Median Income
$58,077
23% lower than US avg
Home Value
$145,800
48% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.6%
57% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$893
23% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.4%
29% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.7%
25% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
14.4%
16% higher than US avg
How Kershaw Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,220
Median Age34.5 yrs
Density1,099/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 62%
Veterans6.6%
Economy
B+
Median Income$58,077
Per Capita$27,968
Unemployment2.7%
Poverty14.4%
County GDP$5,253M
Commute31 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$145,800
Rent$893
Ownership70.3%
Zillow$194,725
Housing Units939
Rent Burden21.9%
Health
Obesity41.4%
Uninsured6.1%
Smoking18.4%
Depression26.1%
Heart Disease6.6%
Climate
Avg Temp63°F (17°C)
Rain38.3 in/yr
Elevation512 ft (156 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.6%
High School+87.6%
Graduate+6.0%
School Score5.09
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 37%
Commute31 min
Broadband86.1%
EV Stations2
Libraries3
Is Kershaw a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Kershaw receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Kershaw offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Kershaw is $58,077, 23% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.7%. 14.4% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Kershaw is $145,800, 48% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $893 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
14.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Kershaw enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F. Winters average 44°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 38.3 inches.
Kershaw has a population of 2,220 with a density of 1,099 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age is 34.5 years, 11% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.6% female and 44.4% male. The city is predominantly White (61.6%), with 24.7% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.1% of residents. 6.6% of the population are veterans. 15.2% of residents have a disability. 93.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
2,220
Total Population
2023 Census
34.5yrs
Median Age
11% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.1%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.4%
90% below US avg
The median household income in Kershaw is $58,077, which is 23% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,968 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,241, 13% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 14.4% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,236 business establishments, including 162 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.7, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes. 5.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $58,077 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,968 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,241 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $84,245 |
| Gini Index | 0.459 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.7% |
| 25% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 14.4% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,236 |
| County GDP | $5,253M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 162 |
| Healthcare | 186 |
| Retail | 272 |
| Manufacturing | 55 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,400 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.70 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.33% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 31.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.3% |
The median home value in Kershaw is $145,800, 48% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $194,725, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $893 (23% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $849 for a one-bedroom to $1,009 for a two-bedroom apartment. 70.3% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 939 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1961. The average annual property tax is $3,400. 21.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $145,800 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $194,725 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $893 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 21.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $844 |
| 1 Bedroom | $849 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,009 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,214 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,458 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 70.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 70.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 29.7% |
| Housing Units | 939 |
| Median Year Built | 1961 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,400 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.33% |
In Kershaw, 41.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 14.2% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.6% of residents. 36.4% have high blood pressure. 18.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.8% report binge drinking. 31.8% are physically inactive, above the national average. 26.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.0% experience frequent mental distress. 6.1% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,447. The dentist ratio is 1:2,490. 72.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Kershaw vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.4% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 14.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.4% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 8.8% |
| Cancer | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 4.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.4% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.8% |
| Depression | 26.1% |
| Mental Distress | 21.0% |
| Physical Distress | 16.3% |
| Short Sleep | 41.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.9% |
| Uninsured | 6.1% |
| 29% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,447 |
| Dentists | 1:2,490 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,503 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.8% |
| Premature Death | 11,214/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 72.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 186 |
Kershaw enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winters average 44°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 38.3 inches. The city sits at an elevation of 512 feet.
Temperature
44°F Jan (7°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 62.9°F |
| 16% above US avg |
| January Average | 44°F (7°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 512 ft (156 m) |
| Area | 1.9 sq mi (4.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,099/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.5444°N, 80.5865°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Lancaster County County |
| Nearest Airport | Hartsville Regional (HVS)
28 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.3"
1% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.11"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 79.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 42.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 52.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
26 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 23, 2025.
| Apr 13, 1998 |
9 km S of Kershaw, South Carolina |
M3.9 |
8 km |
| Jun 29, 2022 |
6 km E of Elgin, South Carolina |
M3.6 |
44 km |
| Jun 29, 2022 |
6 km E of Elgin, South Carolina |
M3.5 |
44 km |
| Jun 26, 2022 |
6 km E of Elgin, South Carolina |
M3.4 |
44 km |
| May 9, 2022 |
5 km ESE of Elgin, South Carolina |
M3.3 |
45 km |
| Aug 8, 1993 |
12 km ENE of Aiken, South Carolina |
M3.2 |
140 km |
| Jun 5, 1998 |
4 km SSE of Mooresville, North Carolina |
M3.2 |
114 km |
| Aug 23, 2025 |
3 km N of Coronaca, South Carolina |
M3.0 |
141 km |
| Mar 21, 2011 |
9 km S of Cordova, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
76 km |
| Jan 29, 1994 |
12 km NNE of Alcolu, South Carolina |
M2.9 |
87 km |
| Feb 18, 2005 |
7 km ENE of Irmo, South Carolina |
M2.9 |
68 km |
| Aug 23, 2025 |
3 km NNW of Coronaca, South Carolina |
M2.9 |
143 km |
| May 10, 2022 |
5 km E of Elgin, South Carolina |
M2.8 |
43 km |
| Jan 7, 1992 |
5 km NNW of Edgefield, South Carolina |
M2.7 |
148 km |
| Mar 9, 2024 |
5 km E of Elgin, South Carolina |
M2.7 |
44 km |
| Mar 27, 2009 |
1 km NW of Elko, South Carolina |
M2.6 |
148 km |
| May 31, 2021 |
4 km SW of Summit, South Carolina |
M2.6 |
107 km |
| Jan 5, 2022 |
5 km SW of Lugoff, South Carolina |
M2.6 |
42 km |
| Apr 26, 2025 |
6 km E of Elgin, South Carolina |
M2.6 |
45 km |
| May 10, 2022 |
6 km E of Elgin, South Carolina |
M2.6 |
43 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 |
188 km |
| 2020 |
Isaias |
Category 1 |
205 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 3 |
258 km |
| 2018 |
Florence |
Category 1 |
210 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 2 |
187 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 2 |
279 km |
| 2005 |
Ophelia |
Category 1 |
291 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
187 km |
| 2004 |
Gaston |
Category 1 |
194 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 2 |
252 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
287 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 3 |
265 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 3 |
187 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
252 km |
| 1989 |
Hugo |
Category 4 |
50 km |
| 1985 |
Bob |
Category 1 |
261 km |
| 1984 |
Diana |
Category 4 |
219 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
436 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 31 fatalities, 986 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 5, 1989 |
EF4 |
50 km |
1 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
78 km |
7 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
4 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
61 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
91 km |
4 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
70 km |
5 |
| Apr 8, 1957 |
EF4 |
10 km |
4 |
| Apr 15, 2007 |
EF3 |
84 km |
1 |
| Sep 7, 2004 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Nov 2, 1995 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1994 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1994 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1994 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 1990 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1980 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 18, 1969 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2022 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 5, 2020 |
EF2 |
41 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BURNING UNIT (5,567 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
BURNING UNIT |
5,567 |
79 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
5,322 |
61 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,968 |
81 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
3,481 |
85 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,094 |
28 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
2,909 |
100 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
2,743 |
81 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
2,690 |
75 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
2,458 |
78 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,362 |
97 km |
| 2008 |
05/05 RX BURN |
2,351 |
33 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
2,274 |
78 km |
| 2007 |
06-09 RX BURN |
2,054 |
32 km |
| 2022 |
SCCRR-FY22-RX-PRESCRIBED FIRE |
2,039 |
28 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
2,024 |
100 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,989 |
77 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,964 |
79 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
1,918 |
83 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
1,897 |
88 km |
| 1998 |
981406 |
1,892 |
35 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
44°F (7°C) |
3.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
46°F (8°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| March |
53°F (12°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| April |
62°F (17°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| May |
70°F (21°C) |
2.3 in |
Driest |
| June |
78°F (26°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
80°F (27°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
75°F (24°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
64°F (18°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| November |
54°F (12°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| December |
47°F (8°C) |
3.5 in |
|
Kershaw has a seasonal temperature swing of 38°F / from 44°F in January to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and May the driest (2.3").
Average costs for common services in Kershaw. 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 | $962 |
| Toddler | $902 |
| Preschool | $704 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $668 |
| Toddler | $668 |
| Preschool | $620 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Kershaw
What is the population of Kershaw?
Kershaw has a population of 2,220 residents and is located in South Carolina. The population density is 1,099 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.6% female and 44.4% male.
Is Kershaw expensive to live in?
Kershaw is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 93.7 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $58,077, 23% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $145,800 (48% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $893 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Kershaw?
Kershaw enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winter temperatures average 44°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 38.3 inches.
How is the job market in Kershaw?
The job market in Kershaw is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,241. There are 2,236 business establishments in the area, including 162 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 31 minutes, and 5.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Kershaw?
The median home value in Kershaw is $145,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $194,725. For renters, the median monthly rent is $893. Fair market rent is $849 for a 1-bedroom and $1,009 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 70.3%. The average annual property tax is $3,400.
How are the schools in Kershaw?
Schools in Kershaw score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.6% of adults in Kershaw hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.6% have completed high school. 6.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Kershaw?
The obesity rate in Kershaw is 41.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.4% of adults are smokers. 31.8% are physically inactive. 26.1% of residents report depression. 6.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 72.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,447.
What is transportation like in Kershaw?
The average commute in Kershaw is 31 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 85.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Kershaw?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Kershaw is 61.6% White, 24.7% Black or African American, 1% Hispanic or Latino. 99.1% of residents speak only English at home. 6.6% of the population are military veterans. 15.2% of residents have a disability. 93.9% have health insurance coverage.