Violent Crime
789/100K
108% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.5%
2% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
100.0%
706% higher than US avg
How Oswego Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population211
Median Age15.4 yrs
Density174/mi²
Male / Female39% / 61%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans82.0%
Economy
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty100.0%
County GDP$507M
Housing
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$104,783
Housing Units90
Rent Burden32.3%
Crime
F
Violent789/100K
Property4,676/100K
Health
Obesity31.5%
Uninsured11.0%
Smoking14.1%
Depression20.2%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp63°F (17°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Sunny Days318/yr
Elevation154 ft (47 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score2.50
Community
2024 VoteR 38% / D 56%
Broadband40.0%
EV Stations11
Libraries1
Is Oswego a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Oswego receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate. Oswego 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%. The poverty rate of 100.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.
Safety & Crime
With 789 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 4,676 per 100,000, 139% 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. School test scores average 2.5/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Oswego enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F. Winters average 45°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. With 318 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Oswego has a population of 211 with a density of 174 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age is 15.4 years, 60% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 60.7% female and 39.3% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 82.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 10.2% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
15.4yrs
Median Age
60% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The average weekly wage is $954, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 100.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 310 business establishments, including 18 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.7, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living.
Income
| |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $954 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $45,713 |
| Gini Index | 0.452 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 100.0% |
| 706% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 310 |
| County GDP | $507M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 18 |
| Healthcare | 13 |
| Retail | 43 |
| Manufacturing | 12 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,457 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.70 (100=avg) |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $104,783. 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 90 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1986. The average annual property tax is $2,457 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 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 | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 90 |
| Median Year Built | 1986 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,457 |
| 30% below US avg |
In Oswego, 31.5% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 10.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.2% of residents. 30.0% have high blood pressure. 14.1% are current smokers. 12.3% report binge drinking. 22.2% are physically inactive. 20.2% report depression. 15.3% experience frequent mental distress. 11.0% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:8,140. The dentist ratio is 1:8,077. 27.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Oswego vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.5% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.9% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.0% |
| Asthma | 8.2% |
| COPD | 7.7% |
| Cancer | 6.8% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.1% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 12.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.2% |
| Depression | 20.2% |
| Mental Distress | 15.3% |
| Physical Distress | 12.9% |
| Short Sleep | 29.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 11.0% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:8,140 |
| Dentists | 1:8,077 |
| Mental Health | 1:840 |
| Checkup Rate | 62.6% |
| Dental Visits | 48.7% |
| Premature Death | 17,808/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 27.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 13 |
Oswego has a violent crime rate of 789 per 100,000 residents, 108% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,676 per 100,000, 139% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Oswego receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Oswego vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 788.6/100K |
| 108% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,675.8/100K |
| 139% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Oswego enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winters average 45°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. The area gets 318 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 154 feet.
Temperature
45°F Jan (7°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 63.1°F |
| 17% above US avg |
| January Average | 45°F (7°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 318 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 154 ft (47 m) |
| Area | 1.2 sq mi (3.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 174/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.0056°N, 80.2861°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Lee County County |
| Nearest Airport | Hartsville Regional (HVS)
29 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Jul)
5.24"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 36.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 86.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 18.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
52 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M2.6 on Apr 26, 2025.
| Aug 21, 1992 |
1 km SSE of Centerville, South Carolina |
M4.1 |
114 km |
| Apr 13, 1998 |
9 km S of Kershaw, South Carolina |
M3.9 |
59 km |
| Apr 17, 1995 |
0 km NNW of Centerville, South Carolina |
M3.9 |
113 km |
| Jun 29, 2022 |
6 km E of Elgin, South Carolina |
M3.6 |
44 km |
| Nov 13, 1990 |
4 km SSW of Ladson, South Carolina |
M3.5 |
119 km |
| Jun 29, 2022 |
6 km E of Elgin, South Carolina |
M3.5 |
45 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 |
44 km |
| Aug 8, 1993 |
12 km ENE of Aiken, South Carolina |
M3.2 |
129 km |
| Aug 29, 2009 |
2 km NE of Summerville, South Carolina |
M3.2 |
109 km |
| May 5, 2003 |
4 km NNW of Summerville, South Carolina |
M3.1 |
106 km |
| Jul 20, 2004 |
7 km WSW of Centerville, South Carolina |
M3.1 |
115 km |
| Mar 29, 1999 |
3 km NNW of Sangaree, South Carolina |
M3.0 |
106 km |
| Mar 19, 2014 |
0 km WNW of Centerville, South Carolina |
M3.0 |
113 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 |
4 km NNW of Summerville, South Carolina |
M3.0 |
106 km |
| Feb 18, 2005 |
7 km ENE of Irmo, South Carolina |
M2.9 |
77 km |
| Jul 7, 2002 |
1 km NW of Sangaree, South Carolina |
M2.9 |
108 km |
| Mar 21, 2011 |
9 km S of Cordova, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
100 km |
| Mar 2, 2003 |
7 km S of Centerville, South Carolina |
M2.9 |
120 km |
| Feb 7, 1990 |
9 km S of Centerville, South Carolina |
M2.9 |
123 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
19 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 |
128 km |
| 2020 |
Isaias |
Category 1 |
165 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 3 |
194 km |
| 2018 |
Florence |
Category 2 |
174 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 2 |
132 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 2 |
222 km |
| 2005 |
Ophelia |
Category 1 |
243 km |
| 2004 |
Alex |
Category 1 |
273 km |
| 2004 |
Gaston |
Category 1 |
129 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
129 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 2 |
212 km |
| 1999 |
Dennis |
Category 2 |
283 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
228 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 3 |
238 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 3 |
197 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
207 km |
| 1989 |
Hugo |
Category 4 |
56 km |
| 1985 |
Bob |
Category 1 |
202 km |
| 1984 |
Diana |
Category 4 |
183 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
471 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 26 fatalities, 958 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 7, 1995 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
94 km |
4 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
87 km |
7 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
66 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1957 |
EF4 |
75 km |
4 |
| Apr 13, 2020 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 2007 |
EF3 |
31 km |
1 |
| Dec 10, 2004 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Sep 7, 2004 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Nov 2, 1995 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1994 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1994 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1980 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Apr 18, 1969 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Nov 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 5, 2022 |
EF2 |
35 km |
0 |
| May 5, 2020 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 2020 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jan 11, 2020 |
EF2 |
52 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 |
— |
— |
126 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (8,560 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
8,560 |
97 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
8,439 |
97 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
5,322 |
50 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
4,336 |
95 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,968 |
100 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
3,759 |
65 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
3,481 |
30 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
3,217 |
99 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,094 |
55 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
2,650 |
49 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
2,567 |
89 km |
| 2008 |
05/05 RX BURN |
2,351 |
69 km |
| 2008 |
MATTASSEE LAKE 1 |
2,268 |
75 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
2,124 |
86 km |
| 2007 |
06-09 RX BURN |
2,054 |
65 km |
| 2022 |
SCCRR-FY22-RX-PRESCRIBED FIRE |
2,039 |
60 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
1,960 |
98 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,920 |
76 km |
| 2002 |
MONKEY FACE |
1,906 |
85 km |
| 1998 |
981406 |
1,892 |
60 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
45°F (7°C) |
4.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
47°F (8°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| March |
55°F (13°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| April |
62°F (17°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| May |
70°F (21°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
77°F (25°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
5.2 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
79°F (26°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| September |
74°F (23°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
63°F (17°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| November |
55°F (13°C) |
2.8 in |
Driest |
| December |
47°F (8°C) |
3.3 in |
|
Oswego has a seasonal temperature swing of 36°F / from 45°F in January to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 46.5 inches, with July being the wettest month (5.2") and November the driest (2.8").
Average costs for common services in Oswego. 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 | $508 |
| Toddler | $508 |
| Preschool | $551 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $580 |
| Toddler | $580 |
| Preschool | $594 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Oswego
What is the population of Oswego?
Oswego has a population of 211 residents and is located in South Carolina. The population density is 174 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 15.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 60.7% female and 39.3% male.
Is Oswego expensive to live in?
Oswego is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 93.7 / below the baseline of 100.
Is Oswego safe?
Public safety is a concern in Oswego, with a violent crime rate of 789 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 4,676 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Oswego receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Oswego?
Oswego 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 81°F in July. The area receives 318 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Oswego?
The job market in Oswego is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $954. There are 310 business establishments in the area, including 18 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Oswego?
Schools in Oswego have an average test score of 2.5 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 0.0% of adults in Oswego 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 Oswego?
The obesity rate in Oswego is 31.5% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 14.1% of adults are smokers. 22.2% are physically inactive. 20.2% of residents report depression. 11.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 27.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:8,140.
What are the demographics of Oswego?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Oswego is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 82.0% of the population are military veterans. 10.2% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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