Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.4%
35% higher than US avg
Unemployment
22.8%
533% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Finklea Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population404
Median Age36.6 yrs
Density150/mi²
Male / Female65% / 35%
Largest GroupWhite 15%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
Per Capita$18,728
Unemployment22.8%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$1,918M
Housing
Ownership42.0%
Zillow$185,351
Housing Units178
Rent Burden31.4%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property5,915/100K
Health
Obesity43.4%
Uninsured18.6%
Smoking22.7%
Depression21.0%
Heart Disease7.7%
Climate
Avg Temp62°F (17°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain50.9 in/yr
Sunny Days301/yr
Elevation79 ft (24 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+91.1%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.51
Community
2024 VoteR 67% / D 33%
Broadband56.0%
EV Stations9
Libraries7
Is Finklea a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Finklea receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low crime rates, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. Finklea offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
At 22.8%, unemployment is notably high. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Safety & Crime
Finklea is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,915 per 100,000, 202% above the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Finklea enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F. Winters average 43°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. With 301 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 50.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Finklea has a population of 404 with a density of 150 people per square mile, spread across 2.7 square miles. The median age is 36.6 years, 6% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 35.1% female and 64.9% male. The city is predominantly Black (85.4%), with 14.6% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 9.4% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 72.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.6yrs
Median Age
6% below 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 $18,728 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $921, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 22.8% (above 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 1,217 business establishments, including 94 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.7, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 28.8% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $18,728 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $921 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $53,403 |
| Gini Index | 0.475 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 22.8% |
| 533% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,217 |
| County GDP | $1,918M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 94 |
| Healthcare | 148 |
| Retail | 192 |
| Manufacturing | 33 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,405 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.70 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 71.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 28.8% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $185,351. Fair market rent ranges from $982 for a one-bedroom to $1,155 for a two-bedroom apartment. 42.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 178 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1974. The average annual property tax is $3,405. 31.4% 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 | 42.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 42.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 58.0% |
| Housing Units | 178 |
| Median Year Built | 1974 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,405 |
| 3% below US avg |
In Finklea, 43.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 18.1% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.7% of residents, above the national average. 46.2% have high blood pressure. 22.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 13.0% report binge drinking. 35.5% are physically inactive, above the national average. 21.0% report depression. 22.2% experience frequent mental distress. 18.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,505. The dentist ratio is 1:3,563. 38.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Finklea vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.4% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 18.1% |
| Heart Disease | 7.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 46.2% |
| Asthma | 11.2% |
| COPD | 10.2% |
| Cancer | 6.1% |
| Stroke | 5.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 22.7% |
| 62% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 13.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 35.5% |
| Depression | 21.0% |
| Mental Distress | 22.2% |
| Physical Distress | 18.2% |
| Short Sleep | 46.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 72.8% |
| Uninsured | 18.6% |
| 116% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,505 |
| Dentists | 1:3,563 |
| Mental Health | 1:597 |
| Checkup Rate | 81.8% |
| Dental Visits | 45.2% |
| Premature Death | 16,521/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 38.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 148 |
Finklea has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 5,915 per 100,000, 202% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 17 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Finklea receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Finklea vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 5,915.5/100K |
| 202% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 17 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Finklea enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F (17°C). Winters average 43°F in January while summers reach 80°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 50.9 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 1.2 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 79 feet.
Temperature
43°F Jan (6°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 61.8°F |
| 14% above US avg |
| January Average | 43°F (6°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 301 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 79 ft (24 m) |
| Area | 2.7 sq mi (7.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 150/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.0989°N, 78.9858°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Columbus County County |
| Nearest Airport | Myrtle Beach International (MYR)
29 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
50.9"
34% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
6.02"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 86.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 88.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 23.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.9. Most recent: M2.5 on Jul 29, 2012.
| Jan 29, 1994 |
12 km NNE of Alcolu, South Carolina |
M2.9 |
111 km |
| Mar 21, 2011 |
9 km S of Cordova, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
112 km |
| Jul 29, 2012 |
7 km NNW of Wallace, South Carolina |
M2.5 |
111 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
25 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 |
91 km |
| 2020 |
Isaias |
Category 1 |
50 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 3 |
127 km |
| 2018 |
Florence |
Category 2 |
55 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 2 |
67 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 2 |
127 km |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
211 km |
| 2005 |
Ophelia |
Category 1 |
135 km |
| 2004 |
Alex |
Category 2 |
191 km |
| 2004 |
Gaston |
Category 1 |
135 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
42 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 2 |
262 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 2 |
158 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 2 |
97 km |
| 1999 |
Dennis |
Category 2 |
193 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 3 |
119 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 3 |
91 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
99 km |
| 1994 |
Gordon |
Category 1 |
293 km |
| 1991 |
Bob |
Category 2 |
294 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
371 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 53 fatalities, 1,094 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 7, 1995 |
EF4 |
34 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
82 km |
4 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
93 km |
7 |
| Apr 8, 1957 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| Feb 15, 2021 |
EF3 |
49 km |
3 |
| Nov 16, 2006 |
EF3 |
74 km |
8 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF3 |
82 km |
12 |
| May 20, 1980 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Nov 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Aug 17, 1965 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 1950 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 2020 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 2020 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Sep 5, 2019 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
52 km |
1 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
88 km |
3 |
| Apr 25, 2010 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 2010 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 6, 2009 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: HIGHWAY 31 (17,004 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
HIGHWAY 31 |
17,004 |
35 km |
| 1997 |
UNNAMED |
3,111 |
60 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
2,642 |
90 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
2,204 |
36 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
2,073 |
81 km |
| 2007 |
LONGBRANCH-ROBESON COMPLEX |
1,944 |
50 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
1,870 |
59 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
1,754 |
97 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
1,683 |
60 km |
| 2002 |
LEGENDS |
1,666 |
40 km |
| 2016 |
CLEMMONS ROAD |
1,468 |
76 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
1,335 |
49 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
1,178 |
100 km |
| 2009 |
JOE BAY |
1,124 |
61 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
1,109 |
90 km |
| 2011 |
VALENTINE |
1,083 |
89 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,077 |
35 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,005 |
36 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
1,002 |
95 km |
| 2024 |
HORSESHOE LAKE |
990 |
86 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
43°F (6°C) |
4.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
47°F (9°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| March |
55°F (13°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| April |
62°F (17°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| May |
70°F (21°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
76°F (25°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
6.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
79°F (26°C) |
6.0 in |
Wettest |
| September |
74°F (23°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| October |
64°F (18°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
55°F (13°C) |
2.8 in |
Driest |
| December |
48°F (9°C) |
3.4 in |
|
Finklea has a seasonal temperature swing of 36°F / from 43°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 49.7 inches, with August being the wettest month (6.0") and November the driest (2.8").
Average costs for common services in Finklea. 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 | $603 |
| Toddler | $585 |
| Preschool | $502 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $487 |
| Toddler | $411 |
| Preschool | $394 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Finklea
What is the population of Finklea?
Finklea has a population of 404 residents and is located in South Carolina. The population density is 150 people per square mile, spread across 2.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 35.1% female and 64.9% male.
Is Finklea expensive to live in?
Finklea is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 93.7 / below the baseline of 100.
Is Finklea safe?
Finklea is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,915 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Finklea receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Finklea?
Finklea enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F (17°C). Winter temperatures average 43°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 301 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 50.9 inches, with 1.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Finklea?
The job market in Finklea faces challenges, with unemployment at 22.8% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $921. There are 1,217 business establishments in the area, including 94 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Finklea?
Schools in Finklea have an average test score of 4.5 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 0.0% of adults in Finklea hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.1% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Finklea?
The obesity rate in Finklea is 43.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 22.7% of adults are smokers. 35.5% are physically inactive. 21.0% of residents report depression. 18.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 38.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,505.
What are the demographics of Finklea?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Finklea is 14.6% White, 85.4% Black or African American. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 9.4% of residents have a disability. 72.8% have health insurance coverage.
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