Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.6%
14% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Live Oak Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population21
Density25/mi²
Male / Female0% / 100%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans21.0%
Economy
Unemployment0.0%
County GDP$1,918M
Housing
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$248,170
Housing Units63
Rent Burden31.4%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property5,915/100K
Health
Obesity36.6%
Uninsured14.7%
Smoking17.8%
Depression23.1%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp63°F (17°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain57.0 in/yr
Sunny Days301/yr
Elevation102 ft (31 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.51
Community
2024 VoteR 67% / D 33%
Broadband21.0%
EV Stations9
Libraries7
Is Live Oak a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Live Oak receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate. Live Oak offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%.
Safety & Crime
Live Oak 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%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Live Oak enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F. Winters average 45°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 57.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Live Oak has a population of 21 with a density of 25 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The gender split is 100% female and 0% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 21.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 100.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The average weekly wage is $921, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 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.
Income
| |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $921 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $53,403 |
| Gini Index | 0.475 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 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) |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $248,170. Fair market rent ranges from $982 for a one-bedroom to $1,155 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 63 total housing units in the city. 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 | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 63 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,405 |
| 3% below US avg |
In Live Oak, 36.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.1% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 38.2% have high blood pressure. 17.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.3% report binge drinking. 27.6% are physically inactive. 23.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.0% experience frequent mental distress. 14.7% 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: Live Oak vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.6% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 38.2% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 7.8% |
| Cancer | 6.8% |
| Stroke | 3.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.8% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.6% |
| Depression | 23.1% |
| Mental Distress | 21.0% |
| Physical Distress | 15.7% |
| Short Sleep | 40.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 14.7% |
| 71% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,505 |
| Dentists | 1:3,563 |
| Mental Health | 1:597 |
| Checkup Rate | 80.5% |
| Dental Visits | 61.0% |
| Premature Death | 16,521/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 38.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 148 |
Live Oak 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, Live Oak receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Live Oak 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 |
Live Oak enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winters average 45°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 57.0 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 102 feet.
Temperature
45°F Jan (7°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 62.6°F |
| 16% above US avg |
| January Average | 45°F (7°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 301 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 102 ft (31 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 25/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.0560°N, 78.9397°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Columbus County County |
| Nearest Airport | Myrtle Beach International (MYR)
26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
57.0"
50% 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 |
114 km |
| Mar 21, 2011 |
9 km S of Cordova, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
118 km |
| Jul 29, 2012 |
7 km NNW of Wallace, South Carolina |
M2.5 |
117 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 |
87 km |
| 2020 |
Isaias |
Category 1 |
44 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 3 |
121 km |
| 2018 |
Florence |
Category 2 |
50 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 2 |
62 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 2 |
121 km |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
206 km |
| 2005 |
Ophelia |
Category 1 |
130 km |
| 2004 |
Alex |
Category 2 |
184 km |
| 2004 |
Gaston |
Category 1 |
132 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
36 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 2 |
260 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 2 |
152 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 2 |
91 km |
| 1999 |
Dennis |
Category 2 |
187 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 3 |
114 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 3 |
88 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
93 km |
| 1994 |
Gordon |
Category 1 |
288 km |
| 1991 |
Bob |
Category 2 |
288 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
366 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 52 fatalities, 1,087 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 7, 1995 |
EF4 |
39 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
88 km |
4 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
100 km |
7 |
| Apr 8, 1957 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| Feb 15, 2021 |
EF3 |
43 km |
3 |
| Nov 16, 2006 |
EF3 |
72 km |
8 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF3 |
86 km |
12 |
| May 20, 1980 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Nov 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Aug 17, 1965 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 1950 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 2020 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 2020 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Sep 5, 2019 |
EF2 |
47 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
56 km |
1 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
91 km |
3 |
| Apr 25, 2010 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 6, 2009 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 2009 |
EF2 |
59 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 |
29 km |
| 1997 |
UNNAMED |
3,111 |
57 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
2,642 |
93 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
2,204 |
30 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
2,073 |
76 km |
| 2007 |
LONGBRANCH-ROBESON COMPLEX |
1,944 |
55 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
1,870 |
55 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
1,754 |
97 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
1,683 |
57 km |
| 2002 |
LEGENDS |
1,666 |
36 km |
| 2016 |
CLEMMONS ROAD |
1,468 |
71 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
1,335 |
49 km |
| 2009 |
JOE BAY |
1,124 |
58 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
1,109 |
87 km |
| 2011 |
VALENTINE |
1,083 |
92 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,077 |
29 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,005 |
30 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
1,002 |
96 km |
| 2024 |
HORSESHOE LAKE |
990 |
89 km |
| 2011 |
HORNET |
882 |
30 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
45°F (7°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 |
|
Live Oak has a seasonal temperature swing of 35°F / from 45°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 Live Oak. 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 Live Oak
What is the population of Live Oak?
Live Oak has a population of 21 residents and is located in South Carolina. The population density is 25 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The population is 100% female and 0% male.
Is Live Oak expensive to live in?
Live Oak is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 93.7 / below the baseline of 100.
Is Live Oak safe?
Live Oak 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, Live Oak receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Live Oak?
Live Oak enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winter temperatures average 45°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 57.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Live Oak?
The job market in Live Oak is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below 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 Live Oak?
Schools in Live Oak 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 Live Oak hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Live Oak?
The obesity rate in Live Oak is 36.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.8% of adults are smokers. 27.6% are physically inactive. 23.1% of residents report depression. 14.7% 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 Live Oak?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Live Oak is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 21.0% of the population are military veterans. 100.0% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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