Median Income
$29,000
61% lower than US avg
Home Value
$85,900
70% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
7.4%
78% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$638
45% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.0%
3% lower than US avg
Unemployment
10.5%
192% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
17.3%
40% higher than US avg
How South Shore Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,561
Median Age41.1 yrs
Density2,230/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans6.3%
Economy
D
Median Income$29,000
Per Capita$19,716
Unemployment10.5%
Poverty17.3%
County GDP$3,482M
Commute16 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$85,900
Rent$638
Ownership50.7%
Zillow$123,522
Housing Units562
Rent Burden31.7%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property95/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity31.0%
UninsuredN/A
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain43.1 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation538 ft (164 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+7.4%
High School+85.7%
Graduate+1.2%
School Score5.50
Community
2024 VoteR 74% / D 26%
Commute16 min
Broadband71.3%
EV Stations3
Libraries6
Is South Shore a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, South Shore receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. South Shore has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in South Shore is $29,000, 61% below the national average of $75,149. At 10.5%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 17.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in South Shore is $85,900, 70% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $638 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
South Shore 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 95 per 100,000, 95% below the national average.
Education
7.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
South Shore experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 43.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
South Shore has a population of 1,561 with a density of 2,230 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 41.1 years, 6% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.8% female and 48.2% male. The city is predominantly White (97.2%), with 2.8% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.3% of residents. 6.3% of the population are veterans. 20.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.1yrs
Median Age
6% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
South Shore vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.3%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.7%
87% below US avg
Social Characteristics
South Shore vs U.S. Average
The median household income in South Shore is $29,000, which is 61% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $19,716 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $950, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 10.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 17.3% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,502 business establishments, including 139 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: South Shore vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $29,000 |
| 61% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $19,716 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $950 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $58,865 |
| Gini Index | 0.470 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 10.5% |
| 192% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 17.3% |
| 40% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,502 |
| County GDP | $3,482M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 139 |
| Healthcare | 220 |
| Retail | 239 |
| Manufacturing | 48 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,930 |
| 12% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.58% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in South Shore is $85,900, 70% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $123,522, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $638 (45% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $794 for a one-bedroom to $984 for a two-bedroom apartment. 50.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 562 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. The average annual property tax is $3,930. 31.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $85,900 |
| 70% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $123,522 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $638 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 31.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $719 |
| 1 Bedroom | $794 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $984 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,277 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,442 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 50.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 50.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 49.3% |
| Housing Units | 562 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,930 |
| 12% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.58% |
In South Shore, 31.0% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,789. The dentist ratio is 1:2,777. 80.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: South Shore vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.0% |
| 3% below US avg |
Behaviors & Mental Health
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.6% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:1,789 |
| Dentists | 1:2,777 |
| Mental Health | 1:109 |
| Dental Visits | 51.9% |
| Premature Death | 16,720/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 80.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 220 |
South Shore has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 95 per 100,000, 95% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 0, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 95 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, South Shore receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: South Shore vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 94.8/100K |
| 95% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 94.8/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
South Shore experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 293 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 43.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 538 feet.
Temperature
32°F Jan (0°C)
76°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 54.9°F |
| 2% above US avg |
| January Average | 32°F (0°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 538 ft (164 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,230/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.7219°N, 82.9642°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Scioto County County |
| Nearest Airport | Greater Portsmouth Regional (PMH) 10 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
43.1"
13% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.33"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.81 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.8 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 70.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 49.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 55.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
24 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M3.1 on Feb 3, 2025.
| Feb 19, 1995 |
8 km SSE of Rocky Fork Point, Ohio |
M3.6 |
62 km |
| Nov 20, 2013 |
2 km SW of Buchtel, Ohio |
M3.5 |
104 km |
| May 24, 2017 |
1 km S of McArthur, Ohio |
M3.4 |
71 km |
| Apr 24, 2009 |
7 km ENE of Rio Grande, Ohio |
M3.4 |
61 km |
| Sep 8, 1990 |
5 km N of Owingsville, Kentucky |
M3.3 |
91 km |
| Feb 3, 2025 |
2 km NNW of Oak Hill, Ohio |
M3.1 |
40 km |
| Apr 25, 2020 |
2 km SE of South Shore, Kentucky |
M2.9 |
3 km |
| May 6, 2002 |
3 km SE of Racine, Ohio |
M2.8 |
97 km |
| Mar 17, 1999 |
2 km NNE of Ripley, Ohio |
M2.8 |
75 km |
| Jun 21, 2017 |
1 km SW of Pratt, West Virginia |
M2.7 |
148 km |
| May 11, 2015 |
5 km ESE of Maysville, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
63 km |
| Jun 6, 2014 |
13 km NNE of Sissonville, West Virginia |
M2.6 |
120 km |
| Mar 16, 2012 |
7 km SE of Alum Creek, West Virginia |
M2.6 |
119 km |
| Oct 2, 1998 |
10 km NE of Sylvester, West Virginia |
M2.6 |
149 km |
| Mar 8, 2016 |
0 km N of Thurman, Ohio |
M2.6 |
49 km |
| Feb 11, 2015 |
8 km SE of Richmond Dale, Ohio |
M2.6 |
51 km |
| Jul 23, 2013 |
6 km NNE of Germantown, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
85 km |
| Jan 28, 2024 |
3 km SW of Old Washington, Kentucky |
M2.5 |
77 km |
| Mar 27, 2013 |
3 km W of Apple Grove, West Virginia |
M2.5 |
65 km |
| Sep 27, 2009 |
22 km NNW of Hindman, Kentucky |
M2.5 |
134 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
239 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 10 fatalities, 235 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF5 |
15 km |
7 |
| May 10, 2003 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Oct 13, 1999 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1993 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
56 km |
1 |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF3 |
1 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1967 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Nov 16, 1965 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1965 |
EF3 |
17 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1965 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Feb 10, 1959 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 2022 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Oct 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 2016 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF2 |
49 km |
1 |
| Sep 16, 2010 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2002 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (21,562 ac, 1987).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
21,562 |
95 km |
| 1987 |
MILL CREEK ROAD |
7,029 |
90 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
6,337 |
94 km |
| 1987 |
PLUM BRANCH |
6,223 |
91 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
5,981 |
96 km |
| 1991 |
PRICHARD |
5,220 |
68 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
4,451 |
88 km |
| 1987 |
SUMMER FORK |
4,393 |
97 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
3,373 |
84 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
3,259 |
23 km |
| 1991 |
DUNLOW |
3,074 |
90 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
2,786 |
92 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
2,559 |
67 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
2,302 |
77 km |
| 2000 |
SUMMER FORK |
1,978 |
98 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
1,908 |
99 km |
| 1991 |
PETERS BRANCH |
1,824 |
98 km |
| 1987 |
KIAHS CREEK |
1,770 |
98 km |
| 1987 |
TRACE BRANCH |
1,760 |
96 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,683 |
66 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
32°F (0°C) |
2.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
34°F (1°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
71°F (21°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
76°F (25°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
67°F (19°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
2.6 in |
Driest |
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| December |
36°F (2°C) |
3.4 in |
|
South Shore has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 32°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 41.5 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.3") and October the driest (2.6").
Average costs for common services in South Shore. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$226 ($135–$361) |
| Specialist Visit |
$316 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$316) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,984 ($722–$4,510) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$226 ($135–$361) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$271 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($361–$902) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$316) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$361 ($135–$722) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,314 ($3,608–$10,824) |
| Roof Repair |
$902 ($361–$1,804) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,118 ($4,961–$13,530) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,353 ($451–$3,157) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,530 ($4,510–$27,060) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,510 ($1,804–$9,020) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,353 ($722–$2,706) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$902) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,255 ($902–$4,510) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$226) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.70 ($2.71–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.16 ($2.26–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.43 ($2.26–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.06 ($2.71–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.61–$6.77) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$226) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,804 ($1,082–$3,157) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.22–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$226) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,082 ($541–$2,255) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$902 ($451–$1,804) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$361 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$902 ($361–$2,255) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,275 ($4,510–$27,060) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$271 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$361) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $751 |
| Toddler | $693 |
| Preschool | $615 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $671 |
| Toddler | $660 |
| Preschool | $610 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About South Shore
What is the population of South Shore?
South Shore has a population of 1,561 residents and is located in Kentucky. The population density is 2,230 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.8% female and 48.2% male.
Is South Shore expensive to live in?
South Shore is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.2 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $29,000, 61% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $85,900 (70% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $638 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is South Shore safe?
South Shore 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 95 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, South Shore receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in South Shore?
South Shore has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 32°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 43.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in South Shore?
The job market in South Shore faces challenges, with unemployment at 10.5% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $950. There are 1,502 business establishments in the area, including 139 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in South Shore?
The median home value in South Shore is $85,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $123,522. For renters, the median monthly rent is $638. Fair market rent is $794 for a 1-bedroom and $984 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 50.7%. The average annual property tax is $3,930.
How are the schools in South Shore?
Schools in South Shore score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 7.4% of adults in South Shore hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.7% have completed high school. 1.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is South Shore?
The obesity rate in South Shore is 31.0% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 80.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,789.
What is transportation like in South Shore?
The average commute in South Shore is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 79.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of South Shore?
The racial and ethnic makeup of South Shore is 97.2% White, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino. 98.3% of residents speak only English at home. 6.3% of the population are military veterans. 20.1% of residents have a disability. 94.6% have health insurance coverage.