South Carolina · Metropolitan Area
Ware Shoals is a small town in South Carolina with a population of 2,207. Residents earn $35,896 per year, which is 52% below the national average.
Based on current data, Ware Shoals receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Ware Shoals has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
The median household income in Ware Shoals is $35,896, 52% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.0%. The poverty rate of 45.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
The median home value in Ware Shoals is $63,600, 77% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $881 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
With 1,198 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 6,403 per 100,000, 227% above the national average.
9.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 77.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.5/10.
Ware Shoals enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F. Winters average 43°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 42.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
| English Only | 89.9% |
| 15% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 10.1% |
| 25% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $35,896 |
| 52% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $20,518 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $992 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $52,027 |
| Unemployment | 1.0% |
| 72% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 45.5% |
| 267% above US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 1,049 |
| County GDP | $2,914M |
| Restaurants | 93 |
| Healthcare | 68 |
| Retail | 196 |
| Manufacturing | 79 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,275 |
| 35% below US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.58% |
| Commute Time | 30.2 min |
| Work from Home | 1.5% |
| Census Median | $63,600 |
| 77% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $140,963 |
| Census Median Rent | $881 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Studio | $928 |
| 1 Bedroom | $982 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,155 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,450 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,699 |
| Owner-Occupied | 61.3% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,275 |
| 35% below US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 3.58% |
| Obesity | 38.7% |
| 21% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 14.0% |
| Heart Disease | 6.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 37.6% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 9.3% |
| Stroke | 4.2% |
| Binge Drinking | 15.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.7% |
| Depression | 26.9% |
| Mental Distress | 20.3% |
| Physical Distress | 16.1% |
| Insurance Rate | 83.6% |
| Checkup Rate | 78.8% |
| Premature Death | 13,904/100K |
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 52.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 68 |
| Total Violent | 1,197.6/100K |
| 215% above US avg | |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg | |
| Rape | 138.2/100K |
| Robbery | 138.2/100K |
| Assault | 921.2/100K |
| Total Property | 6,402.6/100K |
| 227% above US avg | |
| Burglary | 1,197.6/100K |
| Theft | 4,698.3/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 506.7/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 21 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 61.1°F |
| 13% above US avg | |
| January Average | 43°F (6°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 42.0 inches |
| 11% above US avg |
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 569 ft (173 m) |
| Area | 3.3 sq mi (8.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 673/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.3878°N, 82.2433°W |
| County FIPS | 45059 |
Winner: Republican by 40.9 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 9.0% |
| 73% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 77.9% |
| School Test Score | 4.51 |
| RUCC Code 2 | Metro — 250K–1M |
| Population Density | 673/sq mi |
| Total Area | 3.3 sq mi |
| Public Libraries | 3 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 68 |
| Restaurants | 93 |
| Retail Stores | 196 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 21 |
| Avg Commute | 30.2 min |
| Work from Home | 1.5% |