Median Income
$41,250
45% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
996/100K
162% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
31.4%
7% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.6%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.4%
61% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
21.2%
71% higher than US avg
How Waterloo Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population192
Median Age49.4 yrs
Density108/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 14%
Veterans2.8%
Economy
B
Median Income$41,250
Per Capita$16,085
Unemployment1.4%
Poverty21.2%
County GDP$2,914M
Commute40 min
Housing
Ownership82.9%
Zillow$192,112
Housing Units110
Rent Burden13.8%
Crime
F
Violent996/100K
Property6,134/100K
Health
Obesity39.6%
Uninsured13.7%
Smoking15.5%
Depression21.0%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp62°F (17°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain47.5 in/yr
Sunny Days310/yr
Elevation638 ft (194 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+31.4%
High School+83.5%
Graduate+7.4%
School Score4.49
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 29%
Commute40 min
Broadband82.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries3
Is Waterloo a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Waterloo receives an overall livability score of 2.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Waterloo has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Waterloo is $41,250, 45% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.4%. The poverty rate of 21.2% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 40 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Safety & Crime
With 996 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 6,134 per 100,000, 213% above the national average.
Education
31.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Waterloo enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F. Winters average 43°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. With 310 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 47.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Waterloo has a population of 192 with a density of 108 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age is 49.4 years, 27% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.3% female and 55.7% male. The city is predominantly Black (81.3%), with 13.5% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.9% of residents. 2.8% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 32.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
49.4yrs
Median Age
27% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.9%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.1%
84% below US avg
The median household income in Waterloo is $41,250, which is 45% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $16,085 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $992, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 21.2% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,049 business establishments, including 93 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.7, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 40 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $41,250 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $16,085 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $992 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $52,027 |
| Gini Index | 0.453 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.4% |
| 61% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 21.2% |
| 71% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,049 |
| County GDP | $2,914M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 93 |
| Healthcare | 68 |
| Retail | 196 |
| Manufacturing | 79 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,275 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.70 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 40.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $192,112. Fair market rent ranges from $982 for a one-bedroom to $1,155 for a two-bedroom apartment. 82.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 110 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1973. The average annual property tax is $2,275 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 13.8% 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 | 82.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 82.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 17.1% |
| Housing Units | 110 |
| Median Year Built | 1973 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,275 |
| 35% below US avg |
In Waterloo, 39.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 15.3% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 40.3% have high blood pressure. 15.5% are current smokers. 13.9% report binge drinking. 30.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 21.0% report depression. 18.4% experience frequent mental distress. 13.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,994. The dentist ratio is 1:3,577. 52.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Waterloo vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.6% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 15.3% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 40.3% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 6.7% |
| Cancer | 5.6% |
| Stroke | 4.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.5% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 13.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.9% |
| Depression | 21.0% |
| Mental Distress | 18.4% |
| Physical Distress | 14.0% |
| Short Sleep | 39.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.3% |
| Uninsured | 13.7% |
| 59% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,994 |
| Dentists | 1:3,577 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,148 |
| Checkup Rate | 81.0% |
| Dental Visits | 57.6% |
| Premature Death | 13,904/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 52.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 68 |
Waterloo has a violent crime rate of 996 per 100,000 residents, 162% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 6,134 per 100,000, 213% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 21 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Waterloo receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Waterloo vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 995.9/100K |
| 162% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 6,133.5/100K |
| 213% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 21 |
| Traffic Accidents | 390 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Waterloo enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F (17°C). Winters average 43°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 310 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 47.5 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 638 feet.
Temperature
43°F Jan (6°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 61.9°F |
| 15% above US avg |
| January Average | 43°F (6°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 310 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 638 ft (194 m) |
| Area | 1.4 sq mi (3.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 108/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.3562°N, 82.0572°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Laurens County County |
| Nearest Airport | Anderson Regional (AND)
38 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
47.5"
25% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
5.04"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 76.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 73.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 29.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
45 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 23, 2025.
| Feb 15, 2014 |
12 km ENE of Parksville, South Carolina |
M4.1 |
60 km |
| Apr 13, 1998 |
9 km S of Kershaw, South Carolina |
M3.9 |
134 km |
| Jun 29, 2022 |
6 km E of Elgin, South Carolina |
M3.6 |
124 km |
| Jun 29, 2022 |
6 km E of Elgin, South Carolina |
M3.5 |
124 km |
| Mar 18, 2003 |
11 km S of Rayle, Georgia |
M3.5 |
107 km |
| Jan 3, 1992 |
4 km ENE of Willington, South Carolina |
M3.4 |
54 km |
| Jun 26, 2022 |
6 km E of Elgin, South Carolina |
M3.4 |
124 km |
| May 9, 2022 |
5 km ESE of Elgin, South Carolina |
M3.3 |
124 km |
| Jun 20, 2017 |
6 km SW of Augusta, Georgia |
M3.2 |
103 km |
| Aug 8, 1993 |
12 km ENE of Aiken, South Carolina |
M3.2 |
95 km |
| Aug 23, 2025 |
3 km N of Coronaca, South Carolina |
M3.0 |
8 km |
| Feb 16, 2014 |
13 km WNW of Edgefield, South Carolina |
M3.0 |
59 km |
| Aug 4, 2007 |
12 km ENE of Lake Lure, North Carolina |
M3.0 |
126 km |
| Feb 18, 2005 |
7 km ENE of Irmo, South Carolina |
M2.9 |
91 km |
| Aug 23, 2025 |
3 km NNW of Coronaca, South Carolina |
M2.9 |
9 km |
| Apr 26, 2013 |
9 km E of Lincolnton, Georgia |
M2.8 |
71 km |
| Sep 18, 1996 |
6 km E of Clarks Hill, South Carolina |
M2.8 |
76 km |
| May 10, 2022 |
5 km E of Elgin, South Carolina |
M2.8 |
124 km |
| Aug 14, 2025 |
7 km N of Columbus, North Carolina |
M2.7 |
108 km |
| Mar 21, 2004 |
16 km ENE of Lake Lure, North Carolina |
M2.7 |
127 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
6 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 |
289 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 2 |
281 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
288 km |
| 2004 |
Gaston |
Category 1 |
273 km |
| 1989 |
Hugo |
Category 4 |
96 km |
| 1985 |
Bob |
Category 1 |
280 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
463 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 31 fatalities, 594 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 5, 1989 |
EF4 |
81 km |
2 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
68 km |
5 |
| Dec 13, 1973 |
EF4 |
20 km |
2 |
| Mar 31, 1973 |
EF4 |
56 km |
7 |
| Apr 13, 2020 |
EF3 |
99 km |
1 |
| Mar 15, 2008 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1998 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1998 |
EF3 |
76 km |
1 |
| Aug 16, 1994 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1994 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1994 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 1992 |
EF3 |
85 km |
1 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1974 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Dec 13, 1973 |
EF3 |
14 km |
0 |
| Dec 13, 1973 |
EF3 |
36 km |
1 |
| Dec 13, 1973 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1973 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1952 |
EF3 |
52 km |
2 |
| Apr 5, 2022 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: PINNACLE MOUNTAIN (7,869 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
PINNACLE MOUNTAIN |
7,869 |
99 km |
| 2010 |
BURNING UNIT |
5,567 |
68 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
3,897 |
67 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
3,772 |
67 km |
| 2010 |
C-94-95 133 RX |
3,192 |
36 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
3,165 |
61 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
2,909 |
37 km |
| 2021 |
C-326/327 LC |
2,852 |
81 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
2,690 |
63 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
2,654 |
56 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
2,532 |
68 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,514 |
34 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
2,458 |
60 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,395 |
44 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,362 |
47 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
2,274 |
60 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
2,237 |
34 km |
| 2010 |
C-142 RX |
2,149 |
35 km |
| 2020 |
C-249 LC |
2,084 |
62 km |
| 2022 |
C-297 LC |
2,060 |
64 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
43°F (6°C) |
4.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
45°F (7°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| March |
52°F (11°C) |
5.0 in |
Wettest |
| April |
60°F (16°C) |
3.3 in |
Driest |
| May |
68°F (20°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (25°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
72°F (22°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
61°F (16°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| November |
52°F (11°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| December |
44°F (7°C) |
3.7 in |
|
Waterloo has a seasonal temperature swing of 37°F / from 43°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 47.2 inches, with March being the wettest month (5.0") and April the driest (3.3").
Average costs for common services in Waterloo. 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 | $481 |
| Toddler | $481 |
| Preschool | $524 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $575 |
| Toddler | $575 |
| Preschool | $589 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Waterloo
What is the population of Waterloo?
Waterloo has a population of 192 residents and is located in South Carolina. The population density is 108 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 49.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 44.3% female and 55.7% male.
Is Waterloo expensive to live in?
Waterloo 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 $41,250, 45% below the national average of $75,149.
Is Waterloo safe?
Public safety is a concern in Waterloo, with a violent crime rate of 996 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 6,134 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Waterloo receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Waterloo?
Waterloo enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F (17°C). Winter temperatures average 43°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 310 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 47.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Waterloo?
The job market in Waterloo is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $992. There are 1,049 business establishments in the area, including 93 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 40 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in Waterloo?
Schools in Waterloo have an average test score of 4.5 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 31.4% of adults in Waterloo hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.5% have completed high school. 7.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Waterloo?
The obesity rate in Waterloo is 39.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.5% of adults are smokers. 30.9% are physically inactive. 21.0% of residents report depression. 13.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 52.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,994.
What is transportation like in Waterloo?
The average commute in Waterloo is 40 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 100% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Waterloo?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Waterloo is 13.5% White, 81.3% Black or African American. 97.9% of residents speak only English at home. 2.8% of the population are military veterans. 32.0% of residents have a disability. 94.3% have health insurance coverage.
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