10, 2004 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| Nov 2, 1995 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1994 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1994 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1983 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jan 9, 2024 |
EF2 |
12 km |
0 |
| Apr 5, 2022 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 5, 2022 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1886 |
CHARLESTON, SC |
Earthquake |
- |
- |
108 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (8,427 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
8,427 |
54 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
5,322 |
75 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
4,269 |
99 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
3,759 |
88 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
3,481 |
67 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
3,469 |
98 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
2,990 |
99 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
2,968 |
55 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
2,906 |
96 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
2,796 |
50 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
2,711 |
51 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
2,661 |
97 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
2,650 |
88 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
2,553 |
98 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
2,547 |
99 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
2,446 |
97 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
2,407 |
70 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
2,330 |
46 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
2,262 |
49 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
2,228 |
58 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
47°F (8°C) |
4.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
49°F (9°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| March |
56°F (14°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| April |
63°F (17°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| May |
71°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
77°F (25°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
5.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
79°F (26°C) |
5.3 in |
Wettest |
| September |
74°F (24°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
64°F (18°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
56°F (13°C) |
2.7 in |
Driest |
| December |
48°F (9°C) |
3.4 in |
|
Cope has a seasonal temperature swing of 34°F / from 47°F in January to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 47.3 inches, with August being the wettest month (5.3") and November the driest (2.7").
Average costs for common services in Cope. 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 Cope
What is the population of Cope?
Cope has a population of 27 residents and is located in South Carolina. The population density is 108 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 52.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 70.4% female and 29.6% male.
Is Cope expensive to live in?
Cope is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 93.7 / below the baseline of 100.
Is Cope safe?
Public safety is a concern in Cope, with a violent crime rate of 688 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,439 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Cope receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Cope?
Cope enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F (18°C). Winter temperatures average 47°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. The area receives 308 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 48.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Cope?
The job market in Cope is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $904. There are 307 business establishments in the area, including 24 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Cope?
Schools in Cope have an average test score of 4.3 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 7.4% of adults in Cope hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 37.0% have completed high school. 14.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Cope?
The obesity rate in Cope is 43.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.7% of adults are smokers. 30.6% are physically inactive. 22.0% of residents report depression. 32.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,638.
What are the demographics of Cope?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Cope is 25.9% White, 74.1% Black or African American. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 27.0% of the population are military veterans. 50.0% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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